These 11 must have carry on essentials list for travel make deciding what to pack a breeze. Whether you have a long flight or you’re just on a weekend trek, being prepared and bringing along essential items are key for a smooth journey. For me, the essentials that I have in my carry on are always the same.
I tend to be a minimalist at heart and only carry items that I know I am going to need, or are essential to my well being. The last thing I want to do is to be carrying around things that I don’t need that are going to weigh me down.
The essentials that are important to me are items I use regularly, or things that I know I am going to need at some point. If there’s a chance I may need something that might be hard to find, I’ll bring that too.
First, I recommend purchasing a carry on bag that you really like. One that has the right amount of compartments and pockets for you. Be sure that it meets airline requirements for a carry on as well. Do your research and pick something that suits you. I’ve tried backpacks, travel duffel bags and travel tote bags, but I keep going back to backpacks for my carry on essentials. Personally, I like having my hands free and not feeling weighed down on one side or the other. While the tote bag style is generally more aesthetically appealing, I just like being able to put on the backpack and go.
So, what do I pack in my bag?
Here are the 11 must have carry on essentials for travel:
1. Portable Charger – My most important must have carry on essential!
When I travel, I am always taking pictures and videos. I often refer to maps and directions, and look up places that I want to go to. I love to take notes on my phone of the places I’ve been and the incredible places I have seen. Also, I take notes of places that I would like to go back to or spend more time at. I never NOT want to be able to do that, or miss the opportunity to take a picture or video. What’s more important is that I never want to have a dead phone in case of emergency. Portable chargers are essential and a must have when traveling. I always have them easily accessible in my carry on.
On a side note, I use Google Translate on my phone when there is a language barrier. It’s a great tool to connect with people. Whether you use it for assistance buying train tickets like I do or to socialize with new friends, it’s a great app to have handy.
2. Water bottle
I am a big water drinker and find myself parched more often than not. Any stainless steel water bottle with a flip top lid works for me. If you’re really tight with space, get a collapsible water bottle. They fold up nicely and are a great space saver. You’ll need to empty it when you go through security and then refill, but it’s so worth it.
3. Snacks
Of all of the 11 must have carry on essentials for travel, this one can not be missed. Delays are an inevitable part of traveling, and so is hunger. There’s nothing worse than being tired, hungry, AND delayed. To curtail my appetite, I always carry something to munch on for when I am hungry. The snacks in my carry on are almost always the same, and they tend to travel well. Nuts, a few protein bars, and some mints are essential. Nothing too extravagant, just enough to hold me over until I have access to real food. Occasionally, I’ll bring some chocolate. I always keep that separate in a little zip lock baggie as I have occasionally forgotten about it, and found it later melted in my bag.
Some people like to carry gum to help with ear popping, but usually just swallowing or taking a sip of water works for me.
4. Mini first aid kit
This is something that I may not use every time I travel, but it’s definitely an essential part of my carry on packing list. It’s something I always carry with me because I don’t want to have to try and find it somewhere when I need it.
Included in my mini first aid kit are a few bandaids, a tweezer, eye drops, ibuprofen, small scissors, and some safety pins. I also have a little mini sewing kit, just in case something splits or tears.
5. Small cross body purse
I love to have a very small cross body purse to carry with me that contains my passport, some cash and a few credit cards. I’ve learned the hard way that not every place takes credit cards when you’re traveling, so I always make sure to carry some cash. Having all these items in one place keeps me organized. I can put it in the carry on for easy accessibility, or just carry the purse when I’m at my destination. Whether I am flying or on a road trip, it’s important that my valuables are with me.
6. Toiletry Bag
Besides bringing my personal toiletries when I travel, I always carry a few extra essentials. I add facial wipes, a disposable mini toothbrush and hand sanitizer. Nothing quite wakes me up after a long flight or hours of driving than cleaning my face and having fresh breath. Disposable toothbrushes are great for this. You can find some with the toothpaste already in the brush. Just wet it, and you’re all set to clean those pearly whites.
I also make sure to pack a travel size shampoo and conditioner. I have found out the hard way that my hair doesn’t wash well with all purpose shower gel. It’s one of those items that I might not use, but if I need it, I will be so glad I have it with me.
7. Passport
In addition to your passport, make sure you have a copy of it with you to store in another location. I also have an electronic copy of my passport in my email so I can access it from anywhere.
I also keep in my email a photocopy of the front and back of my credit cards. If they are ever lost or stolen, I can call have it taken care of right away.
8. International adapter
I always, always, carry an international adapter with me at all times. A power converter is essential in Europe when you need to charge your phone, tablet, computer or headphones. I have been to many hotels that have not had adapters, so bringing one when traveling is a must. In addition, Europe doesn’t have as many wall sockets for charging. A good adapter will have a few usb ports as well as a U.S. socket.
9. Scarf
This must have essential for carry on travel has to be the most adaptable. Scarves are a great way to spruce up an outfit, keep you warm on a cold flight, and to cover your bare shoulders when needed. I always carry a lightweight scarf that’s super soft and made of cotton. Depending on the weather, this essential scarf can keep you cool or warm.
A scarf can be so versatile! It can be folded up and used as a pillow, or as a mask. I’ve used mine plenty of times as a beach blanket, a beach cover up, and also for sun protection. It’s also great to wrap and carry sea glass or shells.
I’ve used mine to sit on a dirty bench when wearing white pants, and even used it as a picnic blanket.
They can be washed quickly and easily in the sink, and dry in virtually no time at all!
10. Umbrella
A small mini umbrella is another must have carry on essential for travel. Most backpacks have an outside pocket where an umbrella fits in nicely and doesn’t take up any space.
There is nothing worse than getting caught in the rain and spending the whole day damp. It seems inevitable that some part of me never quite dries completely, so this is a travel must have. Besides, it always seems that when I spend the most time on my hair, that’s the day when it rains.
11. Sunglasses
After many trips of forgetting my sunglasses and wasting precious vacation time having to look for a new pair, I have learned this lesson the hard way. I always keep an extra pair of sunglasses just for traveling in my carry on. I have found cute and inexpensive sunglasses at Target, and just keep them in my bag even when I am home. I’ve found that aviators are classic and tend to go with all my outfits.
With the exception of my snacks, water bottle, and scarf ( I like to switch them up!), I never unpack my carry on essentials. I always keep them in my travel bag so there is no need to take them out and worry about repacking them. It makes my life easier and I always know that I will have my same essentials on every trip.
Be sure to read the 19 Essential Safety Tips for Travel. It will give you some good tips on keeping yourself safe.
Here is a Pinterest friendly pin for your travel board!
