It's almost summer travel time! This means my annual struggle to bring ONLY what's necessary with me on my travels so I don't resemble a pack mule descending to the base of the Grand Canyon.
I enjoy fairly regular travel, some for work (mine or husband's), but mostly because it was what I planned to spend my money on once the college funds were accumulated and the kids were dispersed. Although I am not regarded by ANYone as an influencer, I have curated my carry-on bag well, and I thought I would share its contents with my minimalist readers if you were considering your own checklist!
I'll include links if they apply, but please note Amazon does not care if I influence anyone, so I get no benefit from sharing the click spots. I also travel weekly for my job, so I keep some items packed all the time which are duplicates of my home stash. This mitigates Walmart trips at midnight because I have no mascara.
Here goes:
THE BAG
Despite my attempts to minimize the inventory in this department, I have failed. I love bags. My offspring love bags. My sister loves bags. It's definitely a genetic marker for us. I *think* I have found an almost perfect one for carry on travel. To clarify, this is NOT my suitcase; it's just my personal item. I am mostly Team Carry On, but more on that later.
This Lululemon one has served me well. It has pockets that are easy to access, and it doubles as a gym bag if you're a commuter heading to gym after work. I like the handles because they are long enough for a shoulder bag but easy to pick up and carry in hand if you like. I don't love bags with two sets of handles (short and long) because ONE of them is always in the way. Please note - I always recommend checking to get American Advantage shopping for these pricier purchases because: miles!
COMFORT
Depending on how far your plane trip is or if you have a dreaded layover, your items may differ. I personally HATE a layover, because I have a wake-up-at-night fear of baggage loss (I'll discuss how to avoid this shortly).
I don't use those bulky neck pillows because a) who wants to strap that on their carry on throughout the airport and b) super UNcomfortable to look like an infant in a car seat with that contraption. This travel blanket is the best! It can be a scarf, a blanket if the plane is cold, folded up as pillow, or cover your legs if you made a firm decision about shorts and your baggage went to the arctic. It packs super tiny and comes in several colors.
I keep a small pouch inside my bag with individually wrapped handiwipes (so wasteful packaging, I know, but they stay moistened and don't spill like hand sanitizer!), Burt's Bees lip balm, a few bandaids, ibuprofen, and a travel mascara.
To ward off evil travel spirits, I pack two pair of underwear, extra socks, and a dri-fit shirt that can be washed in the sink if necessary. One never knows when one's bags take a trip without them... The Lululemon bag has a special pocket labeled "unmentionables"!
I use a wide mouth water bottle that tucks in the side of my bag so I can refill as needed. I like the big opening for dumping water enhancer packets because the packets don't spill as easily.
TECH
I finally took the plunge into Bluetooth noise reduction headphones. I am a fan of my airpods because they fit anywhere and connect seamlessly. Once you block out the deafening airplane noise and the toddler behind you, there is no going back. These have worked well and won't chew into your travel funds. I chose wired for connection simplicity here, but they have a Bluetooth adapter. You can spend anything you want on headphones, but I like these for cost and function.
You'll need to have your chargers and cables ready. I used to pack mine in a case that held all the bricks/cables/connectors, but the case is bulky in my carry on (I still use that for commuter car travel because I don't have to hunt for the right ones before frequent departures). Now, I just have them securely in my bag but easily accessible. I always have a charging brick with me in case I am stuck in the airport or can't reach the one on the plane easily. I am not a doomsayer, but recent FBI warnings about hacking via airport charging stations keeps me away from those plugs.
I avoid taking my laptop unless it's a work trip, or I have to grade papers during my stay. Otherwise, I use just my iPad for browsing, movies on the flight, and the Kindle app. I love me a podcast (have you listened to mine??), so I load those up on my iPad before I leave so I am not chewing up battery juice or wifi needs. A tablet is a better option as it's lighter and easy to pop open in flight without the tray table access.
You absolutely CANNOT fly without an Airtag (or its equivalent for Android users, which I know nothing about). Especially if you are Team Checked Bag, you have to use these little dreamboats to keep track of your stuff. There are a ton of stories online about people finding their lost luggage ONLY because they could track it with an Airtag. I can vouch that opening up your phone on arrival and seeing your luggage in the same location as yours is a relief unmatched. DO IT.
TEAM CARRY ON OR TEAM CHECK BAG?
This divisive subject is legal grounds for separation in several states, I am sure. As a minimalist, I should ALWAYS be Team Carry On, right? Pack lightly, be free to make changes on the fly, and leave the french horns at home. *Usually* I can do this.
If I am flying without a connection, I have a little bit more confidence in checking a bag. I have not had frequent lost baggage issues, but the paranoia/nightmares persist. My travel partner husband HATES lugging luggage through airports/travel lounges/bathroom stalls and will nearly always check a bag. Enjoy tracking with your Airtag, Sir. Me and my french horns are staying right here.
I have one tidy little rolly bag that I adore and don't want to see get banged up by a baggage handler, so it stays with me in the overhead. I waited a long time to invest in this one, and I would hold it in my arms throughout the flight if they would let me.
I hope you have a wonderful summer full of travel both near and far. I refuse to let the irritants of airplane travel keep me from my destinations. Perhaps some of these suggestions will make your life better as you traverse the globe!
Bon Voyage!
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