The Ultimate Carry On Packing List and Packing Hacks

 

Regardless of where I’m traveling in the world, one thing always stays the same: my carry-on packing list. Carefully budgeting my travel expenses allows me to splurge at my destination, so I’ve compiled a list of the most efficient carry on checklist to ensure that I never have to check my bag and pay those pesky fees, which add up!

But Anna, I need to bring 10 pairs of shoes and enough clothes for three times the length of my trip. I hate to break it to you, but no you don’t. If I’ve traveled to Thailand with only carry on luggage, you can too. When you follow my carry on packing essentials list and packing hacks, you’ll have everything you need to be comfortable and stylish on your next vacation, and you’ll save money too!

 

What to Pack in a Backpack 

 

Documents 

 

• Passport in an easily accessible pocket 
• Photocopy of passport and credit cards 
• Travel wallet with the currency of the country you’ll be visiting, ID, minimum 2 credit cards, ATM/debit card, insurance cards

 

Try to choose credit and debit cards with low or waived foreign transaction fees. Many credit cards offer this benefit, and it will save you a lot of money in the long run. If you’re unsure of your card’s policy, call your provider to find out. 

Additionally, most credit cards and banks will want to know that you’ll be traveling ahead of time. You don’t want your card to be declined as you’re paying for dinner one night. Call your provider, or notify them online. 

 

• Full Itinerary of your trip printed out, stapled in chronological order, and stored on your Google Drive as a back-up. 

 

Your most important documents should always be easily accessible at a moment’s notice, so having the right backpack is vital. I’ve been using this Eddie Bauer Backpack for years, and it’s still good as new. It’s lightweight, durable, and water-resistant, and it folds up into a small, 9-inch pouch. Best of all, it’s an affordable price at just $31.

 

Valuables

• House keys stored safely at the bottom of your bag 
• Laptop

If you can, leave the bulky laptop at home and bring an iPad/tablet for reading ebooks and browsing online instead. 

• Camera + travel size tripod for solo or two-person travel

The UBeesize Tripod holds cameras, phones, and Go Pros comes with a remote and bends to attach to almost any surface. It’s a great deal at only $21.99.

• Phone and charger with an adapter

You won’t believe how many people travel internationally and forget that they need an adaptor to charge their electronics! Different parts of the world require different adaptors, but if you buy a universal adaptor, you’ll be set in 150 countries. 

Traveling out of the country? Be sure to turn off your cellular data to avoid roaming fees, and talk to your cellular provider about international data packages. 

• Headphones 

Good headphones are a must-have on any flight. For long flights, I prefer over-the-ear headphones, such as these from iJoy. In-ear headphones can start to hurt after a couple of hours. If you plan on watching movies on the plane’s TV, remember to pack headphones with a traditional jack, or research if your flight provides them. 

Hygiene

• Tissues 
• Lip Balm 
• Hand lotion
• Travel size deodorant 

• Hydrating sheet masks: 1 per 12 hours of traveling

Yes, I’m that girl that sheet masks during a long flight, and my skin thanks me for it. Airplane air is extremely dry. For reference, the average humidity in New York hovers around 60%, while humidity on flights is usually around 20%. That can do a lot of damage to your skin, regardless of your skin type. 

The solution? HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE. Not only should you be drinking lots of water and avoiding alcohol (sorry), but you should be moisturizing too. Sheet masks offer deep hydration and repair. Yes, they do look funny for 10 minutes, but it beats having acne on vacation. Trust me, your skin will thank you in the long run. 

• Feminine-hygiene products
• In-flight meds: birth control, Excedrin, sleep aid, prescriptions, and vitamins 
• Hair ties 

Snacks & Hydration

• Snacks 

If you need something to nibble on and can spare room in your bag, buy some snacks at your local store beforehand. Otherwise, save the space and buy them at the airport or on your flight. 

When flying on a budget airline such as Norweigan Air, you can save on your ticket price by skipping the meals, which cost $40. Instead, buy their light snacks and drinks, such as sandwiches, paninis, and salads, along with dessert!

• Empty a water bottle on the side of your backpack to fill post-security

I recommend a Hydro Flask; it keeps cold drinks icy cold and hot drinks piping hot, and it is BPA-free. Slip it into the side pocket of your Eddie Bauer backpack, and you’re good to go. 

Sleep

• Eye Mask 

Sleep is KEY on a long flight. It can be hard to fall asleep, but a good sleep mask will help. The Unimi Sleep Mask contours to your eyes for total blackout. Plus, it’s soft and doesn’t put any pressure on your eyes. It’s a real steal for $8.99. 

• Travel Pillow 

For maximum storage, you’ll want a travel pillow that hooks onto your backpack and is comfortable to sleep on. The AirComfy Inflatable Neck Travel Pillow comes in a pouch that clips onto your bag, and it inflates in under 60 seconds. 

• Travel Blanket

My ideal travel blanket is warm and thin so that it packs well. Research to see if your flight provides one. 

Safety

• Compression socks 

Long flights can cause blood clots to form in your legs, which are commonly known as deep vein thrombosis or the “Economy class syndrome.” Compression socks are a must to prevent DVT and lower the risk of leg swelling. I wear these compression socks for international flights. 

• Hand sanitizer/Lysol Wipes  

Because of COVID-19, sanitation is crucial for your safety while flying. Make sure you have hand sanitizer with you at all times and wipe down any seats, trays, and door handles you might touch with sanitizing wipes. 

• Face mask to stop the spread of COVID-19

Although each airline has its own rules, you should be wearing a mask regardless. Research to see if your flight will be providing one, or buy medical-grade masks here. 

 

What to Pack in a Carry On in Flight

Make sure your items are in space bags or packing cubes to optimize storage. I use these packing cubes. They’re cute, and a set comes in eight different sizes. Then fold my clothes into these space saver bags (no vacuum required). 

Beauty

With limited space in your carry on, it’s best to limit your makeup to the essentials. Try going for a minimal, natural look. 

• Travel size makeup 
  • Foundation 
  • Concealer
  • Mascara 
  • Bronzer 
  • Eye shadow 
  • Lipstick 
  • Highlighter 
  • Beauty blender/brushes
  • Eyebrow pencil 

Read More:  The Best Travel Makeup for Carry On Travel

• Travel size skincare products in a pouch 
  • Cleanser
  • Toner
  • Exfoliant 
  • Hydrating mask 
  • Serum 
  • Moisturizer 
  • Eye cream
  • Face and Body SPF
  • Acne patches
  • Razor 
  • Eyebrow tweezers
  • Face cloth

Read More: The Best Travel Toiletries for Carry On Travel

Hair 

• Hairbrush 
• Limit 1 hairstyling tool and product

Traveling with other people? Split up the goods to distribute the storage and weight. Also, check your lodging accommodations to see if they provide hairdryers. 

Hygiene & Health 

• Toothbrush

Don’t leave for a trip without charging your toothbrush. If you wish to brush in-flight, use Colgate’s single-use toothbrush. 

• Floss
• Bandages 

Chances are you’ll be walking a lot in your cute new shoes, so don’t forget to pack bandages and skip the painful blisters. 

 

• Laundry kit: stain remover, travel-size detergent, lint roller 

Most places you stay will have laundry services, but if you just need to quickly hand wash a garment in the sink, use these Tide single packets. I also bring a mini lint roller and a travel-size The Laundress wrinkle release. 

Clothes 

• Underwear: Two pairs x number of days away

Do not overpack, ladies! If you run out of underwear, hand wash them with your Tide single packets.  

• Two pairs of socks 

The number of socks you pack will also depend on your destination. If you’re going on a beach vacation, you might not need any. Remember, you can always wash them with your Tide packets. 

• Three bras: one strapless, one T-shirt bra, and one bralette. 

Always plan your bras with your outfits. 

• One set of pajamas  

• Two  purses: everyday bag and a cute dinner bag 

Depending on the size of your purses, you can pack one into the other. Another space-saving hack is to also pack small items into your purses, such as underwear, bras, and socks. 

• A jacket that will fit any occasion given your vacay wardrobe

Save space by packing one jacket that goes with any outfit. I always travel with a jean jacket; you can dress it up or down. 

• No more than three pairs of shoes  
  • Travel shoes (always travel in your heaviest pair)
  • Formal shoes 
  • Walking shoes

The shoes you pack will depend on where you’re traveling. Make sure to consider your planned activities.  You might go to the beach in flip flops, but do you need shoes for hiking as well?  

• Always pre-plan your clothes, shoes, accessories, and intimates. 

Since my trips are always heavily pre-planned, I’m able to pick outfits for each day and activity. Bring plenty of T-shirts, blouses, and dresses, and reuse bottoms.  A good ratio is 80% tops and 20% bottoms. 

3 Reasons to travel with only a carry on in-flight

• It saves you a lot of money in the long run

Airlines typically charge between $40 and $80 to check a bag for international travel when you book online. If you check your bag at the airport, it’s going to cost you extra, and airlines love to upcharge at check-in. Taking one round trip, that’s an $80 minimum. Traveling around France via air four times, that’s $160! Having the right carry-on packing list will help you save money so you can splurge on a nice dinner in Rome or get a massage in the vineyards of France. 

• Luggage gets lost

In all my travels, I might have checked a bag once, and it never made it on the plane.  It took two days and countless phone calls to retrieve it. I will never make that mistake again. If you love traveling often, you’ll have to forgo direct flights and book one or two connecting flights to save money. Can you imagine calling multiple airlines because you don’t know where in the world your luggage is? Or even worse, showing up to your destination without anything to wear for days? 

• Saves time 

Disembarking the plane, going through customs, and waiting for your luggage is a half-day affair. At this point, you’re probably tired and hungry but excited to get the trip started ASAP! Save time by eliminating your luggage, and beat the crowd to the taxi stand.  

Things to keep in mind

Consider the following TSA guidelines while reviewing your carry on packing list

• Liquids, gels, and aerosols packed in a carry on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule:
  • 3.4 ounces or less per container
  • One quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag (all liquids must fit in the bag)
  • One carry on bag per passenger
•  Review the prohibited items list for both carry-on and checked baggage.
•  If purchasing a baggage lock, make sure it’s TSA-recognized.
•  Tape a card with your name and contact information to your electronics.

 

Know the weight limit of your backpack and carry on luggage 

Some smaller-budget airlines will weigh your backpack and carry on at check-in. For example, Norwegian has a 22lb combined limit, meaning your carry on and backpack cannot weigh more than 22lbs together.  Make sure you do your research before packing your bags. This is why having a carry-on packing list is so important. 

Also, if you don’t have a traditional scale, invest in a compact digital luggage scale that hooks onto your luggage so you can check its weight before your flight.