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I’ve been traveling for work for about 10 years and have learned a lot of lessons about packing smart. It’s all about having the right thing when you need it without being weighed down by the things you don’t. There is nothing worse than being without the thing you need when you’re away or toting around items that you don’t use.
My trusty personal item (usually this backpack) keeps me comfortable, productive, and prepared for anything a trip throws my way. I keep this bag almost always packed and restocked between trips. For clarification, your personal item is considered a backpack, purse, briefcase, etc. These items usually go under the seat in front of you. Whereas a carryon bag is generally luggage that can be stowed in the overhead bin of the plane.
I’ve compiled all of my favorite and most used TSA-approved items that never leave my personal item bag. Here's a peek inside my travel bag, filled with my favorite must-have items:
Well-Being Essentials:
I carry all the following items in a little pouch bag in my backpack. This helps so everything is consolidated and easy to find so I don’t have to go rummaging through a bunch of pockets tracking something down. I prioritize items that come in flat or fairly flat packaging or are fairly small/compact so they can fit easily into my little pouch bag.
Clorox Wipes - These are great for wiping down the tray table (which is HIGHLY recommended) and other surfaces (i.e. seatback entertainment screen, arm rests, window shade, seat belt) when at your seat.
Hand Sanitizer - I take hand hygiene super seriously, but especially when on a plane or in an airport. These are a great size for an essentials pouch so they don’t take up too much space.
Tide-to-Go Pen - Stains happen, but they don’t have to be forever. Tide-to-go has saved me on numerous occasions. I prefer the pen version, but they also make a wipe formula.
Sleep mask - Sleep masks are not just for the red-eye. I’ve used mine on early mornings or even when I just want to take a nap. You can’t always control the brightness of the cabin so a sleep mask is great to have with you. I prioritize light blocking when traveling, but I also use these these silk ones ones when I’m at home.
Bandaids - From blisters to little cuts, I use bandaids on the go pretty frequently. I like this one because it comes in a little case so the bandaids don’t get gross floating around your bag. And, you can always refill this case when you need to.
Make-up remover wipes - I don’t often take my makeup off while on a flight, unless it is a red-eye flight. However, I have used these for late night arrivals on many occasions to take makeup off while I’m in a Lyft or Uber to my hotel.
Travel toothbrush - I like to keep a travel toothbrush and toothpaste in my personal item bag. Sometimes my main toothbrush is in checked luggage or its zipped away in a carryon in the overhead so it’s a pain to get to. This one is great because it comes with a built-in cover that keeps your brush head clean. Tip: I use the travel sized toothpaste you get from your dentist visit.
Listerine To-Go - Flying means you’re sitting next to others, talking with staff, etc. so it’s nice to have fresh breath. I love this little Listerine spray to freshen up before meetings, after meals, etc. because it’s smaller than the usual bottle so it takes up less room, but lasts just as long - if not longer.
Pill case - It’s always good practice to keep your necessary medications with you on a flight. However, this case is great if you also want to carry some essential medications (i.e. ibuprofen, Pepto, Tums, etc.) to have on hand.
My exact pouch bag that I use in my backpack is no longer available, but if I were to be shopping for a new one, I would suggest this one by Bagsmart.
Tech Essentials:
Multi-port charging station - Between a phone, tablet, and smart match, the charging cords add up quickly. I love this port since I can plug in multiple USB-cords into one and don’t have to worry about pack more than one charging cube.
AirPods - AirPods fit my preferred travel tech threshold - easy to to carry and extensive battery life.
Bluetooth Headphone Transmitter - This Bluetooth transmitter has been a game-changer. This allows for you to connect your AirPods (or other Bluetooth headphones) to the audio jack of the seatback entertainment. I used to bring bigger headphones with a wired connection, but this takes up way less space.
Productivity and Entertainment:
To-Do List Notepad - I love using time on a flight to prep my to-do list from the next few days. This notepad has become my go-to system for setting up my task list.
Crossword Puzzle Book - When I don’t feel like scrolling my phone or getting some work done, I love to do some crossword puzzles, which makes the flight time pass quickly. This one is nice becauase you can easily remove a few pages if you don’t want to bring the whole book with you.
Books - I tend to read more when I am at my hotel, but here are some of my favorites I would definitely pack:
These are just a few of my personal travel essentials that never leave my travel bag that help me have a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience.
Did I miss any must-have travel companions? Share your favorites below in the comments.
Happy traveling,
Meghan