What’s In My Carry-On: The Things I Never Travel Without

If you’ve ever spotted me at an airport, there’s a very good chance you’ll find me carrying the same little backpack that’s been coming along on my adventures for a couple of years now.
There are a handful of things that make every trip with me. Some are practical. Some are comfort items. A few are things I would absolutely consider turning around for if I forgot them.
& at this point, I could probably find everything in my bag with my eyes closed.
So if you’ve ever wondered what lives inside my carry-on, here’s a peek inside.
The Tech Essentials
I typically arrive to the airport a couple of hours before my flight, like the good little traveler that I am, & so, chances are I’m either listening to a podcast, reading a book, answering emails, or trying to find the nearest coffee.
Sometimes all four.
Because I work remotely & create content while traveling, there are a few pieces of tech that never leave my side.
My iPhone, Apple Watch, MacBook, & iPad all come with me. The iPad is one of the items that has become essential over time for me. It’s perfect for reading, catching up on content, or working when I don’t feel like pulling out my laptop.
Then there are my AirPods. Those are non-negotiable. They’re just constantly being used & the noise canceling feature is amazing in super busy areas.
The same goes for my chargers. At this point, We should all know by now that that travel days are much less stressful when every device has a fully charged battery. A portable charger & travel adapter permanently live in my carry-on because I refuse to learn that lesson twice.
The Reading Moment
One thing about me is that there is always a book nearby. Always
Lately, that usually means Apple Books.
I love having an entire library available without adding extra weight to my bag. Before a trip, I’ll download a handful of books & convince myself I’ll finish all of them.
I never do.
I still download them anyway.
Every now & then, I’ll bring a physical book along too. Usually that’s reserved for slower trips when I know I’ll have dedicated reading time. As much as I love my digital library, there is nothing like turning actual pages with a cup of coffee nearby.
Some habits are just worth keeping.
The Wellness Essentials
Travel can throw routines completely out the window if you’re not careful. Different schedules, different time zones, eating at odd hours… it can catch up with you quickly.
So I keep a small wellness pouch with the things I use consistently at home.
You’ll usually find my daily supplements, Sustain Active packets, & a few snacks tucked inside.
& then there’s my magnesium.
If I got all the way to the airport & realized I forgot it, I’d be annoyed.
Like genuinely annoyed.
My sleepy girl mocktail has become part of my evening routine, especially when I’m adjusting to a new time zone. After a long day of traveling, it’s one of those little things that helps me wind down & settle in for the night.
The Skincare Situation
To know me is to know that I am not a makeup girl.
Never really have been.
Besides mascara, you won’t find any makeup in my bag at all.
Skincare, however?
That’s a completely different story.
My travel skincare bag is packed with the same products I use at home because I’ve learned that airport air is not exactly known for being kind to skin.
You’ll find my face wash, toner, moisturizer, exfoliating mask, hydrating mask, lip scrub, mascara, & my beloved hair oil.
Everything comes with me.
I know some people simplify their routines while traveling, but I actually prefer sticking with what’s familiar. After a long travel day, washing my face & going through my normal routine makes any destination feel a little more like home.
The Things I’d Seriously Consider Turning Around For
There are forgotten items. Then there are the items that immediately make you drop everything.
For me, in the things I’ve shared with you today, that’s:
- AirPods
- Chargers
- Apple Watch
- Magnesium
If I forgot one of those, we’d have a problem. Everything else I could probably figure out.
Those four?
Just. No.
That’s it, that’s all. & looking through this list, I’m realizing that my carry-on isn’t really filled with travel essentials.
It’s filled with little pieces of my everyday life. The things that help me stay comfortable & consistent no matter where I’m headed. & that’s why these items have earned a permanent spot in my bag.
The destinations may change.
The carry-on stays pretty much the same.
Now I want to know about you. What’s the one thing you always keep in your carry-on? Let me know below.
Chat soon, babes.
– L
xx
Want to Shop My Wellness Carry-On Essentials?
A lot of the products that keep me feeling my best while traveling come from the same wellness & skincare collection I’ve been using for years.
If something caught your eye while reading, fill out the form below & I’ll share more information about the products currently living in my carry-on.

