fsdfsadfasPacking for a trip can seem like a complex process. Not only do you have to hope the weather predictions are accurate to help you decide what clothing to pack, but you must remember to pack essentials that you'll need every day. No matter where you're going or what you'll be doing, you're likely bringing a carry-on with you on the plane. Planning can help you follow the TSA's rules while preventing you from forgetting anything important, including medication, shampoo, and your toothbrush. Here are a few items to pack in your carry-on.
Water Bottle With Filter
The little water bottles given to you on planes aren't enough to quench thirst or prevent dehydration. Additionally, cabin air can be quite dry, leaving you thirsty. Packing a water bottle with a filter will allow you to fill up on tap water after going through security. It will also save you money at the airport, where water bottles can be expensive.
Medications
Your medications are a necessary part of your daily routine, and you should never stop taking your medication without first consulting your doctor. Since it can be hard to get your medication in a new place, it's always best to keep your medications with you when traveling. If you put your medication in your checked bags, it could get lost or stolen. Meanwhile, keeping them in your carry-on will ensure you have them with you at all times, allowing you to take them whenever necessary.
Phone Charger
Always bring a phone charger with you in your carry-on because it's easy to drain the battery when you're playing games, texting friends, or scrolling through social media while waiting for the flight. You should also never assume your phone has enough battery life to get you to the hotel once you land. Keeping your charger with you ensures you have it when you need it, especially if there's important information on your phone.
Travel Documents
If there are any documents you'll need while on your trip, keep them with you. Of course, this includes your wallet, passport, and tickets. Additionally, if you have an invitation with an address or any other important papers with information that's not on your phone, they should be in your carry-on. You should also have physical and digital copies of these documents just in case you lose your carry-on, or your phone dies.
Valuables
If you're traveling with any valuables like expensive jewelry, a camera, or a computer, keep them in your carry-on so you can keep an eye on them at all times. Things can get stolen from suitcases even if the entire case isn't stolen, so it's a good idea to keep things in a purse or carry-on to prevent theft or loss. Additionally, checked luggage can get lost, so you don't want to lose valuable items by not keeping them with you throughout the trip.
Something To Do
Sitting around airports and on planes is boring if you don't have anything to do besides look out the window. So instead, bring a book, game, magazine, or something else that can keep you occupied. Of course, avoid bringing anything that's too heavy and makes it difficult to walk around the airport. Instead, you can bring an e-reader or use audiobooks to occupy your time without weighing you down.
Shampoo, Toothpaste & Facial Wipes
When traveling, you may find yourself in need of freshening up from time to time. While it's not ideal to wash up in the airport bathroom, sometimes it's necessary. Bringing your
hair products, toothpaste, and even face wash with you will allow you to feel fresh no matter how much time you've spent on planes or at the airport.
Snacks
Solid food items can be packed in your carry-on to give you something to snack on while you're awaiting your flight. Keeping snacks with you will also prevent you from overspending at the airport restaurants, allowing you to save money for your actual trip.
Clothing
While you should pack most of your clothing in your checked luggage, keeping some clothes in your carry-on will ensure you have something to wear if your luggage is lost or stolen. It also gives you something to change if you accidentally spill something on yourself or need to change based on the weather.
Hand Sanitizer
Airports are filled with people, which means you'll run into a few germs no matter what you're doing. So while airplanes are relatively clean, you should still travel with hand sanitizer in your carry-on. You can also bring wipes to wipe your seat off to give you peace of mind. Hand sanitizer is a small item that won't take up much space in your carry-on, but it cannot exceed 12 ounces.
Glasses/Sunglasses
If you wear contacts, you always run the risk of losing them. Additionally, if you use glasses only during certain times, you should always have them with you. After all, you never know when you'll have to read something while on the flight or at the airport. You should also carry with you a pair of sunglasses to keep the sun out of your eyes when you land, especially if you're going somewhere tropical.
Headphones
Listening to music is a great way to pass the time while you're waiting at the airport. Depending on your airline, you may also have the option to play games or watch a movie, so you'll need headphones. While most major airlines sell headphones, you'll definitely overpay for them, so bring a pair of your own or pick some up on your way to the airport to save some money. Headphones are always a good thing to have when you need to make a call in a loud airport.
Final Thoughts
Before packing your carry-on and luggage, make a list of all the items you want to bring. Unfortunately, carry-ons can only be so big, so you may have to compromise. Packing the essentials will ensure you have everything you need with you, including important items like medications.
Megan Isola Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.
