A well-packed carry-on is essential to the experience, just like a well-planned trip. I’m a firm believer that a great trip begins before you ever leave home, so making the necessary preparations allows you to start your journey a little more relaxed and ready for the adventure ahead! I’ve learned a lot through trial and error over the years, and it all comes down to three categories:
- Organization
- Comfort
- Useful

These categories are a great starting point for determining what you should and should not pack in your carry-on luggage that you’ll have on the airplane cabin during your flight; if it does not fall into one of these categories, it may not need to travel with you. Today we’ll talk about the top 10 essentials to pack in this bag for an international flight.
1. Passport
You’re not going anywhere without one, so while it may seem obvious, it’s not something to leave off the list.
Click HERE to apply for a passport. The average passport processing time is 6 weeks, but if you have extenuating circumstances, click HERE to see your options.
Already have your passport? Don’t wait until the last minute to locate it. Take some time to do so when you book your trip and check the expiration date to ensure you don’t need to apply for a new one.
One week before your travel…
Locate your passport again and put it in a place where you won’t forget to stick it in your carry-on bag.
Make a digital copy of all important documents. Take a picture, scan it, or email it to yourself. Just make sure you keep it somewhere you’ll have easy access to while traveling.
I also prefer to have digital copies of all itinerary information (flights, tours, hotel confirmations) with me. My clients receive a daily itinerary app to help them keep track of all trip documents.
For an extra layer of safety, enroll your trip with the US government by creating an account with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. The program notifies the nearest US Embassy or Consulate of your visit. If there is ever a safety or security issue in the city you have visited, they will text you to let you know which areas to avoid. The state of the world can be unnerving, but there is a risk in everything you do, whether you get in your car or travel to another country, so don’t let this stop you from seeing the world… just take smart safety precautions.
2. Battery Packs
When I’m traveling, my phone dies so quickly, but I’m taking photos and videos, listening to audiobooks on the plane, accessing my travel itinerary, and posting on social media, all things. A backup battery is essential to avoid the panic of low power mode, particularly when traveling. I always travel with my Anker portable, but there are many great options on Amazon for you.
3. Apps
I love Citymapper to help with personal navigation and WhatsApp to talk to people for free around the world! Of course, Google Translate can certainly come in handy when English is not the primary language or just to help you learn to pronounce something correctly.
4. Sneakers
When traveling, you’ll undoubtedly get your steps in, so packing the right shoes is critical to ensuring your feet don’t suffer. Every trip, no matter the season, includes lightweight sneakers. I’ve included a list of my favorites ranging from comfort, such as the Allbirds, to versatility and style, such as the Golden Goose sneakers.

5. Plug adaptors
I used to have to sort through entire bags of plugs for each destination, so when I discovered all-in-one adapters with multiple USB chargers, I was ecstatic to toss the color-coded plugs to the side. I’ve used the same one for years. You can find them on Amazon.
6. Packing cubes
Many travelers rave about packing cubes improving their ability to stay organized. I too have used them to keep things organized for extended trips where I’m traveling to multiple climates. I use the cubes to separate clothes needed as my travels progress. I currently use a type that has compression too – who doesn’t want more space in their luggage? The variety is endless whether your choice is for organization or compression to optimize space.

7. Noise-canceling headphones
I always travel with my no-worry, not-too-expensive, wireless earbuds (not so sad when I leave them on the plane, which I’ve done before!), but Bose is my favorite for long-haul flights because I find over-ear headphones to be the most comfortable for extended periods, yet if I’m only traveling with a carry-on, I’m a little more space conscious.

8. Snacks
You will be given a meal and snacks, but I always bring a few snacks I know will agree with me, because airport food can be iffy. While this is purely a personal preference, I always bring my favorite protein powder with me; it’s easily mixed with hot or cold water. Unsalted nuts, usually cashews or pistachios are another easy-to-pack snack that doesn’t need refrigeration. My favorite dessert is dark chocolate – I don’t travel anywhere without bars or bags of chocolate chips of my favorite 80+% cacao variety.

9. Travel Health
You want to feel your best when you arrive at your destination. A good rule of thumb is to drink a full glass of water every hour of your flight to avoid dehydration. I usually bring electrolyte drops or packets on a flight, especially if I plan to have a drink or two. And many doctors tell me compression socks are essential carry-on items to reduce the risk of blood clots or DVT if you don’t make a point of getting up, moving your legs, etc.

10. The Luggage
Let’s talk about your luggage of choice now that we’ve covered everything that goes in it. What you choose will depend on your trip length, destination, and whether you prefer a hard or soft-sided exterior. I’ve loved soft-sided luggage for years. I find them very forgiving if you tend to pack a lot, and up until recently, they’ve lasted me tens of thousands of miles. But lately, I find soft siders aren’t made like they used to be so I’ve decided to venture into the world of hard-sided luggage.
Are they really that sturdy and durable? With better wheels to roll smoothly through train stations and over cobblestone streets? There are many choices, from the top-of-the-line Rimowa aluminum luggage with a lifetime warranty, to contemporary brands Monos, Beis, and Away. And of course, we can’t overlook the tried-and-true Samsonite, Travel Pro, or Delsey.
My recommendation is to do research! Take a little time and find the luggage that truly suits your needs. After all, this is one of the most important travel choices you’ll make. Do you have a favorite luggage choice when traveling internationally?

So, there you go wonderful voyagers. The 10 essentials you should consider for your next international flight. Using these items can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Safe Travels!!

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