Hi friends! I’m still soaking up the Florida sunshine, and while I’m here, I thought I’d share what I packed in my carry-on. I’ve been trying to streamline my travel routine so I don’t have to start from scratch every time I pack, but I’m still tweaking things—ideally, I’d love to fit my makeup (and maybe even my skincare) in here, too. I might need a bigger carry-on bag for that, haha!
similar trench // stripe sweater (M) // Pistola Kinsley Flares (29) // Paul Green Hadley Sneakers (8) // Away The Bigger Carry-On // Away The Everywhere Bag
Currently, I use Away’s The Everywhere Bag, which is a sleek, compact carry-on with a wraparound zip for easy access. It has lots of pockets inside to help me stay organized, and it fits neatly on top of my suitcase with the trolley sleeve. Plus, it has a padded 16″ laptop pocket, which is perfect since I always bring my full-size laptop when I travel. Sometimes I opt for a large tote, which is great because it can double as a purse at my destination, but The Everywhere Bag is more compact and secure.
The Must-Have Items I Keep In My Carry-On Bag
Everything you see here fit inside—let’s break it down! My purse takes up a bit of room in my carry-on, and sometimes I stash it in my suitcase, but this one is compact enough to fit just fine. I always choose a purse that works with everything in my travel capsule wardrobe… more on that in a future post! (Unfortunately, mine was discontinued, but this one is similar for under $100.)
I like to keep certain essentials inside my purse so they’re easy to grab on the plane. That includes my AirPods, lip gloss, hand lotion, and tissues. I also stashed my sunglasses in there for safe-keeping.
For easy access at security, I keep my card case (similar here) in the outside zipper pocket of The Everywhere Bag. That way, I can quickly grab it when I need to, whether at TSA or when making purchases at the airport. Then I move it into my purse when I arrive at my destination.
Tech & Charging Essentials
One item I never travel without is this Portable Charger with the Built-in Cables and AC Wall Plug. This is truly a game-changer—it’s an all-in-one charger with a built-in Micro cable, USB-C cable, iPhone charging cable, USB port, and USB-C port. And the best part is, the built-in wall plug means you can charge it directly from an outlet, so there are no extra parts to lose.
I also pack my laptop charger and an iPhone charging cable. Since my AirPods use the older charger, I just use the portable charger for those. Technically, I could use that for my phone too, but I like having a backup.
Medications & Health Essentials
That little Travel Pill Organizer holds all of my “just in case” meds—Advil, allergy meds, Pepto, Unisom, and more. It’s compact, comes with labels, and tucks neatly into one of the interior pockets of The Everywhere Bag.
I always bring my inhaler. Even though I rarely need it, I definitely don’t want to be without it. And for some reason, I always need Tums when I travel, even though I almost never take them at home—so those come along, too.
I also carry a Ziploc bag with prescription meds, which currently includes Levothyroxine and two different HRT creams (which I hope to consolidate before my next trip). And with flu season in full swing, I packed my vitamins in a weekly pill organizer to make sure I stay on top of them.
Cleaning & Refresh Essentials
I brought the PlaneAire Surface & Air Mist, which is supposed to clean surfaces and freshen the air. Ironically, I bought it right before the pandemic and never used it until this trip. Turns out, it has a very strong essential oil scent—something I didn’t realize until I started spraying down my space! I probably won’t use it again, but fortunately, the woman next to me was wiping everything down with disinfectant wipes, so I don’t think she minded. 😂
That said, I’ll probably switch to a travel-sized pack of disinfectant wipes next time—maybe these, or PlaneAire actually makes some as well. I do like that their products use essential oils, so we’ll see!
I also packed extra contacts and a few under eye patches since I tend to get puffy when I travel. I guess I forgot that I also had some in my toiletry bag. (If you missed it, I recently did a post on what I packed in my makeup case and toiletry bag.)
Extras I Brought This Time
Finally, I packed a small jewelry bag with a few extra pieces, which I don’t always bring, but since I was taking blog photos, I wanted a few options.
And books! Since I’m here for a while, I brought two books, but they definitely add bulk. If I didn’t have them, I could easily fit my makeup case in this bag.
I also like to bring my zestt organics travel scarf in case I get cold on the plane, but this time it didn’t fit into The Everywhere Bag as easily as I like, so I tucked it into my suitcase instead.
Final Thoughts
Okay, I think that’s everything! Looking at this list, there’s definitely room for consolidation before my next trip. Ideally, I’d love to fit my makeup and essential skincare in this bag to free up more space in my suitcase—but that means paring down what I pack. We’ll see if I can make it happen!
I’d love to hear your travel tips and hacks—what do you always bring in your carry-on?
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45 Responses
I always take a few clothing essentials just in case a bag gets lost – either in carry on or personal bag. Usually a swim coverup that would double as pajamas, a change of underwear, bathing suit if needed at destination. Sometimes a packable, easy to wash dress like a Columbia brand and a pair of sandals (again if going to a warm destination). Along with this I take laundry sheets in case I need to wash in the sink.
My charger cords all go in one little charger case to keep them all together.
For Books – I know theres nothing like a real book but for travel I use my KOBO always. I can take multiple options and even purchase more or borrow from Library while at destination. Takes up way less room and weight while travelling.
I always enjoy hearing how others travel. I assume you had a straight flight, Jo-Lynne. I think straight-flight carry-on bags are so much easier to pack. I pack more when I change planes because I remember my conference-attending days when other women attended the opening event cocktail party in yoga pants and no make-up because their checked bag didn’t make it. I always take a few essential toiletries and make-up in my carry-on. Last year, my husband and I flew non-stop from Philly to New Orleans and his checked bag, along with others, was removed due to a weight or loading issue. They delivered it to our hotel the next day, but I have to admit I was relieved it was his bag and not mine because all my toiletries and make-up were in my checked bag. That said, as my daughter always says, “First World Problems, Mom.”
Yes, this was a short direct flight, and I kept a suitcase with me so I wasn’t too worried. Although they did check it plane-side, so you never know!
Currently sitting on a plane and the FA had coffee in a cup holder in the aisle and it got knocked and coffee splashed all over my white pants 😩 This is why I guess one shouldn’t wear white when traveling but I tend to often and have never had a problem. I’ve Tide wipes and stain stick that I always travel with but that’s not going to cut it unfortunately. Ugh.
The worst!
Oh gads!!! That would make me mad. I always think, what would I do if that happened.
Love this post and I think you did great! I’d ditch the books and try a kindle or a gift shop once you arrive maybe for books.
My carry on is the Away backpack, as I’m sure we all know by now😉 and in it I put a sweater, my make up, my lap top, a mesh pouch from Away that holds tech stuff (cords, AirPods, AirFly) and my molskine notebook that runs my day-to-day life and my electric toothbrush. i do not want my toothbrush accidentally getting turned on in my suitcase and having zero power on my trip! I have a lot of extra room in this because I allot this space to things I can purchase. This may or may not be a little game I play with myself😉 I have learned it can hold a Moncler down coat, a ysl wallet in a box, a Celine belt in a box, a sweater, and 3 tops from Sézane! Ha!
My toiletries all go into my suitcase, which I believe you did this time as well.
I so adore travel (sitting in a hotel bed right now!) and work hard to make it the easiest, most enjoyable experience. I do find I pack different if I’m a single destination vs multiple. This trip I didn’t use packing cubes, but Scott did.
Also, been there done that on switching hotels because we don’t like it! Good for you😊
Shelly if you aren’t already aware, check out the Hoopla app – you can “borrow” books on your kindle via your local library. I still prefer a physical book but I use this for those I know I’ll only read once.
I would definitely recommend a kindle or other e-reader! It takes some getting used to but now I actually prefer it! I also always carry on an extra pair of underwear and a tee shirt, based on my last trip to Orlando when my luggage went to Houston! (Yes, it was a direct flight, lol). Cheers!
Cheryl if you aren’t already aware, check out the Hoopla app – you can “borrow” books on your kindle via your local library. I’ve read a lot of books free on my kindle this way! Not all new releases are available, it depends on your local library purchasing it, but I’ve been pleased with the selection from mine. It’s great for books you only want to read once.
Yeah, I sometimes pack an extra pair of underwear, just in case. I took a carry on suitcase on the plane, so I didn’t bother this time.
Reading this from a plane! You need to add snacks! I always have at least a few granola bars.
LOL, sometimes I bring a few LUNA Bars in case I need a meal on the go. This was a short direct flight, so I just grabbed a bag of snack mix in the airport.
I read that Amazon is doing away with the Kindle but idk
They are removing download and transfers. It’s a bit different.
Great post! I like bringing satin pillowcases with me (Kitsch are my favorite) when I travel. Not a fan of scratchy hotel pillowcases!
I never thought of that!
The only essential (for me) I didn’t see is my Kindle Paperwhite. I just load it up with a bunch of books and it slips into my carry-on so I can bring it with me to read on the plane, on the beach, in my room, by the pool, etc.
Great post!
I think I need one. I’ve used Kindles from time to time, my husband has the Paperwhite, I think. I used to find them very clunky and unintuitive to use and type on, but maybe they’ve improved?
I agree the interface is not user friendly! Maybe because I’m used to iOS so the android system seems clunky? I don’t use mine for any other apps but do enjoy reading on it. It seems to be easier on eyes than even a kindle app on my iPhone or iPad.
Yes I agree. I have no desire to read books on my phone.
If you have an Ipad, just get the kindle app instead of a separate Kindle device.
Thank you so much!! I plan to use your list as a guideline. Another quick question; do you use air tags?
We do! What a relief to be able to see on your phone where your bags are and that they are loaded/unloaded! We just started using them and they are a great peace of mind.
I should—I even bought some! But I’ve never used them. 😕
Welcome to my hometown, Sarasota Florida! I am from up north and am so happy to call Sarasota home. I totally understand why you moved back to Lido. Lido is my happy place! Enjoy the sunshine and the warmth! Love your posts!
I’m a carry-on only traveler 99% of the time. I use an Athleta backpack for my personal item that I stow under the seat. It has a laptop sleeve and provides a surprisingly generous amount of space so I’m able to put all my toiletries/makeup in there and allow just clothes to go in my suitcase. Like you, I store my flight essentials in a small bag nested inside the backpack so I’m not digging around in the backpack the entire flight. I love my iPad Mini for travel – I load it with ebooks and at least one movie for the flight. Before my last overnight flight to Europe I also invested in a cord that easily attaches to my AirPods as I was always scared I might lose them if I fell asleep with them in! I do like actual books for beach vacations but those usually end up in my suitcase.
https://keepyourcadence.com/
I use cadence capsules when I’m traveling. I was gifted a set and they are great. Magnetic, no leaks, reusable and come in varying sizes.
I’ve wondered about those. They look good but so pricey—and you know me, I will pay if they’re worth it! So you think they are? Maybe that’s what I need, and I can decant more and use fewer travel sizes.
I definitely think they are worth the steep investment , especially if you travel often. I especially like how easy they are to clean out once you are done with them. The varied sizes and colors make them so fun to use. I use the largest size for body cream, smallest size for hair oil and face serums etc. I’ve used them for medications and smaller earrings and rings etc. As you say…price for use…how often would you use them compared to initial investment 😉.
Yeah. Definitely, I’m all about cost per wear (or use) – I just wasn’t sure if they were that much better than what I have. They do look clever.
Hi, I was wondering what books you packed? You always have great book suggestions. Thanks
Kirsten Hannah’s The Home Front and Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. 🙂
I have several items that I leave in my carry on bag year round so I don’t have to pack and unpack them. Hairdryer, straightener, toiletries, tweezers, razor, qtips, bandaids, etc. Definitely makes my travel prep easier!
I travel a fair bit for work and definitely have a routine. I have a bag with all my chargers and mouse. A bag for personal items like face mister, chap stick, lipstick, small light perfume, mints. Laptop, iPad, book, cross bag that has my wallet and small comb. Another bag with wipes for plane as well as wipes to clean electronics. And often, an apple, some nuts and my water bottle. Not unusual that my coach bag is heavier than my carryon!
What bag do you use for all that? I do sometimes use more small bags within my big bag. This time, I just shoved everything in those internal pockets. I guess it wasn’t quite as organized, but it seemed to hold more that way?
My carry on is Dange Dover it fits under the seat but all can expand. When my husband and I were in Napa we had a snafu with shipping wine I had to fit all my clothes into my Dagne Dover carry on so we could ship the extra wine in my actual suitcase! It’s a workhorse
Interesting, is it this one? Does it have a trolley sleeve? (I can’t wuite tell… but I think not?)
I have a “temperamental travel tummy” so I feel you there. 🥴 I’m so glad you recommended the author Kristin Hannah a while back! She has quickly become a favorite author! On the problem of the books being rather bulky…I got a Kindle Paperwhite several years ago because my husband was tired of my lamp keeping him up at night and the Paperwhite is backlit so no need for an exterior light! It’s also slim and lightweight, reads just like a book with no glare, and holds tons of books. In case you can’t tell, it’s one of my favorite things! 😂😍 I hope y’all enjoy the rest of your trip!
“Temperamental travel tummy” – never heard it called that but I definitely have it too! FYI when flying, the atmospheric pressure at higher elevation can cause more gas in the gi tract (sorry if that’s tmi!). Ever since learning that, I’ve avoided any gas producing foods for a couple meals before flying – obviously no beans or fried foods but even fresh veggies or salads. May sound crazy but it has helped me!
Interesting! I had a terrible upset stomach after flying to Italy. Lost a half day of our trip. I was hoping it was a one-off but now I’m wondering if it had to do with the long haul flight.
Oh no, that is miserable! What made me first wonder about this was when I noticed on several short flights that’d I’d feel bloated the rest of the day after landing – even pants that are normally comfy would be tight! After reading up on it and adjusting my pre-flight diet, it got better. For a long flight with a meal on the plane, I wonder if it might help to take a beano with the meal to prevent this effect? Assuming that’s what is causing your issues?
I needed this post today!! Flying this weekend! Thanks so much Jo-Lynne 😊
I love this type of post. Very helpful! I take Ecos laundry detergent sheets when we travel to a Florida condo. That way I don’t have to buy more detergent than I need when washing our clothes. Has anyone used a trtl travel pillow? I’ve seen it advertised on Instagram and I’m interested in trying it.
i would appreciate any suggestions for a great purse for travel for a petite lady. Im taking a 12 day river cruise in August. Since Im usually the one to carry all travel documents (and whatever else my husband decides that he doesnt want to carry!), I struggle with a purse that’s roomy but not overwhelming for me.
Thank you!