My Carry-on Bag…What to take is everything but the kitchen sink!
Choice of bag:
My choice of carry-on bag is my soft, light weight, flexible, expandable tote (similar to this one) that I wear over the shoulder or across my body. I bring a sports sack that is worn as a backpack. It is great because it is light weight, flexible and is hard for a pick pocket to open inconspicuously. I also carry a small cross body purse which can be used separately or can fit in the sports sack which can both fit in the tote.
Travel docs / info:
My husband prefers to put everything on google drive and make it available offline on his phone. I always want to have a written paper copy of the itinerary and plans. You never know if your phone might get lost, there isn’t reliable Internet, you can’t access the emails or google drive, or a hard copy is required. Bring the essentials such as your passport, copies of your passports, proof of visa approval, international drivers license and plane tickets.
Security:
In addition to my carry-on bag, I like to wear a pouch that hangs under my shirt to hide my important documents. In the pouch, I keep: credit cards, drivers license, health insurance card, and currency. I also try to bring currency for the country we are traveling to if possible. Order that from your local bank the week before to avoid higher charges at airport exchanges or go an ATM upon arrival. Invest in some small TSA approved luggage locks. I use them for my luggage and my carry on bag.
Comfort items:
I pack a travel pillow, headphones, ear plugs, eye cover, small thin blanket, and scarf/shawl.
Clothing:
I keep an extra set of clothing in my carry on bag in case my luggage gets lost or flight gets delayed.
Toiletries:
I carry travel size toiletries (in bottles smaller than 4oz.) to fit in a one quart size freezer bag. Don’t forget your tooth brush and hair brush!
Electronics:
I bring my phone, charger cable, a portable battery and outlet adapter in my carry-on bag. I like to have a laptop since I always work on vacation. We carry a laptop used for our travels. It is basically a bare-bones computer. If stolen, it’s not a big deal as there’s nothing really sensitive on it.
Jewelry:
I pack one set of costume type jewelry just to have something but it is not flashy or expensive.
Miscellaneous items:
it’s good to have pens, a small notebook, playing cards, hand sanitizer, hair bands, medicines, tissue pack, and sunglasses.
Food:
Always bring snacks (just in case the flight does not serve food or my layover is too short to pick up food) in your carry-on bag. Take an empty water bottle. Of course you will not carry water through security. However, you can fill it once in the gate area. Last, I bring, candy/gum (great to have because chewing helps equalize pressure in your ears during take off and landing).
Other random things to pack:
Don’t forget to download your favorite playlist of songs, movies to watch, podcasts, needed files, etc. before departing.
Good luck with your adventures!
Nova
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