Carry On and Travel Items That Are Totally Worth It
Feel better, more organized, neater, less stressed, and simply enjoy your trip more because you're prepared for it with the right items including snacks and supplements! 😊
No Matter The Trip, Use or Bring These!
I travel a lot and I never check a bag, not even on long trips or to Europe.
So I have to make the most of my carryon luggage which is: my suitcase + my overstuffed purse (there’s a reason it’s called the Never Full) OR backpack.
The items below are all things that I keep in my purse of backpack to have within reach on flights. Or they go into my suitcase which is in the overhead bin.
Bendy Travel Pillow - No more U-shaped collars around your neck! This one molds to you. Enough said. It’s sticking out of my purse in the photo above.
Earplugs that Work - Whether it’s on the flight itself or beyond, these protect against snoring spouses, overly chatty seatmates or the people around you having conversations so loudly, or the crying babies, the toddlers with the blaring video game, IYKYK. Or once you’re there the neighboring construction, leaf blowers and landscaping machines, noisy hotel rooms, or back home in your own house, these work! Multiple colors and each pair comes with various tips so you get the perfect fit for your ears. Put these in your cord organizer wallet below.
Cord Organizer Wallet – Keeping all the cords, cables, and charging blocks organized is important on planes, in hotels, or Airbnbs and this one does the trick. I have the smaller size but recommend the larger size if you have a lots of cables/cords/blocks, i.e. more than 5 or so. Although see my next item to get away with bringing less.
All in One Charger for iPhone 15, 16, 17 + Watch or Earbuds – A great combo that charges EVERYTHING connected together to make for less messy cables.
One Charger For the US and North America, South America - Stop carrying all those chargers and blocks! Just get this one.
One Plug In/Charger For Everything for Europe - Going to Europe? Get this ONE thing. It’s just that simple.
Earbuds - Self explanatory for watching downloaded videos on my phone, listening to a book, music, or sometimes I’ll put on some really zen spa type music to try to get some sleep or relaxation.
The Holy Grail Makeup & Toiletry Kit - This is a knockoff of the Parallel brand which is $155 AND it’s always sold out. I have looked for years and years to consolidate ALL my makeup, hair, beauty, creams, pills, etc. into ONE kit for travel so that I am not lugging multiple bags in and out of hotel bathrooms and back to my suitcase.
This is a big, roomy kit and I love that all your products stay upright. Honestly best dupe ever and I truly love it. I traveled with it to Disney last week and it has changed my travel game. I have looked and looked for years and years and bought so many other dob kits, makeup, toiletry bags, it’s all here - forever. Super high quality and EQUAL to Parallel which I have it in the smaller $110 size but the Holy Grail as I call it is just so good.
Best Backpack for Laptops + Stuff – Not only does it hold a fullsize laptop, it holds a ton of other things like your sweater for the plane, water bottles, all your family’s snacks (you’re stuck with the job, I know). Lots of compartments, great zippers, high quality. Honestly this is better IMO than a Tumi for a fraction of the cost. I’ve had mine since 2020 and still going strong.
The Little Fold Into Itself Backpack - Great for day trips, longer days when you have more than you can fit into a purse but don’t want a bigger or more structured backpack. This lives in my suitcase, always, just in case. I have the 24L and it’s perfect and light as a feather.
Lululemon fanny pack DUPE - Great when I need more space but don’t want to carry a purse and my running/walking belt (see below) is too small. Think Disney Day, museum day, sightseeing and exploring day. Easily fit your phone, battery pack to charge it, chapstick, small stick sunscreen, credit cards, bit of cash, keys, pack of gum, Tylenol, etc. A “long day out” of the hotel or Airbnb and exploring, this is great.
Running/Walking/Day Belt – This fits very close to your body (great when traveling to prevent pickpockets) and can hold chapstick, a full size large iPhone, ID, credit card, a little cash. I go for daily walks and runs with this, I’ve ran marathons with it, and have toured European churches where they say you can’t bring anything in. Super practical.
Compression Socks - Call me old, but if the flight is longer than 3ish hours, I am putting these on at the gate before I board because afterwards, I feel so much better. No puffy feet, ankles, legs. 3-pack for cheap - give one to your traveling companions, or put a second clean pair in your suitcase for the flight home.
Everyday Socks - Many trips involve sightseeing, tours, and lots of steps exploring or walking to and from your lodging to restaurants, and often it’s quicker to walk than to try to get a taxi or Uber if there’s congested city traffic. These are the perfect socks for your cute Adidas or casual yet comfy daytime shoes.
Blister-Free Socks - Don't let a blister ruin your da or your trip! I've tried so many socks for warmer weather months when my feet are hot, the weather is humid, and I’m more prone to blisters in my athletic or walking shoes - especially for those 10-20k steps days. The padding is just right, they're not too thick, not too thin, they work to prevent blisters. Slightly thicker than the above socks in the toe/heel areas.
Supportive Cute Sandals - I was so skeptical about these - like who wears sandals rather than comfy sneakers on a sightseeing-related trip - but an influencer friend wore these all over Italy exclusively on 20k steps days. So I was influenced. I bought the tan pair. Then I loved them so much I bought the pale minty aqua and black shown below.
Also let’s talk about the pants above. They’re the Ruti On The Loose Work Pants. I resisted buying them, I didn’t want to love them, but they’re unreal good. So good, and yes, worth it. Lightweight, don’t wrinkle easily, the comfiest pants ever that feel like you’re wearing nothing, elastic waist. I am almost 5’11” and I am in the regular length (not sure who wears tall?) and they hit me cropped like I wanted; waist is true to size, legs are gloriously roomy but the cut is flattering. They’re my new flight and travel day pants, 1000%. The top I have in about 10 colors, it’s this top, also true to size.
Airplane audio adapter - Especially useful for kids or those “addicted” to seatback entertainment. Rather than be forced to use those uncomfortable earphones that the airline passes out, to listen to the seatback shows or movies on flights with your own earbuds! This gadget plugs into the seatback and then with some bluetooth magic, you’re listening to the seatback entertainment but with your own earbuds or earphones.
Phone Power Bank Charger - You will burn through your phone battery by noon when you’re navigating walking with GPS, or trying to find a lunch spot that everyone can agree on, or trying to pull up yet another QR code for entrance to something, not to mention all those pictures and videos you’re taking. Get this for peace of mind with your phone battery life!
Kindle - If you’re an avid reader, get one. This one is at a great price, the battery lasts weeks, and you will adapt to it and come to love being able to “bring” so many books with you!
Pills & Supplement Case - Even if I was going to check a bag, I wouldn’t put my pills in checked baggage and this is perfect especially if you take collagen pills, probiotics, or bigger pills (and you need to take 3 to 6 of them per day) then you need this organizer. Magnetic, seals well, everything stays organized.
Zote Bar Soap - You may need to wash your socks, under garments, swimsuits, and maybe a shirt or two in your hotel shower or sink and this soap is great! No one in my family breaks out from it, yet it’s strong enough to clean your clothes, and in a solid bar formula so it doesn’t count as a liquid. I always have a bar of it in my suitcase.
Apple Air Tags - Stuff one in every suitcase you have! I also have cat collars with them just in case my cats get loose! Or dog collars.
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Snacks, Supplements and Emergency Food
Prevent Jet Lag, Boost Immune System & Circulation - I’ve taken this twice now and it works as intended. The taste of the lemon-lime is lemony but not too sweet and it doesn’t have any shred of stevia flavor. I like that it has vitamins, also a bit of magnesium which is good for muscles and digestion too.
Clear Protein with Electrolytes - The ONLY protein powder that I’ve ever tried that ACTUALLY DISSOLVES without issue. Barely needed to stir it with a spoon. No shaker cups, no clumps, no undissolved blobs, these are elite. I travel with them, I love them, I get a cup of water from a Starbucks or the first place I see when I get off an airplane, add a packet, and drink. Not only is there protein, but there’s also electrolytes which save me from altitude or travel-induced migraines, headaches, and just feeling off. Does not upset my stomach at all. Also great for early mornings when you don’t want “creamy”, chocolaty, or heavy traditional protein. I also have a link through the Arrae website and if you’re willing to sign up for autoship, it gets a lot cheaper.
Calm Magnesium - If you struggle with digestion and not feeling regular on trips, make sure you take magnesium at night! It helps everything move along. Separately, it’s great for muscles, and sleep! Helps your body relax so you can get the rest you need.
Bloat Gummies - Feeling bloated and puffy and traveling, combined with restaurant meals out and food that’s not in your usual wheelhouse, these little gummies are great. Keep a couple in an old pill container or small ziplock in your purse.
Favorite Probiotic - Along with helping digestion, this helps your immune support, respiratory support, and more - all of which is taxed more than usual when traveling.
Pills & Supplement Case - Even if I was going to check a bag, I wouldn’t put my pills in checked baggage and this is perfect especially if you take collagen pills, probiotics, or bigger pills (and you need to take 3 to 6 of them per day) then you need this organizer. Magnetic, seals well, everything stays organized.
Chomps - Rather than eating some random food I don’t really want when I’m out and about but need something to tide me over, I always have a Chomps in my purse - or two - for family members who want to hone in on mine.
Amazing Meat Sticks - These are amazing, better than Chomps IMO but they are about half the size, which may or may not be helpful. They’re so flavorful, juicy not dry, highly recommend them. I usually have 1-2 of these + 1-2 Chomps at all times in my purse for flights and while I’m on my trip, depending on the day and what we’ll be doing.
Quest Birthday Cake Protein Bars - 20 grams protein, 12 grams fiber (which is about HALF of your recommended daily fiber intake in 1 bar so IMO they could be also sold as high fiber bars!), 1g sugar. When I travel, sometimes I just want something that tastes like home and for me, this is it AND I get a huge protein + fiber boost for 180 calories.
Aloha Bars Variety Pack - Cleaner ingredients, more natural, and my daughter loves the peanut butter and I’m all about the cookie dough. The variety pack is a great place to start. No “frosting” or coatings on these so they stand up to being throw into the bottom of your purse and or weather really well.
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Hair Tools So You Don’t Have To Rely on The Hotel or Airbnb
Compact Flat Iron – Love this thing. Very small but mighty! Extremely slim. It’s also great to keep in your gym bag, daughter’s after-school sports bag, or gift idea. Inexpensive at under $15 and powerful.
Collapsible Hair Dryer – 1875 watts so you don’t need to spent an hour drying your hair! The best compact dryer I have tried and it’s about 1/10th the price of a Dyson travel dryer! This is one of those travel essentials for anyone who needs a blow dryer and you don’t want to count on your hotel or Airbnb option - many seem barely functioning and take hours to dry your hair.
Going To Europe, South America, or Long Haul Trips
Passport Holder – Great quality, I bought one. Then I bought a few more for everyone in the family.
One Plug In/Charger For Everything for Europe - Going to Europe? Get this ONE thing. It’s just that simple.
European adapter + charger – If you only take one charger to Europe (or South America) or another locale that doesn’t use US-style outlets, this is your gadget.
The Suitcase I’ll Die On a Hill For + Packing Cubes
Best Suitcase EVER – Not a carry on but if you’re traveling, you need to know about this. I’ve tested the Away brand, Samsonite, Tumi, and this is the suitcase I’ll die on a hill for.
I’ve taken it to 3 continents over the last 10 years including a month’s worth of possessions for South America during the pandemic; 3 weeks in Europe in the summers of 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and a variety of 2026 Europe trips. With just this and the Best Backpack I’m set for 3 weeks. This suitcase is expandable, and it’s a CARRY-ON, and the wheels are stationary.
It’s super high quality, it has so many pockets and compartments, it’s just a super solid piece of luggage. My daughter and I both have had our suitcases for 10 years and they’re still going strong with tons of travel later. Suitcases, like purses or wallets, are very personal and for me, this is so much better than a Tumi based on the actual available interior size compared with the exterior footprint.
Best of all, it fits in overhead bins on domestic airlines like Southwest (sometimes the bins can be smaller) and it fits in the overhead bins when traveling on long haul flights internationally. Let’s say you thought you were flying Delta (bigger overhead bins) but really it’s an AirFrance codeshare flight or, this fits.
If you prefer this suitcase with 4-swiveling wheels, it exists. I personally don’t like it when all four wheels move because I think it’s harder to wheel over cobblestones and it may roll with a mind of its own while on trains or buses when you don’t want it to, but wheels are personal preference.
Packing Cubes - If you still aren’t using them to organize AND maximize space in your suitcase, you’re missing out. Hop on the packing cube train. I’ve stretcheddddd these to their max capacity for 3+ years now, this exact set, all over Europe and South America, and they’re perfect. Zippers intact, no rips.
Tell me what you don’t leave home without?