10 Travel Essentials to Pack in Your Carry-On
If you’re someone who likes to make travel checklists, check out this comprehensive list of must-have travel items, as well as some personal favorites. Whether you are looking for vacation essentials or need to get to your destination comfortably, we've got you covered. Here are some must-haves to pack for your next trip:
Noise-canceling headphones. No one likes to hear the person next to them snoring or laughing at that cheesy movie you have no interest in watching. To help you focus without distraction, consider packing noise-canceling headphones to help drown out the unnecessary distractions.
Eye mask. Depending on if your seat-mate is a night owl or not, you may every-so-often have to deal with someone who wants to keep the lights on and read the night away. Being able to block out that night light or the devices around you will be crucial for getting that shut-eye.
Earplugs to drown out the noise. If you’re a light packer and would prefer to add something that adds next to no weight, earplugs are for you. Block out the noise and nap away to your heart is content.
Compression socks. For longer flights, these help to aid circulation and decrease the risk of blood clots. Not to mention, swelling! No one likes not being able to get their shoes back on at the end of a long flight.
Portable charger. Not every airline offers in-flights USB slots. You can find them at your local tech store, CVS, or Duane Reade — they will not cost you a fortune and will save a lot of time searching for an outlet post-flight. They come in especially handy for those long travel days with connecting flights.
Disinfecting wipes. No one wants to catch sickness in-flight. Wiping down your seat, tray table, window area, and armrests is never a bad idea. Airlines do clean between flights, but it’s no deep clean. Disinfecting wipes are great to keep on hand, especially while flying during cold and flu season.
Moisturizer for dry skin and eye drops for dry eyes. The dryness that one can experience on flights is too real. Moisturizer and eye drops are easy to carry in your bag. Be sure that the moisturizer, specifically, meets the travel size requirements — otherwise, you’ll be out of cream altogether.
Medication (or any natural remedy you rely on). Sometimes you need to nix that headache. Having your go-to supplements, remedies, or medications can come in handy for any muscle pain, cramps, stomach aches, etc. that may arise along your journey.
Documentation: Aside from needing a license or passport to board, you can be asked for ID anywhere, so it's best to be prepared before your flight. Depending on where you're visiting, you’ll want to keep your passport on you or — at the very least — a copy of your identification.
Snacks. You know you have a good hour or two until you can eat something but you’re already famished? Yup, I know this feeling all too well — this is why snacks are important. Having a trail mix, a protein bar, or some fruit on hand can be a total lifesaver while on the go.
While you’re thinking about what to squeeze into your luggage or backpack, take a peek at some of the ways I relax before and after a flight.
