I’m a list-maker. In fact, I’m such a list-maker that my friends make fun of me. But lists bring me joy and comfort, and I figure it’s one of the least harmful addictions a girl can have (let’s not talk about my flip-flop collection today).
Over the years, I’ve refined and changed my packing lists based on how I’m traveling, whether or not my son is traveling with me, which electronics I can’t live without, where I’m living at the time, etc. By now, I’m fairly consistent in what I toss in my “personal item” carry-on bag for airline travel (currently a LugLife Mambo Tote). Since I love finding and adapting other folks’ lists, I thought I’d share mine with you.
- ID – some people just use a driver’s license for domestic travel, but I tend to pack my passport anytime I travel
- Airline boarding pass (check-in online, if at all possible) and other necessary travel paperwork
- Wallet – clear out old receipts and unneeded loyalty cards to reduce weight
- Pens – at least two in case on runs out of ink
- Spiral notebook
- Snack – Pepperidge Farms goldfish are my favorite because they’ll easily calm a queasy stomach
- Mobile phone
- Headphones
- iPad
- One magazine – my books are on my iPad, but this is good for landing and take-off. I just stash it in the seat back and leave it after I’m finished reading it.
- Laptop – although I try to travel with only my iPad if at all possible
- Pashmina (or scarf/wrap) – I use mine as a blanket so I don’t have to mess with the static (and cootie?) filled ones the airlines sometimes provide.
- A few pages of the book I’m currently writing
- Kleenex
- Gum
- Headache meds
- Motion sickness meds (yes, I’m one of those travel sickness wienies)
- Lip balm
- Nail file
- Glasses/sunglasses
- Any valuable jewelry
If you like my list, you can download it in Word or PDF format.
What’s on your carry-on packing list? What am I missing here?
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This week is National Karaoke Week. I think songs from Grease make for great karaoke. However, I wouldn’t be caught dead singing karaoke. Once, after watching Sister Act, I told Tech Guy I thought I’d like to take voice lessons. He laughed so hard, I’m pretty sure he wet himself a little.
