What's getting carried in my Carry On

I’m not a frequent flier, but I do take quite a few overnight trips, vacations, and some work travel throughout the year. Since I’m a last minute packer I have some go to items on the ready that I know will get me through always in my carry on.

1. Neck Pillow - judge me if you like but this is my best friend. We have traveled thousands of miles together, drowned out lots of fussy airplane babies, and snuck in naps in even the most uncomfortable of seating (everyones been sandwiched in that middle seat with two strangers before). It's not pretty, chic, or small but it gets the job done on comfort!

2. Clear Travel Beauty Case - This is a splurge I'm so glad I made. This TSA approved clear case is double sided. I keep my liquid travel beauty and skincare items on one side and my brushes, neat and tidy, on the other. This stays packed year round and when I run out of something on a trip I make a note of what to replinish on the hotel stationary and stick it on the top, that way I won't forget before my next trip what I need. I have washed this and its been thrown around everywhere and it still looks brand new. You can also monogram it - which is always a nice touch. We all know the ladies in the South love anything with their name on it.

3. Mophie - Game Changer / Life Saver! If you don't have one of these or two or three for that matter, put it on the wish list NOW. When you travel you basically can't do anything without your phone and this gadget ensures you won't be standing at the airport around the charging station looking like penguins on an island. It can charge your phone back to full battery before it needs a charge and it does it very quickly. I like this better than the charging cases because of how heavy they make your phone.

4. Zipper Pouch - this holds the above plus headphones, computer and iPhone chargers, and any other gadget cord I'm carrying. I just feel more organized having everything in one place and I also have noticed that when I'm packing up to leave a hotel room having them all go in one common place keeps me from leaving any of them behind.

5. Card Case - I don't carry a wallet because these days with your phone, Venmo and your ID you really don't need anything else. I carry this with me at all times in my purse and it keeps extra credit cards, some cash, insurance cards, business cards and any other card that I find important but not necessary for daily use. I have this one monogrammed too (notice a trend yet) and its the perfect small size to fit just what you need. My exact one is not longer carried but I linked a similar one by the same brand. I love this brand, its reasonably priced and they carry a great line of SLG (small leather goods), and almost everything they have you can get monogrammed. Great for gift giving!!

6. Eye drops and under eye patches - I have super sensitive eyes. I always have. I think it has something to do with them being light in color. This year I got Lasik done (why I waited so long, I'll never know) but that has upped my need for eye drops. I keep these on me because there's nothing worse than messing up a good eye makeup day rubbing your eyes. Eye patches are also fun on a flight - put them one 30 minutes before you land and bam - REFRESHED! Don't give a damn what the people next to you think, you are never going to see them again!

7. Tory Burch Miller Sandals - A lot of times when I travel for work, I'm heading straight to the airport from a meeting. Walking in heels through the airport is its own little version of hell for me. So I carry sandals in my bag to change into, sometimes my outfit too if it's a longer flight. TIP: I also carry tote bags when I go to trade shows and switch out from my heels to sandals, walking to and from locations. Days are long and the span from the hotel to the trade show to a lunch meeting, switching up my shoes are essential to surviving the day.

8. Louis Vuitton Keepall - This is what all the great things above go in! Is this a splurge - YES. But here's how we look at in my family. Everyone has their thing they like to collect. My husband likes guns, NOT my thing, BUT luxury hand bags are. They are investment pieces and items that hold their value if you want to sell or trade them. Which leads me to this bag. It was bought second hand in Dallas, (authentication verified before purchase- SUPER IMPORTANT). It is the perfect carry on bag, it sits perfectly on your suitcase for longer trips and has enough room for everything you need for a day or two away. I've also linked a good weekender bag if you would like a more affordable option. If you want a separate post for buying second hand, let me know in the comments.

Fun Fact: I wrote this entire post on a plane!