The most important bag to me is my personal item bag. I recently received a Tumi Alpha 2 medium tote from my place of employment for my 35th anniversary. I used it on our last trip and it worked well as my personal bag. However I love a tote bag also it is just harder to keep organized. The great thing about the Tumi is it slides on the handle of our carry on bag. Below is a picture of a tote that works well.
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What I pack in the personal bag:
1) medicine - sinus, sleep aide - always good on a long flight, ibuprofen, tums, etc
2) cheater glasses for reading or watching a movie
3) ear buds - I always bring my own and most will hook into the airplane audio system. I also use an app on my cell phone called white noise. It helps me sleep and drowns out all other noise such as a crying baby. If you don't want to use a noise app then bring a pair of ear plugs just in case.
4) inflatable neck pillow - sometimes I even use this as a pillow if the hotel pillow smells undesirable.
5) phone, book or kindle, IPad or tablet if desired - and their charging cords
6) charging brick - a lot of planes now have USB ports to charge your electronics but not all planes so come prepared.
7) snacks - chocolate, chips, bars. etc. We also always make sure to have lots of water. You cannot take liquids through airport security so we purchase a couple bottle prior to boarding the flight. NOTE: Many travel sites say bring an empty water bottle. Don't do this for overseas flights. You do not want to drink any faucet water overseas. I learned this lesson the hard way. I only drink bottle water overseas.
8) toothbrush and toothpaste
9) tissues
10) makeup remover clothes - I like to freshen up my makeup about an hour before we land.
11) fresh wipes to keep your bum clean - oh and your hands too :)
12) socks because my feet always get cold
13) change of undies
14) travel size hair spray and brush - again to freshen up an hour before we land.
16) passport, credit cards, cash, etc
17) deodorant
18) If we are going to use a GPS overseas I pack the GPS. I have to turn it on as soon as we land to get a signal by the time we get to the rental car.
19) hair clip and ties
20) Sunglasses
21) pen to fill out any documentation required
22) change of clothes if you checked your normal bag and didn't carry it on with you.
23) jewelry - I like to keep my jewelry close to me. I NEVER wear any when I go through security. I don't put anything on until I am on the plane. It makes getting through security easier.
24) some cigarettes and cigars if you smoke (matches)
25) lotion - 3oz since I have to take it through security
26) luggage scale
27) voltage converters for overseas
Now remember - I only use one bag for all my clothes and it is always carry on size of about 21 inches.
Like I mentioned previously in the blog - you can buy packing cubes but I love using the bags from sheets and drapes I have purchased in the past. Below is a picture. I have 3 different sizes of these. I also use gallon baggies for my delicates and I always take a couple quart size baggies.
Here is normally what I would take on a 10 to 14 day trip:
Shoes: 1 pair of dress shoes, 1 pair of shoes that are good for walking, and 1 or 2 pairs of flip flops or similar sandals. If you want to take boots - plan to wear the boots and pack the shoes. Make sure the boots come off easy because they make you remove them going through security unless you are TSA pre-check.
Bottoms: I only take 2 pairs of jeans because they take up the most room. I don't have a problem wearing jeans for two days in a row before calling them dirty; 2 pairs of capris if I am going someplace warm - in this case Italy; 2 comfy skirts; 2 or 3 dresses - they pack easy and do not take a ton of room; 3 pairs of leggings because they are so comfortable.
Tops: 8 to 10 tops that are not bulky. I bring a couple of long sleeve undershirts if it is going to be chilly and place that under a top. You will find if you try to bring a sweatshirt or sweater you won't have much room for other things. Take a jacket that will keep you warm but not sweat you out and wear it on the plane. Long flights can get chilly.
Undies: Bring enough for 7 days in case it takes that long to find laundry. I only take 2 regular bras and 1 strapless. I only take the strapless if really needed. Same with socks - 7 days. Worst case scenario you wash them in the sink. ;)
Misc clothes: Bring something to sleep in; tank tops for under shirts; slip if needed for the skirts or dresses; swim suit if you plan to swim;
Toiletries: razor; shaving cream; shampoo; conditioner; other hair products; perfume; q-tips; soap - just in case; travel straightener and curling iron. I found mine on amazon. REMEMBER - overseas your small appliances must be able to handle 220 volts. We only use 110 here in the states. The product will say duel voltage if it can.
OTHER: umbrella; camera; chargers or batteries; remaining cigars or cigarettes if you smoke (matches or lighters - punch for the cigar); travel documents not in your personal bag; foldable tripod; selfie stick; belt if needed; scarf
I just saw this online - how to make a hanging toiletry bag with a sheet bag and a hanger. What a great idea.
This weekend I will pack a carry on and take a picture so you can see what it looks like when I am done. :)
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