The Best Packing Guide For Your Carry On
March 20, 2023After our trip to Europe, and our luggage being lost for THREE DAYS…. I cannot help but think that there is nothing worse than arriving at your destination airport and your luggage having been lost. So, no matter where I travel to, I am forever always going to bring a carry-on. Whether I’m traveling across the world, or taking a short commuter flight, I ensure I have all the essentials safely with me. That’s why I pulled together the best packing guide for your carry on, so the next time you travel you will know all the important stuff is going to make it to your final destination!
Side note: Each airline has varying allowances for luggage so make sure you check your airline’s guidelines and policies prior to take off! Most commercial airlines allow for one carry-on and one personal item, while checked baggage will require a separate fee. Make sure to check with your particular airline what their rules are.
VIP Items
These are the items you cannot live without. Make sure they are well-packed and in a safe place. Consider packing these in your purse or personal item bag which will remain with you at all times.
- Passport and/or Identification
- Travelers Insurance Card
- Credit Cards and Cash
- Jewelry and other valuables
- Copies of Important Documents
- Medications (including vitamins and pain relievers)
- Phone/Tablet/Computer
- Camera
- Chargers
- Adapters (if necessary)
- Compression socks – These are a must-have, no matter how old you are! They help with circulation during flights.
Remember– Never pack expensive items in your checked baggage, or you may never see them again!
Carry-On Essentials
Clothing
I pack at least four full outfits, two pairs of shoes, four sets of under garments, a hat, a bathing suit and flip flops…just in case my other bag doesn’t make it. If I’m solely using only a carry-on to travel with, obviously I’ll bring more clothing along!
Pro Packing Tips:
I’m sharing all my favorite essentials here in this list: Packing Essentials
- Roll your clothing! It helps you fit more into your suitcase!
- Use packing cubes or compression bags to help fit more clothing and soft items into your bag with limited space used.
- Purchase a packable hat! My ride or die hat is this Janessa Leone Women’s Packable Fedora.
- If you do not want to purchase a packable hat, simply flip your hat upside-down and tuck underwear or socks into the hat. Then set it down inside your suitcase and pack all your clothing around it!
Best Suitcases
The following are my favorite suitcases. They are sturdy and dependable!
Toiletries and Makeup/Shave Kit
Make sure to pack your toiletry bag and makeup/shave kit in your carry-on! I once made the silly mistake of packing my makeup in my checked baggage. When I arrived and that bag did not, my first stop became the beauty counter at Nordstroms to replace my “can’t live without” beauty items.
Pro Packing Tips:
- I love these toiletry kits which include squeezable containers to help you stay within the liquid allowance guidelines for airplane travel!
- If you already have travel sized items, then consider one of these toiletry bags which hang up and help you stay organized!
- I recently purchased my husband this leather toiletry bag, which includes travel sized bottles. He loves it!
- I use this makeup bag to keep all my makeup organized and neat!
- I love this jewelry organizer to keep all my jewelry untangled!
The Etc.
Liquid Allowances
Don’t forget the 3-1-1 rule when packing liquids. Liquids must be under 3.4 ounces, fit in 1 quart-sized plastic bag and it’s 1 bag per passenger.
Graphic credit to tripsavvy.
Travel Insurance
I recommend having travel insurance for every trip.
Travel Credit Cards
I also suggest making sure you have a good credit card with travel benefits. These benefits can help you in case of a luggage loss, a medical emergency or trip delay. Check out my post on the best travel credit cards which should be in your wallet!
Safe Travels!
XO,
M
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This packing guide is amazing! Whenever we travel I always spend too much time thinking about what to pack and always thinking I’m forgetting something. This is perfect!
Aww thank you so much!! I am so happy you enjoyed it!
Such great advice to make sure to pack the essentials in your carry on. I never want to “learn the hard way” as you did in case my luggage gets lost!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂