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10 Must-Have Items I Always Pack In My Carry-On Bag

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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and Walmart Creator, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases made on Amazon.com or Walmart.com.

People often want to know, “What’s in your bag?” I never leave home without the following 10 must-have items in my carry-on bag, making air travel efficient and more comfortable.

Wichita AirportI guarantee you haven’t thought to include some of these travel-worthy essentials when packing for your last business trip or vacation.

10 Must-Have Items Always In My Carry-On Bag

Laptop Backpack

Of course, you need a durable carry-on bag that fits under the airplane seat in front of you without issue. I prefer MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack because it’s lightweight, the compartments keep me organized, and the outside strap slides over the handle of my suitcase.

Plus, the back includes a USB charging port keeping your phone charged and two exterior bottle holders.

Order it via Amazon $19.79

Matein Backpack

Reading Glasses

If you’re a middle-aged traveler like me, you likely need to pack reading glasses in every carry-on bag or purse. I lose them often, so I love JOLISU 5 Pack Reading Glasses for Women, which are lightweight and durable.

Plus, they protect your eyes from blue light if you’re staring at illuminated screen during a flight or while waiting to board.

Order it via Amazon $13.99

Eyeglasses

Mack’s Earplugs

I’m a light sleeper and Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Putty Earplugs are the most effective and comfortable ones I’ve used to drown out the sound of airplane chatter or hotel noise.

The earplugs seal better than other brands I’ve tested, and they can be reused for several nights before you need to dispose them.

Order it via Amazon $12.99

Blistex Lip Medex

Airplane cabin’s low humidity is known to dry your skin and lips. Blistex Lip Medex is a non-greasy, affordable lip balm that soothes my dry lips better than any other product I’ve applied.

Honestly, I can’t live without it and I place one in my nightstand drawer as well.

Buy it at Walmart $1.94

Blistex Lip Medex

iPhone Charger Fast Charging Wall Charger 2-Pack

My iPhone is always in my hand used as a camera, computer, podcast player, and notebook. Often, I need to recharge it quickly during an travel itinerary break.

The iPhone Charger Fast Charging Wall Charger‘s 10-foot cord does the job and its cord can reach behind hotel beds or across the room in a clutch. Buy one for you and your travel buddy.

Buy a 2-Pack on Amazon $9.99

iPhone Fast Charging Wall Charger

Luna Lemon Zest Nutrition Bars

I don’t know about you, but I could go without another package of ginger cookies on an airline flight. Instead, I pack Luna Lemon Zest Nutrition Bars, which keep me from feeling hangry and they satisfy for hours before I can eat a meal.

I’ll throw a few of them in my carry-on bag in case I don’t prefer the hotel breakfast.

Order a 12-pack on Amazon $14.46

Luna Lemon Nutrition Bars

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag

If you’ve ever experienced a flight cancellation, you know how important it is to pack an extra set of clothes and toiletries in a carry-on bag.

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag organizes my essentials and I can easily hang it in the bathroom at my hotel.

Buy it on Amazon $22.99

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag
Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask

Have you ever laid down to sleep and noticed streaming light from under the hotel room’s door or peeking between the window curtains? An Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask comfortably blocks out unwanted light while fitting comfortably to your face.

Plus, they come in hand if you’re making a red eye flight to your destination and want to catch some zzzs.

Buy it on Amazon $9.99

Sleep Mask

WipeEssentials Hand Sanitizer Wipes

Don’t touch the airplane’s tray table until you’ve sanitized it.

Packing WipeEssentials Hand Sanitizer Wipes is a smart way to clean up your space, and I’ve often used them to wipe my hands after eating snacks during a flight.

Buy a 3-pack on Amazon $10.96

Hand Sanitizer Wipes

YETI Yonder Water Bottle

TSA doesn’t allow filled water bottles to pass through security, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack an empty one to fill at the water fountain at the gate.

The YETI Yonder Water Bottle is clear (TSA can see it it’s empty), lightweight, and leakproof. You can insert in the carry-on bag’s dedicated bottle storage area.

Buy it on Amazon $25.00

Yeti Water Bottle

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

I’ve traveled solo long enough to know that it’s important to carry a Birdie Personal Safety Alarm attached to my carry-on bag for quick use if needed.

Its siren is ear-piercing when engaged and the flashing light adds to its effectiveness.

But it on Amazon $29,95

Birdie Personal Alarm

Don’t arrive to the airport unprepared without these 10 essential items in your carry-on bag, all of which will pass through security without issue. Travel should be fun not stressful.

If you appreciate this checklist, you’ll love 5 Must-Have Road Trip Supplies for Dog Owners and 5 Best Travel Items for a Comfortable Hotel Stay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Must-Have Road Trip Supplies for Dog Owners

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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases made on Amazon.com.

As a dog mom who travels for work, it’s essential that my pup is comfortable and feels safe during road trips. Dog-friendly supplies have come a long way, and today’s road trip essentials make travel more efficient, giving me peace of mind.

Road Trip Dog

5 Must-Have Road Trip Supplies for Dog Owners

Easyego Back Seat Extender 

Gone are the days of using an old bath towel or blanket to cover the surface of your backseat. The Easybo Back Seat Extender protects my car’s leather interior and features a sturdy base that allows our golden retriever to lie down comfortably with 40 percent more space.

You’ll appreciate the waterproof surface on days when your dog’s wet paws leave a mess. The safe seat anchor attaches to your dog’s collar, serving as a seatbelt, which flexes as they move around.

Eazybo Back Seat Extender protects your car’s interior from your dog’s nails with zip-up walls and a mesh window. I pack our pup’s toys, extra pop bags, leash, and water bottle in the spacious storage pockets.

Order it via Amazon $50

Easyego Back Seat Extender

Dexas Popware for Pets Snack Duo Dual Chambered Hydration Bottle and Snack Container

Packing the Dexas Popware for Pets Snack Duo Dual Chamber Hydration Bottle and Snack Container ensures your dog never goes with out a drink or water or meal during a day of exploring.

Before we leave for the park or a long-distance trip, I filled the water bottle and pack dog food for the feeder bowl so I never have to scrounge for a container or request a water cup at a road stop.

It helps to train your puppy to eat from a smaller-than-usual food container, but most dogs take to it easily when hungry.

Order it via Amazon $10

Travel Dog Water Bottle and Dish

The Dodo Blue Dog Harness

Is your dog a puller when walking? Perhaps it’s a large breed dog with a lot of energy? The Dodo Blue Dog Harness has made such a difference in how our dog behaves during walks, and I no longer have to worry that she’s choking herself from pulling during a dog walk.

If you take your dog on hikes, The Dodo Blue Dog Harness is a comfortable alternative to only relying on the collar and leash-only method. Plus, it’s easy to put on the dog versus some harness types.

Buy it on Amazon $13

The Dodo Dog Harness

Benebone Wishbone

I can’t think of a better dog toy for a long distance road trip, especially for a teething puppy, than the durable Benebone Wishbone (real bacon flavor!) After spending hundreds of dollars of stuffed toys and chew bones, the Benebone Wishbone is the only toy our dog hasn’t destroyed.

It’s also a good investment to give your dog something to chew on when you’re staying overnight in a vacation rental or hotel.

Buy it on Amazon $20

Benebone Wishbone

Dog Poop Pickup Bags & Holder Dispenser

Clip and forget it. Yuchiya’s Dog Poop Pickup Bags & Holder Dispenser attaches easily to your belt loop or backpack for outdoor excursions.

I prefer this style of dispenser because it’s easily refillable and the ease of use is unbeatable. Make sure to purchase one for every member of your family, so no one is unprepared.

Buy it on Amazon $8

Dog Poop Bag Dispenser

You’re like me and like to bring your furry family member wherever you go when possible. Traveling with our four-legged best friends is more fun and easy to do if you pack these five essential road trip dog supplies.

Bonus! If you’re traveling during the colder weather, I’d encourage you to stock your car with my recommendations for 10 Winter Road Trip Essentials I Never Leave Home Without.

Happy travels to you and your four-legged friend.

 

10 Winter Road Trip Essentials I Never Leave Home Without

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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

After years of road-tripping across Kansas during the winter season, plus three years of trekking across snowy Colorado highways, I never leave home without ten road-trip essentials.

I’m a planner when it comes to packing for a long-haul trip when temperatures are frigid and snow or ice is forecasted. I don’t have a AAA membership (yet!), so ensuring the following road-ready supplies are packed in the trunk gives me peace of mind.

Winter Scene

10 Winter Road Trip Essentials I Never Leave Home Without

HotHands Hand Warmer Value Pack

Not only does the HotHands Hand Warmer Value Pack keep you feeling toasty for up to 18 hours, but they’re portable. I throw them in coat pockets if I need to keep warm for up to 18 hours.

They’re also ideal to use during or after a winter hike or holiday parade event. 10 Count, $8

HotHands Hand Warmer Value Pack

Snow Brush and Ice Scraper Combo

Snowfall is no joke during a Midwest winter storm or when you’re vacationing in a mountainous region. Use the Snow Brush Ice Scraper for Car Windshield to remove snow from your car, SUV, or truck.

Plus, it comes in various colors and easily stores away during the off-season in the garage on a peg wall. $13

Snow Bruch Ice Scraper Combo

Jumper Cables

After years of driving used and not-so-reliable cars, I learned that having my own jumper cables available when the battery runs dead is ideal. Once, I let a stranded motorist use them to help him return to the road in Missouri. We took a selfie photo before he left.

Freezing temperatures can drain a car battery up to 60 percent. Order Amazon Basics Jumper Cable for Car Battery for each car in your family’s fleet. $13

Jumper Cables

De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid

Large trucks and cars often splash back snow melt on your windshield. I fill my windshield fluid reservoir with Rain-X® -25F Degree De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid to clear it away while eliminating refreeze on the glass.

It also works on frost and ice, and a single jug comes with a funnel for hard-to-reach areas under the hood. $20

RainX® De-Icer Windshield

Crank Flashlight / USB Charger

If you use a little manpower, the Rechargeable Hand Crank Flashlight/Generator/USB Charger for Phone works like a charm when you desperately need to illuminate the car. It provides 30 minutes of light after one minute of cranking.

Each traveler in your car, especially kids, will appreciate the USB interface, which is useful for 5V-input devices like mobile phones. $25

Crank Flashlight

Travel First Aid Kit

Look in my truck and you’ll find a Travel First-Aid Kit containing bandages, tweezers, basic over-the-counter medications, alcohol swabs and more. It’s come in handy when I’ve need bandages for blistered feet after a town tour.

During winter, you may need its contents to relieve cuts and bruises from winter sports or roadside car repair sessions. $18

First Aid Kit

Fleece Blanket

Are you waiting on roadside assistance? Or perhaps you parked the car outside in a snowstorm and it’s slow to warm up inside? I like to use a travel blanket to warm my lap like the Cozy-Soft Microfleece Travel Blanket 50×60 Inch.

The blanket also ideal in a clutch when you’re attending riding in a holiday horse carriage tour or waiting for Santa during a Christmas parade. $13

Fleece Travel Blanket

Down Hooded Winter Coat

A lightweight puffer doesn’t keep me warm enough during Kansas winters, so when it’s frigid, I wear my Columbia Women’s Apres Arson II Long Down Jacket. My boyfriend thinks it’s obnoxious in size, but guess what? I’m always warm.

It’s windproof and waterproof. $263

Columbia Winter Coat

YETI® Rambler Travel Mug

Warm drinks or extra water keep their temperature in my YETI® Rambler Travel Mug. The base fits in my SUV’s cupholders so it doesn’t tip over when I turn corners.

The dent-resistant tumbler uses a lide with dual-slider magnet technology preventing leaks. $31

Yeti Tumbler

Fruit and Nut Granola Bars

I throw several granola bars in my car console or glove box in the event hunger strikes. You never know when you may need a snack to hold you over when stranded on the side of the road waiting out a winter storm.

Larabar® Variety Pack includes 18 bars made with three of my preferred flavors prepared with natural ingredients. $18

Larabar Granola Bars

You’re a person who likes to stay prepared, which includes packing essentials for a comfortable overnight stay. Refer to my blog post 5 Best Travel Items to Pack For A Comfortable Hotel Stay to view the items I can’t live without.

Stay prepared and every trip is a delightful one no matter the circumstance.

 

 

 

5 Best Travel Items to Pack for a Comfortable Hotel Stay

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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

I’ve stayed in countless hotel rooms and each one varies in its amenities. Over the years, I’ve relied on a handful of products that guarantee a comfortable hotel stay.

Don’t leave home without packing these five essential, affordable items.

SLEEP EASY

A good night’s sleep is imperative for an enjoyable vacation or business trip. No amount of caffeinated coffee will keep you energized the next day if you miss out on sleep.

Mack’s Earplug’s

Bang! Boom! Sometimes fellow hotel guests are quite noisy. Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Putty Earplugs are the most effective and comfortable ones I’ve used to drown out the sound of upstairs hotel guests or hallway noise. 12 pack $12.99

The earplugs seal better than other brands I’ve tested, and they can be reused for several nights before you need to dispose them.

Sujeet Night Light

Have you woke up in the middle of the night only to panic because the hotel room was pitch dark and you didn’t know your whereabouts? The Sujeet Night Light gives off soft, cool light.

It doesn’t require much space to pack in your overnight bag and its price is affordable. $9.99 

Night Light

RISE & SHINE

Welcome a new day the right way feeling invigorated and ready to tackle your schedule.

Starbuck’s Via® Instant Coffee Packets

Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without having to return to the hotel lobby by adding hotel water to Starbucks Via® Instant Coffee Packets.

Besides, when was the last time the in-room coffee machine was cleaned? Simply pour hot tap water over each packet’s grounds and stir. $5.99, 1 box (8 packets)

Starbucks Via® Instant Coffee Packets

LOUNGE COMFORTABLY

In-room personal comfort is guaranteed when you pack a couple of wearable items to use before or after your day.

Muk Luks Shortie Cabin Socks

A good pair of slipper socks keeps your feet warm, feeling cozy, and keeps your bare feet from touching the floor. I don’t know about you, but I have a phobia about walking on hotel floors because I suspect the carpet isn’t vacuumed between guests.

Muk Luks Shortie Cabin Socks are lightweight and include a slip-resistant coating on the bottom. Available in men’s and women’s design style. $11.99 1 Pair (Men’s) $19.99, 2 Pair Pack (Women’s) 

Muk Luks Men's Ankle Cabin SockMuk Luks Women's Shortie Cabin Sock

Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask

Have you ever laid down to sleep and noticed streaming light from under the hotel room’s door or peeking between the window curtains? An Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask comfortably blocks out unwanted light while fitting comfortably to your face.

Plus, they come in hand if you’re making a red eye flight to your destination and want to catch some zzzs. $9.89

Eye Mask

Your hotel stay should be a comfortable and enjoyable as possible, and there’s no shame in packing essential items to ensure a pleasant experience. Many hotels supply essential toiletries upon request, but these five items are personalized to your needs.

Are you interested in staying at a luxury hotel for your next vacation or business trip? Consider a few hotels that impressed me: Ambassador Hotel Wichita and Four Seasons Nashville.

 

 

5 Essential Resources for Planning Kansas Travel

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Are you planning a road trip through Kansas? As a native of the Sunflower State, I’ve spent endless hours traveling the state, and I often rely on five trusted resources to plan the ideal trip.

Which one will you use for your next vacation?

Monument Rocks Oakley Kansas

I’m the kind of traveler who appreciates having a “loose” itinerary that leaves room for spontaneous stops. How would I have ever discovered Big Brutus in West Mineral, Kansas, if it hadn’t been for taking a detour when I saw the road sign? It was worth it!

What do you use to plan your travel across the Sunflower State? Consider these five resources that I highly recommend from personal experience:

TOURISM GUIDES

Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) are the experts when it comes to the best places to explore and dine in a particular area of the state. Their free guides are available upon request. You can sign up to receive them electronically or by mail depending on the visitor center’s website. I typically opt for the snail mail option because CVBs will include extra maps and brochures featuring area attractions along with their guide.

Recently, I’ve planned trips to visit Manhattan, Pittsburg, and Olathe from the travel suggestions mentioned in their visitor guides. If the location you’d like to visit doesn’t have a convention and visitor’s bureau, search for the “City of (Insert Name)” and access their Community page or check the events calendar.

Newton, Kansas Mural

WORD-OF-MOUTH RECOMMENDATIONS

Some of the best suggestions for dining or attractions have come from friends and family. Consider asking those you know about where they’ve traveled in the state to discover hidden away gems.

Are you interested in going fishing or checking out a lake you’ve never been to? Rather than logging time researching the options, ask your family’s best angler! If you’re lucky, they’ll even tell you the best bait to use to catch a fish.

Humboldt Kansas

Years ago we drove to Cottonwood Falls and stayed at a cabin on a farmer’s ranch. We knew we wanted to check out the Chase Lake Falls after visiting with friends who had been to the area. The waterfall was worth the trip!

FACEBOOK GROUPS

Why not join a local travel group on Facebook? Group members are the ultimate resource when it comes to asking specific questions about visiting an unfamiliar place and they often know just the websites to visits for more information. I prefer to follow the discussions in Midwest Road Trip Adventures, The Local Tourist and Kansas Tourism Industry group pages.

Additionally, group page admins often host daily themes prompting members to share images from their travels. If you explore a location and fall in love with it, the best way to entice someone else to visit is to share photos and videos.

Kansas sunflower

TRAVEL GUIDEBOOKS

If I’m scanning the shelves of a local bookstore, you’ll most likely find me in the travel section perusing the guidebooks. Libraries and bookstores are treasure troves for excellent travel resources. I purchased The Kansas Guidebook 2: For Explorers by Marci Penner & WenDee Rowe and Secret Kansas: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure by Roxie Yonkey.

Are you planning to explore the state’s biggest city, Wichita? Purchase my books 100 Things To Do In Wichita Before You Die and Secret Wichita: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.

Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum

MAGAZINES

A graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in journalism, I’m a diehard fan of flipping through the glossy pages of magazines. The hands-down best tourism publication in the state is Kansas! magazine. You’ll find yourself entranced by its full-page guides, mesmerized by the gorgeous landscape photography, and impressed by its coverage of the people who make the Sunflower State great.

BONUS! I hope you’ll use my Kansas travel page as a place to discover new destinations. I give an honest account of my travel experiences.

Tall Trellis Brewing Olathe Kansas

How did you go about planning your last trip across the state? Leave a suggestion for a resource or destination in the comments below for others to use.

From the wetlands to the open prairie and urban areas to small towns, Kansas offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Kansas Travel Planning

 

 

How to Make the Most of Your Airport Layover

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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and Walmart Creator, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases made on Amazon.com or Walmart.com.

It’s happened to all of us. We’ve had a long layover at an airport, and we could do nothing about it but sit it out. Your layover doesn’t have to be boring.

I’ve spent hours stuck in Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and other airports long enough to know that if you follow these recommendations, your time will fly by. In the meantime, enjoy yourself.

Photo by Oleksandr P.

VISIT THE DUTY-FREE STORE

Let’s be clear. I’m not suggesting you spend a ton of money at the duty-free store. Instead, try on a new fragrance, volunteer for a make-up demonstration, or men’s facial or try a sample of the gourmet chocolates they’re peddling. When you exit the store, you’ll feel refreshed and smell divine.

SHOP THE BOOKSTORE

Some bookstores are larger than others, depending on the airport you’re visiting, but even the tiniest convenience store has entire shelves filled with reading material. I’ve spent up to 30 minutes or more just flipping through magazines and reading the latest headlines. Even better, purchase reading material to take back to your gate.

Airplane
Photo by Tanathip Rattanatum

EAT LOCAL FOOD YOU’VE NEVER TRIED

You know the old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Stuck in New Orleans? Try crawfish. Spending hours in Chicago? Dine on a hotdog with a cold local beer to wash it down. Waiting in Atlanta? Eat the fried chicken.

TAKE IN THE ARTWORK

Even the crummiest airports make an effort to put up wall displays of local artists’ work or historical timelines. I appreciate learning about Detroit’s water fountains or Wichita’s aviation history.

Airport Layover
Photo by Jeshoots

PEOPLE WATCHING

Instead of just sitting at your gate seat mindlessly watching people as they pass, consider imagining their lives. Who are these people? Where might they be going? Why might they be acting that way? Imagine their stories.

Take it to another level and play this “game” with someone you’re stuck at an airport with, and you’ll find they’ve concocted a different story for each person.

CHEER UP CHALLENGE

Tired of sitting? Take a stroll through the airport’s major traffic areas with one goal – smile at strangers. I coined the name of this activity after a layover in Chicago at Christmas time. I began to notice that people were stuck in their thoughts, and their faces showed their emotions. They were stressed, bored, or rushed.

The activity aims to smile at a stranger when you make eye contact. If they smile back, that’s one point for you (and a warm fuzzy for them). If they don’t smile back, at least someone smiled at them. A total win-win.

Photo by Connecting Flights Guide

USE YOUR AIRLINE CLUB PASS

If you have an airline club pass burning a hole in your pocket, use it. Even if you only have an hour or two to spend in the VIP Lounge, it’s worth it. Enjoy the complimentary food, and drinks (grab a wine glass or beer!) and relax in plush chairs while you recharge your batteries….literally.

GET YOUR EXERCISE

After hours of sitting on a plane and at your gate, get your blood flowing by taking a long walk through the airport. Of course, you may have to wheel your carry-on bag behind you. Commit to walking the entire length of the concourse and back without using the moving sidewalk because we all know that’s cheating.

MAKE A FRIEND

Not everyone is feeling cranky while at the airport. I’ve met perfectly nice people from my hometown while sitting in airports in other states. See someone who needs to charge their phone and is looking for a station? Move over a seat and offer the charging portal next to you. Be nice. You’ll make an instant friend. It’s that simple.

If you haven’t packed for your trip, make sure to use my checklist 10 Must-Have Items I Always Pack In My Carry-On Bag. 

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