As you know, I’ve been traveling a lot for work lately, and the more I travel, the better I seem to get at packing the perfect carry-on. Today begins my 4th work trip, so far this year, and I am super excited to use my new carry-on luggage and bag.
When I travel for just a few nights, I always try to carry-on my luggage instead of checking a bag. It saves money and time. I’ve used a couple of different pieces of luggage from Amazon, but since I travel so often, I made the investment in The Carry-On from Away Travel and the Voyageur Ursula T-Pass Laptop Backpack from Tumi as my personal item. They’re both superior for different needs and make for an awesome travel duo. Let me tell you why, and what I pack in each.
Carry-On Luggage:
Whether or not you are ready to invest in a more expensive carry-on piece of luggage, there are a few features to look for that are really helpful.
- Different compartments that you can zip are so helpful.
- A hard shell for protection of items inside is a MUST.
- 4, 360 degree wheels are super helpful while navigating through the airport.
- A TSA-approved lock is a great added bonus, but not necessary.
One of my favorite parts of my new bag is the ejectable battery that I can use IN THE SUITCASE to charge my iPhone and laptop while I’m in the airport. No more searching for an open outlet. How fun and techy is that?
The Carry-On Personal Item:
Every passenger gets one personal item as well. I usually need something more than just my purse, because I carry my laptop along with me. I generally put my purse inside my carry-on and use more of a “briefcase” carry on for the plane. I’m SO excited about my new one from Tumi. It has everything I need in a carry-on bag. Here are some features that I need in a bag:
- Laptop sleeve
- Numerous compartments and outside pockets for wallet, phone, etc.
- Roomy interior
- Backpack style is best for me
- Add-a bag sleeve so that it can travel perfectly on my rolling bag.
The Add-a bag sleeve is my favorite feature of this new bag. It will help my back pain SO much while traveling.
I love a bag that’s trendy and comfortable but also efficient and gets the job done. I’ve used a number of over-the-shoulder carry-on bags, and I think I’ll still use my big over-the-shoulder for overseas travel or if I have the kids with me, but this is perfect for a work trip.
Now for what’s inside:
I’ve pretty much got the necessities of my carry-on bags down, now that I travel so much. Here’s my list of must-haves that I always carry:
- Aquaphor because lips get super dry on airplanes.
- Non-drowsy Dramamine because I tend to get motion sickness on airplanes.
- Extra pair of contact lenses and solution
- Face wipes
- Hand cream
- Hand sanitizer
- Tums and Gas-X cause #ifyouknowyouknow.
- AirBorne because I’m scared of germs.
- Tula Rose Glow & Get It eye balm
I keep these items in a separate pouch in my carry-on bag all the time, so I never have to worry about missing something the night before a trip. Any small makeup pouch will do. But remember the 3.4 oz rule, because it really STINKS to get an expensive face wash taken away at security.
In addition to my toiletry carry-on pouch, I also have an electronics pouch, where I keep extra wall chargers, USB plugs, adapters, and back-up batteries so I’m never without a charge, especially on those should-be short travel days that turn into suuuuper-long travel delay days.
I always keep these chargers, etc in my carry-on so I’m not scrambling the night before as well.
And even though you’re carrying a bag onto the plane, make sure you have a luggage tag! Even if your bag is a different color, but ESPECIALLY if you have a black bag, just like the rest of the world. You never know what can happen.
Now, with a little prayer and the Grace of G-d, you’re all set to travel. Be prepared for delays…and cancellations, but at least you’ll have the bare necessities to get you through. I’d love to know what you carry in your carry-on bag. Let me know in the comments!
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