Thursday, September 19, 2013

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?


10 comments:

  1. woow! you are an excellent packer! I always bring some extra snacks- those are a must! and I bring the bare minimum (if I can) for makeup and hair stuff.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! You wouldn't think so if you saw my other two suitcases haha

      Delete
  2. You are great at packing! I always way over pack!

    Lauren,
    http://atouchofsoutherngrace.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! So do I. I had to cut some stuff out originally so my carry on wouldn't be so heavy.

      Delete
  3. Great piece of writing, I really liked the way you highlighted some really important and significant points. Thanks so much, I appreciate your work.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ooh this helped me with my packing thank you !

    kelloquialk.blogspot.com.au

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear what you have to say!