12 Carry-On Travel Essentials You Want To Have For Your Next Trip

This started as a checklist for myself because I ALWAYS forget at least one of these things.  Whether you’ve traveled to multiple countries or this is your first time on a plane, it’s always reassuring to know you packed everything you need for your trip.  Here you’ll find 12 travel essentials that you don’t want to go without. 

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1. Always pack an extra outfit in your carry on

Or at least an extra pair of clean undies.  You never know if your flight will get delayed or if your luggage will get lost.  *knocks on wood*  I’ve had multiple instances where my flight has been delayed or straight-up canceled and I had to stay elsewhere for another night so I’ve learned to always be prepared.

Also, some airports have showers that you can take advantage of if you ever have a long layover so it helps to have a clean change of clothes.  We did this during a layover at Narita airport and it was so refreshing.

2. Budget for an extra day

This is important for most of the same reasons listed above.  Better to have leftover money than to go over budget!

3. Toiletries 

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Deodorant
• Face wash
• Face moisturizer
• Body wash
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Hair products
• Chapstick
• Feminine hygiene products
• Razor
• Shaving cream

I (nearly) cried the first time I flew a 10+ hour flight and they did not provide any disposable toothbrushes.  Sometimes it feels amazing to be able to refresh your face and breath during a long flight.  I included some of my favorite toiletries to pack here.

4. Wipes

For your face, underarms, & booty.  My favorite biodegradable wipes are GoodWipes which can be found at Target or Amazon.  I also like to bring disinfecting wipes to clean the nasty seat and tray table on the plane.

5. A CHARGED Portable Charger and Charging Cords

This seems like a no brainer, but there have been SO MANY TIMES when I forgot to charge my portable charger when it was on E and I did not realize it until my phone was on 5%.  Don’t judge me. Lol

6. Universal Charger

Not all outlets are the same when traveling abroad!

7. Hand Sanitizer

I hope this speaks for itself…

8. Sunscreen

Skin cancer does not discriminate….

My personal favorite is Black Girl Sunscreen, but I’ve been hearing awesome things about Supergoop lately so I plan to try that next.  Here’s a great post about sunscreen for darker skin tones that includes brands that don’t leave a white residue!

9. SNACKS!!! DO NOT FORGET SNACKS!!! 

Y’all already know that airport food is expensive and the actual airplane food is nasty.

10. In-Flight Entertainment

Most international flights have in-flight entertainment, but not all domestic flights have in-flight TV screens.  Bring a book to read or download the Netflix app.  The Netflix app, allows you to download most of your favorite movies and TV shows to watch.

11. First Aid Kit + Medicine 

I basically carry a mini-pharmacy with me while I’m traveling.  Better safe than sorry!  Some of the over-the-counter medicine I like to include are Imodium, Pepto Bismol, Tylenol, Benadryl, and Dramamine.

12. A copy of your passport 

When we rented a moped in Thailand we were required to leave our passports with the company until we returned.  Thankfully, they accepted a copy form.  Also, if you’re worried about losing your actual passport, you can keep the original at your hotel while you keep the copy with you when you’re out and about.

What are your top travel essentials?  Let me know in the comments below!