16 Carry-On Essentials

PC: @alexisren

So here's my confession: I love airports, and I love flying. For me, airports have such a sense of potential; the endless possibility of destination, the convergence of people from a million walks of life, and the general feel of anticipation. I know not everyone else has such a fond view of air travel, but with a well packed carry on, hopefully your next trip will be much better!

I love to use big bags like this Kate Spade as my carry on, its so easy to fit everything you need to into them, all the while still looking stylish and like you know what you're doing.

1) Passport- Getting a cute passport case, like this one from Amazon make this an all-in-one wallet for traveling

2) Tickets and other travel documents- Make sure you print out your itinerary and a copy of your passport/ID (but keep these in a separate bag from your actual passport and ID)

3) Chapstick, lotion, facial moisturizer- I like anything from Burts Bees for my lips, a good thick hand lotion (or face/hand combo lotion), and a facial moisturizer like this one from La Mer.

4) Face or baby wipes- To take any makeup off when you board so your skin can breath, and also to clean off that layer of airplane before you land.

5) Deodorant- so you can keep fresh the whole time!

6) Makeup- Especially if you're not heading straight to a hotel when you arrive

7) Warm socks- Planes are usually kept quite cold, and nothing's worse than freezing toes. I love these chic ones from L.L. Bean

8) Shawl or scarf- This is a simple, versatile bit of clothing, wonderful for any kind of traveling. It can be used as a shoulder wrap, lap cover, headscarf (handy is visiting any religious locations when traveling), or even a pillow if needed.

9) Neck pillow- Ive had the same one- one shaped like an otter- since my first plane trip to Hawaii when I was 8, it always gets comments at the airport

10) Eye mask- Essential for long flights, I have trouble focusing on my own bubble when flying- there are so many distractions!- so being able to force myself to close my eyes and disengage is vital for combating jet lag.

11) Snacks- I love having some nuts, especially raw hazelnuts, grapes or some other fresh fruit or veggie that travels well, and without mess, and either a granola bar or energy chews, particularly these from Stinger.

12) Bottle for water- While you can't bring liquids into the airport, an empty water bottle is a great thing to carry with you to stay hydrated and keep you feeling refreshed. Personally, I like to buy a bottle of VOSS water once inside the airport. Not only do you get a great bottle of water to start your journey out with, but you can then use the glass bottle and keep refilling it on your trip- all without the fear of loosing an expensive bottle.

13) Tea bags- I'm a tea snob. I am. So the teas that stewardess' offer on planes is almost never satisfactory. Having several of my favorite teas in my bag (Green for waking up, Earl Grey for when you need a pick-me-up, and an herbal decaf for winding down), allows me to find comfort in a hot drink wherever I am.

14) Tablet or iPad- I love to download a few episodes of a good TV show, or a good movie to watch in the airport or on the plane. It's also great to be able to use social media, email, etc., without having to squint at a tiny phone screen.

15) Phone/tablet charger- Especially in this day and age

16) Headphones- ofc- don't be that person who doesn't use them

17) Book- A good mystery, or something that really captures your attention is ideal. You'll want a good distraction, trust me. My current read: The Pact by Jodi Picoult.