Last week, Shay and Erika hosted their montly Let’s Look link up. The topic was “your carry on bag.” I believe the topic changed, and I wasn’t able to link up anyway, but thought of the original topic as I unpacked my carry on bag this weekend. So, I thought I’d share that…

Y’all, I’m a chronic over-packer. Driving, flying, being gone for one night or seven, I over-pack. I’m not sure why. I’ve tried to work on it. Sometimes, my thought is if I’m driving and bringing a suitcase, why not just bring the biggest suitcase I have? Also, I hate packing. For being “Type A” and pretty organized, I wait until the last minute to pack. I’ve been using packing cubes for a couple of years, and those keep my items organized and condensed but that’s once I get to actually packing. haha
The point of telling you how I pack is that my carry on usually gets some of the leftovers. Also, items that may weigh down my suitcase are also perfect candidates for my carry on bag. For example, my tennis shoes, my Revlon hair dryer brush, or books would be items that I’d possibly throw in my carry on bags whether I’m driving or flying anywhere. If I’m driving and know we’ll make a pit stop, I will also throw in my pjs and few products like face wash and moisturizer.
Anyway, here’s a glimpse of my most recent carry on situation.
I’ve had this bag for about four years; I found it at Target. What I love about it is that it can unzip to expand. I always keep it zipped while I fill up the bag thinking I won’t have to unzip it #sillyme, but then I eventually unzip it for my space if needed.

Ball caps or beach hats usually go in my carry on. This way, the beach hat doesn’t get squished in the suitcase, but the ball caps also come in handy if I just need one because my hair is looking sad after traveling. My sunglasses usually go in my carry on or purse as well just so that I can easily keep up with them.

I keep all my necessary cords and chargers in a baggie. I also include my Kindle and carrying case in the carry on as well for easy access.

This little zip pouch includes band aids, aspirin, Chapstick, cleansing wipes for Hayden’s glasses, etc. Hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes were a travel companion even before Covid 19.

I read a lot on my Kindle, especially when traveling, but I also bring a few books. Sometimes I read one book on my Kindle while reading another hardback book.

I also pack some of my favorites in my carry on like my favorite coffee mug and slippers. I just think about my suitcase getting lost and losing some of my favorite things. Not that I want my suitcase full of clothes to get lost, but the extra items can easily fit in my carry on.

So that’s a little peek at my travel carry on. What are some things you include in your bag when you travel?
Next month’s topic is Let’s Look: Your Summer Wardrobe. I believe they ladies said they are doing that post a bit early and moving it to July 1.

I hope you are having a great week.
Take care,


Me too! I love to pack but I am an overpacked. I think it’s a control issue. I want to be prepared for anything so I feel that I’m in control. I am super proud of all four of us going to Germany for two weeks with just a backpack and a carry on suitcase each!
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I think it’s a control thing for me too. Plus, I’m naturally a homebody and used to having options! I always want to be comfy. I’ve thought of how I’d pack if we were to ever get to Europe which is on my bucket list …I’d HAVE to figure out my packing issues 😂
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Yes, me too! My luggage was lost for 5 days of our 8 day Germany trip in 2000 so I was spooked by that. It helped that we traveled in summer but we said never again would we check luggage. It made everything so easy! We also traveled through Germany by train when we got there so it was so nice to have it all condensed like that.
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Yes! With all the train travel, I’d have to be compact…plus I don’t want to be the crazy materialistic American 😂with 3 suitcases
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Exactly!
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