10 Essential Carry-On Items I Never Leave Behind

Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but a well-packed carry-on bag is key to a smooth journey. Whether it’s a short business trip or a long-awaited vacation, there are essential carry-on items I always have in my carry-on to ensure comfort, convenience, and preparedness. 

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This list is not only for long-haul flights. One of my worst flight experiences was a Denver to Chicago flight, which was diverted to Gary, Indiana due to a tornado. We ended up spending the night on the plane on the tarmac before they could get air stairs big enough to get us off the plane. The crew ran out of bottled water long before the night was over.  

Here’s my list of top 10 essential carry-on items that have transformed my travel experiences!

1. Travel Blanket

Airplane cabins can get downright cold. A lightweight travel blanket offer warmth and comfort, doubling as a makeshift pillow if needed. You’d be surprised how often this same blanket comes in handy when heading to the beach for a picnic, or when you need an extra blanket in your hotel or vacation rental.

2. Hoodie

My cashmere hoodie is always in my travel bag, helping both to fight the cold and to block the glare from my neighbor’s video monitor. I am personally not a fan of wearing fitted sleep masks. The hoodie provides a decent alternative.

3. Water Bottle and Electrolytes

Staying hydrated is crucial. I always carry an empty water bottle to fill up after security, along with my electrolytes. My favorites electrolytes are Nuun strawberry lemonade and Liquid IV.

Bringing water bottles also helps me to track and make sure I drink enough water on flights. For flights over 8 hours, I even carry 2 one-liter water bottles.

4. Healthy Snacks

I pack a selection of healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, or granola bars. I frequently pack or buy a salad with lean protein like chicken or turkey to bring on board, including a small frozen water bottle to keep this cold. This provides an alternative if I can’t eat the plane meal options or in case I sleep through a meal-time. I also scope out airport locations in advance, where I can quickly re-stock my supply of healthy snacks.

I have a few different cooler containers I bring, depending on the trip. The Vera Bradley Lunch Bunch Lunch Bag is my go to bag on flights. It has an extra strap so you can sling it over your shoulder; and it’s also small enough to fit in my daypack for hikes. The other one I like to bring is a Columbia PFG Thermal Cooler. This backpack has room to spare, so great for a day hike while keeping food and drinks cold for lunch.

5. Compression wear

For long flights, compression tights, socks, or calf sleeves are a game changer. They help to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and keep my feet from getting swollen, especially when I’m on a long haul flight with little room. I always get up and walk around every few hours to keep my circulation flowing.

My go to compression wear includes:

• 2XU compression tights

• Doc Miller calf sleeves and compression socks (they have plenty of colors and different levels of compression to choose from)

6. Change of Clothes

If you have traveled enough, a change of clothes is something you’ll find you need to have along. Think about situations like these:

• The airlines loses your bag—and you are headed straight from an overnight flight into the office.
• You have time after your overnight flight to grab a shower before catching the next flight, but really don’t want to put back on the clothes you just slept in.
• Your neighbor (or the flight attendant) accidentally spills red wine all over you. Whether it is wine, food, or just water, this is bound to happen.

7. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Long flights or layovers can be noisy and exhausting. Noise cancelling headphones are a lifesaver, helping me to relax or concentrate on work, a book, or a movie without distraction.

8. Portable Power Bank and Charging Cables

There’s nothing worse than your phone or tablet dying mid-flight. Even when there is a charge port between your seats, it does not always work. A portable power bank ensures I stay charged and connected throughout my journey. I like to arrive with all of my devices fully charged and ready to go.

9. Mini First Aid Kit, Medicines, and Masks

I go into my flights assuming my checked bag will get lost for a few days (if checking a bag). Make sure you have enough of any necessary vitamins and medicines in your carry-on until that bag is found. I’d suggest adding to that a mini first aid kit; whether you use this mid-flight or when you for a day-hike, it will be needed at some point.

Last but not least, I pack some N95 masks. You never know when travel regulations in a given country will change. Or, when you are seated next to someone coughing the entire flight. It is better to be prepared than ruin the rest of your vacation being sick.

10. Travel-Sized Toiletries

Refreshing myself with travel-size toiletries, especially on long flights, is a must. A small and sustainable travel kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, deodorant, and moisturizer keeps me feeling fresh.

These 10 essential carry-on items have consistently made my travel experiences more comfortable and hassle-free. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first big trip, consider these carry-on essentials to make your journey as enjoyable as possible!

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