Our Army life has taken us across the country more than a few times. Because of that, we wind up flying to visit family, for work, and for fun at least a few times a year. I don’t travel with too much stuff because I don’t like carrying a heavy bag (check out my favorite travel backpacks). So I’ve tried to pare down what I pack, and I’ve created my list of carry on essentials.
Here’s what’s in my bag:
Wallet with IDs
Be sure to set a travel alert on your debit and credit cards before you leave. I like to clean out my wallet and take out what I don’t need before flights, so I don’t lose anything. When I travel internationally, I use my passport cover as my main wallet. I love only having to carry one pocketbook and can tuck my boarding pass and other documents right inside it.
Cell phone with charger and headphones
Talk about first world problems. I have an iPhone without a headphone jack and left my cord adapter at work. Luckily, I bought another adapter at one of the Best Buy vending machines. Save yourself some money and keep an extra adapter with your headphones. I love these headphones. They’re really cheap but have held up well. The case is handy because I can also keep headphones for Mac in there. They definitely aren’t noise cancelling, but they do reduce the airplane and background noise. And they’re comfortable for long-haul flights.
Water bottle
Water at the airport is criminally expensive. I’m always shocked to see a 20 ounce bottle cost over $4. The TSA allows you to take an empty water bottle through security (it will go through the x-ray machine in your bag). I am really cheap, so I’ve started bringing my own bottle. I prefer the Camelbak style because they are easy to fill and don’t leak.
Lip balm and lotion
Flying really dries out my skin. I always have some lip balm and a travel size bottle of lotion in my bag.
Wet wipes
Flying can be a challenge for germaphobe like me. I try really hard to not touch things in airports, and I wash my hands compulsively. And I keep some of the individual wet wipes on hand. These are great for wiping down your tray table, washing your hands if you don’t have soap, and cleaning things in your hotel room. PSA: always clean off your hotel room remote and hair dryer before using them. If you fly a lot, you can buy a travel package of wet wipes for under $2 at Target and Wal-mart.
What are your carry on essentials?
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I don’t even want to look in my purse haha it scares me.