What to Pack in Your Handbag While Traveling

Between TSA, meeting weight requirements and remembering everything you need when traveling, it's not easy to know what to prioritize and pack in your handbag and carry-on bag vs. your checked luggage. I always end up having to pack, re-pack and pack again to get everything to fit (and that's after I've forgotten to put something in, naturally). This is probably a sign that I pack too much... But if you get creative you don't have to worry about that. ;) I know I could always use a guide when packing, so here's everything to remember to pack in your handbag when traveling:
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The bag:

When you fly, you normally get one carry-on bag and one "personal item". To maximize space and what you can pack (let me preface by saying I am a TOTAL over-packer, ha!!) I always use the biggest sized tote I can. Preferably one with lots of inside pockets and that's easy to carry!

For your skin:

Flying takes such a toll on your skin - you lose so much hydration, feel dry and oily and gross and it's hands down the worst part of traveling by plane. I always moisturize before a flight, blot during a flight and moisturize again after a flight. It makes a huge difference! I always carry the essentials I'll need to get to in my handbag, and then the rest of my makeup in a bigger cosmetic case in my carry-on.

I swear by this moisturizer to provide the freshest, most hydrating feeling ever! It's great for applying over makeup too if you just need a refresh. If you're on a long/overnight flight, consider this water replenishment face mask - it's great for dehydrated skin and it's a sheet mask so it's easy to stick on and peel off.

For something calming and refreshing on your skin, I LOVE to use the Mario Badescu Facial Spray - it's sooo great for your skin, smells great and if you've been on a flight for hours and need something on your skin ASAP when you land, spray this on your face and I guarantee you'll feel 20x better! It's a must have in your bag - make sure you get the smaller version so you can bring it through TSA!

To snack on:

Instead of spending $95 on airport food, bring your own snacks! You'll still have to buy water, but you can bring a thermos or empty bottle to fill up which can save lots of money! As long as your food isn't a liquid above 3 oz., you can bring snacks. I always bring some sort of fruit (an apple or orange usually), a protein/snack bar, etc. I hate airport and airplane food so I always bring my own snacks - if it's an overnight or longer international flight I buy something at the airport but otherwise, snacks from home it is. ;)

In-flight entertainment:

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Along with your phone, iPad/laptop, etc., these will make even the longest flight seem manageable:

1/2. Colored Pencils & Adult Coloring Book: who doesn't love to color?! This is especially useful if you have travel anxiety - flying can be stressful, but I use this coloring book during every long flight and it's almost therapeutic how relaxing it is.

3. Wireless Headphones: preferably a noise cancelling pair, so you can listen to music or watch a movie/TV show without any disruptions!

4. External Battery: I bring multiples if it's a longer flight to charge my phone and laptop - I swear by the Mophie brand! The charge lasts hours and there's all different sizes to fit your needs. They even come in pretty rose gold colors like this one. ;)

5. Laptop Sleeve: it may sound kind of silly, but I included this laptop sleeve here rather than with my favorite bag picks because having a supportive case to rest your laptop on is *so* helpful when all you have to work with is a small pull-out tray!

To refresh:

Like I said, there's nothing worse than the way a plane ride makes your skin feel! If you're on a longer, red eye flight you may not have a ton of time after landing to freshen up, or maybe you have to wait until a specific time to check into your hotel. Here's some must haves to help you feel refreshed before you even touch down at your destination:

I also always carry blotting papers with me; they're a life saver! They really do work and it makes you feel so much better. These deodorant wipes are another great one - they're only $8 and they're SO helpful to keep feeling clean. They smell great too! And don't forget to drink a ton of water - the more you drink the better when you're traveling! Here's some super cute and inexpensive water bottles to take and fill up while on the go:

To relax:

The best thing you can do on a flight is try to relax. No one likes being in a confined space for any amount of time, but if you're able to relax it'll be a piece of cake! ;) I'm the queen of being comfy, so these are always in my carry-on bags:

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1. Cozy Ombre Cardigan: no matter where you're going, a cozy cardigan like this is the best thing for a flight. These Barefoot Dreams cardigans are on the expensive side, but I promise they're worth every penny! Cardigans are great because even if you're going somewhere warm, you can throw this on and off easily with a tank top underneath.

2. Fuzzy Socks: the first thing I do on a long flight is put fuzzy socks on! I'm obsessed with them - pretty sure I have my very own collection in my sock drawer - and you'll be so happy you have these on a long flight. Another option are compression socks like these - they're great to wear in-flight if your feet swell up easily!

3. Stress Relief Roller Ball & Lotion: I swear by the Stress Relief collection at Bath and Body Works! I don't know what it is but the scent is extremely relaxing, and now they have a travel sized body lotion and essential oil roller ball which is great to help you relax on your flight!

4. Mini Bar In-Flight Kit: not only would this make a great gift, but it's so perfect to stick in your bag and travel with. Sometimes all you *really* need to relax on a flight is a drink! ;)

5/6. Eye Lashes Eye Mask & Silk Eye Mask: having an eye mask is one of those things you'd likely forget to pack, but wish you did. You never know who'll have their window shade opened, the overhead light on, etc. and if you just want to sleep, having your eye mask is the best way to block it all out.

7. Memory Foam Travel Pillow: if you bring just one thing to relax on a trip, let it be this! I couldn't make it through a flight without this thing - it's the best money you'll ever spend on a travel accessory. It comes in a bunch of colors and it's made with memory foam so it's comfy and it'll keep you from feeling the discomfort of a plane seat, at least a little bit! ;)

8. Adidas Sneakers: these sneakers are the best for travel - comfortable and great for walking in! Especially if you have to speed walk from terminal A to D in a matter of minutes, ha! They fit well in your bag too if you need to switch them out which is an added bonus.

To stay healthy:

I can't be the only one whose a huge germophobe ESPECIALLY when traveling! I go all-out and have zero shame about it. Here's what I keep at arms length on a trip:

The necessities:

Passport, ID, important travel papers, tickets, etc. All of the obvious must haves should always go in your handbag, in one place that you can easily access everything in a split second. With the high volume in an airport, carrying bags and trying to get to your gate on time (while most likely simultaneously juggling a Starbucks), the last thing you want to worry about is remembering where you put something or digging through your bag to find your ID.

Here's some of the cutest passport cases, which are totally a necessity because staying organized when you travel is so important!

This document case has become my travel document case, and I take it on every trip - it has compartments which makes carrying any sort of information you may need inside and it's VERY compact and durable. Only $14 too!

Some other necessities to keep in your bag so they're handy: valuables (jewelry, nicer bags/shoes - I always keep these in my carry on and handbag vs. my checked luggage!), medication you may need, all of your travel tickets and hotel reservation/car rental confirmations. Pro-tip: keep a copy of your passport in your checked luggage if traveling internationally, just in case!


What's always in your bag when you travel? XOXO -A