What's in my carry-on
Plus giving away my carry-on essentials (including an Away suitcase) to one lucky reader!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that seamless travel isn’t just about the destination, it’s about packing smart, with the right gear. As someone constantly on the go traveling at least once a month, I’ve realized the little things make all the difference: the perfect under-seat personal item, the best noise-canceling headphones to block out the rest of the world, a roomy expandable carry-on, and a travel pillow that lets me actually sleep in seat 40B.
I’ve finally nailed my packing system. It takes 30 minutes, I rarely check a bag, and I’ve even started sleeping on some planes (a miracle). These items changed the game for me—and now, I’m here to convert you too.
Plus! I am giving away my favorite carry-on essentials to one lucky Mindholiday reader. Some of these items have been gifted by brands, and other I’ve purchased for the giveaway because they’re that good.
My carry-on essentials giveaway includes:
One Away Bigger Carry-On Flex in the winner’s choice of color
One set of Away Packing Cubes in the winner’s choice of color
A pair of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds in white
One Mindholiday hat + sticker :)
Listen up; here’s how the giveaway works. If you subscribe to Mindholiday, you’re already entered to win, but you can increase your odds by getting multiple entries.
If you’re a paid subscriber, you have already been entered to win twice.
If you’re an unpaid subscriber, you have already been entered to win once.
One extra entry for leaving a comment telling me your carry-on essentials + hearting this post.
One extra entry for sharing this giveaway on Substack Notes (tag me so I see it).
One extra entry for following Mindholiday on Instagram (@onamindholiday).
Fine print: Entries will be numbered and entered into a random number generator. A winner will be selected on 4/29/25. If the first person selected doesn’t respond to my email within 48 hours, we will choose someone else by the same method until someone claims the Carry-On Essentials. The suitcase will be shipped to the winner via Away, and everything else will be shipped by me.
Good luck, and see you in the comment section!
The luggage I use
Carry On
Away Bigger Carry-On Flex - My ride-or-die suitcase. I've been loyal to Away for eight years and recently upgraded to this expandable model, which has been a total game changer. While some airlines require it fully compressed to be a carry-on, many let you take advantage of the extra 2.25” space. I’ve packed for a three-week Europe trip in this thing. Completely miraculous.
Personal Item
Dagne Dover Caryall weekender bag - I typically use this large weekender as my under-the-seat personal item. It’s great for longer trips where I know I might be shopping and bringing back goodies. It holds SO much, and it has a trolley sleeve, which is very important to me.
What always I pack in my carry on (regardless of season)
Away packing cubes - Until very recently, I thought packing cubes were stupid and unnecessary… until we went to Oaxaca and stayed in a very small hotel room without a closet. It was after that trip that I caved and purchased these, and I am so glad I did. They make unpacking in hotels so easy! I just pop the cubes into drawers or on shelves. No need to fully unpack or pack again. Everything stays tidy and in its place.
Generally, if I am traveling for a week, I’ll pack 5 mix‑and‑match tops (including two “nice” options), 3 bottoms, a lightweight jacket, one go‑to dress, seven sets of underthings plus a sleep outfit, and two pairs of shoes (comfy walkers and something dressier).
Swimsuit - This one is my favorite because it’s comfortable and stretchy! You never know when you’ll need a swimsuit, even if it’s not a beach trip…
Workout set - I like always having at least one workout outfit in my bag so I have the optionality. I usually pack a pair of these shorts and this tank for the hotel gym.
Flip flops - Even if you’re not going to the beach, you never know when you’ll need them. They’re nice to wear around hotel spas!
Travel noise machine - As someone who needs brown noise to sleep, I use this portable, compact white noise machine when I am away from home. It does an excellent job drowning out hotel hallway and street noise.
Uniqlo crossbody bag - Packs down to nothing, but holds everything you need for a day of exploration. I can fit my phone, wallet, sunglasses, kindle, and more in here. I never go on a trip without it.
Travelan - Necessary if you have a weak stomach and always eat street meat + tend to be adventurous, like me! It’s a great preventative probiotic and it’s not harsh on the stomach.
I usually wear the following items on every flight, but if I don’t, you bet I am packing them:
GAP sweatpants - These are the softest and are amazing for long travel days. They’re also not super thick, so they’re perfect for flying from one climate to another. I recently wore jeans on a flight instead of these and still haven’t forgiven myself…but sometimes if I want to look less sloppy I’ll wear my fake jeans on the flight instead.
GAP sweatshirt - Another thing I wear on every flight.
Asics sneakers - I walk a ton when traveling, and these are the perfect sneakers for when I know I’m going to do 20k steps in a day. My trusty New Balances recently bit the dust, but I like these better :)
What I always pack in my personal item
Toiletries
Peak Design toiletry bag - My go-to for every trip. It holds a surprising amount and keeps everything impeccably organized. While it leans more functional than flashy, its thoughtful design and durability more than make up for it. A true workhorse in my travel lineup. Note: I’ve picked up mini travel sizes of all my everyday products and keep them permanently packed in my toiletry bag. That way, whenever it’s time to head out, I can just toss it straight into my suitcase — no last-minute packing required! I also pack minimal makeup when traveling — usually just my favorite tinted SPF moisturizer, blush, and mascara.
Travel bottles - I always bring my own shampoo and conditioner with me. Hotel/Airbnb shampoo is not always the best! I find that if I fill the bottles, I’m set for several weeks. I like that they’re silicone, so when they’re empty, they can collapse and pack flat.
Hand cream - I wash my hands constantly while traveling, and they’re always worse for wear. This fixes that.
Lip balm - This stuff is stupidly expensive but it’s so good that my husband and sister-in-law constantly steal it from me.
Dieux face moisturizer - You’ll never catch me traveling without this. Perfect for dry climates and rehydrating your skin after a long flight.
Face wipes - I use these on red eyes when I want to feel refreshed without doing an entire in-flight skincare routine.
Sunscreen - I always bring this face sunscreen with me, and then when I land, I’ll head to the pharmacy and get a bottle of SPF 50 body sunscreen.
Electronics
Dagne Dover tech organizer - An essential for organizing all of my chargers, camera equipment, adapters, etc. Note: I have travel chargers that stay packed in this, along with an all-in one travel adapter. That way, whenever it’s time to head out, I can just toss it straight into my suitcase—no last-minute packing required!
Airfly - This allows you to use wireless headphones with the in-flight headrest entertainment. Some airlines already have bluetooth compatibility built into their systems, but it’s rolling out slowly and I like to be prepared and cord free.
Bose QC Headphones - The sound quality is insane and these are so comfortable that I can wear them for 5+ hours without headaches. If you’re not an over-the-ear headphone person, the earbuds are great too.
AirTags - I have one of these in my suitcase, in case I’m forced to gate check my bag. Better safe than sorry!
Kindle - I read a book a week, so traveling with multiple bulky paperback novels isn’t ideal. Although I understand the allure of reading words on physical paper, I’ve found that I’ve been reading much more since switching, since it’s easier to always carry my “book” with me.
Fujifilm X100V - I finally caved and found one of these slightly used for an incredible price. I love how compact and lightweight it is while also delivering unbelievable image quality… and I love that I can take photos without having my phone out/looking at it! I feel much more present.
Contax T2 - My favorite film point and shoot camera. It’s currently being repaired and I’ve really been missing it. I use this film with it.
SD card reader - So I can upload photos to my phone/laptop on the go.
Snacks/drinks
Water bottle - I recently upgraded to this after my stepson influenced me, and I’m glad I did. You can fill it up at the airport without unscrewing the top, and the mouthpiece is protected from germs.
Electrolyte packets - These are the best tasting ones I’ve been able to find, and they’re organic! I’ve gotten many of my friends hooked.
Mini meat sticks - For easy, quick protein on the go. I sometimes bring mini cheddar cheese snacks or a Babybel and do a DIY in-flight charcuterie and cheese situation.
Peanut butter packets - Buy a banana at the airport to combine this with and you have yourself a delicious, filling snack.
I always try to bring a clementine or sumo citrus on the flight too… A good healthy snack and a great way to sneak in some Vitamin C!
Other must haves
Pill organizer - For all of my daily supplements. I take a lot.
Camino gummies - Because I like to chill out on longer flights.
Silk sleep mask - I use an eye mask all the time on flights, and at hotels where the blackout shade situation is less than desirable. This one is so light I forget I’m wearing it.
Earplugs - Can you tell I am a light sleeper? Another red eye/hotel room essential.
Zofran - Hot girls get nauseous. I’m always prepared.
Melatonin - I find this so necessary when traveling, especially if I’m crossing time zones/fighting jet lag or trying to sleep on flights.
Travel pillow - I’ve fallen asleep in economy a handful of times and this pillow made it possible. Great for side sleepers!
My favorite sunglasses — these are polarized and go with any outfit.
Sun hat - I clip this to my personal item with a carabiner. After being diagnosed with skin cancer twice, I’m seldom without it. I wear the small/medium.
I want to hear from you in the comments — what essentials do you think I am missing? What makes your travel easier? I’m always looking to test out new travel gear 🤗
xx,
Bella
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