If packing were an Olympic sport, I feel like I’d have a solid shot at getting on the medal stand.

I spend way too much time thinking about how to make travel easier, more comfortable, and less stressful. Over the years, I’ve refined my carry-on strategy to the point where there are certain things I basically never travel without.

Some of these are practical. Some are a little quirky. A few might seem excessive. Take what works for you and leave the rest!

My Carry-On Essentials: What I Never Travel Without

My Favorite Travel Water Bottle: Bkr

I love a reusable water bottle for its eco-friendliness, but I’m absolutely paranoid about the mold that can build up on the caps and especially the gaskets of the caps in most water bottles. This one seals tight and is leak-free, is made of glass with a silicone sleeve, and has no gasket on the cap. I can see and smell that it is perfectly clean, with no room for bacteria or mold to hide and grow.

Pro tip: I bring my favorite tea bags with me and fill my water bottle with hot water in the airport before I fly. I’ve heard the hot water on airplanes is yuck. Over the course of the flight, I dilute the tea with plain still water until I’ve landed. This way I have a tea infusion for the whole flight.

The Thing You’ll Never Find Me Traveling Without: A Crochet Project

I never leave home without a stitching project and a full series downloaded to my phone on Netflix. Most recently, I watched The Gilded Age. There is nothing more delicious than stitching on a long flight.

On a flight back from India when my kids were all young, I once had the unhinged thought that I would literally fly back and forth to India for no reason just for the peace on the flight. If you’ve never tried bringing a creative project on a plane, I highly recommend it. If you want to learn how to crochet, check out my beginner’s guide here.

The Headphones That Make Flying More Bearable

I’m not a huge fan of Bluetooth devices. I think having EMF-producing devices next to our brains could be the next smoking. Oh wait, that was bad for us? Duh!

However, the noise cancellation on an airplane is a non-negotiable for me. I don’t think we understand the stress that the constant loud hum on a plane causes our bodies. I keep my headphones on with noise cancellation activated for the entire flight.

This one might not work for everyone. Take it or leave it.

My Secret Weapon for Better Hydration While Traveling

Hydrogenating Tablets! I have offered these to many flight attendants after they’ve seen me use them, and every one has been a convert. Simply put one tablet into a water bottle and seal it until it’s dissolved. Drink the hydrogenated water and get ready to feel much better.

The Travel Organization Hack I Swear By: Purse Organizers

These purse organizers make a slouchy tote into an upright, compartmentalized tote. I love them and move them around from bag to bag. It’s one of those small things that makes travel dramatically less annoying.

The Travel Accessory I Use on Every Flight: A Big Scarf

Temperature regulation on a flight is such a thing for me, and a large scarf that doubles as a blanket is a must. I love this one from J.Crew.

My Bag-in-a-Bag Strategy

Want to know my hack for bringing three bags on a trip without taking up extra space in my rolling bag? Nest two bags inside your large tote, using each of the bags to separate and store different items.

• A Medium Bag: I usually put the bulky items in the bottom of my large tote: my scarf, AirPods, and crochet project. Then I set the smaller bag on top with the things I’ll reach for the most: water bottle, headphones, supplements, and other essentials.

• A Small Crossbody Bag: I’m currently obsessed with this one. I keep my phone, passport, and boarding pass inside and wear it through the airport so these items are always handy and separated from everything else. I don’t need to dig through my carry-on tote every time I need something. When I go through security or board the plane and they want me to consolidate into two bags, I simply place the crossbody inside my medium bag, which is already inside my large tote.

The Portable Charger I Can’t Live Without

This portable charger is a lifesaver. It plugs directly into the wall and has incorporated cables, so it requires no additional cords. One charge of the portable charger can charge my phone multiple times. Anything that reduces the number of cords I have to travel with gets an immediate yes from me.

Two Non-Negotiables for Every Flight

• This face mask. Every flight. No question.

• Compression Socks. I NEVER fly without compression socks. I actually buy the men’s size because compression socks intended for my size feel too tight. The men’s size gives me the right amount of compression without making me feel like I’m suffocating.

Final Thoughts

I’m kind of obsessive about making travel as comfortable and low-stress as possible. These are the products and systems I’ve landed on after years of flying, packing, unpacking, and trying to make long travel days a little more enjoyable.

I’d love to know what makes your carry-on list every single time. Comment and tell me what travel essential you refuse to leave home without.

All my love,
Vanessa

P.S. If you enjoyed this guide, you might also like My Favorite Sleep Products and Rituals or The Wellness Tools I Use For Stress Relief and Everyday Reset.