10 Carry-on Travel Essentials to Pack for Every Trip

When it comes to travel, I’m proud to be a carry-on-only gal. It doesn’t matter if I’m gone for a few days or a few weeks—traveling with my bag as light as possible is crucial for me, not only for peace of mind, but for constant movement, different forms of transportation, and ease. I also find that the more you travel, the less you need. 

That being said, some travel essentials stay packed and ready—the gear, gadgets, and go-tos that make every trip that much easier. After years of traveling for work (I’ve logged 78 flights this year alone), these are the items I never unpack, because they’ve proven themselves useful time and time again. Keep scrolling for the essentials I always keep in my carry-on, so I’m ready for any adventure. And bonus: They’re all available at Amazon.

Travel Essentials I Always Keep in My Carry-on

Thule Compression Packing Cubes

As a carry-on-only traveler, these compression packing cubes are the first thing I grab to keep my bag organized and lightweight. The durable nylon and compression zippers make them feel much sturdier than standard packing cubes, and they actually squeeze down the air to free up serious space. I use the larger cube for bulkier items like jeans or sweaters, and the smaller one for tees and dresses. They make packing so efficient that I can fit a full week’s wardrobe into a carry-on, which is probably why people always ask how I travel so light. (And yes, I’m the biggest stan.)

Bagsmart Tech Organizer

Nothing feels messier than cords tangled at the bottom of your bag mid-travel day, which is why this smart tech organizer never leaves my suitcase. It has elastic loops for chargers, mesh pockets for adapters, and just enough padding to keep everything safe without being bulky. I keep mine pre-packed with an extra phone charger, travel adapter, and other cords so I can grab and go. The flat design slides easily into my backpack or carry-on front pocket, and it’s become one of those things I notice immediately when I forget it—which is why I never do.

Bagsmart Clear Toiletry Bags

These clear toiletry bags live permanently in my carry-on—and my toiletries stay packed. They’re TSA-approved, waterproof, and structured enough to stand up on a bathroom counter without flopping over. I keep travel-size staples inside (toothpaste, face serum, SPF) so I’m never repacking from scratch before a flight. The clear panels make it easy to see what’s inside at a glance—especially helpful when you’re digging through your bag at security or in a tiny hotel bathroom. For under $10, they’re my secret to staying organized and avoiding the dreaded toiletry explosion.

LifeStraw Sip Filtering Straw

This sleek stainless-steel straw is one of those things that seems silly until you travel with it once—then it’s a forever essential. It filters out 99.9 percent of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, letting me safely sip from any glass, tap, or questionable refill station. It’s perfect for long flights, day trips, or places where bottled water isn’t readily available. I love that it comes with its own travel case and is easy to clean. (The filter lasts up to one year of use!) I always keep it in my personal item so I can stay hydrated without adding more single-use plastic to the mix.

Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches

Another one that stays in my zippered compartment is this waterproof phone pouch. It’s perfect for things like rafting, rainy hikes, beach days, or even just exploring in unpredictable weather. It seals tightly with a double-locking clasp and comes with a lanyard so I can wear it hands-free, which is especially helpful when I’m swimming or kayaking. It fits my phone and a card or two, and the clear PVC window still lets me take photos and use the touchscreen. I’ve tested it in everything from tropical downpours to water temples, and my phone’s always come out perfectly dry.

Vifuur Water Shoes

These simple water shoes live in my personal item because they weigh next to nothing and somehow manage to save every trip I take. I’ve worn them on rocky beaches, in hotel pools, on rafting days, and even on quick hikes where flip-flops just don’t cut it. They slip on like socks, dry in minutes, and roll up to the size of a T-shirt sleeve. The grippy rubber sole means I don’t have to worry about slick pool decks or surprise pebbles underfoot. For something that costs less than a coffee, they’ve earned permanent residency in my carry-on.

Hohom Mesh Tote Bag

I love my Junes bag, but this Amazon tote works great, too. It stays folded up in my carry-on’s zippered pocket, ready for everything I can throw at it (or in it)—days at the beach or pool, a shopping trip, even carrying groceries when I’m staying somewhere long enough to stock a fridge. I also use it as a personal item (and convert my personal item to a carry-on) when I’m taking stuff home from a trip and want to check my (now overstuffed) carry-on bag. It’s endlessly useful, machine washable, and takes up about as much room as a pair of socks.

Riiqiichy Shawl

This cozy shawl is my carry-on security blanket—soft, lightweight, and big enough to use on a plane when freezing. It’s the perfect second layer that works on planes, in over-air-conditioned restaurants, and for cool desert nights when you’ve forgotten to pack enough layers. The material feels cozy without being bulky, and it rolls down into my personal item so I can grab it mid-flight. I keep it in classic black so it always matches my travel uniform, and it goes from bag to wash back to bag again every single time.

Riiqiichy Silk Scarf

This silk scarf earns its keep a dozen times over. I’ve used it as a headband, bag accent, neck scarf, and even a makeshift eye mask on red eyes. The silk feels soft and breathable, never scratchy, and instantly makes any simple travel outfit look more put-together (and lets you re-wear things in a pinch, making them look and feel different). It takes up less space than a scrunchie, which is saying something, and adds a touch of polish that feels very “I planned this”—even when I definitely didn’t.

Seritant Heatless Hair Curlers

I never pack hot tools, and this heatless curling set is one reason why. I twist these into freshly dried (either air dry or using my hotel’s hair dryer) at night, secure the ends, and tie them up in a silk scarf, and wake up with effortless, bouncy curls—no heat damage, no extra time in the morning, and no bulky curling iron in my luggage. The satin finish keeps frizz to a minimum, and the flexible rod is easy to pack flat. It’s a travel beauty hack that feels luxurious but takes up less space than a hairbrush.

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