My Carry-On Must-Haves: What to Pack for Every Flight
If you’re a travel enthusiast (or a Type A control freak like me), you understand the importance of organizing efficiently for your trip. Nothing makes me happier than when everything has a home so having essential travel items is key. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, these carry-on must-haves will make your life easier.
After years of trying various products, I’ve compiled a list of items that I can NOT travel without.
A KINDLE
What’s a flight (or a trip) without a good book to read? Yes, yes I know you love a physical copy, but hear me out: books are heavy, you can only bring 1 or 2 in your carry-on bag, and once you’re done with it, you have to buy another one at the airport.
A Kindle is essentially a book in your pocket. Its lightweight and compact making it perfect for travel and on the go. And you can read multiple books at a time without taking up precious space in your carry-on luggage.
If you need book reccommendations, I got you covered here.
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
Say goodbye to wasting your money on expensive airport waters (that aren’t even cold) and just bring your own. This is my favorite water bottle for travel - it’s a must-have in my carry-on.
This one is spill proof so even when it tips over, water won’t get all over your your luggage.
Traveling can be dehydrating, so it’s crucial to always have access to water, whether you’re at the airport or on the plane or in another country. Stay hydrated and save money with this compact, travel-friendly water bottle.
CORD ORGANIZER
This cord organizer is a game-changer for travel— it fits every single cord you could possibly need, keeping it all in one place. No more losing your chargers in the abyss of your bag.
It holds your phone charger, wireless and regular headphones, portable phone charger, the charger for the portable phone charger, watch charger, kindle charger, mouse (if you’re on business), the list goes on. It’s also stylish, comes in multiple colors, and is compact enough to fit easily in your carry-on!
BLUETOOTH HEADPHONE CONVERTER
Anyone else hate using cord headphones? I do—they hurt my earlobes, which I know is a small issue, but I found a solution.
This AirFly device plugs into the headphone outlet on the TV and connects to your favorite Bluetooth headphones. Game-changer for any traveler who hates tangled wires and wants to use their own headphones.
It is a super easy setup, just remember to charge it before your flight. This handy travel accessory is one of my favorite flying tips to stay comfortable on those long-haul flights.
PORTABLE CHARGER
I don’t know about you, but my phone is always dying! That’s why I always make sure to travel with at least one, if not two portable chargers in my carry-on bag.
This one is my favorite because it stays charged for a long time, charges my phone quickly, and has a magnet that fits perfectly onto the back of a magnetic phone case (so no bulky cords to deal with).
It’s one of my must-have travel (and in life) accessories for staying connected while on the go!
MEDICINE + ORGANIZER
I always make sure to travel with medicine essentials in my carry-on because you never know what you’re going to need. I keep everything organized in this cute little pill organizer to stay on top of my travel health. Here’s what is always in it:
Ibuprofen/Advil
Prescriptions
Dramamine
Probiotics
Vitamins
COMPRESSION SOCKS
This is the newest addition to my must-have’s list for travel: compression socks. I know this is might make me sound old but my circulation is SO poor - my feet and ankles swell up during flights.
For my last trip to the British Virgin Islands, I wore these knee-high socks and I’m happy to report, no swelling for this girl! It really made a difference and now I don’t think I’ll be traveling without them.
If you’re looking for travel comfort and to avoid swelling during flights, these are for you.
CARRY ON BAG
And of course, you need something to carry everything in.
I’ve searched high and low for the perfect under-the-seat carry-on bag. I’ve tried a lot of the popular travel backpacks, but I just find I can’t fit as much in them as I can in this Calpak bag carry-on bag.
It has unlimited pockets to keep everything organized, fits perfectly under the seat, and you can stuff so much into it without feeling like you're overpacking.
