The Ultimate Carry-On Packing Guide
A good carry-on bag can make or break your vacation. It should have all of the essentials you need so that you are both prepared and comfortable while you are traveling. To help you master the art of packing a carry-on, check out our ultimate carry-on packing guide below.
Type Of Bag
Dependent on your traveler needs you may opt for a traditional carry-on bag or another type of luggage. These are the most common options:
Luggage– These are the most popular types of carry-ons. They are easy to use and they have wheels which make them easy to roll around the airport.
Backpack– Many passengers opt for this type of carry-on because they can easily be strapped to your back. They also have pockets which is a real plus for those travelers who need pockets to separate some of their items.
Tote– This type of carry-on is similar to a purse, but larger. They are easier to haul around and can be folded when not in use so that they are compact enough to store.
What To Pack
Once you have figured out what you want to use as your carry-on you will need to pack it. This is what you should pack:
Liquids– Almost every passenger has to pack liquids of some sort, but if they spill in your carry-on it can turn out to be a disaster. This is why it’s important to put these items into a waterproof pouch. It should be clear so that you can see what items are in there and large enough to stow all of your liquid items. Currently, liquids need to be 3.4 ounces or smaller and must fit in a bag that is quart sized. Passengers are only allowed one of these bags.
Sleep– Not all airlines provide sleeping items like a blanket or a pillow. However, there are travel pillows that are small enough to fit into your carry-on. You can inflate them by blowing air into them and once you are finished you just deflated them. An eye mask and earplugs are also beneficial to have during a flight. They block out light and sound and make it easier to catch a little bit of shut eye even on a noisy flight.
Clothing– No matter how long your flight is you want to be comfortable. This is why it’s necessary to choose a couple of clothing items to put into your carry-on that you can use for the flight. Make sure you pack a lightweight sweater that is easy to store, but will keep you warm just in case your flight is chilly. Also, pack a pair of foldable flats or lightweight flip flops as you might want to switch shoes to something that’s more comfortable and easy to get on and off. Socks are also beneficial to keep your feet warm. If you are going to be on a long flight, choose compression socks as they will help keep the blood flowing through your legs and possibly help you avoid developing a blood clot.
Food And Drink– Even if your flight serves beverages and snacks they might not be sufficient to get you through until you make it to your hotel. There are a lot of different snacks you can pack in order to satisfy your appetite. Granola bars and trail mix are easy to pack in your carry-on and very filling. Certain fruits like apples and pears won’t get squished in your carry-on, but will provide you with an easy snack option. Make sure you also pack a water bottle. You can fill it up at a water fountain which will help you stay hydrated as well as save a few bucks on overpriced beverages.
Skin Care– Your skin is your body’s largest organ so you need to make sure you take care of it and pack the right items into your carry-on. One of the many side effects of travel are dark circles and bags under your eyes. You can combat this by packing eye cream. Your lips may suffer the effects of the cabin air during a flight. Make sure you put some lip balm into your carry-on bag. Don’t forget a good moisturizer that you can put on your whole body as well.
Cleanliness– You may run into some unhygienic conditions when you are traveling. This is why it’s important to pack cleanliness items in your carry-on so that you can clean your body. A small bottle of hand sanitizer can help you remove germs from your hands. Wipes can help you clean areas of your skin and can also be used in a wide variety of other ways such as wiping down your seat tray.
Self-care Items– No matter where you are headed to you probably want to look and feel your best. Pack travel-sized deodorant just in case you find yourself sweating and need to reapply it. Mints are also a great item to have on hand as they can help you with a dry mouth and freshen your breath. Eye drops can help you deal with dry, irritated eyes that often happen during a flight. A toothbrush can be a lifesaver, especially if you eat a meal during your flight. If you take medications, make sure you don’t forget to pack them. Some medications may require proof that you are supposed to take them so make sure you check these requirements beforehand.
Entertainment– Remember to pack plenty of entertainment type items in your carry-on. While you will probably have your phone or tablet with you, don’t forget other items that can keep you from getting bored like a crossword puzzle or a good book. Adult coloring books are also popular and can provide you with a creative outlet during a stressful flight. If you do plan on using your electronic device during your flight, make sure you download plenty of apps beforehand that don’t require internet access. It’s also a good idea to pack some headphones so that you don’t annoy other passengers with the sounds from your device. Be sure that if you are going to a foreign country that you pack chargers and/or adapters that are compatible with the outlets at your destination.
Other blogs that may interest you in regards to packing include How to Pack for a Summer Destination, Beauty Essentials Must Haves for Travel & How to Pack for Two Weeks with Only a Carry on. Not sure what games to download on your phone, here are the Best Iphone Games for Airplane Mode.
