When planning your carry-on, consider that shit well in advanced. You might pack everything you need for your trip, but come time to get on the plane, train or bus…you need to be prepared. No headphones and there is a screaming little clan of children in the back? No deodorant, the plane gets over heated and now you smell like cooked onions? 9 hour flight and none of your TV episodes downloaded? Headache from all the stress because you didn’t plan right?? SEE, don’t be that person. Be prepared for it all. Below you will find multiple examples to help you construct the perfect Carry-On for your next vacayyy HAYYY.
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Obviously if you are flying to Never Never Land, you may need a carry-on size suitcase…but we are sticking to the shit that you carry, not that you roll.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Large Purse / Tote
I usually stick with a tote considering my purse is never “large” enough. I’ve had a tote similar to the Long Champ bags that I got from Sak’s Fifth Ave. for wayyyy cheaper. Just find something big enough to fit all your shit. I guarantee no one cares that you spent $500 on a Louis travel tote.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Backpack
So this might depend on where you’re going and how long. I did a month-long backpacking trip and obviously…only had a backpack. My boyfriend also carries a backpack as his “personal item” on a flight so backpack is vague. Personally, if you are going backpacking…I recommend THIS BACKPACK because it fit 30 days worth of shit in there! IN THE DEAD OF WINTER AND I’M A WOMAN. So yeah that’s pretty impressive. If you aren’t backpacking then a simple one from TJ Maxx will do!
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] My Ipsy pouches
I get Ipsy AND Birchbox every month only because I travel so much and love having travel sized items. Not those expensive ones in the Sephora line that glare at you, making you spend more money you don’t have. The good thing about Ipsy though is that they give you a little travel pouch each month instead of a box you just throw away. YIPPIE FOR IPSY I use these to organize all my stuff! If you haven’t already, you NEED to sign up, and come on…for both it’s $20 a month. You can’t beat that!
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Depending on where you’re headed, this section might change. You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort, but comfort and versatility I THINK is the most important.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Leggings / Comfy Pants
This might be a given, but damn those leggings are comfy. They can be dressed up or dressed down, so depending on your destination, pack accordingly. When I go on tropical / sunny vacations I like to wear printed pants, they aren’t so boring and still breathable.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Jacket or Sweater
Again, depending on the place, but airports and planes either tend to be Antarctica inside or like the Sahara Desert. Even if you don’t use it, it can double as a back rest (roll it up and place it behind your back, so much relief)
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Scarf / Sarong
Everyone always says to bring a scarf no matter where you’re going, but wearing a scarf in summer is tacky to me. SOOOO, instead, bring a sarong if you’re going some place warm. It can be unfolded into a travel blanket, a towel, a head rest, a way to strangle those annoying kids who are screaming. A scarf has similar uses but I find a sarong to be way better.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Easy on and off shoes
Putting them on, taking them off, putting them back on, etc. Don’t be that dumb ass who wore lace up steel toe boots to the airport. A pair of slip ons will serve you just fine.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Compression Socks
Listen up ya old fucks. You can’t be sitting down for hours on end without doing a little leg dance. Compression socks might not be absolutely mandatory, or the prettiest things…but they will help. I’ve worn them on long flights and they keep the blood a flowin. One flight, I think it was on Singapore Airlines gave me a free pair, and those are the ones I use…ugly yes but they work!
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I can sleep just about anywhere, and a plane is no different. It is important to try to get some rest, here are some helpful accessories so you can catch some ZZzz.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Eye Mask
Unless I am exhausted, even the little crack in the plane window will keep me up. I sleep with an eye mask at home, on a bus, on a train, on a plane. Just make sure it’s not too tight that way all the blood circulation from your compression socks isn’t going to your brain.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Neck Pillow
They might look ridiculous, but you won’t be lookin all ridiculous when you’ve had a good flights rest unlike the douche in 10D whose snoring and looks like his head is about to snap off. THIS IS THE BEST ONE I have this one in gray…why is it the best? It fuckin snaps in the front. YESSSS.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Noise Canceling Headphones / Earplugs
It’s the 21st century. Don’t go digging through your grandpa’s night stand to find some ear plugs…get you a pair of noise cancelling headphones. I mean, get ear plugs if you prefer but I have NEVER found ear plugs I like. They always pop out and aren’t that comfortable. Now I will say, if you get HUGE noise canceling headphones they will weigh you down, giving you a headache later on so just pick out what works best for you!
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] RAINY MOOD APP
I cannot stress this app enough. I found it a couple of years back because I was having trouble sleeping at home…It’s free but I ended up buying the $3.99 version (one time fee) because you can pick how much rain, thunder, birds, noises you hear! In my Hostel Horrors YouTube Video I tell you all about my funny incident that features the rainy mood app. It is the best rain storm I have ever heard. GET THE APP. ANDDDD it works offline! Perf!
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I use the word devour because that’s all I do with food. I eat everything that’s thrown my way, peanuts no one wants? Give me! Candy that the kid dropped on the floor? MINEEEE. Here’s what you can bring so you don’t have to stoop down to my level.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Something sweet
Most of my snack bag is packed with 8927238470934 grams of sugar. Can’t help it. It keeps me going and I love it. If you don’t want to have meth mouth like I’ll probably have soon, pack a little something sweet. Couple pieces of candy…some chocolate, but don’t let it melt! It’s a nice treat for when you’re bored.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Something Salty
I am in no way, shape or form conscious about my eating habits. BUT I have tried Skinny Pop (white cheddar) and it’s soooooo good. 3 1/2 cups equals like 150 calories. So a whole bag is like maybeee 500? haha I like to justify eating all of it in one sitting. You know what else you could bring? Deez NUTS. HA….or just some trail mix if you don’t like my jokes [wp-svg-icons icon=”happy” wrap=”i”]
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Beef Jerky
Excellent source of protein. I could pound about two bags in an hour, but I never feel bad about it because it’s healthy ish. Great to travel with to keep you going. Jack Links all the way.
I always just pack stuff I know I’ll want to snack on later. Since you can bring food through the airport, why not stock up on some stuff to hold you over once you’ve reached the destination as well? You might get hungry in an Uber ride, waiting for the metro or bus…etc. Better to have some secret snacks stashed ( say that three times fast) so you aren’t venturing off, spending more money.
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[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Hand Sanitizer
The little cute ones from Bath & Body works…they smell amazing! I hate washing my hands in rest rooms so this helps anywhere other nasty people touch things. Which is everywhere.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] WIPES
I am OBSESSED with all kinds of wipes. Face wipes, hand wipes and my fav…VAGINA WIPES. Yup, I mean flights don’t allow lots of liquids so wipes are my go to. VAG WIPES And yes I buy the 4 pack because I use them every single day. Shit gets all sweaty, take care of your Debbie? Plus, all the face wipes from TJ Maxx are awesome. $2.00 for a 40 pack!
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Thirsty ass.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Water Bottle
No really, bring an empty water bottle or a collapsible one, and refill it as soon as you go through security. Airport water is so over priced. I bought this water bottle for my backpacking trip through Europe. It folds up really small and saves you time and money.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Facial Mist
It might seem unnecessary but after a long flight, a couple of pumps will help you wake up and look alive. Airplanes especially are really dry and that takes a toll on your skin.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Chap Stick / Lip Gloss / Lip Balm
Preferably with some SPF! Dryness= ugly lips = you ain’t gettin laid this trip.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Moisturizer
Find an all around one that can be used on your hands and face.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Eye drops
Don’t come off the flight lookin like you smoked a doubie with Snoop Dogg. Eye drops will help you wake up and get going before you have to stampede through slow airport walkers.
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[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Under Eye Concealer
Damn girl, are those designer bags under your eyes?? Cover those bat wings up. Some concealer pushed in with a finger should do the trick.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Blush
This will just help liven up the face.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Mascara
Eye drops and Mascara go hand in hand. Brighten those eyes!
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So fresh and so clean, clean.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Deodorant
No one likes smelly pits. Do us all a favor and add-on a little extra before you go back into the real world.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Gum / Mints
I choose gum since I eat mints like candy, but pick your own poison. Just don’t breathe in my face if your mouth smells like a boys locker room.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Wisps / Toothbrush / Mouth Wash
Gum just doesn’t cut it sometimes.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Tissues
In case your allergies start acting up and you gotta dig for gold.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Tampon (s)
You never know when Mother Nature might round house kick your vagina and make you bleed a slow and painful death.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Perfume
INSIDER TIP: Go to Sephora, say you are having problems picking out a fragrance and that you want to try 3 to take home to see how they smell after a long time. They have to give you 3 sample vials. Obviously pick out expensive ones too. Call me cheap, or a god damn genius, but I wanna smell like Gucci one day and Versace the next.
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Don’t sell yourself short. You WILL get bored on a flight, so try to combat that with these things.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Laptop / Tablet
A tablet is more convenient but I like to have my laptop handy so I can work on posts and edit pictures. I always have a tough time deciding between the two…something about Pinteresting on my tablet gives me satisfaction. As a tip: If your smart phone doesn’t have much space for music, put it on your tablet along with lots of offline games to play and episodes from your favorite TV Shows.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Smartphone
Duh. Just don’t get caught using data overseas you didn’t pay for ahead of time.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Chargers
Bring all chargers for whatever is in your carry on! I’ve left my GoPro charger in my check bag before and couldn’t look at any of my pictures or videos until after I got home.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Magazine(s)
They get pretty expensive and don’t last that long, but if you want to keep up to date on the latest bullshit…like the election or what direction Kim K is going to name her child next then buy some!
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] A good book
Don’t underestimate a good book! When I was in Brazil I read a book TWICE because it was so good…and because no one spoke English so I was isolated but that’s not the point.
Another tip: Use that time on the way home to go back through all pictures/videos from your trip. Add or delete ones so you aren’t uploading 2000 pictures once your home. It will help pass the time. I also go back and watch older videos on my phone, reminiscing on all the things I’ve done.
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Don’t leave home without these, you’ll be pissed.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Cash / Cards
Don’t leave this stuff in your other wallet you switched out. AND make sure you call ahead of time to let your bank know you’re leaving. I once had to call my mom who had to call a lady at my bank and yell over speaker so I could unfreeze my account. Not fun.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] ID / Passport
Make sure it is all up to date and nothing is expired or about to expire. Some countries require you to have at least 6 months validity left on your passport so check before you go!
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Copies of Important Documents
I make a copy of my Drivers License, my passport, my health insurance card and some Emergency contact numbers. You never know when you need it.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Valuables
Again, I once packed my Louboutins in my checked bag and it got lost. I thought I’d never see them again. Pack everything that’s too expensive to part with in your carry on.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”arrow-right-3″ wrap=”i” size=”35px” color=”#2f0044″] Medications
If your suitcase gets lost, and you are on some crazy pills, well let’s just say that’s going to be a disaster. Pack what you need.
Remember bitches…this is just my carry-on essential guide. Everyone is different and can frankly pack whatever the fuck they want. If I were a man however, and didn’t need all this prissy shit I would probably have a backpack full of snacks. I hope this gives you a little guidance to packing the perfect carry on and let me know what I forgot! Have a nice flight!
xo Bonvoyage Bitches
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Yes to all! It may sound lame, but those “adult” aka hard, coloring books and some colored pencils are another great way to pass the time!
I can’t believe you forget the most crucial essential item needed to fly, ALCOHOL!!! We call them ninja bags, we bring a quart size ziplock bag with at least 6 airplane liquor bottles, drink them straight or mix with that free drink they give you, put on your headphones and pass out until they kick you off the plane. ✌🏻️
This is such a useful post! My packing list looks pretty much the same. I’m thinking of subscribing to ipsy, but don’t know if it’s worth it. Your post convinced me a bit better. I also carry on facial/eye mask when I have long flights and it helps to keep my face moisturized. I look silly on the plane, but don’t really care about it that much.
I actually might cancel my subscription to Birchbox and just use Ipsy…I feel like ive been getting repeat stuff with BB and they don’t give you a cute little pouch either! So I would totally subscribe if you are on the fence about it. ESPECIALLY if you travel often. I just like getting a package every month 😉 Yeah don’t feel silly, others might judge but you are lookin hot and getting a good sleep while they continue to hate so jokes on them haha.
Hey, not that we don’t know, but visually seeing them and having a list handy makes is easy. Will save this and just tick, from here the next time I travel.
Exactly!! I go through this list anytime I go anywhere, just makes it easier to lay out everything so you don’t forget! Like one time I forgot my neck pillow 🙁 after I THOUGHT I had everything so the visuals help!
Literally everything here is ESSENTIAL! I recently wrote a post about the same thing and I loved taking travel sized stuff from Birchbox along with me – I felt so organised. I need some hydration mist in my life though – there’s only so much cream I can wear to hydrate my skin.
Yes girlllll, all the little mini travel stuff does wonders while I’m away…and at $10 per subscription its a hell of a lot cheaper than those minis at Sephora! Elf actually makes a Aloe Vera facial mist that costs like $3! I mean shit, you could even get a travel size squirt bottle, and add a couple drops of tea tree oil! Sometimes cream on top of cream starts to feel like you’re layering on gunk that just builds up!
This is what my carry on essentials list consisted of years ago. Now, it’s snacks (gummy worms are preferred), crayons and lots of stickers! Love the go through your photos tip, I’m a photographer and do a ton of my editing on the flight so I won’t have to when I get home.
Yes!! A long flight can be very productive if you use it wisely, so editing pictures or videos before you get home gives you more time to rest and relax in an actual bed without feeling like you have so much extra work to do!! UGH, gummy worms are amazing. Candy is my secret addiction so they are perfect for a flight!!
A backpack and noise cancelling headphones are my picks and, of course, you need your passport! I’ll have to try out that rainy mood app but can’t figure out why on earth you’d need to bring beef jerky!
I put beef jerky because its a good source of protein that fills you up without being unhealthy. I personally hate trail mix or protein bars or all that other healthy shit that people claim they bring on flights so I figured this was the perfect alternative! 🙂 Definitely try out the rainy mood app. I sleep with it every night, and its especially helpful on planes!