I know how frustrating it can be to only check one piece of luggage, even if you’ve pared down your luggage to almost the bare essentials (and come on, ladies, we always throw in a few extra items: “but what if i need it!?”.) I try to always wear everything I’ve brought, but while I was working on the boat, I was finding that I’d have my work clothes, my semi-work clothes, and casual clothes. And, in Alaska, I had outdoor gear as well, plus a sweatshirt or two because, well, summer in Alaska isn’t like summer in the Midwest.
SO, I get it. I always usually check one bag – my large hiking backpack – and carry on two.
What do I carry on? It definitely depends on where I am going. But always, always, I have the essentials. What are the essentials? What do you need on the airplane? Read on…
Pouches like this on are perfect for carry-on bags. I tend to travel with multiple ones. This one is large enough for most of my chargers, and other miscellaneous things. I never leave home without multiple hair ties and bobby pins. Tampons are also a must in your carry-on, ladies; if not for you, then you never know if you’ll need to hand one out to a friend or stranger.
I never, ever, check my camera. That goes right on top of my sweatshirt or scarf (or, on longer trips, wrapped in a tee or padded with some clothes.) I usually have one hard book, my notebook, and my iPad (which has a lot of other books on it, as well as my NY times crossword.)
And for “personal” items, I like to have either a sweatshirt or scarf, or both if I need them where I am going, chapstick and lip salve, a hand salve or cream like this amazing devils club salve, made in Southeast Alaska, my glasses (on overnight flights), sunglasses for when I land, a fancier hair clip, and, for overnight trips, sleeping pills. Also, I never travel without a water bottle. Pro tip: leave it empty and fill it after security.
My wallet, phone and liquids bag tend to go right on top so that they are all easily accessible.
travel wallet
This John Robshaw travel wallet is a lifesaver. I’ve had it for years now, and I love it. It has room for my passport, which I literally never leave home without, plus receipts for when I was working and expensing things. It also fits a tri-folded piece of paper, or a boarding pass, and zips closed. Lastly, this fantastic wallet has three cash spots, so I usually have dollars and currency for a few different countries (helpful on layovers.) Don’t forget credit cards or your drivers license either!
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