This article was originally written in 2019 but as people around the world are beginning to travel again, I wanted to re-post. Please remember to check local safety guidelines for COVID-19 and always remember to pack extra reusable masks in your carry-on.
As I’ve ::cough:: gotten older ::cough:: become a more experienced traveler, my packing has definitely advanced. I like being as prepared as I can and comfortable when traveling for long periods of time. Narrowing down what I use and don’t use over the years, I’ve made this extensive list of the essentials for my carry-on for domestic or international flights.
Passport
This one is pretty obvious but you’d be surprised how many times I’ve almost forgotten my passport or a form of ID. Double and triple-check that you have the necessary documents (including visas or paperwork for visa on arrival) to board the plane. I keep mine in a cute bright passport cover like this to keep track of my passport
Money
When I’m traveling domestically, my wallet already has my debit and credit card in it but I do I make sure to get cash in different bills $1, $5, $10, $20 for random tipping.
Before international travels, I’ll request a currency exchange through my bank. Most banks have an online request form to withdraw from your account and mail you the foreign currency. This is only a good idea if you have plenty of time before your international trip as the process can take 10 days. If I miss that window or am in a country where my foreign bank doesn’t allow this, I’ll go into the bank for currency exchange. This is usually the best option for the lowest rates. Sometimes banks don’t carry the currency though if it’s a really small country or depending on where you are, so you may have to wait until you arrive to your destination.
If you’re planning to use your credit card abroad, don’t forget to call your bank to let them know so they don’t freeze your account.
Toiletry Bag
- Hand Sanitizer: I typically have a bottle of Young Living Thieves Hand Sanitizer or Trader Joe’s Grapefruit & Lemon Hand Sanitizer Spray in my bag but these are great alternatives for online orders; Honest Company, Burt’s Bees and Grove.
- Lotion: A travel-size lotion, like these ones from Aveeno, Hempz, and Clinique are perfect for skin hydration.
- Lip Balm: It’s important to have moisturizing lip balm as a base. Here are some of my favorites Herbacin Kamille, Burts Bees, and Clinique.
- Tissues: After moving to China, I quickly jumped on the bandwagon and started carrying tissues everywhere I went. It’s become such a handy thing to always have in my bag that I buy them in bulk and stick a pack in every purse/backpack.
- Hydrating Mist: Airplanes are awful for skin, so I use ALL the products to keep my skin as hydrated as possible. I’m obsessed with this Smashbox So Chill Coconut Primer Water. It smells like a tropical vacation and gives my face a refresh throughout the day. In close second is this Evian Mineral Water and Too Faced HangoveRx 3-in-1.
- Sheet Masks: My favorite hydrating sheet masks are these: Hydration Lover from Dr.Jart+, Hydro Boost Hydro Gel from Neutrogena, and Master Lab Hyaluronic Acid from TonyMoly. If a full sheet mask is a bit too much for you, try these Hydrogel Collagen Under Eye Patches.
- Eye Balm: Give your eyes a cup of coffee! Reduce the look of tired eyes, dark circles, and puffiness by using an eye balm full of antioxidants, caffeine, rosehip oil, and rose water. This Rose Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm from Tula is my favorite! (use code: JJADVENTURES for 15% off all Tula products!) It can be used under or over makeup for a cooling pick-me-up.
- Eye Concealer: Hands down, this is my favorite under-eye concealer that provides full coverage AND is waterproof. It’s easy to apply before or during the flight with this travel size, too.
- Essential oil rollerball: A blend with Frankincense is always great for your immune system on flights! Lemon is a great anti-bacterial, lavender is soothing, and peppermint is refreshing, so I either take all of these or a blend.
- Wipes: Whether you’re removing makeup or just need a facial refresh, these Charcoal Facial Wipes are my go-to! I also love these yummy-smelling Neutrogena Grapefruit Cleansing Wipes. For all-over coverage, these Yuni Shower Sheets do the trick. They’re 100% plant-based and biodegradable, too!
- Deodorant: I use a natural deodorant that is made and based locally in Seattle. Soda Wax is aluminum-free and has only 6 ingredients, which are all edible (if for some reason you wanted to eat your deodorant 🤷♀️). I stocked up at their Pikes Place popup; Night Owl, Powder, Om Sweet Om, and Lime in the Coconut. They are also available for purchase online.
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste: It’s always nice to brush your teeth after you wake up on the plane! This travel case is multifunctional; it carries your toothbrush and toothpaste and the case can be disassembled to make rinsing easy.
Medication & Vitamins
I pack a small vitamin container with my vitamins for a few days in my carry-on just in case my bag doesn’t turn up. I always take an Emergen-C the day before my flight, during my flight, and the day after.
Food & Beverage
I try to make all efforts to be environmentally friendly in my daily life and while traveling. However, it means I’m always packing a few extra things in my carry-on and thinking ahead. I bring as many reusable things as I can; water bottle, metal straws, bamboo utensils, and a reusable bag for shopping or airport snacks.
Reusable bags are available just about everywhere you go nowadays, so I’d be surprised if you don’t already have one. However, if you don’t happen to own any leave a comment below because I have like 50 and would be willing to share in the name of saving the environment 😉
One of my favorites is a pineapple linen tote that my beautiful friend and birthday twin, Eglė gifted me from her ONAHONOUR boutique. It’s so versatile while I travel, from grocery shopping to beach bag! Her totes are available online here.
These are the metal straws that I use. I love this set because I can have one in all my purses, backpacks, and at home!
A water bottle like this one that rolls up when empty and is leakproof is perfect for travel. Most airports now have water bottle filling stations and the flight attendants are always happy to fill up your water bottle if you ask. I also recommend this one which takes up a little more room but will ensure you’re staying hydrated.
While it may mean extra trips to the lavatory, drinking lots of water before and during your flight can help with jet lag and fatigue.
Electronics
First of all, it’s always a smart and safe idea to pack all electronics in your carryon. Often people forget to bring chargers or extra batteries. For long-haul flights, I typically always pack all chargers and batteries in my carry-on as I might need to charge up on a layover or in-flight.
Download your music, podcasts, and books onto your iPhone/iPad/Kindle before you travel and don’t forget your headphones!
These headphones or these ones are the best noise-canceling headphones. If you’re not a fan of large headphones, Apple Airpods with Charging Case are perfect and travel-friendly.
Sleep
I can’t sleep without this 3D Eye Mask. There’s no doubt that it’s one of the very first things in my carry-on! The memory foam provides the optimal amount of weight for comfort on your face. It’s similar to a weighted blanket. The contouring creates a seal around your eyes to block out all light. PS- this eye mask comes with earplugs and a silk carrying bag which is perfect for travel!
I don’t ALWAYS travel with a plane pillow but when I do, I use a memory foam one with full support similar to this one.
On long-haul flights, I prefer to bring my own blanket rather than use the airlines. My mermaid tail blanket is not only super trendy but functional and it rolls up to be pretty small. It keeps my feet and legs super warm and comes up over my upper body; it’s basically a burrito blanket. I purchased mine from Taobao in China but here is a similar one from Amazon.
At home, I’m an insomniac but put me in a car, train or plane and I sleep like a baby. I glide my lavender rollerball around my eyes and slip-on my eye mask and see ya later 💤✌️
Clothes
I always layer up when traveling; it gives the option of adding or taking off items to suit the changing temperatures of airports and airplanes. Scarves are great pieces to travel with because they can double as a blanket.
My feet are typically always cold, so even though I like to take my shoes off on short and long flights, if I’m walking around the cabin I want to have some safety and comfort. Pilates grip socks provide just that. I have purchased many of mine at studios or these grip barre socks from Athleta and Alo Yoga.
Is there anything I missed that you deem as essential while traveling? Leave a comment below with what’s in your carry-on, I’d love to hear from you!
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