9 Must-Have Carry On Bag Essentials
We can get so excited when packing for our dream European vacation that these carry on bag essentials are often overlooked.
We’re going to bypass the obvious essentials like a carry on bag and list what travelers tend to forget so you don’t. Just keep reading!
What you’re about to see are the carry on bag essentials that travelers tend to forget when they are packing their bags for a dream getaway.
I have to admit, I was one of those travelers – especially on my very first trip to Ireland – so, I curated a list of must haves that you cannot forget to pack.
This blog post is all about carry on bag essentials for your next European vacation.
1. Cross Body Bag
Did you know that on most airlines you are allowed to bring on a personal item in addition to a carry on bag? Personal items are traditionally purses and have to be smaller than the carry on (size depends on the airline).
This bag features credit card slots, adjustable band, and two sections to put everything from your passport to phone in. It’s also very desecrate making it a great day bag to roam the streets of Europe with.
2. Pill Organizer
Out of all the carry on bag essentials in this post, I recommend this one the most! I got sick when I was traveling Ireland for the fist time (I’m pretty sure it was COVID) and I would’ve done anything for a decongestant.
(FYI, a lot of pharmacies or “chemists” do not carry the same strength medicine as they do in America so, I recommend bringing your own).
What’s great about this specific pill organizer is that you can label each compartment by medicine such as Advil, Tylenol, Dramamine, Zyrtec, etc.
3. Multi-Use Portal Charger
It goes without saying that we currently live in a digital world and everyone owns at least more than two to three electronic devices. This specific portable charger has multiple ports available to charge your devices including a USB and USB-C ports.
What’s great about this device is that it shows the battery percentage of the charger. No need to guess if your charger is still charged!
4. Collapsable Water Bottle
Okay, this one is another one of those carry on bag essentials that travelers tend to forget. Not only will you need it at you travel at your destination but, when you’re going through the airport (no need to pay for those pricey water bottles!).
These water bottles are great because they can collapse and fit into your carry on bag as you pass through TSA and then fill them up once you pass through. Make sure not to have them filled before you go through TSA – that’s a big no-no!
5. Toiletry Bag
Per TSA guidelines, you need need to put all liquids that you intend to bring in your carry on bag in a clear bag no bigger than one quart. These toiletry bags come in a set of two. One can be used for your liquids – this will depend on how many liquids you are bringing.
Pro tip: you can use the second bag to pack an emergency outfit and a few pairs of underwear and socks, just in case your luggage gets lost upon arriving at your destination.
6. Tech Storage Case
Every time I pack for a trip, I am always amazed at how many electronics I am packing; it seems like there are more to pack with each passing year! What I love most about this tech storage case is that there are two compartments with so many little pockets.
When I first started traveling, I was used a small one with only two pockets that I got on sale at TJ Maxx.
7. Cosmetic Bag
This has been my most recent investment only because I’ve recently gotten into doing my make-up more often than I was.
What’s awesome about this cosmetic bag is that it has two compartments so you can easily categorize your make-up. Don’t forget, you MUST keep your liquids separate!
8. Travel Organizer
Packing scrunchies, bobby pins, clips, and other small items are essential for any carry on bag but, you don’t want them to get lost in all of the other stuff you have in your bag.
These mini travel organizers come in a set of four and are about the size of the palm of your hand.
9. Jewelry Organizer
Strangely enough, I got my first jewelry organizer as a bridesmaid gift and used it on the day of the wedding to carry my jewelry. Since then, however, I have upgraded to the one listed above mainly for functionality reasons.
Conclusion to Must-Have Carry On Bag Essentials
Preparing to travel abroad can be exciting and also stressful and sometimes the carry on bag essentials gets overlooked. I personally curated the list above based on my own travel experience and that of the experts!
Happy traveling!
This blog post was about carry on bag essentials for your next European vacation.
If you enjoyed this post, you may like…
The Ultimate Amazon Gift Guide for the Traveler in Your Life