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Whether you’re packing light with just a carry-on or supplementing a larger checked bag, there are a few key items you should always keep close at hand. These are the things that can turn a stressful travel day into a comfortable one and save you when the unexpected happens.
Your Travel Documents
This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. Keep your boarding pass, ID, passport, and itinerary easily accessible. Even if you’ve gone fully digital, paper backups are your best friend if your phone battery dies or an app crashes mid-connection.
Lip Gloss or Chap Stick
Cabin air is notoriously dry, so keeping your lips hydrated will help you feel more comfortable. A swipe of Chap Stick or your favorite lip gloss can make a world of difference by the end of a long flight.
Socks
If you’ve ever had your feet turn into ice cubes mid-flight, you know how important a good pair of socks can be. Toss an extra pair into your bag just in case—your toes will thank you.
Reading Material
Whether it’s a gripping novel, your favorite magazine, or a new eBook, a little entertainment makes travel time fly. Flights are one of the few times you can truly disconnect, so settle in and enjoy the quiet time to read.
A Pen
It’s amazing how often a simple pen saves the day. From filling out customs forms to jotting down gate changes or that restaurant recommendation from a fellow traveler, having a pen handy means you’re always prepared.
Snacks
Airplane meals aren’t what they used to be, and airport food can be expensive or hard to grab during a short layover. Pack your own snacks for healthier, cheaper, and tastier options. Stick to items that are easy to store and not too aromatic. Don’t forget gum or hard candy to help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
A Light Jacket, Sweater, or Small Blanket
Cabins can get cold fast, so layer up with something lightweight that you can use as a cover-up or a pillow. It’s a small comfort that makes a big difference during long flights.
Headphones and Entertainment
Download music, podcasts, or audiobooks before your trip. Even if your flight offers in-seat entertainment, you’ll appreciate having your own options—and your own comfortable headphones to listen with.
OTC and Prescription Medications
Always keep your prescriptions in your carry-on, never in checked luggage. Add a few over-the-counter essentials like pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, or antacids for good measure. It’s much easier to have them on hand than to hunt for a pharmacy mid-journey.
Chargers and Converters
A dead phone is every traveler’s nightmare. Pack your chargers in your carry-on so you can power up whenever you find an outlet. If you’re traveling internationally, include the right converter so your devices stay fully functional wherever you go.
Final Thoughts
Every traveler has a few personal must-haves, but this list covers the essentials that make any trip smoother. What are your can’t-travel-without items? Do you think there should be more than ten carry-on essentials? Share your go-to travel staples in the comments!
