Last spring, I was flying on work trips on a nearly weekly basis. Needless to say, I concocted the perfect list of packing essentials for my carry-on bag that has been tried and true for me over the past year. Here’s my must-have carry-on packing list for 2024!
CARRY-ON PACKING ESSENTIALS LIST
External Charger - There’s nothing worse than arriving at a destination and not being able to call the person you’re meeting or an Uber. Even when planes have chargers in the seats, I love having a portable charger to charge multiple devices or for the terminal before my flight (because you won’t find me on the ground next to a random plug at an airport!).
Kindle - Picking up a Kindle has changed my life in many ways, and leaving behind bulky books is just one more benefit! I stock my Kindle with tons of library books, then keep it in Airplane mode until I read through all of them. My Kindle Paperwhite has been serving me well for four years now!
Jewelry Holder - It used to be a running joke that I couldn’t go on a trip without losing an earring. This jewelry holder has been a game-changer for my organization!
Body Wipes - The moment I get off a plane, I try to jump in the shower. But when travel schedules don’t allow for that, I love having body wipes on hand to freshen up. On long-hauls, I’ll use these to wipe my face before trying to sleep and to freshen up before landing.
Pill Carrier - I’ve upgraded my sketchy plastic bag of assorted pills to a pill holder recently and feel a lot less nervous going through TSA (... is this just a me thing?). Anyway, if you don’t have one, I do highly recommend getting one! I like this one since it’s a little more compact than the traditional long ones.
Zip Up Hoodie - Once I elbowed my seatmate in the face trying to take off a crewneck during a flight. I’ve since adopted wearing zip-up hoodies on planes. They’re more comfortable for me and easy to take on and off while 30,000 feet above. My “airport uniform” is currently this one from Rip Curl.
Travel Neck Pillow - I used to have a travel neck pillow filled with little beads inside that got so dirty everywhere I took it. I upgraded to this blow-up neck pillow which packs up much smaller to fit in my bag and avoid airport germs. As a bonus, you can adjust how much air you put in to make sure the pillow is just to your liking!
Sleep Mask - For when your seatmate decides to watch a movie on a red eye. Enough said.
Tooth Brush & Tooth Paste - Eat something with onions? Overnight flight? Coffee breath? Problem solved.
Moisturizer - Super Goop Glow Screen for daytime flights, CeraVe Night Cream for nighttime flights. Stay glowy my friends!
Lip Balm - Here’s My Favorite Night Balm. No, literally, that’s its name. I swear no one knows this exists, but it’s my ride-or-die.
Air Pods - No explanation needed.
Change of Clothes/Undies - I’ve thrown up on a plane, I’ve spilled coffee on my work clothes and I’ve lost my suitcase. I’ve learned to have another presentable outfit with underwear on hand in case all hell breaks loose.
Pajamas - Same as the above, but instead of a presentable outfit, I put my coziest pajamas in my carry-on, and then I don’t touch them until I’ve safely arrived at my destination. Good pajamas are simply too important to lose in luggage.
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