I am the Queen of the pre-travel packing list. And yet, despite my good intentions, my packing success varies from trip to trip. While I never forget to plan outfits, I often neglect my carry-on bags until the last minute, leaving them either stuffed with things I don’t really need or woefully under-packed. So, before our trip to Washington, DC this Friday, I thought I would break down my carry-on essentials, for myself and for you, too.
1. iPhone 7 + LuMee phone case
I never leave home without my phone. (To be honest, I am never apart from my phone, unless I’m asleep.) The sudden death of my iPhone 6 last fall was traumatic, so I’m obsessed with protecting my 7. That’s why I recently upgraded to a LuMee phone case. It feels so much sturdier than my old one and, bonus, it lights up, which means no more poorly lit Instagram stories! Win-win, I think.
2. One complete outfit
This might seem like overkill, but I promise, it is necessary. I recommend it to everyone. I’ve experienced luggage delays on holiday more than once. And as much as I love to shop, no one wants to waste the start of their vacation focussed solely on finding somewhere to buy fresh socks. You may not need these clothes, but if you find yourself separated from your suitcase, you will be so glad you packed them.
3. Olympus OM-D EM10 Mark II
For the first time in a long time, I’m packing my own camera. When I travel with Ian, I can always borrow his Nikon. But the truth is, it weighs a ton and if I want to go out to take photos on my own, carrying it is way too hard on my shoulder and back. Lesson learned (the hard way, naturally.) I just recently bought my own camera, an Olympus that feels tiny compared to our Nikon, and I’m looking forward to getting to know it on this trip.
4. The Travel List travel journal
I still write almost everything by hand. It sounds crazy, but it’s true – I love writing on paper just as much as I love reading on paper. And a paper travel journal is a wonderful, tactile souvenir of a trip. This is the best journal for details, from where we’ll stay to what we want to see and eat. There are pages for everything!
5. Swept Away by Wanderlust travel journal
Two travel journals probably seems like overkill, but hear me out. First of all, I’m a writer. And secondly, this journal is the complete opposite of the one listed above, based on structured prompts rather than freehand note-taking. It forces me to answer questions, to reflect and to look at my travels from a different perspective. I found it particularly therapeutic on my recent work trip.
6. A good magazine
Reading material is essential. I like to pick up a short, silly book at the airport bookstore before a flight. But airport bookstores never offer a good selection of cool magazines – in Winnipeg, it’s hard to even find Porter at our airport. So I always grab one ahead of time. Currently, I’m obsessed with The Collective Hub.
7. Any precious (and/or breakable) liquids
Take it from me, the possibility of broken glass in your suitcase is never worth the risk. Especially if the glass holds deep red nail polish inside. (Yep, it happened to me on our trip to Rome in 2013. What a disaster.) It seems hard to take liquids in your airline carry-on, but the size limits are surprisingly generous if you read them carefully. Pro tip: Stock up on security approved ziploc bags for liquids whenever you go through airport security. It’s so much easier to pack them before you’re in the high-pressure situation that is security line!
8. Passports and printed tickets
This one seems obvious but is worth mentioning, anyway. I often convince myself that we live in a digital world. But the reality is, sometimes paper documents are still mandatory. Passports are a given, of course. But before I leave on holiday, I always check if I need to print any of my pre-booked tickets instead of saving them in my Apple Wallet. It’s a bit annoying to carry a stack of papers, but it’s way worse to arrive at your destination without an essential paper ticket.
Tell me, what are your carry-on essentials?
I had a bad experience with delayed luggage (when I was travelling for a first thing in the morning job interview no less – my flight got in at 8 pm and so I frantically had to race around to find an open clothing store so I could buy something appropriate for a job interview; it was awful) and since then I’ve always packed an extra outfit in my carry on as well! I hope you have fun in DC; I spent a summer there in grad school doing research at the Folger Shakespeare Library and had the cutest little apartment.
Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
Are you planning your DC trip around the cherry blossoms? I’ve always wanted to go and see them!
I love that you’ve included two travel journals! I got one for my first trip abroad, and I’m pretty sure I didn’t fill in more than a couple pages, I’ve always been rubbish at keeping a journal!
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LOVE, these photos Cee. So pretty!! Plus you picked such lovely pieces to feature… makes me want to start packing and plan a trip ASAP! As for my own packing habits? I have most of my outfits in my carry on, and Martin generously allows me to use his carry-on real estate as well. LOL! I have serious anxiety about landing and not having all my needed outfits, especially if it’s a short trip, and I have lots of events to attend. Plus, so excited for your DC trip. Have the best time!! xo
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I ONLY travel with carry on luggage (7kg bag allowance + 3kg for a computer bag or handbag). It requires clever mix and match outfits (black being the key here) to feel great when the trip is 1 or 2 months (I’m from Australia and our trips are extended ones because of our isolation). Scarves and earrings are both light and small so they are great for ‘changing’ the look. It is so incredible to arrive in Paris/Dubai for example and just grab my luggage and go. No fear of luggage loss or waiting. Most people wear 20% of their clothes, 80% of the time and it’s the same on trips when you pack a 23kg bag!! I challenge everyone to try travelling only with carry on. Smiles to all from The Land of Sunshine and Smiles 🏊👙🤗
I love how organized you are. I kind of want to hire you. 😉 My packing list is mostly comprised of kid stuff these days and very thrown together. But this inspires me!
Gotta have good lighting for an impromptu photo op! Love the LuMee case!
Cee, packing is an art form! I’m still learning. LOL I love what’s in your bag! My iPhone is on a wing and a prayer right now. I definitely want to get a Lumee when I get a new one. Having an extra outfit is so important. My luggage was lost once. They returned it that night, but I panicked. I love Porter magazine and will be looking up the other one you showcased.
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I had a LuMee and it’s amazing! I need to get a new one for my phone that I currently have. It does make a huge difference and is a life saver when needing to do makeup on the go
You brought up some great examples to help capture the hectic nature of a weekend trip. I love the idea of a journal, also loving the black and white theme you have going, I hope you had a fabulous trip. xoxo
A good camera and good lighting for a phone camera are absolute travel essentials! And the 2 journals is such a great idea… definitely will borrow that idea for my next trip! Hope D.C. was fabulous!
Love the Lumee phone case! It makes the biggest difference when trying to capture those perfect moments with good lighting. Hope you enjoy your trip to D.C.
This is a great list of items to have in your carry on. I always end up creaking my phone somehow, I’ll have to look into that phone case, especially since it comes with a built in light!