1. I always carry an emergency set of clothes. I admit it, I am always afraid that my luggage will not arrive with me to my destination, so I always carry that most comfortable pair of black pants and black pull over that can get me from sight seeing to cocktails in a pinch. I find matte Jersey is a great material to pack -- light weight, won't wrinkle, stuffable in a side pocket and looks great dressed down or dressed up!
2. All my meds that I might need while away are packed safe and secure with me on the plane. More than once I have suffered from a tension headache while traveling only to find that my Excedrin was neatly packed away in the belly of the plane. Since airlines now charge more than a hospital for a motrin having my meds within grasp is extremely important. Also, I feel much more at ease for the unforeseen emergency if I have my meds listed on an index card in a ziploc with the bottles if ever anyone needed to know what I was taking and why. You just never know and better safe than sorry!
3. Travel size cosmetics -- remember the airlines have strict rules about the size of liquids that can be taken onto the plane. I for one think this is one of the few airline rules that makes perfect sense. Too many times we have read about how liquids and cosmetics were used to harm. Besides, travel sizes are available for everything these days. If my trip is long or if I am leaving very early in the morning I don't bother with make up before boarding. I do however want to arrive at my destination ready to take on the world. So, neatly packed into a quart size ziploc you will find my travel size tooth brush, toothpaste, lotion, mineral makeup, lipstick and hairspray. The total makeover package!
4. Any jewelry that I am taking. Probably do not even need to defend this one. Just better safe than sorry! Just so many of you are at ease -- I don't take all my valuable jewelry with me but still anything chosen rides safely with me the whole time!
5. Book,magazines, and ipod. These have become my staples for my flying time. Lots of the belles choose to sleep while flying -- I'm not great at that, so having entertainment does wonders. I find the plane is the perfect place to start/finish the latest book choice. As for my ipod -- relatively new for me but great since I can load it with new music, movies, and tv shows that I haven't had the chance to watch. Perfect time to put on the ear phones and lose myself until we arrive.
6. Expandable folder with all my printed reservations, tickets, and travel plans. What good is my rental car reservation info packed in my suitcase? You never know when you are going to need your hotel number because your plane is late and you need a later check in. What about the numbers of your guide to let them know that you are on the way? Perfect place for all of this is of course the carry on.
7. Pillow and blanket. American Airlines just announced that due to the economy they are now going to charge a rental fee for the use of blankets and pillows! This is absurd!!! Besides, I can't stand the thought of who was using it last, when it was washed and where it was stored -- I know a little on the OCD side -- so I take my own. Problem solved!
8. Netbook or laptop and digital camera. I personally carry my netbook when traveling. It is more light weight and smaller. Also, I know when I travel I just need basic operating software and the netbook is perfect for that. I can stay in touch with internet via fb, email and such and I can open the basic pdf if I need to and review it. If you know you are going to be needing lots of files and specific software applications like photoshop then you will want your laptop. Either way, don't regret packing it and then something happening to it! My camera also travels in my carry on. When I travel I go for a slimline camera that fits neatly into my carry on.
9. I always pack a light snack. Unless you are on international flights these days or traveling first class you won't be offered a "free" meal. The cost for a sandwich or for cheese and crackers is outrageous. Most airlines allow you to pack an unopened snack in your carry on. I find a great trail mix, pack of crackers, or granola bar is a life saver when the snack cart starts tempting me!
10. Lightweight jacket or sweater. Often times you leave one climate and enter another. Always be prepared (Yes, I was a girl scout!). That early evening breeze might leave you chilly when you arrive and are waiting for your cab or shuttle bus. Plus, why take the chance that you might go over the 5olb rule by packing it in your suitcase.
Bottom line is I carry anything I might need to get from my departure sight to my arrival sight without opening my suitcase in my carry on. I always choose a carry one with wheels and a handle that maneuvers easily through the airport. Although I have packed for my entire trip in a carry on before that is not my objective in most cases. Generally I fly but I definitely think the same rules apply for a road trip. The carry on bag needs to be easily accessible with your essentials and fundamentals at your finger tips!
Since I often pack in a hurry to make sure that I have everything I need I keep a laminated list inside the pocket of my carry on. It makes gathering up and packing a snap!
One note -- you will notice that I did not include my purse in my carry on. I don't pack my purse -- I always have it with me. In addition, I don't pack money, passport, boarding passes, or cell phone. Almost everyone takes a carry on and many will look just like yours. Why take the chance with someone accidentally walking off with your and leaving you completely stranded!
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