52 thoughts on “The Ultimate Carry-On Packing Guide”
This is another great post, thank you for all the suggestions and recommendations! I have been looking for a tote that can be used as a purse in addition to bringing a carry-on, and I see a few on here that would work out well! Based off of your post I am in the process of ordering several items listed for an upcoming trip and future travel :)
Hi Kristy, I got the travel pillow, which I have to say is the first one I found to actually be comfortable, and it feels so plush! I also got TSA approved toiletry bags, which hold so much more than a plastic quart bag and look so much nicer, more shoes bags and the blanket. After having looked at the Longchamp and MZ Wallace bags, I decided that I am going to get a MZ Wallace bag! Thanks so much for your recommendations, I am happy with all of my purchases!
Leyla ?
Hi Leyla,
I’m SO glad you like everything you got! Yesss seriously.. the travel pillow is incredible. And we love the toiletry bags. They hold a lot! The MZ Wallace bag is my all-time favorite for an under the seat bag. Definitely a must-buy! xx
These are excellent travel tips! Thanks so much!
Jodi
Hi Hailey,
Kristy here – this is a tough one! I would definitely go with the MZ Wallace bag (I personally use this bag constantly while traveling) but Emma loves her Longchamp and swears she can fit more into it. It’s really a personal preference since they aren’t that far off in price.
Thank you for the response, so appreciated!! And what size organizer do you suggest for the Neverfull?
Hi Jenny – I have the medium size.
Great ideas Kristy!!! These are all really necessary!!!! I just traveled to Minneapolis where my oldest son and his family live and you’re so right!!!! These are all the things I needed?
I’ve never bought travel insurance before and have traveled a bit over the years. Fortunately had very few issues. In your experience have you needed the insurance, what kind of things have you claimed it for? Or is it more for peace of mind? We missed a flight once that meant we missed the connection and no way to get back to the US that day – the airline paid for the flight the next day but we had to pay for the hotel that night. would you have used it for a situation like that?
Hi Rachael – Totally understand. The example you provided is exactly what travel insurance helps you with – they will help cover costs and give you money for hotels/things like that. I’ve never had to claim anything but I know plenty of people who have (lost luggage.. after 12 hours if it’s still missing you will receive $750 to get new clothes!) or even health problems (like if you need to go to the hospital or surgery!)
There are so many reasons why I get travel insurance.. it’s mainly so I know that I’m covered if ANYTHING happens. Hope this helps. -Emma
Love this post! I’m tempted to buy the Calpak Under the seat for my next trip! One question that I haven’t been able figure out is hot tools in Europe. Do you have a dual voltage flat/curling iron that you know works well overseas that you recommend? Or do you keep your hair natural?
Right?! That under the seat little bag is amazing!
I personally keep my hair natural (this is Emma!) as it takes hours for me to do my hair anyways. OR I go for a blowout before my trip and go with that for a while.
My mom bought a different flat iron/curling iron that works overseas – she bought hers in London but it wasn’t a specific brand or anything.
Hi Stephanie – Emma and Kristy here! We both bring snacks with us.
Emma: Dried fruit, candy bar, trail mix, small bag of baked chips (not all of these things, usually just 2!)
Kristy: Nuts, m&ms!
If it’s a longer flight – we both stop by a nice deli in the airport and get a healthy sandwich with turkey or avocado (no mayo!) and lots of veggie. We try and avoid salt because of bloating on the plane.
I bought the wallet and the quart size bags, so useful. I’m thinking about the carry on.
These are great tips. We are getting ready for a trip to Croatia!
I’m so glad this post helped you Cindy! Both of those items are literally my lifesavers, haha. Yeah I’ve changed over from being an only check my bag type of girl to carrying on.. so much easier and with my new bag – it’s even easier!
Have so much fun in Croatia.. definitely on my bucket list! I want to do a sailing trip there. The water is gorgeous!!
Thanks for more great info! Love the travel posts… Do you have any recommendations on traveling with a backpack type carry on only? Heading to Africa in June, and trying to pick a backpack carry on (no suitcase allowed) to be able to take everything with me for 14 days! Not sure this is possible, ha ha.
Hi Cyndi – Yes it’s definitely possible. ;) I backpacked Thailand with a carry-on backpack and it actually wasn’t that hard.. just re-wear clothes. But I also packed with packing cubes very deliberately and diligently. It’s worth it:)
Thanks for all the travel tips. My daughter is getting ready to study abroad in London this summer – do you have any tips on must haves?? She’ll be there for 7 weeks and I want her to be prepared for everything :)
Thanks So Much –
Hi Cathy,
How fun for her.. I’m jealous. London is one of our favorite cities ever!! :)
Honestly, London is SO much like the U.S.. you can get anything over there that you can get here. I would definitely make sure to buy a new flat iron/curling iron over there though because the voltage of ours will blow over in London.
xx, Kristy
Thanks for all the travel tips. My daughter is getting ready to study abroad in London this summer – do you have any tips on must haves?? She’ll be there for 7 weeks and I want her to be prepared for everything :)
Thanks So Much –
Thanks Cathy! We love London and plan to do a London Travel Guide soon. We have been many times! It’s one of our favorite cities and Jeff goes for work often. :)
LOVE this post!! I have been traveling much more lately and this is so… helpful. I have some purchases to make;)) Kristy- On your insta story you talked about the bag you loved with all the pockets( same brand as the tote) . What was that called? That seemed perfect for me. I have a bag right now, but it is already heavy and when I put in all my stuff it is like carrying bricks.
Wish I had these tips last month! I had such icky skin and definitely needed a better bag for under the seat AND ended up buying a neck pillow from the airport on the way home. Definitely a necessity with 11 hours of flights plus layovers ?.Learned the hard way- Saving for next time!! Xoxo
Loved this post. Made a list from it … 10 days until we leave for Portugal for 32 days! Feels like there’s still so much to do! Your travel blog posts are the best.
Great post. Thank you so much! DO EITHER of you use compression socks For long haul fliGhts? I always pack socks in my carryOn bUt have been thinking compression socks might be good Idea for long Flights?
Hi Ava, My mom doesn’t but I do! For me, I swell a little on long-haul flights and even though I look ridiculous… I’d rather be safe than sorry. I bought a pair off of Amazon that I like: https://rstyle.me/+vTJhJAPRnibxSCi-Eoz6tw
I love that your list included an inflatable travel pillow – i have Used one for years and find them far more convenient to travel with than the Filled ones. Such a great list!
What a great and thorough packing list! I would also include Clorox travel wipes, to wipe down armrests, trays, etc. as soon as you board the plane. Especially with the current coronavirus situation.
Well done!
I was so confused, I thought this was Kristy talking about her mom. I thought to myself, oh nice.. Kristy’s mom was also a flight attendant. It wasn’t until half way through I realized it was Emma writing this post LOL.
I enjoyed this very much! Keep up the great work girls!
P.S Can ya’ll have Jeff the chef write up a few posts as well? I love hiiimmmmmm!
Hey there, as a world traveler myself I’m glad to hear these recs! They’re great, and I always remember my blanket Emma! Freezing on a flight without it or extra socks is no fun!
Though it’s often mentioned something about screaming babies on flights. One of the best experiences was on an American flight. The attendant saw my baby was a bit fussy so she took the baby and walked her and up and down the aisle for several minutes not to mention on another flight I was boarding (pregnant and carrying a baby carrier with child in it) no one helped me. Not even the attendants! Please give mommy’s and babies grace. How will we show our children the world if constantly there are complaining passengers about crying or fussy babies. Get up and go help them!
Lots of great tips here. What size MZ Wallace Metro Tote do you consider the best carry-on? Do you think this is a better option than the Away Luggage Everywhere Bag? The ALEB slips so nicely over the carryon luggage, but probably doesn’t compress as well.
This is another great post, thank you for all the suggestions and recommendations! I have been looking for a tote that can be used as a purse in addition to bringing a carry-on, and I see a few on here that would work out well! Based off of your post I am in the process of ordering several items listed for an upcoming trip and future travel :)
Yay Leyla! I’m so glad this post helped you.. everything is amazing and we love all! What . did you end up ordering?
xx, Kristy
Hi Kristy, I got the travel pillow, which I have to say is the first one I found to actually be comfortable, and it feels so plush! I also got TSA approved toiletry bags, which hold so much more than a plastic quart bag and look so much nicer, more shoes bags and the blanket. After having looked at the Longchamp and MZ Wallace bags, I decided that I am going to get a MZ Wallace bag! Thanks so much for your recommendations, I am happy with all of my purchases!
Leyla ?
Hi Leyla,
I’m SO glad you like everything you got! Yesss seriously.. the travel pillow is incredible. And we love the toiletry bags. They hold a lot! The MZ Wallace bag is my all-time favorite for an under the seat bag. Definitely a must-buy! xx
These are excellent travel tips! Thanks so much!
Jodi
Yay Jodi! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. -Kristy
Mz Wallace bag or Longchamps – if you could only choose one (regardless of price) which would it be????
Hi Hailey,
Kristy here – this is a tough one! I would definitely go with the MZ Wallace bag (I personally use this bag constantly while traveling) but Emma loves her Longchamp and swears she can fit more into it. It’s really a personal preference since they aren’t that far off in price.
Wish I could be more help! -Kristy
Does all the above items actually fit in one carry on bag??? I would love to bring all those items on board
Hi Amy,
Surprisingly they all fit! Emma just went to Cabo this weekend and brought all of these items in her large carry-on size Longchamp tote. :)
-Kristy
Love this post! Random question but with the Neverfull and the amazon organizer, can you work for a laptop?
Hi Jenny,
Yay! So glad you liked this post. With the Neverfull – you can add a laptop & the organizer. :) xx, Kristy
Thank you for the response, so appreciated!! And what size organizer do you suggest for the Neverfull?
Hi Jenny – I have the medium size.
Great ideas Kristy!!! These are all really necessary!!!! I just traveled to Minneapolis where my oldest son and his family live and you’re so right!!!! These are all the things I needed?
I’m so glad this post helped you Janice!!
I’ve never bought travel insurance before and have traveled a bit over the years. Fortunately had very few issues. In your experience have you needed the insurance, what kind of things have you claimed it for? Or is it more for peace of mind? We missed a flight once that meant we missed the connection and no way to get back to the US that day – the airline paid for the flight the next day but we had to pay for the hotel that night. would you have used it for a situation like that?
Hi Rachael – Totally understand. The example you provided is exactly what travel insurance helps you with – they will help cover costs and give you money for hotels/things like that. I’ve never had to claim anything but I know plenty of people who have (lost luggage.. after 12 hours if it’s still missing you will receive $750 to get new clothes!) or even health problems (like if you need to go to the hospital or surgery!)
There are so many reasons why I get travel insurance.. it’s mainly so I know that I’m covered if ANYTHING happens. Hope this helps. -Emma
Thanks for the response.
Love this post! I’m tempted to buy the Calpak Under the seat for my next trip! One question that I haven’t been able figure out is hot tools in Europe. Do you have a dual voltage flat/curling iron that you know works well overseas that you recommend? Or do you keep your hair natural?
Hi Amy,
Right?! That under the seat little bag is amazing!
I personally keep my hair natural (this is Emma!) as it takes hours for me to do my hair anyways. OR I go for a blowout before my trip and go with that for a while.
My mom bought a different flat iron/curling iron that works overseas – she bought hers in London but it wasn’t a specific brand or anything.
Hope this helps. xx, Emma
Have either of your used the packing cubes that I see popping up? I have heard rave reviews but do I really need them?
Hi Lisa – I’m not sure which packing cubes you are referring to.. but yes! We both use packing cubes.. they are AMAZING. Gamechanger for packing!
I am a recent convert to packing cubes and use them to organize like items but mainly to fit more into suitcases due to compaction!
Thanks for this post! So many great ideas that I will be sure to use. Do you take snacks with you when you travel?
Hi Stephanie – Emma and Kristy here! We both bring snacks with us.
Emma: Dried fruit, candy bar, trail mix, small bag of baked chips (not all of these things, usually just 2!)
Kristy: Nuts, m&ms!
If it’s a longer flight – we both stop by a nice deli in the airport and get a healthy sandwich with turkey or avocado (no mayo!) and lots of veggie. We try and avoid salt because of bloating on the plane.
Hope this helps!
Thanks so much!! Love you ladies! :))
I bought the wallet and the quart size bags, so useful. I’m thinking about the carry on.
These are great tips. We are getting ready for a trip to Croatia!
I’m so glad this post helped you Cindy! Both of those items are literally my lifesavers, haha. Yeah I’ve changed over from being an only check my bag type of girl to carrying on.. so much easier and with my new bag – it’s even easier!
Have so much fun in Croatia.. definitely on my bucket list! I want to do a sailing trip there. The water is gorgeous!!
xx, Emma
Thanks for more great info! Love the travel posts… Do you have any recommendations on traveling with a backpack type carry on only? Heading to Africa in June, and trying to pick a backpack carry on (no suitcase allowed) to be able to take everything with me for 14 days! Not sure this is possible, ha ha.
Hi Cyndi – Yes it’s definitely possible. ;) I backpacked Thailand with a carry-on backpack and it actually wasn’t that hard.. just re-wear clothes. But I also packed with packing cubes very deliberately and diligently. It’s worth it:)
The backpack I have is this one: https://rstyle.me/+Xzx6KqyDsnuWXN7uh1zijQ It is truly the best backpack for travel.
Hope this helps! xx Emma
Thanks for all the travel tips. My daughter is getting ready to study abroad in London this summer – do you have any tips on must haves?? She’ll be there for 7 weeks and I want her to be prepared for everything :)
Thanks So Much –
Hi Cathy,
How fun for her.. I’m jealous. London is one of our favorite cities ever!! :)
Honestly, London is SO much like the U.S.. you can get anything over there that you can get here. I would definitely make sure to buy a new flat iron/curling iron over there though because the voltage of ours will blow over in London.
xx, Kristy
Thanks for all the travel tips. My daughter is getting ready to study abroad in London this summer – do you have any tips on must haves?? She’ll be there for 7 weeks and I want her to be prepared for everything :)
Thanks So Much –
Thanks Cathy! We love London and plan to do a London Travel Guide soon. We have been many times! It’s one of our favorite cities and Jeff goes for work often. :)
LOVE this post!! I have been traveling much more lately and this is so… helpful. I have some purchases to make;)) Kristy- On your insta story you talked about the bag you loved with all the pockets( same brand as the tote) . What was that called? That seemed perfect for me. I have a bag right now, but it is already heavy and when I put in all my stuff it is like carrying bricks.
Thanks!!!
Have a good day!
Cheryl
It was the Crosby from MZ Wallace. Here’s a link to it. :)
https://rstyle.me/+IDfwbfVuQu1ONn9DG4JaCQ
And thank you!! :)
Wish I had these tips last month! I had such icky skin and definitely needed a better bag for under the seat AND ended up buying a neck pillow from the airport on the way home. Definitely a necessity with 11 hours of flights plus layovers ?.Learned the hard way- Saving for next time!! Xoxo
We hear you!! So many things to think about when packing.. I keep learning!! ;) Hugs and Happy Friday!
Loved this post. Made a list from it … 10 days until we leave for Portugal for 32 days! Feels like there’s still so much to do! Your travel blog posts are the best.
I love this very thoughtfUl and thorough list. I am usually over-prepared when traveling and you really have thought of everything!
Great post. Thank you so much! DO EITHER of you use compression socks For long haul fliGhts? I always pack socks in my carryOn bUt have been thinking compression socks might be good Idea for long Flights?
Hi Ava, My mom doesn’t but I do! For me, I swell a little on long-haul flights and even though I look ridiculous… I’d rather be safe than sorry. I bought a pair off of Amazon that I like: https://rstyle.me/+vTJhJAPRnibxSCi-Eoz6tw
Hi Ava, I don’t use compression socks.. I get up and walk constantly (super important for everyone) on long flights. :)
I checked with your ins company you recommended. And they only ins up to 69? IS this This the norm? Thanks jan
I love that your list included an inflatable travel pillow – i have Used one for years and find them far more convenient to travel with than the Filled ones. Such a great list!
What a great and thorough packing list! I would also include Clorox travel wipes, to wipe down armrests, trays, etc. as soon as you board the plane. Especially with the current coronavirus situation.
Well done!
I was so confused, I thought this was Kristy talking about her mom. I thought to myself, oh nice.. Kristy’s mom was also a flight attendant. It wasn’t until half way through I realized it was Emma writing this post LOL.
I enjoyed this very much! Keep up the great work girls!
P.S Can ya’ll have Jeff the chef write up a few posts as well? I love hiiimmmmmm!
Hey there, as a world traveler myself I’m glad to hear these recs! They’re great, and I always remember my blanket Emma! Freezing on a flight without it or extra socks is no fun!
Though it’s often mentioned something about screaming babies on flights. One of the best experiences was on an American flight. The attendant saw my baby was a bit fussy so she took the baby and walked her and up and down the aisle for several minutes not to mention on another flight I was boarding (pregnant and carrying a baby carrier with child in it) no one helped me. Not even the attendants! Please give mommy’s and babies grace. How will we show our children the world if constantly there are complaining passengers about crying or fussy babies. Get up and go help them!
Lots of great tips here. What size MZ Wallace Metro Tote do you consider the best carry-on? Do you think this is a better option than the Away Luggage Everywhere Bag? The ALEB slips so nicely over the carryon luggage, but probably doesn’t compress as well.
Hi Betsy!
I have both the medium and large totes and use both. I don’t have the other bags so I’m not really sure. I would think they work well also.