What's in my carry-on bag?
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Sincerely Sarah is headed across the pond and she’s stoked about it!
Yup that’s right, my dry spell is officially over! It’s been a slow summer without traveling, but in just one month exactly I’m headed to Europe for a fall trip! I’m so excited for weather below 70 degrees, to see some fall foliage, visit more WW2 sites, and to check off two new countries! What two new countries you may ask?? I’ll tell you, but you have to read this post first. :)
So as I get ready to take my 1,835th flight across the pond, I wanted to list out some items I always have with me to get through those overnight flights. I basically have a system now to a T to make sure I am feeling refreshed and ready to hit the ground running once those wheels touch down.
Here’s how the process goes:
Drink lots of water the day before and the day of your flight! Typically they say to drink 8oz for every hour you are in the air.
Board plane around 6pm (or whatever time the flight is. Ours will actually depart from Chicago around 5pm which is early).
Continue drinking water.
Get my “area” situated. Normally I have an aisle seat so this isn’t as big of a deal, but this coming flight over I didn’t get to pick my seats so I will need to be a little better about grabbing all the items I’d need and store them under my seat.
Decide on what movie(s) I want to watch, start the first one once we take off.
Once we take off, I take a sleeping pill.
Dinner is served on the plane. At this point I drink MAYBE one glass of wine as a night cap. Anything more and you’ll have to pee or it will become a stimulant and you won’t be able to sleep. I also bring onto the flight my own snacks since their food is filled with heavy sodium levels to taste decent.
Take off your makeup, wash your face, brush your teeth, etc.
Try to sleep for the next 4ish hours. Whenever you do find yourself waking up, try to at least do some stretches, walk the plane, or use the restroom. Also make sure your TV monitor is off so you don’t have the issue with blue lights keeping you awake. (note: bring those blue light glasses).
About an hour before you land, they turn on all the lights and wake you up for a “light” breakfast. Typically this is something like an orange scone or cranberry muffin aka something that NO ONE NORMAL likes so again, bring snacks.
Drink lots of water and use the restroom one last time before you begin landing. While you are in the restroom, wash your face, brush your teeth etc. as if you are just starting your day.
20 minutes before touchdown, put on a face mask or under eye mask to help with the puffiness.
Land in your new city ready to take on the day! Side note- I KNOW you want to nap during this first day but resist! It will help you get on track with the time difference faster.
Okay now onto the items I bring in my carry-on bag that are essential for an overseas flight:
ALL Medication
Travel Pillow
Travel Journal & Pen
Hand Sanitizer/disinfecting wipes
Face Mask/under-eye mask
Eye mask
Sunscreen- that window seat exposes you to harmful UVs
Rose water spray- This is the one I use.
Sweater/scarf or something that can double as a blanket
Compression socks- you can find cute ones like these or these
Headphones- Bonus if noise canceling
Ear Plugs
Hand Lotion
Travel adapter- Do your research here. I found THIS ONE
Portable charger & all charging cords
Sunglasses
Laptop case- this can double down for also holding your passport, a few magazines, etc.
OLD SCHOOL headphones- you’ll thank me on this one. The headphones they give you for free on the planes to sync into your chair are always crappy
E-reader/book- ya know, in case your personal TV doesn’t work
Enough clothes/underwear to get you through 2 days (in case your checked bag doesn’t make it)
Rain gear
SNACKS
apples
protein bars
gum
nuts
Personal items:
toothbrush
toothpaste
hair ties
lip balm
face wash
deodorant
female products
basic makeup
Water Bottle- Bonus if it’s Foldable
I realize this list is LONG and you don’t want all that stuff to take up your precious leg room. So I would suggest grouping items that relate to each other in separate smaller pouches to make it easier to grab out of your big bag and place under your seat or in the seat pocket for easier access. Something like these.
Oh I almost forgot to tell you where I’m going! This fall I’m headed to……
*Belgium & The Netherlands*
First I’m flying to London for the Buccaneers v Panthers football game then headed to Bruges, Brussels, and Amsterdam with my mom! I can’t wait to celebrate her birthday traveling together. Any and all suggestions are appreciated!
