Packing Carry On Essentials

I am jet setting on a trip to Paris, Florence and Rome for about 10 days and I couldn’t be more excited!! I started buying some essential items and packing up my bag a day or two ago, trying to grab the perfect outfits, shoes, toiletries, etc. One thing I am really particular about is how I pack my carry on bag. Is anyone else like me in that their carry on needs to be perfect?? Especially when it comes to making that big journey over the pond…

I thought I would give you a glimpse of my carry on essentials – the items I always make sure to have before boarding that plane.

carry on essentialsComfort is key when flying, especially for hours and hours. And I hope to get some shut eye!

  1. An inflatable neck pillow will do wonders and it won’t take up all that space in your bag.
  2. A pair of wooly socks will help keep you cozy and warm! I hate trying to sleep while I’m cold and usually my feet are the first things to go all icy.
  3. Yes, the airline has blankets but there is something that much better about wrapping up in your own scarf. Obviously a big blanket scarf will be the best option here.

carry on essentialsI always make sure that every piece of technology comes on the plane with me so that in the event of luggage loss, I at least have my most expensive possessions with me…and would more than likely need right away after I landed.

  1. My Macbook comes with me in its Etsy case. Ryan usually has the Ipad…whatever it is, keep it safe with you
  2. Earphones are always in my carry on bag so I can utilize any in flight entertainment and listen to my own music.
  3. If you are travelling with someone, then a splitter is a great idea. Then you can watch the same show or listen to the same music.
  4. Having a portable charger will be so handy if you are on a long flight like me. But regardless, these little chargers are sleek, take up barely any space and can really save you in a pinch.

Also – think about downloading some great travel apps before you leave! Some suggestions: City Mapper to find your way around or Trip Case to organize all your travel arrangements and save your flight info, etc. or Viber to make calls or texts home for free using Wifi or hey even the Trip Advisor App or Lonely Planet!

carry on essentialsI always look haggard after a flight. No seriously…I have a few items that help take the edge off.

  1. A pocket mirror to make quick checks as I, for instance, stand in line waiting for customs.
  2. These express cleansing wipes go a long way in making me feel a bit less grotesque 🙂 Let’s face it, you won’t be washing your face in the airplane bathroom so grab one of these instead (having a travel size toothbrush is always a great bonus…or gum…lots of gum)
  3. A travel sized brush to detangle the mane
  4. Airplanes are soooo dry…I always make sure to have a lip balm of some kind. Currently loving the cocoa butter vaseline lip therapy in our horribly dry weather.
  5. If I pack one makeup item on the plane with me, it’s my cheek stain. I don’t need any brushes, just a quick pat on the cheeks and I look a little more rejuvenated.
  6. Travel sized perfumes are great (a long with some deodorant of course)! I love Thierry Mugler’s scents!
  7. Put it all in a cute pouch for safe keeping like this one from Anthropologie. I am also likely to add a few more items here like: gum, Gravol and pain killers, some hair elastics and a bobby pin or two.

carry on essentials

And last but not least, I always pack a few extras like…

  1. A passport holder like this one I grabbed from Chapters. And no, a holder like this is not essential, but it sure does make it easier to find in my bottomless bag!
  2. A good read like The Girl on the Train that I am looking forward to diving into is so essential. On this trip I am also bringing along my french phrasebook to do a bit of brushing up and a good design magazine or two!
  3. I like to be prepared for varying weather conditions when I land so I usually pack my pocket umbrella in case of rain and…
  4. My sunnies in case of sunshine!

And of course, all of these travel carry on essentials have to find there way inside a stylish carry on! I love this bucket bag!carry on essentials

Well there you have it! My complete list! I hope you all enjoy your Spring break and if you are travelling somewhere near or far, be safe!

Happy travels xo