Packing a Perfect Carry-on
Ok... maybe not "perfect" but pretty darn good.
As promised last week, I'm back to give you a sneak peak inside my own carry-on bag. Of course the nature of what I pack varies with the destination and details for the trip, but here are my top essentials that go wherever I do:
1) Large purse, computer case or tote bag to conveniently carry all essentials.
2) ID, Cash/Credit Card, and Insurance Card. Add Passport for trips abroad.
3) Cell phone charger. Most airports, and even some planes now have usb charging ports, but I usually pack a usb charger cord and power box just to be sure. I also travel with my mophie or other backup power source, because nothing is worse than arriving somewhere with a dead phone and trying to coordinate transit from the station or airport. If you've brought other electronics, be sure to pack and keep track of those chargers as well. One time I left my laptop charger at a security checkpoint. The darn thing was useless the whole trip, and the replacement ran me about $40!
4) Memory foam neck pillow. I tried one that was non-memory foam before, and it was almost as bad as sleeping on the fold out table in front of you (which I've also done- I don't recommend it). Trust me, it's worth the extra $10. Plus they're super compressible and can typically be folded/squished down small enough to fit in your purse.
4) Earbuds/headphones. Preferably noise cancelling and with a microphone so you can take calls without having to fish your phone out of your bag while out and about.
5) A Good Read is absolutely essential. Flight time is some of the best reading time ever. Also, instead of just waiting out your delays or layovers, why not make a quick escape from reality into a good book! (Audiobooks or ebooks work just fine, if that's your style too.)
6) A comfy hoodie, sweater or travel blanket. Planes, trains and buses are chronic offenders of having temperatures that are consistently too warm or two cool at all times. Dressing in layers, a particular skillset you tend to master if you live in the Pacific Northwest, definitely comes in handy. So does bringing extra articles of clothing you can quickly shed or slip on as the temp changes.
On this same note, bring socks. The comfier, the better. These really come in handy when you have to remove shoes for airport security checkpoints, or for particularly long flights when you may choose to kick off your shoes and relax your feet a bit. Personally, I prefer to wear flip flops or other shoes that are easily removed for the purpose of clearing security as painlessly and smoothly as possible, and then have socks on hand in case my toes get chilly in flight.
7) A full change of clothes, underwear included. You never know when your travel arrangements might take an unexpected turn, and having clean clothes can be a huge comfort in such a situation. Also great in case of spills, lost luggage or other incidents.
8) Travel sizes of your fave makeup and hygiene items. Travel toothbrush, toothpaste, a liquid eyeliner pen and mascara, lip balm and hand cream are mine. I keep baby wipes or wet ones in my purse too, and I also make it a point to travel with no less than two hair ties, for reasons.
9) I usually make sure I have a pen and small notebook or other writing paper handy as well, because you never know when you might need to jot down some crucial info, or perhaps a bit of inspiration that hits out of nowhere.
10) Lastly, a sense of adventure! Ok, this one you don't pack, technically. However, whether I'm traveling for business or pleasure I remember to try keep my humor and wits sharp, and make the most out of every situation.
So now that you've seen mine, it's time to show me yours! Hit up the comments section and let us see what's in your carry-on.
As promised last week, I'm back to give you a sneak peak inside my own carry-on bag. Of course the nature of what I pack varies with the destination and details for the trip, but here are my top essentials that go wherever I do:
1) Large purse, computer case or tote bag to conveniently carry all essentials.
2) ID, Cash/Credit Card, and Insurance Card. Add Passport for trips abroad.
3) Cell phone charger. Most airports, and even some planes now have usb charging ports, but I usually pack a usb charger cord and power box just to be sure. I also travel with my mophie or other backup power source, because nothing is worse than arriving somewhere with a dead phone and trying to coordinate transit from the station or airport. If you've brought other electronics, be sure to pack and keep track of those chargers as well. One time I left my laptop charger at a security checkpoint. The darn thing was useless the whole trip, and the replacement ran me about $40!
4) Memory foam neck pillow. I tried one that was non-memory foam before, and it was almost as bad as sleeping on the fold out table in front of you (which I've also done- I don't recommend it). Trust me, it's worth the extra $10. Plus they're super compressible and can typically be folded/squished down small enough to fit in your purse.
4) Earbuds/headphones. Preferably noise cancelling and with a microphone so you can take calls without having to fish your phone out of your bag while out and about.
5) A Good Read is absolutely essential. Flight time is some of the best reading time ever. Also, instead of just waiting out your delays or layovers, why not make a quick escape from reality into a good book! (Audiobooks or ebooks work just fine, if that's your style too.)
6) A comfy hoodie, sweater or travel blanket. Planes, trains and buses are chronic offenders of having temperatures that are consistently too warm or two cool at all times. Dressing in layers, a particular skillset you tend to master if you live in the Pacific Northwest, definitely comes in handy. So does bringing extra articles of clothing you can quickly shed or slip on as the temp changes.
On this same note, bring socks. The comfier, the better. These really come in handy when you have to remove shoes for airport security checkpoints, or for particularly long flights when you may choose to kick off your shoes and relax your feet a bit. Personally, I prefer to wear flip flops or other shoes that are easily removed for the purpose of clearing security as painlessly and smoothly as possible, and then have socks on hand in case my toes get chilly in flight.
7) A full change of clothes, underwear included. You never know when your travel arrangements might take an unexpected turn, and having clean clothes can be a huge comfort in such a situation. Also great in case of spills, lost luggage or other incidents.
8) Travel sizes of your fave makeup and hygiene items. Travel toothbrush, toothpaste, a liquid eyeliner pen and mascara, lip balm and hand cream are mine. I keep baby wipes or wet ones in my purse too, and I also make it a point to travel with no less than two hair ties, for reasons.
9) I usually make sure I have a pen and small notebook or other writing paper handy as well, because you never know when you might need to jot down some crucial info, or perhaps a bit of inspiration that hits out of nowhere.
10) Lastly, a sense of adventure! Ok, this one you don't pack, technically. However, whether I'm traveling for business or pleasure I remember to try keep my humor and wits sharp, and make the most out of every situation.
Comments
Post a Comment