What's Inside My Personal Item?
Look inside my personal item for flights and how I fit everything I need into a carry-on.
Need help packing minimally for your next adventure? Take a look inside my personal item for inspiration and packing tips.
After six years of galavanting around the world, I still hate packing. It’s challenging to fit years' worth of your life into one backpack, but worth the savings and extra hassle. With the prices of flights and baggage fees increasing, and the struggle to lag around a suitcase, your best bet is to cram everything into one personal item and carry-on bag.
Not only does only bringing a carry-on save your hundreds of dollars in baggage fees, but it's also impossible to lose your luggage, which could put a massive damper on your travel plans. On most international airlines, a passenger is allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item at no extra cost as long as size and regulations are met. While some budget airlines DO charge for a carry-on, it is still significantly lower than the price of checked luggage. In fact, I’ve taken dozens of flights where the bag cost more than the actual ticket. Crazy, right?
Believe it or not, I am still an over-packer after six years, but not by much. After a while, packing cubes will become your new best friend, and you will know what items are really necessary and what aren’t. I've become much more strategic over the years and am here to help you do the same.
Let’s take a look inside my luggage!
Personal Item: Most Important
Passport: Your key to the world. Obviously, there are various times your passport or some kind of identification is needed throughout the airport and during your first day of traveling. Always keep this somewhere handy and easily accessible.
Wallet: NEVER PUT YOUR WALLET IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE. I thought this was common sense. You wouldn’t believe the number of people that packed their wallets or credit cards in their checked luggage, and to their surprise, was no longer there when they received their luggage later on.
Phone: Of course, the iPhone is the sole object that, more than likely, has all your information (mine does, anyway). I have copies of everything; boarding passes, tickets, reservations, emails, phone numbers, and the always handy Google Maps.
Piglet: Yes, I’m an adult and still have a stuffed animal; deal with it. Piglet is the most important item in my bag and the sole and only thing that can't be replaced. If you haven't been acquainted, this pig has traveled to every country with me and has been my trusty companion for almost 30 years. He is never checked, loves window seats, and is the perfect partner to keep all of my secrets (if only he could work with a camera).
Medicine: While this doesn't apply to me now, other than the occasional headache regimen, any daily medications should always be kept with you. Don’t risk the chance of your luggage getting lost for god knows how long and not having access to that medicine. Depending on what it is, not having that could ruin your trip altogether. And trust me, it can really be a hassle trying to get certain medications outside of your home country.
Lighter: Yes, you can take a lighter in your carry bag; but you cannot take ten lighters in your carry-on bag. This is something else that won’t apply to everyone but is very important to me. Nothing is worse than getting off of a 10-hour flight and going outside to smoke, and realizing you have no lighter.
Computer: Since I work solely digitally, my laptop is one of my most essential items to pack. Not only does it support my lifestyle, but I can also use it for entertainment for long-haul flights. Keep in mind that your computer is fragile; keep it safe with you. It’s expensive and breakable, and they aren’t always careful when loading and unloading baggage on a plane.
iPad/Tablet: I hadn’t always taken my iPad abroad with me until I started working online. Now, it’s an essential business item I use daily. Additionally, I've downloaded so many books and only have the time to read them when I'm in transit. If you are an avid reader or traveling with children, some sort of tablet is crucial for flight entertainment.
Headphones: No headphones, music, or in-flight entertainment such as downloaded movies or audiobooks. Simple as that. While some airlines will supply you with a pair of headphones for long-haul flights, there is no guarantee, so it’s always a good idea to pack a spare pair of headphones as well. There’s nothing worse than being on a plane and someone is using a tablet at full volume with no headphones; be respectful and entertain yourself.
Chargers: Chargers for my computer, phone, and iPad, and a charged battery pack, is what I would typically bring. However, I also splurged and bought a phone case with a built-in battery, and it’s the best thing ever. My phone can now always be charged, even on the go, and has double the battery life. Keep in mind that not all outlets are the same size around the world. Do your research ahead of time to ensure you are equipped with the correct adapter.
Toothbrush/Toothpaste: This is usually the only toiletry item I bring on board. You never know when you will be sleeping in an airport due to missed flights and long layovers, and it's nice to be refreshed. It’s a great way to stay healthy, keep up with personal hygiene, and give you a little energy in the early morning hours.
Chapstick: I always carry chapstick everywhere; I don’t know how people get through life without it. Pretty self-explanatory.
Pillow: I used to think neck pillows were a hassle to bring and weren’t of much importance. This is a lie; bring the pillow. They are perfect for napping on airplanes and can be an alternative seat when waiting around in stations or in cities.
Glasses: My contacts get extremely dry on flights, so I always make sure I pack my glasses in my carry-on bag. Being unable to see when arriving in a new country is a huge problem that I hope never to have to deal with. Sunglasses are also crucial in sunny or tropical destinations.
Book: Reading is one of the best things to do while in transit. Not only does it give you an escape into a new world, but it also makes time go by much faster. While you can always load up an iPad with dozens of your favorite novels, it’s hard to beat a good paperback.
Journal & Pen: If you haven't started keeping a travel journal, I highly suggest you do. It's the best way to preserve memories around long after the trip is finished, write letters back home, or personally vent about the day. Even if you still need to find your journal, at least bring a pen. You'll need it for paperwork, and it takes up no space at all.
Carry-On: Everything Else
Everything listed above I can fit in my personal item that goes under the seat in front of you during your flights. The rest of my things go in my carry-on backpack. Your packing cubes are essential here to make sure everything fits strategically. All of your clothing items, shoes, toiletries, liquids, and miscellaneous items will be placed in your carry-on. Basically, everything that is replaceable. Be sure to leave extra space for souvenirs and thrift purchases made on your trip.
Thats it! That's what's inside luggage, 95% of the time, anyway. The random items or last-minute purchases always make it inside too. Other suggestions to pack for long-haul flights include water/snacks, an eye mask, face wipes, moisturizer, and compression socks. Something else to remember is that some of the more expensive or luxurious airlines supply many of these items for you. All you have to do is ask! Enjoy your flight, and happy packing!