What’s in my Travel Bag? Essentials for Carry-on
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Last Updated on October 1, 2026 by Tiffany
Organization and preparation are absolutely KEY when it comes to traveling. Whether that might be a 2 hour flight, 10 hour road trip, or 14 hour trek to a different continent. It is so important to keep essentials and hygienics in your personal item! if you’re wondering what’s in my travel bag, I gotchu!
As a travel gyal who has been to over 32 countries and territories, it’s safe to say I’ve got this travel thing down!
Traveling can tend to be super uncomfortable. Long delays, not having the right hygiene materials to freshen up, and feeling unprepared can suck.
After traveling for so many years, I’ve created a basic checklist of items I keep with me at all times in my personal item bag.
Let’s get into what’s in my essentials travel bag to survive long train, car, and plane rides!
Oh and I’ve also included resources to grab all the products I recommended as well, you’re welcome sis!
Re-usable water bottle- What’s in my Travel Bag?
This is an absolute must anytime I’m in the airport or even taking a road trip! Water bottles in the airport can cost up to $7, heckkkkkk no.
Taking my re-usable water bottle has been a game changer and saved up so much money for me! My 32 oz hydra flask keeps me hydrated and my drinks cold for hours on end, grab on here!
Floss Picks- What’s in my Travel Bag?
Honestly, I travel with floss picks even when I leave the house to simply run errands. Having spinach in between your teeth is not the move.
I got a super cute pack of 100+ floss packs that are conveniently packed into cute little containers. This way it makes it easier to travel with and so you don’t have to lug a giant pack around everywhere.
Grab some travel floss picks here!
Mini mouth wash- What’s in my Travel Bag?
To keep things fresh! I know how it feels to walk off the plane with scary breath.
I love keeping a mini mouthwash close by so that I can quickly gargle before I meet loved ones when my plane touches down.
Grab some mini mouth wash here
Mini tooth brush- What’s in my Travel Bag?
Same reasoning as the mouth wash sis! These are especially life savers for long state road trips and 8+ hr flights.
Grab some mini tooth brushes here
Toilet seat covers- What’s in my Travel Bag?
A MUST for travel! These toilet seat covers come in packs of 10 and are perfect for travel! Most airports have seat covers, but its never hurts to be ultra prepared.
Often times, the plane (or train) may run out of covers and there are only a few pieces of toilet paper for line the seat. Having these in your bag skips the worry of needing to go in public, and keeps everything sanitary.
Grab some toilet seat covers here
Earplugs- What’s in my Travel Bag?
I feel like ear plugs have kind of saved my life, especially staying in party hostels!
These loop ear plugs are re-usable and do wonders for blocking out noise. Plus, they come with their own travel case!
Mini deodorant
Smelling musty is one of my least favorite things. I used to wing it on travel days when It came to deodorant.
I applied it once before heading out and wished for the best. Not anymore. I have a large deodorant in my checked in and a mini one that travels with me at all times.
You can grab one at Walmart, or here on this link
Lip balm
Self explanatory, chapped lips are no fun! My fave all natural, organic lip balm is only $1.99 at Whole Foods.
Mini hand sanitizer
Why would I travel anywhere without it?? If I’m going on a road trip, I like to carry a big one in a cup holder in the car.
If I’m traveling plane, my preference is a liquid spray sanitizer over gel. I don’t know why, but it just feels cleaner to me than the gel goop. My all time fave liquid spray hand sanitizer is from Trader joes for just $2!
Down there wipes
When I was on my 14 hour flight from Atlanta to Korea, down there wipes saved me! Honestly, I even have these in my purse for whenever I’m leaving the house. You never know when you’ll need to freshen up.
Good wipes is my favorite company, and I always love getting their gentle rosewater scent, but they also offer unscented.
Grab some down there wipes here sis!
Hand wipes
Technically not necessary if you have hand sanitizer, but I’m extra so I love having both!
Especially if I eat a snack that has lot’s of crumbs of flavoring, hand wipes are the perfect way to get my hands clean as a whistle.
Anti-bacterial wipes
These are perfect for wiping down airplane seats, the table, and basically any space you’ll be inhabiting for a period of time.
Clorox has great wipes for this purpose, but there are plenty of other brands that can suit your fancy the same way.
Compression socks
Some flyers choose to wear compression socks to prevent the formation of blood clots. Some people are more susceptible than others.
You can grab compression socks for a great price here!
Makeup remover wipes
I typically try to not wear makeup on travel days, because between stale airport air and being around germs all day, I want my pores to breathe.
However, anytime I have a short flight and want to look cute, I’ll bring some makeup remover wipes just in case I need to remove and re-apply my makeup!
Lotion (or shea butter)
I’m personally a shea butter gyal, but having a moisturizer in my bag is a MUST!
I have extremely dry skin and eczema, but I always be washing my hands when I take public transport. If you know, you know, dry hands are a recipe for disaster for eczema!
Grab a travel sized lotion for your personal here!
Extra Underwear
Whether the flight is 2 hours or 14, bringing an extra pair of underwear in my personal item is essential for me.
When I go to change, I simply freshen up with my down there wipes, and I feel like brand new. This is the best “shower” to get when you’re traveling for half the day.
Feminine products
Whether you wear pads, tampons, a cup, or period panties, go ahead and pack a couple and put it in your essentials bag sis!
Eye mask
Your neighbor having their seat light on the entire flight is not the best vibes to catch a good nap in. An eye mask will always be in my travel essentials bag.
I love having satin eye masks because it feels so silky and smooth on my face! Get some silky soft eye masks here.
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