Carry-On Essentials | Tote Edition


Travelling light is not a concept I really grasp. I know how to pack light for a weekend trip, but add on any more than 2 days and I’m so afraid to forget something – even though I’ve made countless lists. I tend to just cram it all in. In an effort to not do that this time around, I’m limiting myself and that starts with my carry-on tote. It’s all centered around my LV Neverfull that is basically a bottomless pit! 





Hopefully I’m not the only one that does this, but I usually put the purse I’ll be carrying during the trip into my tote. I wish I had purchased the Gigi NY Cross Body, but didn’t make the purchase in time – I find that cross-body bags are easier while site seeing! Along with carrying everything I normally have in my purse – I add in a few must haves for the trip! My jewelry and Cosmetic Bag
stay with me, as do headphones and a phone charger. 





I obviously need to keep myself entertained because I am rarely able to sleep so the Kindle and a few magazines are my go to.  Some other musts on longer trips are healthy snacks, Evian mist and a water bottle. My sister introduced me to Evian mist  and it is seriously the most refreshing thing to spray once you land at your destination! Since my upcoming flight is going to be almost 8 hours I’m going to want to make sure I have a great pashmina and some socks so I don’t get cold! 




I’m also old school and print out the itinerary including all our reservations because I like to have hard copies of everything! 




What have I missed? What are you carry-on essentials? Are you a light packer? If so, teach me your ways!! 




xo,

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41 Comments

  1. Maggie
    July 2, 2014 / 12:39 pm

    These are great tips! I am the same way – I don't know how to pack light unless I'm only traveling for one or two nights! I have that big tote bag and I wear it every day to work and it is perfect for travel! And I always need my kindle!

    Maggie
    PolishedClosets.com

  2. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    July 2, 2014 / 12:57 pm

    I always overpack but i like to be prepared. Other than my iPod or iPhone for music I think you have it covered. You'll have an amazing time.

  3. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    July 2, 2014 / 1:17 pm

    I only carried my cross body my entire Europe vacation and I wished I would have had a tote or something a little bigger because I always felt like I had to be carrying something. They're definitely so much easier, especially crammed in on those trains where you're likely to get something pick pocketed but I definitely was constantly rearranging to try to fit everything! I definitely agree with all of your must haves though!

    <3, Pamela
    sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com

  4. Becky M
    July 2, 2014 / 1:38 pm

    I love the bag you chose! I only try to pack a carry on for the plane. The kindle is always a good idea 🙂

    madeintheshadeblog.com

  5. Katie Elizabeth
    July 2, 2014 / 2:01 pm

    I am definitely NOT a light packer, haha so no good advice there! I think for our 11 day honeymoon, I packed enough clothes for a whole month! Love your list – I really need to invest in a Kindle. Much easier than cramming 3 books into your bag!

  6. Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
    July 2, 2014 / 2:08 pm

    Hey, I have the same post waiting to be finished in my drafts! haha. No, you are not alone in putting your purse in your tote! I do the same thing. I would add an eye mask to this list for the long flight, especially if you're a light sleeper. It helps me sleep SO much better so I don't get woken up when someone turns a light on on the plane. I love that makeup bag! I'm searching for a better travel makeup bag/more organized bag. I've also heard a lot of people talk about the mist thing for long flights. I'm skeptical, but I'll give it a try!

    • Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
      July 2, 2014 / 2:09 pm

      PS your link to the makeup bag isn't working 🙁

  7. Karly @ What Karly Said
    July 2, 2014 / 2:17 pm

    These are great tips for a carry on! I'm thrilled to finally have a proper tote (my Juicy Couture score from TJMaxx about a month ago) for trips. I am not a light packer either, so you're not alone! I also plan to put my small cross body bag in my tote while walking around the airport – it just makes life easier.

  8. Lauren
    July 2, 2014 / 2:35 pm

    I love those fruit water bottles — great invention

    -Lauren
    prettypiecesblog.com

  9. Marie
    July 2, 2014 / 2:44 pm

    Great tips!! I always travel with Evian Mist, LOVE IT!!

    The last time I flew to England, I carried one of those enivrosax in my bag and then used it to put all the magazines I bought at the airport in it. It really came in handy!

    I had brought my LV Speedy Bandouliere to England because I can wear it crossbody and I really wish I had brought a tote bag with me. I should have packed one of the nylon Longchamp with me. That would be my advice, bring a packable tote with you.

    Have a great trip!!

    Best, Mree

  10. birdie to be
    July 2, 2014 / 2:47 pm

    Great round up! I am dying for one of those LV totes. One day Ill save up enough for the splurge! Loving that water bottle too!

  11. Amanda | Kids and Cabernet
    July 2, 2014 / 2:48 pm

    I need that fruit water bottle! I always put lemon/fruit in my water. I'm also loving the tote and agree that a good magazine is always needed when traveling 🙂

  12. Elise @ High Heels and Glittering Eyes
    July 2, 2014 / 2:54 pm

    OMG not a light packer at all! This year, I finally made 3 trips in just a carry-on and felt like I had conquered the world. For me, it's not always the amount of items I am bringing but the liquids you're allowed to carry on. Between foundation, hairspray, dry shampoo, hand sanitizer, etc, I'm out of room. I need to know more about this Evian mist!

  13. Haley
    July 2, 2014 / 3:26 pm

    I'm with you on the printing everything out! 🙂

  14. Unknown
    July 2, 2014 / 3:46 pm

    I love traveling with a pashmina because it keeps you chic and warm on the plane. I keep saying I'm going to buy that Evian mist, but haven't yet. I'm glad to hear you like it. I bought my Mom that Gigi cross body bag for her birthday last week and it took everything I had to hand it over to her. I wanted it for myself so bad!!!!

  15. Nina @ Flowers in my Hair
    July 2, 2014 / 3:57 pm

    Honestly I think you covered everything. I am so bad at packing light even with a carry on bc I always bring my computer and camera and books. Books! They are like my security blanket.

  16. Court @ Sweet Home Alabamian
    July 2, 2014 / 4:46 pm

    I have to thank you x 1,000 for the evian mist introduction adn I love that water bottle!!!!!!!

  17. Paige @ Reasons to Come Home
    July 2, 2014 / 5:22 pm

    great list! I'm the worst packer EVER! I always over back and going on a two week trip in September. I'm seriously going to struggle getting everything into one suitcase.

  18. Lindsay T.
    July 2, 2014 / 5:32 pm

    I bring ALL of these things- always a big scarf that I can unfold and wrap around myself if necessary haha! and usually socks because it's so cold!

  19. Christina
    July 2, 2014 / 5:43 pm

    Crossbodys are essential for traveling. I need of my hands free for taking pics and eating!!

  20. Unknown
    July 2, 2014 / 5:47 pm

    Fantastic carry-on essentials! I'm a huge fan of the water bottle and no trip is complete without a great cross-body!

    Anna
    alilyloveaffair.com

  21. Kelly Elizabeth
    July 2, 2014 / 6:01 pm

    Love the Pashmina and socks! Staying warm on the plane is always essential– my feet usually get so cold! Cute cute!

  22. Zelle B.
    July 2, 2014 / 6:22 pm

    I can't travel light no matter where i go! Biggest challenge ever! Loving all of your picks! xo

  23. Unknown
    July 2, 2014 / 6:39 pm

    The Neverfull definitely lives up to it's name! It's a great travel bag for sure and it always comes through. A scarf/pashmina and a magazine or two are always in it. Great picks!

    girlinahotcity.com

  24. Shannon Jenkins
    July 2, 2014 / 6:45 pm

    I am the worst overpacker!! You just never know what you may need right?! Loving that GiGi NY crossbody!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com

  25. Anonymous
    July 2, 2014 / 7:01 pm

    Don't forget headphones, because of the inevitable guy snoring next to you or the screaming kids behind you ha. Other than that, you look good to go 😉

  26. Andy Adler
    July 2, 2014 / 7:16 pm

    I travel with the Neverfull also – seriously you can pack SO much in there!! I'm also a huge fan of convertible sweaters from AllSaints when traveling {the kind that convert from a cardi to a shawl type sweater}. Not only do they look chic, but they are perfect for the artic temps of planes 🙂 Have a great vacay!

  27. MakeMeUpMia
    July 2, 2014 / 7:27 pm

    Yup, I'm not a light packer either, I always over pack… I've tried to pack less while packing for Mexico this week but even though I'm trying and we're going for a shorter period, the suitcase is still just as full. I'm a girl that like variety. I can't limit myself to a certain outfit for each day only haha!

  28. Rebecca Jo
    July 2, 2014 / 7:30 pm

    Evian mist?!?!? I've never heard of it before. I'm all intrigued now.
    I can't even travel to the grocery without my Kindle.

  29. Leslie Lukens Martin
    July 2, 2014 / 7:37 pm

    I'm the worst packer on the planet. Seriously. I never start packing until the day of the trip…even if my flight leaves at 6:30 am. Procrastination at its best…Ridiculous! And my carry on bag ALWAYS has a smaller purse in it! Glad I'm not the only one! Great post!

  30. JMO
    July 2, 2014 / 7:50 pm

    I am the same way but do put the purse in the tote thing as well! These look like perfect essentials! xoxo

  31. Kate @ Another Clean Slate
    July 2, 2014 / 8:08 pm

    I always print everything out too because my phone usually dies!

  32. Kristen
    July 2, 2014 / 9:04 pm

    i love love printing everything out. it soothes the crazy planner in me. that tote is gorgeous! i love crossbody bags for travelling, they are perfect and easy to keep an eye on, and in my opinion less likely to be pick pocketed (pick bagged?). I was so bad with packing, its frightening to think i might need something and not have it, but i realised recently that i can buy things where i am going. need an umbrella but forgot one? buy it. more tops, more jeans? buy. the shoes you packed hurt? buy some more. of course this is the shopaholic in me but you get the drift. i have a packing post coming up tomorrow 😉

  33. B @ The Sequin Notebook
    July 2, 2014 / 10:26 pm

    I've never quite mastered the art of light packing either – I'm always afraid I'll leave something behind that I need! A pashmina and socks are always on my must-have list for flights too, I like to get cozy 🙂

  34. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    July 2, 2014 / 10:57 pm

    I'm telling you great minds…..I was literally just about to sit down to write a post about packing 😉 I love my LV like that one but man it digs into my shoulder I want to have like an old lady cushion strap made for it hahahaha

  35. Anonymous
    July 2, 2014 / 11:37 pm

    I am so guilty of overpacking. For example, for our vacation last week, I packed a regular sized suitcase FULL of clothes. Mike, on the other hand, made do with a small carry on containing everything he needed for the week. I wish packing for me could be as simple as it is for him!

  36. Kelli @ A Deeper Joy
    July 2, 2014 / 11:42 pm

    This is a great list! I always bring ear plugs so that I can shut out the noisy people around me :-p I always bring a book…I haven't gotten into the Kindle thing yet…my hubby has one though!

  37. Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMee
    July 3, 2014 / 12:45 am

    I've never tried that Evian mist but I've always been curious about it. That's some fancy shit right thurr!

  38. Carly
    July 3, 2014 / 4:32 am

    I think I'm one of the only people who usually underpacks! That Evian mist is so, so refreshing- such a good choice for traveling!

  39. Alexis Grace of North On Harper
    July 3, 2014 / 10:30 am

    Ooohh— I love those water bottles- how clever! Personally, I don't overpack, but because I also have my little one with me when I travel I also have to chuck in all of her stuff— and that list can get ridiculous!

  40. Crazy Shenanigans-JMO
    July 27, 2014 / 4:10 am

    Love that bag!