Inside My Carry On Bag
As someone who has been on the go for many years, I don’t think I have ever unpacked my carry on bag. It usually sits in my closet, ready for me to pick it up and head with me to my next destination.
I like to follow the rule of thumb that I only carry on what I consider to be essentials. The items I cannot be without; just in case my suitcase gets lost or shows up late. Each item on my list is easily packable and doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Are you interested in taking a sneak peak at what I bring with me on every trip? Well today is your lucky day! Here are my must have travel essentials that I carry with me inside my carry on bag.
Travel Bag
The bag you choose is arguably the biggest decision you will make. You need something that is easy to carry, but spacious and sturdy enough to not break after one trip. I prefer to use a backpack for these reasons. This one has lasted me for years and is still my go to choice when traveling. I love that it is waterproof and can hold everything on this list with even an additional change of clothes inside!
Photography Gear
GoPro Hero 7
Are you surprised that I don’t use a DSLR or what I call a “big” camera to shoot with? The GoPro Hero 7 is my action camera. I love that it is waterproof and I can take it snorkeling or not have to worry if I drop it in the snow while, for example, snowshoeing. I also am a huge fan of being able to connect it to the GoPro app so that I can take selfies directly from a touch of a button on my phone.
GoPro 3-Way Mount
The GoPro 3-Way Official Mount was one of the first accessories that I bought and I still find myself using it today. It’s actually 3 things in one. A grip, an arm for taking those selfies and it transforms into a tripod. As an added bonus, it’s also waterproof and I typically use it when I am taking the GoPro under water with me.
Action Tripod for GoPro
The action tripod for GoPro is a great accessory when I can’t find a “traditional” or flat surface to set-up my GoPro. It’s arms allow for it to bend and wrap around almost everything, while keeping the Go-pro upright so I can take pictures or videos.
iPhone 13
I use my phone more often than not. It’s great if I want to take a quick video or snap a photo without taking out the GoPro. With the new iPhone 13, the camera quality is also almost as a good as a regular camera.
Selfie Stick
What is the one item that probably labels you as a tourist the most? Yep, you got it, a selfie stick. But, hey, don’t discount it, especially if you find one that has a remote and is able to connect to your phone via bluetooth. That is what I call a winner and best of all, it makes taking photos simple!
Clothing
Compression Bags
While not something I always have with me in my carry-on bag, compression bags have really changed the game when it comes to packing. I can simply place several shirts, dresses and shorts in a bag, seal it, then roll it to get the air out it and it is now completely flat! If you tend to overpack (don’t worry, I’m guilty of it too sometimes), then this is a must have travel accessory for you.
Compression Socks
Compression socks are great to wear, especially for long flights. They help promote blood flow and circulation and are safe to use all day and night. They’re also not too tight. You never want to start your vacation with swollen feet!
Sweater or Jacket
You will always find a long cardigan or jacket in my carry-on bag. They’re great if you get cold on airplanes, and bonus, you can use them as a pillow in a pinch. A fun scarf is also a great idea to pack with you since it has just as many uses!
Electronics
Apple AirPods Pro
The noise cancellation feature on the AirPods Pro is a game changer for me. All I have to do it is pop them in my ear and enable this feature, then I’m able to shut out the world around me. They definitely come in handy when you’re on a noise flight! It’s why I don’t leave the house without them.
Outlet Plugs
Having a multi-purpose plug that you can plug all of your devices into is a big time saver. You never can guarantee that you’ll have enough outlets to charge everything, so this takes the worry out of that. Keep in mind, that when you’re traveling to other countries, you’ll need to get the appropriate one that will work in that specific country. For example, if you’re heading to France, you will need a European plug adaptor.
Power Bank
I always travel with at least two power banks. One is in my purse and the other is typically at the hotel charging and getting ready for me to use it. They are SO helpful. They also make it easy so that I never have to worry about the low battery light popping up on any of my electronics.
Kindle Fire
Amazon’s Kindle Fire makes it so that I am never bored while traveling. I can watch my favorite shows on Netflix, read the latest mystery novel and play my daily Wordle all in one place.
Beauty and Makeup
Toiletry Bags
Toiletry bags are a must for me to carry all of my travel products inside my carry-on bag. These are great because they’re quart-sized, clear and are already TSA approved. Don’t forget that TSA is very strict on the amount of liquids you can bring on board the airplane with you.
Hair Ties
I don’t know what I used before finding Invisibobble. My hair is naturally curly and they are still easy to remove without tangling my hair up. Bonus that they are super supportive and actually hold my hair up in a pony tail!
Body Lotion
Hempz Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon lotion is my favorite travel lotion. My skin feels hydrated and soft after using it and the scent is amazing!
Lip Mask
I am not sure about you, but I always have to have some sort of lip balm, lip gloss or lip mask with me at all times. Chapped lips are a no from me! I put Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask on every night, right before I go to sleep. When I wake up, my lips feel smooth and hydrated.
Moisturizer
Am I obsessed with this moisturizer and have been for years? Absolutely yes! It’s thick, creamy formula is packed with all sorts of mineral and antioxidants to keep my face feeling hydrated every day, all day. I also love that it is safe to use on other parts of your body as well, like dry, cracked elbows and knees.
Face Sheet Masks
A good sheet face mask can make any day go from ordinary to feeling luxurious. These masks from Vitamasques are my favorite! Each mask has its own unique scent that can help with the side effects associated with stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD and other seasonal disorders. I know I have experienced every one of those feelings while traveling and that’s why I always carry one of these in my carry on bag.
Leave In Conditioner
Who doesn’t love the feel of soft hair? Having a good leave in conditioner allows for just that! One that also helps protect hair against heat damage, split ends and keeps my hair tangle free, is a no brainer for me!
Body Wash
Whenever I find a two-for-one deal, I always feel like I’m winning. That’s how I felt when I discovered Spongelle’s Body Wash Buffer. The buffer part cleans, exfoliates, massage and hydrates. All while lathering your skin with fragrant blends of your favorite scents.
Makeup Primer
I don’t wear a lot of make-up, but one thing I will never stop wearing is this makeup primer by Tula. Their probiotic extracts even out my skin tone for a smooth look. I don’t know how they do it! It truly does look and feel like I have a “filter” on my face!
CC Cream
If Tula’s makeup primer makes me feel like I’m wearing a filter, then Hey Honey’s CC Cream only enhances it for me. It provides such a natural looking coverage on my face and lasts all day for me!
Are you a light packer or do you over pack? Do you have a travel item that you absolutely cannot live without? Are there any you think I need to re-think? Let me know in the comments!
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