Essential Travel List for Carry-On Luggage
I travel quite a bit, it comes with the territory when you’re a travel writer. One of my essential steps for preparing for any trip is writing out my travel list for my carry-on luggage and checked baggage. I think you will find many if not all of the items I list quite useful for your carry-on luggage as well. I’ll tell you why these are my essential items for my carry-on luggage.
Now don’t let my travel list above fool you that’s just a short example of what I do. I’m a bit type A if you will about this stuff but let me tell you making my travel list has saved us many times from forgetting something essential. My family has even come to expect lists for themselves now after forgetting much-needed items on trips before “the list”.
Essential Travel List Items
Passport/Identification
I’m not counting this as the first one as really you need to have your ID but this serves as a reminder. My passport and of course my e-ticket whether it’s a paper copy or on phone go in my purse. This should be a given but know anyone who ever forgot their passport? Not me but we all know someone. Even if you’re just flying within the US it’s handy to have your passport as your ID. It’s become the more expected piece of ID and as someone who travels from Canada to the US a lot like weekly by car I either have my passport or my Global Entry card.
Hand Sanitizer Wipes
Forget those gels or sprays, I find them sticky and hello if you’re not on that special trusted traveller’s list you have to bag your liquids etc.. I use the hand sanitizer wipes. Easy to use, great to wipe down arms of the chairs, the airplane trays etc.. you can’t do that with a gel.
Immune Boosting Essential Oils
Now you don’t have to do essential oils but whether you take some vitamins, Cold FX or whatever we all know planes are notorious for germs and people getting sick. I use On Guard from doTERRA. I put it on me before boarding, I keep a roller bottle of it and reapply if necessary. Also I’ve been on long-haul flights where the air was not so “fresh” after several hours and put my roller bottle under my nose to smell something nicer.
Power Bank
In this tech run world you don’t want your smartphone/tablet or whatever to inconveniently run out of juice. I ALWAYS have a power bank of some kind with me, usually a couple. The myCharge Razor Max and HubPlus are a perfect pair to take on your travels!
The HubPlus has cords attached to it so you never have to worry about whether you have a cord or the right one with you. 
It’s a rechargeable 6700mAh portable charger with an integrated Apple® Lightning™ cable and an integrated micro-USB cable and the newly added USB port. Carrying cables is a thing of the past, not only are the cables built in for effortless charging but wall prongs are built-in for effortless recharging. Boasting a 30% reduction in size, the HubPlus is more compact and portable than ever before. 
The RazorMax is crafted from anodized aluminum, the 6000mAh RazorMax delivers an extra 27 hours talk time for your smartphone. This powerbank comes equipped with 2 USB ports and is perfect for charging two devices at once. With a 2.4A output, the RazorMax portable charger is great for charging tablets and other power thirsty devices. It’s also super light at only 0.38lbs and is perfect for keeping in your purse as you sightsee at your destination.
A change of clothes (include a scarf/shawl), toothbrush and toothpaste.
If you’ve ever had checked luggage not arrive at your destination you’ll know why this one is important. I put them all together because these are necessary if your luggage doesn’t arrive. You at least now have a change clothes until you can figure out what happened to your luggage or at least have time to pick up more essentials.
I bring a lightweight scarf that can double as shawl for both using as a light blanket on the plane and to deal with varying weather. It’s great as an added layer or a light layer if the weather is hot during the day and colder at night but not so cold you need a jacket.
Snacks
No one loves airplane food but I really don’t love it. Usually, it’s always only sandwiches you can buy and I know it’s weird but I’m not a sandwich person. Most premade ones have stuff in them I don’t like. I just bring my own snacks to keep me going and in case I arrive to my destination late at night and there’s nowhere to eat close by or the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant I have something to eat. I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me. I usually pack protein bars that aren’t going to melt, nuts, beef jerky and something a little sweet
Earphones/Headphones
I’m either going to listen to my music, watch an onboard movie or a movie on my iPad so yes this is a must. I usually pack headphones and earphones as I’ve had it where one didn’t work whether it was the airplane plug or a glitch, so I had to take out the spare. Bonus if the headphones are also noise cancelling then you can block out the noise on the plane if you want to sleep. If not add the next item.
Ear Plugs
If you want to sleep on a plane especially a long-haul flight or even for hotels. I’ve yet to stay at a hotel even the high-end ones where it was super quiet. There’s always some noise and it’s hard to adjust sometimes that first night so some quiet can be good.
Eye Mask
I’m a bit of a vampire. No light shining in the morning into my hotel room please so this is a must for me and yes another must if you want to catch some zzzzs on a plane.
Blister Band-Aids
I pack blister protectant in my checked luggage if it’s a gel but the blister band-aids go in my carry-on. These are a lifesaver if you’re doing a lot of walking on a trip. Let’s face it most travel you’re doing a lot of walking. 
iPad/Tablet/Laptop
Not everyone may consider this an essential but for me it is. I’ve been on 5+ hour plane rides where the movie service was not available. I like to pass the time watching a movie. As well I have a keyboard for my iPad Air so it doubles as my emergency laptop if needed. I try to schedule as much of my work as I can ahead of time but things come up and sometimes I need to get a few things done.
No those are not the only things I bring on my carry-on but they are the top 10 essential items on my travel list. It may sound like a lot but trust me it isn’t. Many are small items and when packed properly don’t take up much room. I bring a purse/small backpack and a larger backpack as my carry-on so I easily fit these and more in my carry-on.
Now of course adjust your travel list to your needs but I won’t be surprised if some of my essential items were on your list too!
Sharon Rooney says
I travel with the same items in my carry on bag. The most important is a change of clothes, so many times the airlines lose your luggage and it is not delivered until the next day.
JoKing says
Some great things I never thought about.
Lily Kwan says
This travel list is very helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Clifford Perkins says
I like all your tips and I do bring most of them in my carry on. I never thought to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste with me though and that’s a great tip.
Sandy Klocinski says
I always take small sample size toiletry items when I travel, especially if I am flying and don’t want to have to check a bag. And if you are flying, make sure you put any prescription meds in your carry on in case your luggage gets “misdirected”. I don’t really use essential oils much so that would not be an item I would take
Kathleen Whitney says
I’m always looking for small samples and Other uses for my travel trips! Having to sit still and not move, when you know everything around you is full of germs. Having things to do can keep your mind off it. At least till you can get to a location and take a shower that is!
Michelle Coles says
This is a great checklist to have on hand!!
Tamra Phelps says
I definitely agree about bringing some clothes and essentials like toothbrushes in your carry-on. You never know if your luggage will show up!
Amy Marshall says
This is so great! I love this post and it is perfect to refer to before you travel!
Cynthia Schmied says
These are really great suggestions! Thank you.
Jill Jeffrey says
I completely agree with bringing essential oils, ON Guard is my favorite!
Shari L Klyn says
I agree with your entire list. I now carry wipes with me everywhere. I am new to essential oils and never thought about bringing them on a trip. I will now after reading your list. Thank you for the great ideas!
Trisha McKee says
Thank you for this! Definitely the charger and the hand sanitizer wipes! This will help when my daughter travels without me. I’m showing her this!
Angelica Dimeo says
This is a great list I wish i would have known about it when I traveled last
aaron reck says
The sanitizing wipes are a good idea and I like that idea a lot to carry them with me.
kerry paul says
I love the light weight scarf idea as a blanket! I wish I saw this two weeks ago before my son traveled to Israel for the first time. I remembered many of these items. I was nervous about the charger because I heard certain batteries weren’t allowed on the plane. I have to disagree with the oils because certain oils give me a headache and I wouldn’t want to cause an asthma attack for anyone on the plane with allergies.
Terri S. says
Thanks for this list. I never thought of packing sanitizing wipes in my carry-on bag…I will from now on. I also need to pick up a power bank.
Tiffany S says
This is a great list, thanks for sharing. It could definitely come in handy when travelling.
Robin says
I do all of these except the hand sanitizer wipes! That’s a really good idea!
wen budro says
That is a very useful list. I will definitely be bringing an eye mask on my next trip. I find travel to be stressful so anything that helps is wonderful.
Lisa F. says
I like the idea of your roller On Guard. I am a bit freaky about people germs and to have something to breathe in that at least made me feel better would be good.
Nici R says
This is a great list. I really like the hand sanitizer wipes and immune boosting products. Planes are so germy!
athena graeme says
I got to be honest, not a fan of the ipad or i-line of electronics. I find when traveling, they’re the first things to get stolen. So I started taking Samsung instead or other brands. They are usually just as good, but have less street resale value. My stuff is usually left alone while my friend’s i-stuff is constantly getting ripped off. Sometimes traveling low-tech is safer.
Linda Peavy says
I am also a big believer in lists. I have a packing list saved on my laptop and I add to it depending on where we’re going.
Richard Brandt says
I negelected to take my passport along on a trip to Las Vegas for my birthday. I didn’t remember that was the birthday my driver’s license was expiring, and I couldn’t sign up to play at any casinos! I really could have used that passport as my other ID!
Abigail Schuette says
I love the tips here im not going to lie i hve sort of been living in fear of traveling with my son because he is medically fragile and 4 years old with a feeding tube etc meaning tons of medical equipment would have to come with us your blog inspires me i want to do it anyways i want to forget about the excuses and go to all the beautiful places you go to with your kids and write about thank you for the inspiration
shelly peterson says
Great list. We dont travel much but my daughter is going on a trip soon. I will share this.
Rita M says
I didn’t even know there was such a thing as hand sanitizer WIPES – thanks so much for the info. This is a good idea not just for flight travel, but as a handbag addition as well.
Antoinette M says
I have all these on my list too, except for the portable charger. And I carry hand sanitizer with me.
Colleen Boudreau says
This list is really helpful. I’m going to Florida in May for my best friend’s bachelorette party!
Sally Gearhart says
These are great tips, I could have used a couple the last time I traveled! The toothbrush and extra change of clothes to be specific. I’m definitely pinning this post for next time, thanks for sharing!
Nerlande says
Thanks for the travel list I’ve never thought of this until now such useful information.
Amanda W says
Super useful advice! I love the blister bandaids idea, it’s one that I never think about until AFTER I could really use some!
Michelle S says
My daughter just headed to Disney a couple weeks ago. We made sure she had a power bank with her. She said it really helped.
Jessi Housel says
The handsanitizer wipes make so much sense (I wouldn’t have thought to pack those at all but because you can’t pack bottles of handsanitizer it definitely earns it’s place on the list! Thanks for sharing.
Kim Pincombe-Cole says
I always forget bandaids, lip balm and sanitizer wipes when traveling by air!
Sandra Preti says
I totally agree with these! I also love to carry a relaxing essential oil in my bag in case of travel stress.
Lana simanovicki says
Awsome article I am gonna be traveling soon so I will remember these things
donna porter says
My husband travels with his job. He has most of what you shared on his list.
Cynthia Schmied says
The charger looks fantastic! Thanks for the travel tips.
Rae Nelson says
Didn’t even think about some of these items but what great ideas! Very helpful and I will add them to my list. Thanks.
Amanda Alvarado says
This is a great list! There are several things I would have never thought of like the bandaids and a change of clothes!
Patricia Barraclough says
This post is perfectly timed. We will be traveling in May and it has been a long time since we have flown. I am sure I would likely forget something without this list. I live by lists and haven’t made my carry on list yet. This makes it much easier. Thank you.
Maryann D. says
I do think Hand Sanitizer Wipes is an important product to keep handy. I know a lot of people who are sick after traveling.
Nickie says
These are all great tips, this will really help make a stress less next trip
Monique S says
Thanks for the list. So easy to forget the essentials when your in the stress mode of packing
Christina Gould says
This is great information. You’ve got to have a list or you’ll forget something. Thanks for posting!
gloria patterson says
Great list of items. Last year I found the perfect size zip pouch to fit in my back pack. I keep most of this in their and just restock when I get home………… Of course I make sure the charger is charged
Sheila F says
I’m planning a trip which includes obtaining a new passport. Good article, love the list especially the power bank and the bandaids for blisters. Thank you!
Jessica Walker says
Great list I’m going on a trip and taking a plane for the first time in 25 years and will definitely take these things.
Nancy Burgess says
This is a very good list.i would not have thought of a lot of the items.
Rosie says
This sounds like a good list to me. I’m very noise sensitive, too, and would want to make sure I can block out noise!
Lynne B says
I always have a portable charger with me when I travel. What I love on your list is the immune boosting essential oil roller!! Gotta get me one of those!
Sandy Klocinski says
I have most of these items on my list. I travel more now than I used to so I’ve learned to be more organized. I actually keep a carry on packed with most of the essential items so I only have to add an item or two and I’m good to go
Susan Smith says
Most of those items are on our list. My husbands takes a lot of medications so he packs those in his carry on in case out luggage gets lost.
Tracie Brown says
I will tuck this info away for later. We used to live in Europe and travel all the time. Now we have kids so I need to restrategize!
Darla says
Hand sanitizer and power bank are my number one items I need to start taking.
Donna L Holder says
thank you for the great information
gloria patterson says
a great list of things you might need which is always the way to pack. If my sister is going on a long flight she includes some sleeping pills. Me I can just close my eyes and go out :-0
Devona Fryer says
Thanks for the great tips!
Tamra Phelps says
I’d say it’s a pretty comprehensive list. Personally, I’d add my meds because on occasion, your bags just don’t arrive when you do, lol.
Stacey Gage says
Great read, very helpful. I always get super overwhelmed when I pack for me and my kiddos.
Kimberly R. says
This list pretty much sums up what I carry. If possible I carry food and a drink depending on how I am travelling as well.
Peggy LS says
Yes all things to bring
Linda Manns Linneman says
These are great suggestions. I always seem to forget something. I will keep this list handy for my future travels. Thank you so much for sharing
Beatrice P says
Thank you for the great tips! I really like Razor max portable charge.
Susan Smith says
Good reminders, don’t pack your passport in your suitcase. When I was getting off a cruise a passenger ahead of me had packed her passport into her suitcase so she wasn’t allowed into the US until they could find it.
Jerry Marquardt says
Thank you so much for sharing the great review. I thank you for enlightening me with the information , so that making a buying decision is easier.
Leela says
Those are good reminders.
Buddy Garrett says
Thanks for the information. Some of the things I would have never thought of. Snacks and a power bank are needed. When I first flew I forgot to bring along ear plugs. The plane had to climb due to turbulence and our daughter was crying due to the pain in her ears.
Philip Lawrence says
I like the idea of using hand sanitizer wipes because they can be allowed on a plane by the TSA.
Karen Propes says
I love your list, I didn’t think about blister band-aids (added to my list). Some of the things I don’t have and really need to get. Of course the snack, I wouldn’t leave home without them. I’m always afraid to get stuck on the runway or in an elevator and ould be without food or water. Thanks for your suggestions, some of these things you just don’t think about.
LeAnn Harbert says
These are all great tips.
Jay Jackson says
Headphones, travel pillow, and a phone charger are a must for me when I travel.
Robin Abrams says
We could really use a power bank like this. my son is always dead
Stephanie H. says
This is a great list to have handy when traveling near or far.
james jenkins says
Love the power bank, and can really use it.
wen budro says
That’s a solid list of carry-on items to have on hand. I feel better about traveling when I have enough snacks, water, and external chargers on hand. It definitely takes some of the stress out of traveling to be prepared.
Christa Bengtsson says
Thanks for the tips. I don’t travel very much right now, but I want to in a few years. I will have to keep those in mind.
Anita Jude says
Love the tips on what to pack with you and like the one about packing snack with you just incase nothing is opened when you land after being on the plane
Judy Bradley says
Thanks for the great review & travel tips! I am so glad to know there are cords attached as I frequently forget mine, or as you mentioned, don’t get the right size.
Debbie Penney says
I like the fact you dont have to carry any extra cords with it.
Rosanne says
I am going to have to print this out and keep with my travel stuff. I like the tip about essential oils & hand wipes
cindy legg says
i think at work this charger would be very handy instead of fightin for a chance to use the outlet or on my gobs of trips to drs as well
Deborah D says
All of these tips are excellent. I like the one about packing a change of clothing on the carry o the best.
Stacy Brogan says
Great list perfect for traveling.
Sue E says
This is a great list!! For me, I wouldn’t use the eye mask. If you’re traveling overseas, don’t forget the outlet power converters or you’ll fry your electronics – not unless things have changed. 🙂
susan smoaks says
this is a great list. i am about to travel for work once a month and i will bookmark this and use your list to make sure i have everything i need when i travel.
Rajee Pandi says
I love to bookmark your tips
Jenny Q. says
Your travel list is helpful. I wouldn’t have thought of all of these things, but can see how the hand sanitizer wipes would be useful! A power bank seems like a good idea too!
Audrey Stewart says
I never thought about blisters. What a great idea…take band-aids. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.
tiffany dayton says
I don’t travel but if I did this would be the list I would keep in case I did need to travel.
Timmy says
I travel a lot so your list is well received.
Ann Fantom says
I would like to win the myCharge RazorUltra to recharge my phone when traveling
Cynthia C says
The power bank would be very nice to have while traveling. It’s not easy to find an outlet while you’re on the go.
Mary H. says
Thank you for the awesome list. It is going to help me be better prepared. I would never have thought of ear plugs or an eye mask or blister bandaids. I appreciate your taking the time to put it together.
Claudia Tapia says
My mom is traveling to Mexico in December and this list is gonna be very helpful.
Mia Rose says
I sure wish I had the power bank and hand sanitizer on my last trip. This will be a good check off list for future travel.
Edye says
Earplugs are always a good thing to have! Also, when driving up hills, too 🙂
Christina Gould says
The device looks very compact and would easily fit in my carry on bag. Thanks for posting!
Amanda Alvarado says
Great list! We could use one of the chargers when we travel!
DanV says
This looks handy for trips. I like that it has an integrated micro-USB cable and USB port.
Shirley Smith says
That is one great list you have, I would have never thought about packing Band Aids and ear plugs. What great advice. I’m so forgetful when packing… I usually forget to think outside the box. Lol
Rose Santuci-Sofranko says
It would come in handy to keep things charged up for trips, or power outages at home! Thanks and God Bless!
Marilyn Nawara says
Perfect for traveling — 27 hours of talk time is a lot!
heather Kaufman says
On Guard is the best thing ever!!!! I love the sanitizing mist!
kate g says
A great travel check list…I’m really liking that Razor Max….small, portable and it will charge my ipad and phone.
JLin says
very convenient ideas
Kristen says
A power bank is a definitely necessity for most kinds of travel.
June S. says
(Essential Travel List For Carry-On Luggage) Wow! It’s amazing that you can remember to pack all those things when you go traveling. I do like that this charging unit is great in these ways; The RazorMax is crafted from anodized aluminum, the 6000mAh RazorMax delivers an extra 27 hours talk time for your smartphone. This powerbank comes equipped with 2 USB ports and is perfect for charging two devices at once. With a 2.4A output, the RazorMax portable charger is great for charging tablets and other power thirsty devices. It’s also super light at only 0.38lbs and is perfect for keeping in your purse as you sightsee at your destination.
Chasta howes says
I like this list! I agree that the hand sanitizer, charge bank, tablet/phone, headphones and snacks are musts for my family
lv says
I always forget to pack a pair of headphones. You have to pay for them these days
Kim Pincombe-Cole says
My iPhone battery drains so fast – I’m always on the lookout for additional power. Love that these chargers are slim enough to carry in my bag!
naomi winkel says
This is a great list for taking on any airplane
Lidia A says
Great, advise when traveling is essential to make a list of items we do not want to forget. Every single item you listed is essential for a trip.
Sunnymay says
Two portable chargers are listed as travel essentials list. My Charge RazorMax and My Charge HubPlus have cords already attached, so you don’t have to carry cables. Plus you won’t run out of “juice.”
Amy D says
Hand sanitizing wipes are a must wherever we go. We have iPads and iPhones that constantly need to be charged, and the MyCharge is a fantastic way to charge 2 devices at once. I love the portable size for convenience and travel.
pu ye says
This is all super advice! I know I always carry Hand Sanitizer Wipes and first aid products. I do like my iPad also to bring with me.
gloria patterson says
WOW that is a list. I am usually a make the list in head person, but also there are a lot of things in my suitcase/travel bag that never come out. I will look and see if any thing needs restocked. But have to admit never though of taking my passport in the us for travel. These myChargers really look good and come in handy. I also like to take my ipad to watch movies/games etc and you always need power
Darlene Owen says
I love that it also has a integrated Apple® Lightning™ cable as I always forget my cable too
Jeanna says
What a great list! I love how slim the portable phone charger is!
Darlene Carbajal says
One of my family members has one and I want one myself. Looks like a great charging device.
monique s says
This is a super helpful list. With holiday travel season approaching, it is great to have as a reminder
Brian Soderston says
I never thought about packing ear plugs
Maryann D. says
This is all super advice! I know I always carry Hand Sanitizer Wipes and first aid products. I do like my iPad also to bring with me.