The Ultimate long haul carry-on is something I have wanted to write about since I started my blog! After graduating from high school in Michigan, I went to college in New Zealand, which meant I was travelling across the world at least 4-times a year. Travel time from Michigan to New Zealand is anywhere from 22-48+ hours, depending on flights, layovers, delays, etc. I’ve been on both ends of that scale, and I have perfected my travel outfit and the long haul carry-on. I’ve narrowed down the essentials I need to stay fresh and as comfortable as possible on the plane. I don’t mean to brag, but I am kind of a pro at this point.

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Disclaimer: I am not a low-maintenance traveller. I envy the girls in the airport with their hair curled, high heels, and their small designer bag. I am not one of those girls. This post is not the “bare-necessities” list, I realize. But they are the necessesities for me. James will share his carry-on list at the end. His list is less than half of mine! HA! 

1. The Carry-On itself: I always bring a backpack and a larger purse. The backpack goes above in the overhead compartment, with a larger purse at your feet. This leaves enough room for the legs to stretch out, but the purse is large enough to hold most of the in-flight essentials.

2. Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes: Especially during flu season, I like to wipe down the tray, the headrest, seat belt and arm rests. Stay healthy, kids.

3. Extra clothes: You never know when there will be an unexpected over night or other delay. Even without delays, I change my entire outfit – right down the socks and underwear at EVERY LAYOVER. This is my secret weapon to feeling refreshed and rejuvenated before every flight.

4. Baby wipes: To stay, ya know, fresh and clean.

5. Inflatable neck pillow: Nothing worse then a crick in the neck when you wake up, or waking up every time your head nods just as you are drifting off to sleep. I love the inflatable pillow (similar to this one, or this one!) because it takes up little space, and it’s surprisingly comfortable.

Related: Traveling Skin Care Routine

6. Keep with your night time routine: I pack my face wash, face lotion, and other skin care products into travel sized bottles. I also use an old contact case for your face wash and lotion, which should hold just enough to get through the travel. Don’t forget the travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and hand lotion. The air gets so dry on the planes!

7. Blanket scarf: My other secret weapon. I talked about my love for my Lululemon Vinyasa scarf on my travel outfit post. Temperature varies on the planes, so I love having a layer to keep my warm on my lap or around my shoulders. On my last flight, I used it as a make shift neck-pillow because I left my inflatable neck pillow in a setback pocket (the cons of the deflating pillow)!

Related: The 6 Things I Always Wear When Traveling

8. A Good Read:  I just read The Magnolia Story and I loved it! Really, I couldn’t put it down and it left me so inspired! I actually took notes. I also recently finished The Nightingale about two sisters in World War II, which was so good from start to finish. Next on my list is Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff.

9. Ear plugs & eye mask:  Sleep is essential on the long haul, and keeping distractions out is crucial.

10. Essential items that you don’t want lost in your checked bag: medicines, jewellery, chargers, contact lenses, etc.

11. Travel wallet: My other secret weapon. I didn’t know I needed one until I had it. It’s large enough to hold the passports, itinerary, bag tags – all in one place. Nice and organized. I use Vera Bradley’s and I never travel without it.

I’ve had this wallet since high school (thank you to my high school friend, Katie!) so I can’t find the one I use… but I found a similar, cute travel wallet here.

12. Water bottle: Staying hydrated is a must! It keeps the body healthy and swelling in the legs down. Yes, of course flight attendants offer refreshments but your body needs much more than that. This is the one that I use, and it keeps my water sooo icy cold.

Here’s James’ list. I told you its a wee bit shorter…

1. Ear plugs

2. Socks –ers and boxers

3. Baby wipes

4. Book

5. Toothbrush and toothpaste.

Full disclosure though, he will ask for me things off my list all the time. Like hand-sanitizer, disinfecting wipes… ha.

So there you have it! What do you always have in your carry-on?  Going on a trip soon? Make sure you read one of of our most read posts to date: The 6 Things I Always Wear When Traveling.

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*This post contains affiliate links. That means, I may receive a commission for some of the links in this post- at no cost to you. See our Disclaimer page for details*