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Ever take an 18-hour flight to Thailand in coach? I have ✋ Here’s my 11 ultimate carry-on essentials packing list for what I use to get thru long-haul flights and keep my sanity.
Carry On Essentials #1
Longchamp Tote
I 💖this bag! It’s the perfect carry-on essential because of how versatile it is. I typically use it as my go-to carry-on but it also works double duty if you want to pack it in your luggage (it folds down flat into a small square) for all the extra souvenirs you purchased.
It’s an ultralight nylon canvas that looks chic whether shopping in Rome or hanging out at the beach in Phuket. I love it so much, it’s also my go-to gift for my friends & family who love to travel.
I’ve had my Longchamp for close to 10 years and it’s time and again the perfect staple that is easy to clean, looks put together, and carries more than you think it should.
Carry On Essentials #2
YETI Rambler
Paying $15 for a vodka soda to mentally prepare for a flight ✅ this to me is a perfectly justified way to spend money at the airport. Paying $6 for a bottle of water⁉️⁉️ Hell no.
This is a line I cannot cross. I bring my water bottle with me every flight and after I go through security, I fill it at a water fountain. Bringing a water bottle is multi-purpose and if you are thirsty on your flight – you have it handy and while sight-seeing there is nothing better than a long drink of ice cold water.
Carry On Essentials #3
Travel Pillow
Being trapped on a long flight and not being able to lay flat or recline – you need a travel pillow! I know some people prefer not to travel with one because it takes precious space but I consider this essential.
This specific pillow is built for all back, side, and stomach sleepers in mind. Plus it can also function for lumbar and leg support.
Carry On Essentials #4
Lululemon Scarf
Another carry-on essential is a scarf. I particularly like this scarf for traveling because of its versatility. The snaps down the side allow you to wear it in endless possibilities.
It’s great to wear as a blanket if it’s cold on a plane, as a cover-up to a church or temple, and I’ve even worn it as a vest to style my limited clothing options for a month-long vacation in Thailand.
Carry On Essentials #5
Compression Socks
I started wearing compression socks on flights after suffering through two full days of sightseeing in Bangkok with kankles. My feet and ankles were so swollen from the flight, I finally succumbed to the realization compression socks aren’t just for hardcore CrossFit enthusiasts and lil’ old ladies with circulation problems.
These compression socks have fun patterns and also are great in a bind if you happen to run out of clean socks.
Carry On Essentials #6
UGG Women’s Coquette Slipper
The one thing Tom Brady and I have in common is our love for Uggs. I know they are ugly but I love them and can’t help it.
Having a pair of slippers on a plane is nice because you’re not ‘that’ person barefooted sticking your tootsies in other peoples’ space.
Also, I learned the hard way, it’s not enough just to wear your socks into the lavatory. Apparently, men can just as easily miss the toilet 10,000 feet in the air as they do on the ground.
Plus, slippers work double duty as you can wear them around the hard floors of your Airbnb, hotel, or to the lobby bar for a late night cocktail.
Carry On Essentials #7
Wet Bag for Swimsuit
If you haven’t noticed yet, I like items that can work double duty. I use a wet bag for swimsuit to keep my small carry-on bathroom essentials organized.
Since the bag is waterproof, if something leaks, it is easy to clean up. Likewise, you can put your wet swimsuit in the bag after a day at the beach and change in time for sunset cocktails.
Carry On Essentials #8
Facial Cleansing Towelettes
So, what do I pack in my bathroom carry-on? Well, I’m glad you asked!
After takeoff and before landing, I wash my face. These little facial towelettes are gentle, remove makeup, and give you that refreshed ‘no I didn’t just sit on a plane for 10 hours’ feeling.
Carry On Essentials #9
TheraTears Eye Drops
I live in Arizona and have tried pretty much every eye drop on the market because I naturally have dry eyes which flying long distances does not help.
These eye drops are my personal favorite because they do not burn, have no preservatives, and I love the single-use vials for traveling.
I always have a few in my ‘GO’ bathroom kit designated for travel and they particularly come in handy for extra-dry cabin air.
Carry On Essentials #10
Nuun Sport: Electrolyte-Rich Sports Drink Tablets
These tablets help me jump into full-on tourist mode and not waste any time feeling jet-lagged. They are non-GMO and electrolyte-rich with potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
After hiking 10 miles in Havasupai (part of the Grand Canyon), I sat and drank a liter of water with a Nuun tablet. It helped to alleviate the oncoming muscle soreness and re-charge my body from dehydration and the missing vitamins my body was severely lacking.
Carry On Essentials #11
Celavi Essence Facial Mask 12 Pack
Ever been on an international flight, look over and see someone with a face mask on? Yep, that’s me! and not ashamed. Travel leaves my skin feeling dry and dull. These face masks are about a $1/ mask and will jump-start your skin back to hydration.
I leave a few in my ‘GO’ bathroom kit for whether I’ve had too many tequila shots in Punta Cana, sazeracs in New Orleans, or Chang beers in Chiang Mai…these are all hypotheticals. 20 minutes on in the morning and you’ll be ready to start another day of adventure.
What to Do Next
- What are some of your ‘essentials’ for travel? Let me know in the comments below.
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Enjoying reading your travel blogs! I must take a bit of credit since our many family trips occurred from the time you were a little bit of loveliness. Love and hugs, Mom