While traveling, you quickly find out that a perfectly packed carry on can be your saving grace. I wanted to share everything I’ve ever come to need while on an airplane. Be sure to check out my tips & tricks for packing too here.

WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED IN YOUR CARRY ON

NECK PILLOW

I’ve learned to always bring a neck pillow. No matter how short the flight is, it comes in handy. Here are a few that aren’t super expensive and so worth it:

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A BIG BAG

Find a good bag that can hold everything you need, snacks, computer, chargers, medicine, did I mention snacks? I normally carry a tote or backpack that fits my laptop then go from there. Here are a few options:

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HEADPHONES

Be sure to invest in some decent headphones. See how I said invest. The headphones I have are expensive but they’re comfortable and worth it to me. In my opinion, they’re everything on flights. I’ve been caught on flights without my headphones and it sucked. Even, if you’re wanting to sleep, they’re great at cancelling out some noise on the flight. I recommend these:

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SLEEP MASK

Invest in a sleep mask. I swear every time I’m on a flight, I end up by someone who wants to read with the light on in my row.. not that that’s a bad thing… I’m just the lucky one every time haha! SO… by having this mask, I’m off to sleepy town. Here are a few:

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SNACKS

Bring SNACKS! I always pack my own snacks because airport food is expensive, especially if you want to eat healthier. My go to is definitely an RXBar! They have the best flavors, are good for you, and keep you full. I try and make a trip to Trader Joe’s before I leave to get some chocolate sunflower seeds or almonds. They’re somewhat of a healthier candy right? haha! Plus if you want to buy something like that in the airport it’s like $10 vs. $4 at TJ.

TEA BAGS

I love to drink tea. It’s great when I have cravings for something sweet or just want to calm down before bed. I always try to bring a couple tea bags with me when I fly and then just ask for hot water when the flight attendants come by.

FIRST AID & MEDICINE

Have you ever been on a plane with aching legs or a horrible headache? Welp. I have! Never again will I travel without my medicine. Not only that, but I always have a mini first aid kit too with bandaids. Y’all, I know you can ask a flight attendant for one, but sometimes it’s just nice to have one on you already, especially if it’s just for a bleeding cuticle.. we’ve all been there.

PASSPORT COVER

My mom bought me a passport cover with slits for cards before I left for New Zealand last time and it’s been my best friend ever since. I’m never caught without this thing because it makes getting to what I need easy. I pack my wallet in my checked back and add everything important to my passport case. This also frees up a lot of space in my carry on. If you somehow have a smaller wallet and want to pack it in your carry on, it’s nice to have it packed at the bottom and still use the passport cover for everything you might need at the airport. Here are a few of my favorites:

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I hope this helps you! What do you bring in your carry on?

Love Always,

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