Wondering What Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag? Especially if you only have carry-on luggage with you then this Is How to Pack Light: The Essential Carry-On Bag Packing List! I traveled to 5 different countries in 5 weeks and ONLY had my carry-on luggage with me! This means NO checked bags since EVERYTHING fits inside the “suitcase” or “personal item” I take on every flight! And, while what all I needed to survive on each trip is unique, there are some MUST HAVE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS I take everywhere on every trip (or that ended up in my Suitcase by the end of it)!
Also, You should know I’m usually in my RV, but these are my packing essentials for when I’m traveling ON an airplane! So it’s all TSA Friendly!
Now, I made a list with all my Digital Nomad Essentials for Running My Online Business on the Road in a prior blog post, but I wanted to ADD to that list below (or at least show you how I minimize and modify it down to the essentials)… Save this “Ultimate Carry-on Packing List” as I plan to update it!
P.S. I also made a list of all my Digital Nomad Mobile Office MUST HAVES for working while traveling in a prior blog post.
Carry-On Suitcase Packing List & Must-Have Items:
Monos Carry-On Plus Suitcase
Thankfully my boyfriend surprised me with this Monos Carry-On Plus Suitcase (along with ALL of my Monos Travel Gear) right before our trip! It even matched his! But it is the PERFECT fit for the airplane overhead bins and is TSA Friendly with tons of compartments, and zippers, it’s easy to roll, and the list goes on!
The ONLY thing I wish mine had that my boyfriend does is the pop-out charging port on the back so we can keep our devices charged. And I saw a newer model that has a pop-out slot for your computer making it even more TSA friendly! Meaning it would be easy to pull out my laptop quickly while in line at TSA. Hopefully, my TSA Pre-Check will eliminate most of those problems at many destinations going forward!
We ordered this Monos Carry-On Plus Suitcase directly from the Monos Website!
What I pack Inside My Carry-On Suitcase:
Monos Metro Toiletry Case
My Monos Metro Toiletry Case fits all of my travel-size toiletries and it went inside the large compartment on one side of my suitcase. I also put my liquids inside of a plastic ziplock bag to keep them from leaking (which they did) but at least it didn’t get all over the rest of my clothes and suitcase!
Toiletries I keep in my carry-on bag:
- Travel Size Aerosol SPF Spray On – Coppertone Sunscreen Spray Sport SPF 50, 4 in 1 Performance, 80 Minute Water Resistant, Travel Size, 1.6 oz (Pack of 2) (ordered on Amazon)
- Toothpaste travel size
- Toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Wet wipes (for hands, body, booty and more)
- Face cleansing wipes – Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
- Ponytail holders for hair
- Clips for hair (shower & style)
- Security ponytail holders with hidden zipper pockets (for keys, money, air tags, and more…)
- Travel-size empty bottles
- Ziplock bags (big & small) 1 gallon + 1 quart sizes
- Tampons
- Single Blade Razors + Wet/Dry Electric
- Nail Clippers* (edgy)
- Erase your face – Make-up Removing Cloths
- SOAP (bar of soap)
- Shampoo / Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Facewash / Lotion / Serums etc… (no makeup 😉
- Mouthwash
We ordered this Monos Metro Toiletry Case directly from the Monos website!
Erase your face Cleansing Cloths
Another item I MUST have in my carry-on bag (part of my toiletry items) but a travel essential is my Erase your face – Make-up Removing Cleansing Cloths! The BEST PART about them is that you only need water, NO SOAP or FACE WASH REQUIRED! Now if you know me I don’t really ever wear make-up so I don’t always use them for removing make-up (although I have) they are more of a nice-to-have face cloth for when you are traveling. Instead of the rough and probably not great for your skin hotel washcloths NO matter how high-end you stay!
What I love about these Erase your face – Make-up Removing Cleansing Cloths is that they are compact, TSA friendly, easy to keep in my carry-on bag, lightweight, no soap only water needed (even a bottle of water would do) the list goes on! They are not only great for at home, or in the van, but also perfect for the airport to wipe your face off with a super SOFT CLOTH!
I order my Erase your face wash cloths on Amazon!
Security ponytail holders
I like to keep several secret zipper pocketed Security ponytail holders on me, in my carry-on bags, in a few different places. They’re made to hide things like money, a key, something small and lightweight. I also use them to hide Apple Airtags discretely 😉
Apple AirTags
Another item I keep for security both on me and in my bags are my Apple AirTags! I like them for peace of mind, that I can find my bags, or worst case something bad happens. I also NEVER let the valets or bell men/women take my bags! If you only knew my bags don’t leave my side if at all possible
Travel Alarms
NVington got us both these pull tab alarms that we hang on our bags for security. They are VERY LOUD and EAR PIERCING so I promise they might be small but will draw a lot of attention!
Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
Clothing
As far as clothing goes I pack everything to cover any occasion: Night clothes, fancy clothes, bathing suit water clothes, sports/gym activity workout clothes, Bras sports bra/bathing suit
Clothing packing list:
- Tshirts
- Dresses
- Undergarments:
- socks,
- Bras & sports bra
- bathing suits & cover ups
- Pants & shorts
- sleepwear
- Jackets light / heavy (depending on the location or season)
- Shoes
All my clothes go in compression bags and get packed in my suitcase carry on!
I don’t buy anything specific for travel as far as dresses or shirts shorts pants clothes etc per say or that comes to mind as of yet although I have a few favorite brands that always end up in my bag on every trip!
Favorite brands:
- Lilly Pulitzer
- Vera Bradley
- Zenni optical
- Sketchers?
- Monos
But to be honest I get A LOT of my clothes at Goodwill or on clearance! Sometimes as gifts (from family or friends)! Some things I buy but Never at full price!!!! I go to thrift stores and shop at discount stores if it looks cute and fits and it’s cheap I’ll buy it and wear it!
However, I do have a talent for finding deals or name brands while thrifting so just luxury doesn’t have to cost more you can find those looks for less! I probably pay less than $10 for almost every dress or outfit I own! $20 bucks or more and it better be a gift or something I can’t live without! From Tory Burch to Vera Bradley to Lilly Pulitzer, and more
I’m always looking for deals and different clothes! Every outta season on clearance I’ll buy xxxl shirts to wear as dresses too!
Mission Cooling Hat
I made the mistake of leaving this behind on my last trip and that I regret as I left with a sunburned face! Now I never leave home without packing my Mission Cooling Hat (with Drawstring for those windy and Sunny HOT Days — there were lots of them) in my carry-on bag! I love that it folds up flat to save space and you can wet it to keep even cooler! There are many colors available as well as different versions to fit your personal lifestyle, but we got our’s at Lowes when they had them on a summer aisle sale!
Again, My Mission Cooling Hat with Drawstring comes in handy for those windy and Sunny HOT Days — there were lots of them when traveling. Plus it folds up compact for travel. You can also wet it for a cooling effect or leave it dry and use it as a regular sun hat. It protects against all those harmful UV rays and keeps me from getting sunburn on my head, ears, and face! They have different designs you can choose from to match your taste and style!
You can get this Mission Cooling Hat Online!
Shoes
What I keep in my carry-on as far as shoes and socks is a lot more than you might imagine! But, you should know I’m not a heels kinda girl more of wedges and I prefer flip flops no matter the season. But, I love to wear boots in the winter season!
For my last trip I took 6 pairs of “shoes” all in my carry-on suitcase. I was headed to beaches and warmer weather but if I had to wear boots (or something bulky) I’d keep it on in the airport or maybe my “personal item” either way I decided to take a few for any type of activities we decided to get into.
- Flip Flops
- One pair of thongs for everyday anytime. I have several different pair I keep everywhere and will wear them out until something happens then buy a new pair or switch them out etc….
- Slide flips flops/sandals (I bought these out of necessity since my flip flops at the titme were killing me) but they’re super comfy — got them in the bahamas at atlantis for top dollar but they feel like a pillow or cloud when you walk — these were by Malvados
- Tennis Shoes for walking and working out. the ones I have are by sketcers and are called go walk travel. You can wear them without socks and slip them on and off. But they do tend to stink after each use so good thing they’re machine washable! Also i’ll wash them in the sink, or wear them in the shower to clean them, etc..
- water shoes – I bought a pair of these for the beach and also other activities wear tennis shoes or flip flops were not the best option. They’re super slim, compact for travel. Great for the water, walking around got a pair for NVington and myself!
- Another pair of shoes I like are more for dressing up but I love wedge flip flops, sometimes I’ll have a pair of wedge heels or somethign else but I got this pair at goodwill for around $5-10 bucks! We got them on our last trip to las vegas! When we went goodwill shopping like crazy! Cute and comfy is what I’m going for even when I’m going out for a nice dinner or dressing up. I like to still be comfortable.
- One last thing I keep or have been lugging around are a pair of house shoes I got from the Ritz-Carlton in Grand Cayman! Nothing special not even any offical branding in fact they’re are one sized fits all for all NBA players! aka BIG FEET! the swallow me! lol
- Sock shoes: I did find a pair of Sock shoes at the Family Dollar / Dollar Tree that I love. I even made it through the TSA Secuirty once with them on as socks. But at another airport they made me take them off! And of course with TSA Pre-Check you don’t have to take off your shoes. But I like to wear these around the hotel room, or maybe on the airplane, more for comfort than going out or looking cute. Although they do look cuter than wearing around normal socks I think!
Monos Compressible Packing Cubes
Okay so I have to be honest these Monos Compressible Packing Cubes for Travel Storage and Organization were on backorder and I have one trip left at the time of starting this blog, so I have not used these yet. They just arrived (back home) BUT hopefully, I’ll get to use them for my next (Jamaica) Trip!
We ordered these Monos Compressible Packing Cubes directly from the Monos Website!
Compression Bags (Different Sizes)
I wouldn’t be able to pack my suitcase as a carry-on without these compression bags! Once I have all my clothes picked out (underwear, bathing suits, dresses, all included) then I put them into compression bags and SQUEEZE all the air out.
I personally lay on the bag on the floor and then roll it to eliminate as much air as possible. There is a technique to how you pack the bags that you will figure out your own way over time. But, I always carry different sizes and a few extra bags in case I need them on the way back.
I LOVE these roll-up travel compression bags and have them in different sizes, but OMG the space you save with these bags! Plus, the more clothes or items should I say you can take. These compression bags remove all of the air out of my suitcase essentially and make room for physical things! I could NOT travel without these, I even pack extra of these in case I need to bring something back with me 😉
We got these on Compression Bags (in Different Sizes) on Amazon!
Vera Bradley Carry-On Bag
The carry-on bag that I used for my first 5 countries in 5 weeks adventure was the Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Original Tote. We got this one at an outlet mall on one of our last van trips but you can shop Vera Bradley on Amazon (or directly on their website). I highly recommend checking out all the different styles they offer as some bags have more pockets than others. My bag is nice and big but it doesn’t zip up and since traveling I found a few other bags that I like for traveling by Vera Bradley even better!
Monos Kiyo UVC Water Bottle
NVington surprised me with this Monos Kiyo UVC Water Bottle too! This was great to have in other countries especially Cuba since sometimes in our hotel rooms or in between airplanes, car rides, etc on our trips we needed a SIP of water (or other times we just liked to give the water we were drinking a little extra purification 😉 But this bottle goes everywhere. I leave it empty through TSA and then fill it with water once we go through security. Best of all it recharges on one of the USB ports/chargers I already have so I don’t have to keep an additional charger. Although I think it came with one. 🤔
We ordered this Monos Kiyo UVC Purification Water Bottle directly from the Monos Website!
Chargers & Cables
Multi-Charging Cable
I use a Multi-Charging Cable for most of all my small portable electronics like my phone, the water UV water bottle, and my Apple AirPods… My boyfriend also has an Android so almost everything we need is on this ONE charger! We have about 10-20 of these that we keep in our cars, in the RV, at the condo, in the van, our Murses and purses. Plus, of course in our suitcases!
We got our Multi-Charging Cables on Amazon!
Charging Block for WALL
You might also need a charging block for the USB to plug into and actually work in a normal wall outlet. Those nifty little USB Plug-ins are NOT always available everywhere you go. So I like to have both the USB Cord and the Charging block so I never have an issue needing to get electricity or a charge on the road!
Get these Charging Blocks for Walls online!
12 Volt DC Car Charging Adapter
When you’re renting a car you learn to adapt to ALL of the different charging methods, different countries and different cars! We learned quickly to buy a 12 Volt Cigarette Car Charging Port to plug in all our USB plugs! Don’t be us running around looking for one last minute and paying a premium!
Apple Watch Charger
A cordless Apple Watch Charger is a must for me! I wear an Apple watch and do have to carry a separate charger to keep it charged up. But, I have found a compact USB Keychain Apple Watch Charger great for traveling and on the go. I keep it on my keychain or in my Travel bag so that I can charge my watch no matter where I am! The only downside is you have to have a USB port to connect it, so keep that in mind!
I ordered my Portable Apple Watch Charger on Amazon!
Travel Adapter Plug (International Travel Charging Plug / Inverter)
Thankfully my boyfriend bought one for me otherwise our trip to Cuba would’ve been more stressful than it needed to be! This handy little space-saving cube does A LOT for such a small box. You might not think about the electricity and power outlets when traveling to a foreign country. Often times these are NOT the same as the ones you are use to back home in my case. I’m in the USA – so a standard 120 Volt outlet plug did not fit or work in places like Cuba! If I did not have this with me I would not have even been able to charge my phone!
We got this International Travel Adapter Charging Inverter Plug on Amazon!
Vera Bradley Keychain Pouch
As of right now, I’ve been keeping all my ear gear in a little Vera Bradley Key Chain Pocket Pouch. I don’t keep it on my key chain, I keep it in my bag so I don’t have to keep up with a million little pieces! Plus, I know where everything is when I need it.
AirPods Pro (HeadPhones)
I’ve always used a basic pair of wired headphones (similar to the ones they “use” to give out on the airplanes) until Apple decided to discontinue the port you plug them into on my iPhone! But either way Having headphones is a must! Now, I use my Apple AirPods Pro for editing my YouTube videos as well as drowning out the noise!
BTW I have little ears which is why I like the Ear Bud type of Headphones BUT since the Apple Airpods fall out of my ears I bought a pack of attachable ear hugging devices to hold them in especially if I’m moving around or at the gym!
I’ve also received a pair of Sony Noise Canceling Headphones as a gift and they did fold flat, BUT they still take up more room than I’m willing to spare. Now, they have been added to the Van Life list of things instead!
You can order the same Noise Cancelling Headphones (or Apple AirPods Pro) on Amazon!
Carry Case (for Airpods)
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard about people losing their AirPods on airplanes, in cars, hotels, you name it! I’ve even seen one lying in the parking deck at my condo building, so to help keep them safe it’s best to put them in a case! I’m not just talking about the charging case but a case for your case! I’ve experimented with a few over the years but I currently have a cute little keychain Carry Case for My Airpods (by Lilly Pulitzer)
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
I have a set of Loop Quiet earplugs that I use to drown out the noise going on around me or in the other room. (i.e. TVs, Construction, Traffic, Music, Talking, etc…) They come in different decibels and colors depending on the level of noise you need or want to hear. But, the best part about them no matter which set you choose is that even though they silence the noise going on, they still allow you to hear for instance if someone is talking to you. Plus, these are great for airplanes too!
I ordered my Loop Quiet Ear Plugs on Amazon!
Passport Holder
Passport Holder need I say more? I ordered one of these last minute to make sure my Passport was protected from all the travel it was about to attempt! I opted for one that was also a wallet with credit card slots and had a strap for extra security to secure all my valuables. It allowed me to carry my ID, passport, credit cards, and money in one convenient little package.
I picked my Passport Holder up on Amazon and it arrived just in time for my trips!
Computer Sleeve Protector and Storage
Being a digital nomad, I usually have my laptop with me, especially when I’m traveling! But, I am careful to keep it protected when moving from place to place! I bought a size bigger than I needed so that I could fit more items in the pockets! YES it not only stores your laptop computer for travel but it has pockets for your charging cable, mouse and a few other items too! I also love that it has a handle and zips for secure carry, grab and go etc…
I got this Zippered Computer Sleeve Protector With Storage Pockets on Amazon!
Zenni Indoor/Outdoor Transition Glasses
At some point, you might notice I always have on glasses which are NOT just any glasses! They glow in the dark, transition from sunglasses to indoor glasses, and also block out the blue light from computers, phones, etc… and if I didn’t already have Lasik/PRK eye surgery… with an RX prescription I could have my Zenni Optical glasses custom to fit my eye prescription!
Vera Bradley Packable Rain Coat
One thing I have added to my list that I picked up on a van trip is my Vera Bradley Pop-Up Rain Coat! It’s extremely lightweight, folds up into a nifty little pouch and is perfect for when it rains out! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on a trip and needed it. Sometimes I use my poncho for water activities and other things. But, it’s nice to have and I always keep it in my bag now! However, I only had one so I’ll have to pick some more up since this one needs to stay zipped up 😉
Another thing I like is the DOG pattern on mine (pattern is called “Dog Show”)
Ember Wave Temperature Regulator
So I have to be honest after having numerous hot flashes, maybe even anxiety or panic attacks when flying it might come as no surprise that NVington got me this Ember Wave Bracelet to wear so I could cool down (but also warm up). I wear it opposite of my Apple Watch and anytime I feel HOT or COLD I hit the little button to turn it on.
Mini Instant Camera!
After last year’s mishap with the old school cameras, NVington bought us we wanted another option to take photos! And we thought it would be great to instantly print the pictures (as well as have the for later digitally) meet our new film taker our Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO Instant Camera!
Check out this Instax Camera On Amazon along with all it’s many accessories!
Digital Nomad Mobile Office MUST HAVES!
Now, I made a list with all my Digital Nomad Essentials for Running My Online Business on the Road in a prior blog post, but I wanted to ADD that list below… Here is a list of all my Digital Nomad “mobile Office” MUST HAVE essentials for working while traveling!
- Laptop Computer (Apple MacBook Pro)
- Rechargeable Mouse or (Apple Magic Mouse)
- Mouse Case (for Travel)
- Portable External Hard Drive (and Case)
- Mobile Phone(s)
- Chargers & Cables
- USB-C Adapter Plug (for Mac Book)
- Camera / Phone Mount
- Internet / Wifi
- College Rule Notebooks
- Pens, Pencils, Highlighters (not just for working, but also for filling out forms)
- Planner / Calendar
- Headphones (or AirPods)
- Ear Plugs
- Desk or Lap Pad
- Computer Hard Case (With Stand / Legs)
- Clicker
- Apple Watch / Smart Watch
- Carry Case / Bag (Vera Bradley Tote)
Extra Bags Inside Bags
One other thing I love to keep are BAGS inside my Carry On Bags!
Not only do I have my Suitcase and “personal item” but inside I also like to keep more bags for when I get where I’m going! They all fold up and pop out, compact, and lightweight so much so you wouldn’t know I had so many BAGS on me until you see I do! 😉
- Sling purse backpack
- Large Pop-Up Tote (Dollar Store)
- Insulated Cooler (Dollar Store)
- Small Tote Bag (Ikea Bag)
- Backpack (fold-up found at Airport)
- Small Black Side Purse / Wallet (Goodwill)
- Ziplock Bags
- Trash Bags
- Other Bags… Starbucks brown bags I come across, plastic bags anything on our trips I might keep to use then get rid of, more or less these are throwaway bags
Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Sling Backpack
Since I’m only allowed 2 carry-on items I pack my Vera Bradley Sling Backpack aka my purse away in one of my other carry-on bags until I get to my final destination, then I take it out and rearrange some travel items to fit in the right bags, etc… So when I’m running around I have this as my purse.
Also, you should know this is what I use as my everyday purse even when I’m not traveling because it’s great to keep my hands free when handling all the furbabies over at Birdies Doghouse! (5 dogs + 1 Cat and counting… Plus it’s great for RVing and Van Life as well!
Anxiety Relief Jacket
I just got this and am excited to continue testing it, which is my Anxiety Relief Jacket from Free The Sheep Co. The Hoodie is Made for travel anxiety. Slightly weighted with sensory-friendly faux fur lining inside. Zipper pockets, thumbholes, and more. Perfect for flying + airport anxiety! 😴✈️
Packing Tips:
- Multi functional
- Lightweight
- Foldable
- Minimalistic
- Doesn’t wrinkle easily or if it does it won’t be noticeable matter etc! No iron needed! (Wrinkle release is a magic 🪄 iron in a bottle)
- Prints instead of solids bc if they wrinkle get dirty messed up it’s hard to tell
- Nothing fragile! Dry clean only silk cashmere etc… Although I have a 100% silk dress / cover up (not sure) I got at a thrift store super cheap while in the van traveling (mixed nuts / st Simon’s island) so I’m not upset if something happens to it but I hope nothing does!
Everything is meant to fit in your carry on bag! NO checked luggage around here!
Sometimes maybe and I did on the first trip to Cuba 🇨🇺 I checked an empty bag that I didn’t care about if it got lost or I left it behind plus it was free to check 2 bags on my Southwest flight — but we only ended up bring back hotel toiletries and had to go through TSA security twice to go get the bag and bring it back in between connecting flights through customs etc… so it was a huge hassle!
BUT, if your going somewhere and don’t want to buy or need full size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, certain products like SPF!!! or even beach gear things you wouldn’t want to have to buy or rent at an outrageous price! Of course this is within reason and there is a weigh limit for checked bags (but not carry on 😉 which is of course limited to 3.4 oz or less liquids,
3-1-1 liquids rule
FYI You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
Must Have Travel Essentials [Carry-On Bag Packing List]
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New Things I Need To Add To my Travel essentials packing list:
- NVington mobile printer & paper?
- New Vera Bradley Carry On Luggage Under Seat Bag
- Luggage tags
- Pens & Pencil (forms)
- Airplane (seat back – phone holder)
- Cali case – water, sand phone protector
- Airplane phone holder
- Hot sauce (2.4 oz bottle)
The latest updates were made in December 2024 and are still ongoing…