What to Pack in Your Personal Item Bag: The Ultimate Carry-On Cheat Sheet

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend travel goodies and services I truly vibe with. Thanks for supporting my travel habit!

Let’s get real — your personal item bag is your lifeline when you’re stuck in a middle seat between a snorer and a seat-kicker at 30,000 feet. If you’ve ever made the mistake of packing your headphones in your checked bag, you already know the stakes.

So let’s pack that bag right this time. Here’s everything you need in your personal item to survive your next adventure like a pro (or at least look like one on Instagram).

1. Travel Documents & ID

• Passport
  
  

• Boarding passes (digital AND paper because tech betrays us sometimes)
  
  

• Travel insurance info — grab a good one here
  
  

Pro tip: Snap a pic of all your documents and email them to yourself.

2. Chargers & Power Banks

Your phone battery has no loyalty. Keep a lightweight charger and power bank handy.

• Check out international eSIM options with Airalo or Drimsim so you're connected the second you land.
  
  

3. Snacks & Hydration

Airport prices? No thank you. Pack protein bars, gum, and a collapsible water bottle.

Bonus Tip: RadicalStorage lets you ditch your bags while you go find better snacks. Book here.

4. Entertainment

Download shows, books, and playlists before takeoff.

Need a seat upgrade or ride after landing? Try KiwiTaxi or GetTransfer for stress-free arrivals.

5. Health & Hygiene Essentials

• Sanitizer
  
  

• Wipes
  
  

• Travel toothbrush
  
  

• Lip balm (plane air is dry)
  
  

• Mini first-aid kit
  
  

And don’t forget a backup mask — just in case.

6. Comfort Must-Haves

• Neck pillow
  
  

• Eye mask
  
  

• Cozy socks
  
  

Trust me, you don’t want to fight airplane AC in flip-flops.

Heading to Europe? Book your car rental in advance with AutoEurope.

7. Mini Emergency Kit

• Stain wipes
  
  

• Band-aids
  
  

• Safety pins
  
  

• Pain relievers
  
  

• Tissues
  
  

It’ll save you when you inevitably spill coffee on yourself 10 minutes before landing.

8. A Little Extra Cash + Credit Cards

Because not everyone takes Apple Pay, and tipping your driver is still a thing.

Need a killer trip deal? Check out flight steals on Aviasales or snag last-minute hotel bargains with Hotellook.

9. A List of Your Destination’s Must-Do’s

Plan ahead or wing it, but having a few can't-miss stops is always smart.

Looking for local tours? Book with Tiqets or WeGoTrip for unique experiences you won’t find on TikTok.

Bonus Travel Hacks You’ll Thank Me For

• Rent a bike here and explore like a local.
  
  

• Book a yacht (because why not?) with SeaRadar.
  
  

• Need a quick ride? Try Indrive — way cheaper than a cab.
  
  

Before You Go… Stay in the Loop!

Join my email list for travel tips, discounts, and savage travel fails you can laugh at later. Pop your email below — no spam, just sass.

Related Reads

Travel Regrets: Things I Wish I Had Done Differently

When Your GPS Lies: Adventures in Wrong Turns

Travel Relationships – Keeping Romance Alive on the Road

Ready to Book That Adventure?

Travel smarter with these trusted partners:

• WayAway for cashback on flights
  
  

• EconomyBookings for rental car deals
  
  

• G Adventures Antarctica Cruises if you’re feeling wild
  
  

Website built with Hostinger — because life’s too short for slow websites.

Now go pack that bag like the travel pro you are.