By SARAH LYNCH – Picture this: you and your husband arrive in France. It’s time to enjoy your long-awaited vacation to the most romantic city in the world. Upon landing, however, you find out that your bags are lost. All you have is the clothes on your back, and your insufficient carry-on bag.
This is the story of my parents: two young travelers, left for three days in France with no luggage. From this traumatizing experience, our family emerged as a picture of packing-perfection when it comes to carry-on bags.
For my most recent trip to Cancun, Mexico, here are the items I brought with me in my carry-on bag:
My mini bathroom kit
Mini bathroom kit
Traveling, whether it be via airplane, boat, train, or car, is not glamorous. You have bags under your eyes from lack of sleep, you are trapped in close quarters with people who consider personal hygiene a suggestion. By the end of the trip, you are sweaty, oily, dirty and not at all enjoying yourself. A bathroom kit packed with deodorant, facial wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues and sanitary supplies is imperative in a carry-on bag.
Change of clothes
If your luggage is lost for multiple days, you will need a change of clothes to keep yourself clean until your luggage is found. Clothes must include a clean shirt, pants, socks and most importantly underwear. Keep the weather of your final destination in mind when packing these clothes. You wouldn’t want your only change of clothes in Alaska to be your tropical shorts and thin tank top. Pack smart and pack for optimum comfort.
A book
Even if you don’t lose your luggage, bring a book in your carry-on to pass the travel time. Preferably, start reading up on your location. A general understanding of the history of your destination will give your trip more depth and impact.
Whether you are a teen or a young married couple in France, everyone could benefit from an organized, compact and appropriately packed carry-on bag.
Pack Your Bags 