What’s in your Carry-On Bag?

One of the many things I looked forward to as a frequent business traveller was cracking open an issue of Air Canada's enRoute magazine. I liked the feature “What’s in your Carry-On Bag” where they list a person’s favourite travel items.

I loved getting inspiration and curating my personal carry-on space. Whether it was purchasing cute water bottles or finding gadgets to store my charging cables, I continually evolved my bag.

As a leisure traveler, optimizing my carry-on space is just as fun. And with the cost of additional carry-on items and the effort to carry them while using public transportation, it is key for me to keep it light.

In the spirit of the enRoute articles here are my carry on essentials.

Passport, Phone & Credit Cards

Passport, phone, credit cards. The true essentials. While I keep my credit cards on my Apple Watch and my boarding pass on my phone, having actual credit cards and boarding passes on hand is often simpler when travelling rather than scrambling to open up your device. I keep my phone, passport (here is a cute passport holder) and credit cards close at hand in a front facing fanny pack or cross body bag. I also like to have my phone in a case on a cross body strap like this for easy access because I take so make pictures!

Contents of my backpack

Water bottle

I like to have a water bottle within arms reach pretty much... always. I have one for my car, the gym, my bedside…I could write a blog on the many water bottles I have tried over the years 😆. For travel, I like to have one that is light, compact, leak proof, easy to open and close, and that holds at least 12 ounces like this one.

Entertainment

Having entertainment while travelling can make a world of difference, especially with long flights or delays.  I like to download a few TV shows, movies or podcasts to my iPAD or phone.

I also bring my eReader (I have a Kobo, however a Kindle may be a more universal choice) with two or three books or magazines downloaded. I was a diehard reader of actual books, but have since converted to eReaders as they provide multiple reading options, are light to carry, have long battery life and include their own light source so you don’t have to disturb anyone else by turning on a light to read. Here is one of my favourite books to consider downloading: Remarkably Bright Creatures.

There are times though where I’ve had enough of the devices. In those instances I may doodle, write or do a crossword. Having a small notebook with my favourite pens, markers or pencils is great for these moments. Here are my favourites: small note book, ball point pen, fine line markers, pencil/eraser/sharpener & small pencil case

Sound cancelling earbuds or headphones

You never know what sounds are going to be around you when travelling. From the business traveller taking a conference call, crying babies or the loud talker in the next aisle. Sound cancelling headphones or earbuds can make all the difference. They allow you to create your own sound environment and help you to relax.

Device chargers

Being able to re-charge your devices at any point in your journey is key. You never know if there will be compatible recharging options on hand (or any at all!),or if you will be delayed for a long time in one place. Having a multi-port wall charger (don’t forget to check the local electricity standards) and a powerful mini portable charger will cover you in all situations (oh and don't forget to have multiple cables as well). I alike to keep all of these together in a transparent travel bag that I can grab and go, and that allows me to find what I am looking for easily.

Scarf or light blanket

Inevitably I am either too hot or too cold at multiple points during transportation. Having a nice scarf  is perfect for me as I can get it on or off easily. For longer journeys a light travel blanket does the trick to help me get comfortable.

Snacks & Chewing Gum

Many flights do not include meals or snacks, even if they do they might not be something you want to eat. I always bring something to snack on for these situations, like almonds and rice crackers. Sometimes I make myself a sandwich and bring fruit and yogourt (I keep these cold with tiny TSA approved sized ice packs). I also like to have chewing gum on hand to help my ears and sinuses from blocking during take-off and landing.

Eyedrops, hand cream & lip balm

I always carry a small toiletries bag, which is a subset of a larger bag that I carry in my suitcase. Depending on the length of my travel this bag can include different things including a small toothbrush, toothpaste, Advil, medication, lip balm, hand cream, tissues, eye-drops and even moisturizing nasal spray for long haul flights.

Disinfectant wipes & face masks

I am happy we no longer have to wear masks as we did during COVID, however I do like to have a mask on hand if I am in close contact with people who are visibly sick or when I am in small space with a ton of people. This can help to avoid getting sick while travelling - which no one wants. I also like to have wipes on hand to clean the elements I will be touching most during travel i.e.: arm rests, trays, screens, seatbelt buckle (I love these).

The Bag

Lastly, the most important element of this list is the bag itself. I have tried multiple types from laptop bags, to gym bags, to bags on wheels. I keep going back to a basic light and roomy backpack (I have been using this one recently as it meets the ‘personal item’ size standards for most airlines). Backpacks allow me to have my hands free, have easy access to my water bottle through side pockets, and they are typically roomy enough to add in additional items as needed (i.e. when you pick up more stuff at the airport!). The downside to backpacks is the lack of compartments. Items tend to slip around, to get around this I group my things into two or three lightweight bags so I can easily find and pull out what I need.

I hope you have found this article helpful for your next trip. Happy Travels!

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