Holiday Travel Guide: Carry-On Bag Packing Checklist

Disclosure: I’m sharing #beyondordinary in my life as part of a Sahale Snacks® sponsored series for Socialstars™.

I can take all the help I can get when it comes to not forgetting something when I pack and this Holiday Travel Guide: Carry-On Bag Packing Checklist makes it easy!

 

Many people travel to visit family or friends over the holidays. It’s a busy time of year to be traveling, but packing doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s what I always include in my carry-on bag to make sure the trip goes as smoothly as possible.

The Basic Necessities: ID, Travel Documents, and Currency

Checklist:

• Driver’s license or passport (and visa if necessary)
• Boarding pass or smart phone with access to boarding pass
• Travel itinerary
• Cash (I usually bring just enough for a meal and taxi ride in case of emergency, not more than about $150, unless I’m traveling internationally and want to convert USD into the local currency)
• Credit cards and/or travelers checks

International Tips:

• Don’t forget your passport (and visa if necessary)
• You can convert cash through your local bank to the local currency before you leave or convert it at the airport
• Notify your credit card company before you travel so they don’t think your purchases are suspicious
• Travelers checks can also be a good option

Smart Phone, Etc.

Checklist:

• Smart phone and charger
• Earbuds

International Tips:

• Travel adapter (if necessary for your destination)
• Bring an unlocked smart phone and get a local SIM card when you reach your destination

Work-Related

Checklist:

• Notepad and pen
• Tablet and charger
• Laptop and charger

International Tip:

• Travel adapter (if necessary for your destination)

Hygiene

Checklist:

• Wet wipes
• Tissues
• Travel-size deodorant*
• Toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste*
• Clean underwear and socks (in case your checked luggage is delayed, it’s nice to at least have a pair of clean socks and undies!)

*From the Transportation Security Administration: You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag separate from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage. (Read more on their website.)

Comfort (mostly for longer or international flights)

Checklist:

• Scarf or small blanket
• Eye mask
• Ear plugs
• Thick socks or lightweight slippers

Entertainment

Checklist:

• Books or Kindle e-Reader
• Crossword puzzles
• Magazines
• Knitting or crocheting

Snacks

Healthy Ideas:

• Fresh fruit, such as an apple or banana
• Dried fruit
• Chopped veggies, like carrot or celery sticks
• Beef or turkey jerky
• Nuts
• Bars, such as Sahale Snacks® Layered Nut Bars. The Salted Caramel Apple Pecan Layered Nut bar is particularly delicious and perfect if you want a little something sweet. These bars feature a top layer of crunchy, dry-roasted nuts on top of creamy cashew butter, and then a drizzle of real chocolate. I like that Sahale Snacks® goes Beyond Ordinary™ to seek out top-quality ingredients and has a big range of delicious products available.

Safe travels, everyone!