What to Pack in Your Carry-On

​Getting through the travel to your destination can make for a long day. Having everything you need ready to go in your carry-on can make it a lot easier! Next time you travel, pack a few of our travel favorites!

Get a good suitcase. If you plan to travel with carry-on luggage only, finding the right suitcase is key! Look for a suitcase that is comfortable for you to use, and spacious enough to hold everything you need. Be sure to spend some time visiting different stores and websites to try out different sizes and brands to find the one that best fits your needs! My family prefers hard sided suitcases, as they tend to have a little more durability.

Packing Cubes. A bunch of our agents have used packing cubes for years, and we can't say enough good things about them! Packing cubes will help you organize your carryon bag so you'll know exactly where everything is, and you'll be able to fit it all in! 

Noise Cancelling Headphones. Head to the stores and try them on- each set fits differently and finding a pair that fits well and is super comfy can make a noisy flight so much better! If you're traveling with kids, be sure to  find headphones that fit them well! 

Snacks and Drinks. My husband can get by with airline pretzels and a coke and be good to go. I'm always afraid my drink (or my kid's drink) will spill mid-flight, so I make sure we each have a water bottle that seals well to avoid any mishaps. Pack up everyone's favorite snacks and bring them with you- granola bars, goldfish or crackers, and a few treats just in case! Many traveling meltdowns can be overcome with a lollipop!

A Jacket and Socks. Airplanes get cold, you all. To keep comfy, pack a pair of socks you can slip on and a sweater or jacket. I love bringing a really lightweight sweater that can act almost like a blanket!

Medications. Never put your medications (or anything else you cannot be without) in a checked bag! Be sure to keep them with you at all times, just in case! In addition to prescription medications, be sure you have a stash of your preferred brands of pain reliever, allergy medications, chapstick, etc. There is nothing worse than being stuck somewhere with a headache! 

Your ID, Reservations, and Tickets. Be sure you have your ID, passport, tickets, reservations, and any other paperwork you will need accessible in your carry on bag- and do not let them out of your sight! 

Be sure each traveler has their own on-board bag. A large purse, backpack, messenger bag, or whatever is comfortable for each person to carry! I love having my kids help pack up their on-board bags themselves. Make sure each person has entertainment that will keep them busy for the length of the trip- iPads or Kindles, coloring books, stuffed animals or blankets- whatever will help make you and your kids the most happy and comfortable while en route to your destination! 

1-Day worth of clothes. If you plan to check bags to your final destination, be sure you have clothes in your carry on to get you through the first 24 hours. There are so many times that baggage is delayed for one reason or another, and this way you won't have to worry! 

Most importantly- relax! Navigating your travel day can bring out the worst in anyone, but don't let it happen to you. Staying calm and making the best of any changes that come up will help you start (or end) your trip on the right note! By being prepared for your trip, and bringing along a few things to make it better, you're sure to have an amazing vacation!