45 Carry-On Essentials: Must Have Packing List
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You guys…next week I’ll be going on my first trip in two and a half years! To say I’m excited is an understatement. I cannot wait! I’ll be heading to Charleston to meet up with my Instagram bestie, Jessica Young, and we have so many fun things planned! We’ll be staying at the Quarters on King, which is not only wonderfully located and reasonably price, but it’s actually condos, instead of a hotel, so it includes full kitchens. We’re going to meet and shoot content with some of our favorite brands including Duffield Lane, Sue Sartor, Maxwell and Geraldine and Weezie Towels. We’re also planning to eat at some of Charleston’s best restaurants and have fun with our influencer friends Lauren Fox, Found Just the Thing, Laurin Collar and others! It is going to so much fun!
Carry-On Essentials for Travel
On the other hand, what isn’t always fun is packing for a trip. It has been so long since I’ve traveled that I feel like I had to start back at square one and refresh myself on must-haves to pack when flying. I started by browsing my list of the 75 Best Amazon Products, knowing I would want to bring many of these items. I always like to be prepared with a well-packed carry-on bag because you never know where your checked bag might end up. It’s also nice to include all packing essentials in your carry-on bag so that you don’t have to pay extra fees for checked luggage, if possible. I’ve already begun packing for our girls trip and I’ve started a handy-dandy packing list that I wanted to share with all of you! Here are some tips for packing a carry-on bag that I hope you find to be useful the next time you travel.
Tips for Packing a Carry-On Bag
Always pack snacks! Salty, sweet, healthy, guilty pleasures…I like to bring a little of everything for a flight!
Also pack water and drink a lot of it. Planes can be so dehydrating!
Even if you’re traveling with checked baggage, pack an extra pair of clothing in your carry-on, just to be safe.
Pack a medication management system so you’re prepared if you start feeling under the weather.
I like to pack my jewelry in my carry-on bag so that it safely travels with me.
Use bright luggage tags for your checked baggage and also your carry-on, making them easier to spot.
Pack all necessary electronic items including a phone charger, AirPods, laptop, iPad to watch movies, etc.
45 Carry-On Must Have Items
As I’ve been packing for my upcoming trip, I’ve also been compiling a list of my absolute must have items for a carry-on bag. These are items that will make traveling easier, smoother and more enjoyable and they will all be flying with me on my trip to Charleston. Without further ado, here are my 45 carry-on essentials for traveling!
Women’s Classic Baseball Cap You know those women who get all dolled up to travel? That’s not me. I love to be cute, but also comfy. This classic baseball cap is adorable and hides any dirty hair.
24k Gold Under Eye Patches Traveling can be exhausting. These under eye patches help with puffy eyes and dark circles.
Rinse Free Body Wipes Traveling can also be dirty. I love these body wipes for a quick refresh.
Women’s Round Tortoise Sunglasses These $30 sunglasses are so good they made my Top 75 Amazon list!
Extra Soft Sensitive Toothbrush Pack of 5 for $15, soft & great for sensitive gums
Classic Gold Hoop Earrings I get nervous traveling with expensive jewelry. These $13 gold hoops are simple, classic & cute.
Classic Gold Tennis Bracelet $15, cubic zirconia, and looks real
Cubic Zirconia Diamond Stud Earrings And once more, classic and simple diamond stud earrings for $25
Wine Drops for Headaches No one wants a wine hangover, especially while traveling. These wine drops are a must!
Bluetooth Sleep Mask Blocks light, cancels ambient noise, headphones built in, and won’t smudge your eye makeup!
Le Specs Air Heart Sunglasses These classic caramel colored sunglasses are my latest spring and summer obsession.
Cuticle Conditioner Cream Keeps your cuticles soft and your nails strong for under $10
Redness Reliever Eye Drops Prevents the dreaded red eyes due to traveling
Diamond Dazzle Jewelry Cleaning Stick Keep those pretty pieces of jewelry looking their best for only $8
Apple AirPods Pro Cancel out the noise, listen to your favorite podcast or watch a movie without all of the messy cords
AirPods Pro Soft Silicone Case Don’t forget to pack an AirPods case to keep them safe.
Backpack and Bag Cleaning Ball I purchased this last month and it is life-changing! A sticky ball that picks up all of the crumbs and messes at the bottom of your bag and purse
Cheers Restore Capsules If you plan on drinking any alcohol on your trip, these GABAa rebound and vitamin pills are a must!
Gold Cuff Huggie Earrings I never leave without these earrings. Cute, lightweight and only $13.
Small Travel Jewelry Organizer Keep all of your jewels safe and organized while traveling
Big Hair Claw Clips Many pretty colors to choose from and a pack of 4 for under $12
YouthFull Lip Replenisher Intense hydration for any dry lips due to traveling
Hydrating Lip Oil Also hydrating, but adds a sheer touch of color
Moisturizing Lip Stain Another nourishing lip stick must-have. I like to pack all 3 lip products because they’re all great!
Ultra Moisturizing Travel Hand Creme With lots of hand washing comes lots of hand lotion, this one is my favorite.
Travel Portable Charging Port Easily charge 3 items at once
CHOMPS Free Range Turkey Snack Sticks Healthy, clean, full of protein and delicious, the perfect travel snack
GoMacro Protein Bar These peanut butter chocolate chip are my favorite protein bars.
Cell Phone Holder Stand on Airplane This phone holder is a must if you’re wanting to watch any type of video on your phone while flying.
Memory Foam Travel Pillow Soft, adjustable pillow for neck and body to use while traveling
Liquid IV Hydration Travel Packs Contains vitamins and key ingredients to help you stay hydrated while traveling
Medical Grade Disinfecting Wipes The last thing you want to do is become sick days after arriving. Wipe, wipe, wipe!
Disposable Soap Paper Sheets An alternative to hand sanitizer, these disposable soap paper sheets are so handy
Small Travel Pill Box Keeps necessities like Tylenol, allergy meds, vitamins, etc. organized and nearby
Leak Proof Liquid Travel Size Containers Bring your shampoo, lotions, face washes, etc. on the plane without worrying about sizes or spills.
Detangler Hairbrush for Wet Hair My absolute favorite hair brush and only $14!
Comfortable Wireless Bra A comfortable, wireless and flattering bra, one of my daily favorites
Soft High Waisted Leggings For me, airplane attire is all about comfort and these are the comfiest joggers!
Women’s Terry Fleece Hoodie I like to pair the joggers with this soft and cute terry fleece hoodie.
Breathable No-Show Socks My favorite no-show and comfy socks
Supima Cotton Women’s Underwear Extremely soft and lightweight undies with a pretty lace waistband
Monogrammed Sunglass Case Keeps sunglasses safe during travel and includes so many fun patterns to choose from!
Personalized Luggage Tag Don’t forget to update your info on your luggage tag! I love these classic and cute personalized options.
MZ Wallace Large Tote Bag My favorite bag to travel with because it can hold so much and looks chic!
Passport Holder Travel Wallet This travel wallet is so useful to keep your passport and cards safe and secure
Airplane Packing Essentials
With the craziness we have all experienced the past few years, I have a feeling I’m not the only one who’s packing up for fun trips this spring and summer! If you’re also traveling, I hope this list of 45 carry-on essentials helps guide your packing. What are some of your carry-on must haves? Is there an item or two you always pack for an airplane that I forgot to mention? Please leave all of your carry-on essentials recommendations in the comments below! Your suggestions can help guide me and others as we pack up for sunnier days ahead!