What's in my International Travel Carry On

When I was planning our journey to Okinawa, I knew my carry on would be very important. I already had two colossal rolling suitcases stuffed as full as possible. I'm already not a very light packer, but add in moving to another country and the odds were pretty high that I was going to pack as much as possible. I knew I would need quite a few things with me in the airport and in hotels and once I got to Japan if my suitcases were lost. I had to figure out a strategic way of carrying things. I knew my shoulder bag would not cut it. Can you imagine hauling tons of stuff on your arm through 4 different airports. Not fun. I am not a backpack type of girl and my trusty North Face molded in the humidity in South Carolina. Gross and unfortunate. I had it for about 6 years so it lived a full life. Finally, I found this baby.

found at Bed, Bath, and Beyond

Love at first sight. It is a rolling suitcase that can be carried as a duffle or backpack. PURE GENIUS. It has two large compartments that can be used separately or tother. It also has a small pocket on the front. It was also only $100, which I think is a pretty good deal.

So, once I had to carrying device, I had to figure out what I should put in it. I knew I would be in a hotel during a layover and then a hotel once we got to Japan. I needed to have all the necessities with me incase my other bags got lost. I also needed items incase I got stuck in the airport. 

This is what made the cut:

• Two traveling outfits (obviously wearing 1)
• Flip flops(I travel in flip flops because they are easy to take off. I ended up putting my white keds back in my regular suitcase)
• Light jacket or Sweater for the plane
• Two extra outfits (dress and shorts/shirt)
• Underwear (around 4 pairs)
• Socks (my feet get cold on the plane)
• pjs/casual outfit
• sports bra

• Essential make-up items
• Chapstick/lipgloss
• Nail file
• Tweezers
• Razor
• Face Wipes
• Contacts/solution
• Deodorant
• Face Lotion
• Q-tips
• Tums
• Advil
• Hair ties
• Brush
• Comb
• Emergen-C
• Bandaids
• Headband
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Straightener (this girl can't live without)

• Glasses
• Computer
• Ipod
• Ipad
• Iphone (not pictured)
• Camera
• Headphones
• Personal Files/Information
• Notebook (for lists of course)
• Book
• Agenda

• Dog food (only when traveling with a pet, or that's just weird)
• Snooze kit (eyemask, ear plugs)
• Healthy Snacks (these ended up being life savers! Don't assume you will have time to buy things at the airport)
• Garlic Salt (Well I can't live without it and it was recommended by someone else to have in your temporary lodging in Japan. I am so glad I have it)

Not pictured:

• Wallet with IDs and money
• Passport
• Chargers

Nope, I don't think I could have fit any thing else. I was very glad I had all of these things during my journey. During my layover when I stayed in a hotel, they didn't give me my other suitcases so it was great I had all of these things. The only downfall, it is hard to get stuff in and out, especially when it is in the over head bin. I also did not have time to put stuff back between flights, so I was running around the airport holding tons of stuff. It was pretty cute. It was also a very heavy bag when you stuff it full.

After it was all said and done, I was happy with what I packed and loved this little suitcase. It really did help during my hectic travel adventure.

Do you have any traveling tips?

What do you pack in your carry on?