I’ve been traveling so much recently – for work, for fun, and for study abroad! So I feel like I’m quickly getting used to packing in a carry-on – which I try to do as much as possible. It can definitely be hard to get all of my toiletries into a quart-sized bag, but it’s so worth it to not have to carry too much around the airport!
Once I get through security, I like to pick up some snacks (Twizzlers all the way!), and I usually also have a pair of cozy socks or possibly a scarf with me too. But no matter the weather, I tend to pack pretty much the same things in my carry-on every time I travel, so I thought I would share a few of my tried-and-true essentials here today!
UrbanEars headphones – these headphones are great for blocking out any plane noise or noisy passengers! I have them with me on pretty much any flight. UrbanEars headphones are great quality and they have so many pretty colors to choose from!
Joy by Abigail Santamaria – I’ve always got at least one book with me on my flights – but honestly sometimes it’s two or three. I’ve been reading this biography of C.S. Lewis’ wife recently and it’s such a sad but sweet story. When I visited Lewis’ house in Oxford, our tour guide spoke of Joy in such glowing terms that I had to know more about her.
Canon EOS Rebel T6 – oh my word, I love this camera. It’s been all over the world with me. The best part is that it creates a WiFi hotspot and so you can download your photos to your phone anywhere! No more waiting for them to upload to my computer!
Earbud organizer – I love having an earbud organizer to keep my earbuds from getting tangled, because as we all know – that’s the worst. I like to download one of my Spotify playlists and a few episodes of Parks & Rec to my phone in case I’m in dire need of distraction. Even when I have my other headphones with me, it’s always nice to have my earbuds with me because they take up so little space in my bag!
Portable phone charger – this has saved my life so many times! I bring it on every trip or if I know I won’t be home for hours and might need to charge my phone. It’s small and easy to slip into my bag and I think everyone should own one if they’re traveling!
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment – this is the best chapstick ever invented. I have to have chapstick with me at all times, especially on planes because the air is so dry and it’s easier to get dehydrated. This is my all-time favorite!
Alaska Bear sleep mask – this silk sleep mask is essential for falling asleep when the person next to you doesn’t close the window. 😉 Honestly, I sleep through at least half of every flight which is why I always have a sleep mask with me. Plus, they’re useful to have around at home too!
Vera Bradley hanging toiletry organizer – I love this hanging toiletry organizer because it’s so roomy for makeup and skincare and easy to access because it can just hang up in your hotel or Airbnb. Also, I just love Vera Bradley because their products are so well-made and cute!
Nike Flyknit sneakers – Comfy sneakers are my jam, and these Nike Flyknits are amazing. I accidentally melted my last pair in the dryer (which was just because of my stupidity, not because the shoes aren’t great). So these new ones are my third pair of Flyknits because no other shoes are as comfortable! They’re so light and they literally feel like you’re just wearing socks.
Samsonite Hardshell 20″ carry-on – I just got this carry-on for Christmas and so far I’m loving it! It’s easy to clean because it’s a hardshell, and there’s actually a TON of room for clothes. I was in St. Louis last week to visit my brother and sister-in-law and I was so surprised by how much I could fit in this suitcase.
What are your carry-on essentials?
