PACK A CARRY ON 101
Hey ladies! Just around a week ago I headed on a quick trip to Toronto (and by quick I mean LITERALLY 24 hours) and figured it would be the perfect time to show you how I pack a carry on!
I’ll admit I’m as bad as the rest of us for overpacking. I will pack for a weekend trip to the cabin and bring 3 pairs of pants, 4 swimsuits, 5 tops, and two dresses. LIKE ???? I seem always overpack because I never quite know what I’ll want to wear, plus I tend to change my outfits a couple times a day… This is definitely something I need to work on, but the upside of it is that I’m ALWAYS prepared. I’m pretty good at knowing everything I could ever need making trips and traveling a breeze.
Something my over-packing self has realized is that for some trips (business trips, weekenders, etc), it is so essential to have a carry-on bag with all the important stuff, as you just can’t afford even a day with lost luggage. And we all know how bad the airlines can be with losing baggage… Thankfully it’s never happened to me, but let’s keep our fingers crossed.
First things first, there are a few things you should ALWAYS pack in a carry-on, regardless if you have checked a suitcase as well. They are the following:
- Underwear & bra
- Important outfit(s)
- TSA-approved makeup & toiletries kit
- Chargers
- Water bottle
- Scarf
- Anything you absolutely positively CANNOT lose – whether this is important documents, or that clutch that you absolutely splurged on
IN THE CARRY-ON
I’m always sure to pack one pair of underwear and one extra bra in my carry-on. Reason being, they don’t take up any room, and are one of the most important things you’ll need should your luggage go missing. I’ll also throw in one swimsuit, if I’m going on a tropical vacation because to be honest, swimwear is all you’ll be wearing on the trip anyways!
Next, I always bring at least one outfit in the carry-on, depending on the nature of the trip. If you’re there on business, this would be one set of work clothes – can you imagine heading off the plane right to a meeting and having nothing to wear but your plane look? OMG. If I’m going on a week or longer vacation, I’d usually throw in a couple outfits that are easy to pack (romper, dress, etc).
While you’ll likely have most of your toiletries in your checked luggage, I’m always sure to bring one bag of skin/hair/beauty products in my carry-on. These are typically travel size minis (under 100 mL) and for me, tend to include a toothbrush and toothpaste, facial lotion and toning spray (perfect for mid-flight moisture boost!), shampoo and conditioner, face wash, and my everyday makeup products like foundation, powder, mascara, and blush. Now, don’t go worrying that you’ll have to spend a big chunk of cash on travel size products, my secret is making the most out of Sephora samples and rewards! PRO TIP: do all your Sephora shopping online –> shipping is free over $50 (so like, every order) and allows you to enter promo codes to get travel size freebies! Majority of the products I take traveling I’ve gotten for free from this little hack I always take advantage of! I purchased this TSA-approved clear makeup bag from Sephora for the sole purpose of traveling. It fits everything I need in my carry-on, and allows me to keep all your products in one place.
Another key-carry on item is all your device chargers! Just as you carry your phone and laptop with you, it’s important to have any corresponding chargers. One, because I find I’ll often need a quick charge while waiting in the airport or on the flight, and two, because
One thing I absolutely hate doing is spending money on water bottles. For this reason, I’m always sure to lug along a reusable water bottle on my travels. I fill it up at a restaurant, coffee shop, or water fountain in the airport once I pass security, and then continue refilling as needed throughout the wait and into the flight. I also make it a mission to drink a ton of water while traveling because there’s nothing like tiredness, dry air, and traveling to dehydrate your body and skin.
AIRPLANE ATTIRE
Recently I’ve realized the benefit of wearing clothing with large pockets in the front while traveling. This could be a sweater, a cardigan, or a coat! You tend to need to have your passport, boarding pass, and cellphone easily on hand when in the airport as there’s so many times when they need to check your documents. When you’re sporting a cardigan or coat with big front pockets, it’s so easy to throw your stuff in the pockets until you finally get on the plane and can tuck them away safely in your bag. I’ve seen people hold up lines because their digging around in a massive purse looking for their docs and who wants to be that person while in the airport? Not I!
In addition to my comfy cardi with big pockets, I always opt for a scarf! No matter what time of year it is, the plane always seems to be freezing! For this reason, scarves are so necessary! It’s an easy add-on to any outfit and doubles as a blanket to wrap up in on the plane. Whether it’s a big blanket scarf to keep warm in, or a lighter shawl to use as back up, I always bring one on board.
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