11 items you should always pack in your carry-on

1. Reusable Plastic Bags

Keep an empty reusable bag (like Stasher!) made out of silicone on hand. You can fill them with products that might spill (sunscreen, toothpaste) or foods from home, like a handful of pretzels. They’re also great for storing kid items like pacifiers and teething rings you want to keep sanitary while you travel and during your stay at a vacation home rental or while bunking with friends or family.

2. An Extra Pair of Socks

You never know when you’ll get chilly or end up with wet feet. Keep an extra pair of socks in your carry-on so you can swap socks as needed. If your regular luggage doesn’t make the destination when you do, at least you’ll have a clean pair of socks.

3. A Portable Power Bank and Charging Cord

Airport charging stations are often busy and sometimes inconveniently placed (who decided not to put them near chairs?!). Bring your own charging setup with a portable power bank and charging cords. Make sure to bring cords for your phone, laptop, headphones, and to refuel the charging bank. Portable power banks under 100wH are allowed on planes but must be kept in carry-ons and removed from luggage when going through security. Organize your cords in a small zippered bag to prevent tangling and make it easy to retrieve them if your immediate neighbors at the flight gate are taking up all the elbow room.

4. Reusable Water Bottle

Reduce your environmental footprint while traveling by bringing your own drink container. We like to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated and an insulated thermos for hot or cold drinks. Just be sure they’re empty when you go through security! You can fill up at a water fountain and visit a cafe before boarding. Or, ask the flight attendant for hot or cold water on the go. Bring tea or instant coffee from home for some flavor (and caffeine!). Plus, reusable bottles allow you to fill up with filtered water from your vacation home or cabin and tote it along on your adventures throughout your stay.

5. Snacks

Airport and in-flight snacks may be minimal, depending on when and where you’re flying. Those with allergies or dietary limits are especially familiar with the lack of options in transit. Bring your favorite snacks from home to avoid getting hangry! Avoid packing liquids – you’ll have to dump them out before security. You can bring many foods like chips, granola, veggies and dip, and even yogurt (so long as it’s under 3.4 ounces).

6. Valuables

Checked bags are out of your site as soon as you pay for them. Protect valuables by keeping them in carry-on luggage that you can keep an eye on by having it with you at all times. Bring personal identification like your passport and any travel documents on the plane with you. Traveling with jewelry or money? Keep it in your carry-on so it won’t get lost or stolen. If you are traveling with fragile items like pottery or glass, wrap them in bubble wrap and pack them safely in your carry-on so you can safely bring them onto the plane and through to your destination.

traveler wearing backpack walks down cobble street alley

7. Headphones

Many planes provide complimentary corded earbuds to use with the in-flight entertainment. If you prefer around-the-ear headphones, bring your own. They’ll come in handy for listening to podcasts or audiobooks or even turning on white noise to drown out your surroundings if you want to sleep. Nervous flier? Try an app like Insight Timer to meditate or do breathing exercises to ease your nerves. Flying with kids? Many airlines offer games and shows for children included in the in-flight entertainment options, but the complimentary earbuds may not fit your little one. Bring kid-sized headphones to keep them occupied in the air.

8. Body Wipes

Long flights, nerves, and flying home from outdoor adventures can leave you feeling less than fresh. Bring body wipes in your carry-on so you can take a quick quasi-shower in the plane or airport restroom. Look for wipe brands that are flushable and biodegradable, like Good Wipes! They’re better for the planet and leave you feeling and smelling clean.

9. Medication

Always bring medication in your carry-on, regardless of whether you’ll need to take it in-flight. Prescriptions can be expensive to lose during travels, and it may be difficult to get a new set at your final destination. Avoid the inconvenience and potential life-altering issue of not having your meds by keeping them with you. Remember to always bring medications in their original container to go through the TSA. Save your physician’s number in your phone in case you need to call them for a refill or med replacement while on the go.

10. Toiletries

Brushing your teeth can do wonders during or after a flight! Stash a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your bag for a breath refresh. Add period products, face wipes, makeup, and cotton swabs to your carry-on, so you’re prepared in case of a long layover or if your other bags are misplaced. Combat dry in-flight air by applying chapstick, lotion, and moisturizer before you take off and periodically in the air. Be courteous to others by choosing non-scented products, and make sure all toiletries are under 3.4 ounces, or they won’t make it through security.

11. First Aid Kit

You never know when you’ll need a first aid kit while traveling. Purchase a premade one at any pharmacy or big box store, and add items personal to you and your traveling partners. Include over-the-counter painkillers for headaches. Bring blister pads or moleskin to help with irritated skin from walking. Include tweezers and nail clippers to address splinters or hangnails. My Medic offers first aid kits for activities like boating, cycling, and a-la-cart options for everyday use that are great for creating starter kits for adventurers and urban travelers. 

Every airline has rules on carry-on sizing, so be sure to check with yours before picking which bag to bring as you plan your last minute vacation with Whimstay!

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