How to Pack Your Carry On Bag, Tips for Travelers

The carry on bag is probably the most important piece of luggage you will pack when traveling. This is the bag that can make or break your next trip. Below are my tips on how to pack your carry on bag for a successful, and stress free journey.

How to Pack Your Carry On Bag

What's in the bag?

My carry on bag is a black gym bag with a sturdy shoulder strap.

Most flights allow for one personal item (usually a purse or other small item) and one carry-on bag that will fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. My bag fits nicely under the seat.

One of my rules for travel is to prepare my carry-on bag as if I would have to spend one or two nights either in transit or at my destination without access to my luggage. In other words plan as if something will go wrong, because it probably will. 

(Note: I am referring to a carry-on bag in the traditional sense not a roller bag that you would carry on board instead of checking your luggage. I always check my luggage, there are several reasons behind this decision which I discuss in my post…Five Reasons to Check Your Luggage )

How to Pack Your Carry On Bag 

Prepare for the Unexpected

My most recent journey found me stuck in an airport from 12:30pm-10:30pm when my delayed flight was finally cancelled due to severe weather.

I was somewhat relieved to not be boarding a flight where I would have a window seat for a lighting storm, but now exhausted from traveling since very early that morning (on the road to the airport at 5:30am) I was now faced with long lines for re-booking my flight. Not to mention, finding a hotel room along with the rest of the travelers with cancelled flights.  This is why a well packed carry-on is the key to successfully navigating unexpected travel events. My checked luggage remained in the hands of the airlines, they check it through to your final destination...fingers crossed!

How to Pack Your Carry On Bag

 Here is How I Pack My Carry On Bag:

Let's start with the obvious. You need a small cross-body bag or belt bag. Mine is a black 8″x5″with a removable strap and loops on the back that convert it to a belt bag. I love this bag. Even in flight all your super important stuff is on your body.

Inside the cross body bag I have my ID, License and Passport, cash (at least $100.00 in cash-mixed denominations). Yes, I know…most people don’t carry cash anymore but it’s important to be ready for anything. Credit Card, and Debit Card- you need at least one major credit card to secure a hotel room and a rental car, just a Debit Card is not going to cut it. My luggage receipt for my checked bag, boarding passes, cell phone, and a lip balm.

How to Pack Your Carry On Bag

The Carry-On Bag contains everything you need for one or two nights without your luggage.

A Clear plastic bag containing: TSA approved sizes of- eye cream, face serum/moisturizer, hand cream, lip balm, toothpaste, dental floss, toothbrush, Aveda Stress Fix Concentrate, hand sanitizer, cleansing towelettes (I like Alba Botanica Hawaiian Detox Towelettes), and Ibuprofen (or your favorite pain-reliever). Melatonin for long flights, jet lag, or if you are just too excited to sleep.  (I know it sounds silly but this happens to me all the time! I use Beauty zzZz melatonin & B6 from HUM)

One Zipper Travel Pouch containing: phone charger, back-up external battery with charger, headphones, an extra mask (Covid is still a thing), an extra hair tie, and a couple of band-aids.

My carry on bag does have an outside zipper pouch, in here I keep a small notebook, two pens and a pencil.

On the inside there is a larger zipper pouch, in here I keep a hair brush, (feminine hygiene products, if needed), two pairs of undies and sometimes a bathing suit, (depending on my final destination) just in case your luggage doesn’t make it right away. Bathing suits are pretty small, so put it in the carry-on. Two clean shirts…think soft, light, in a neutral color. I always go with black, sleeve length depends on where you will be traveling to, roll them to take up the least amount of space in your carry on bag.

Note-If I am heading to a beach or very warm climate I also add a sarong. A sarong might be the most versatile item in your closet. It can function as a dress, a skirt, a top, a shawl, a blanket, a curtain, a table cloth…you get the idea.

How to Pack Your Carry On Bag

Non-Negotiables

One of my non-negotiables is a Pashmina (aka, shawl,wrap). I get cold on planes and I like to have my Pashmina, a light weight wrap usually made of a wool/silk blend or cashmere, about 4-5 feet long and 3 feet wide. The Pashmina can be folded in half vertically, then rolled to take up the least space. Not quite as versatile as the sarong, but I always pack one. 

A paper back book. I usually choose something light, fiction, short stories, or a memoir/biography.  I like to have an actual book, giving my eyes a break from screen time and I don’t want to carry any additional electronics if I can avoid it…more chargers, looking for charging stations etc… Keep it simple bring a book. If I finish my book I try to pass it along or trade it for another with fellow travelers.

How to Pack Your Carry On Bag

Water. My water rules.

After passing through security you will be able to purchase water. For $6-$8 you can get a large bottle. My rule is always buy two before my first flight. I need a lot of water and get dehydrated easily when I travel.

(Unfortunately, I have learned this the hard way…I have fainted more than once, usually at the worst possible times.  For example…on the subway in London, while trying to catch a ferry in Turks and Caicos, and Jimmy Buffet-Camden NJ…just to name a few.)

I used to pack my refillable metal water bottle and fill it after going through security but this presented a few problems. One, it’s heavy. Two, not every airport has water filling stations. Three, if I’m running to make a tight connection I might not have time to refill it before boarding my next flight so, I buy two large bottles and keep one to refill and use for the duration of my trip. Pack your metal bottle in your checked luggage.

Travel Pillow- mine has a snap that creates a complete circle, I snap it closed around the strap of my carry on bag.

How to Pack Your Carry On Bag

That’s my list of must have carry-on items.

Even with all of the above I still have room for my lap-top and charger if I have to travel with it. Also, If you have RX medication or glasses, they will also go in the carry-on bag.

And last but not least choose your outfit for your travel day wisely…my tips on getting dressed for a long flight are coming soon.

Book the Trip, Enjoy the Journey.

Safe Travels!