Every item on this list has been carefully curated by me, this isn't a sponsored article and I won't earn any commissions from the links listed here. I just share useful and quality products.
If there's one thing that will definitely make your life easier when traveling —especially if you're flight is overseas— is a carry-on and a personal object as your only companions. I've read about horror stories of people traveling from the U.S or Mexico whose airlines lost their checked luggage, or others about how it's so hard to drag a big heavy suitcase around, etc. So if you'd rather avoid any kind of unnecessary hassle here are 10 personal item essentials that I carry with me.
1. Water bottle or travel mug
We all know that you once you're past security you can get any kind of beverage you want, and if like me you need to be constantly hydrated or perhaps you have a religious tradition of getting a Starbucks drink, a mug will be be a great item to have in your personal item. Whether it's water or starbiez, having a spill-free mug to put your liquids is a relief as you won't be stressing about dripping any liquids.
Hydroflask 12oz All Around Tumbler
2. Document holder
If like me you're one of those people who checks her purse every 5 minutes to make sure your travel documents are there you'll probably love this leather handmade document holder, no more panicking and stress out about your passport, tickets, and others being all around inside your personal item. This document holder has tons of 5 star reviews on Etsy and its durable material and unique look make it a great personal item must have.
Etsy- Leather Travel Wallet
3. Headphones
Long and short flights call for headphones to listen to your favorite podcast, music, or TV show. In addition to its obvious functions, headphones can also be used as a signal to indicate that you're not open to talking to anyone and even a great tool to block the noise to relax and catch some sleep prior or during your flight. I personally use a classic pair of Apple's wired EarPods but I'm sure that a noise cancelling model will be way better as you won't need to turn all the volume up (like I do) to be able to listen to something.
AirPods Max
4. Tech organizer
Regardless of the number of devices you're carrying, having a cable organizer will make your life easier. To avoid a tangled inside your bag, stay organized and never lose any cable, the best way to keep everything in place is a cabe pouch. With different compartments ideal for your phone charger, cube, and even a mouse this Amazon tech organizer has the perfect size for your personal item.
Amazon - Anniemoon tech organizer
5. iPad or Kindle
You probably like to have some entertainment while you wait to board your flight, at least I do. Perhaps you have a long layover and although walking around the airport to stretch the legs might be something one usually does there's a point where you get bored and want to read or watch something, this is when your iPad or Kindle shows up to save you. If you don't have an iPad already, and you are a book lover then getting a Kindle seems to be one of the best choices according to many bookstagram and booktok members.
Amazon - Kindle Paperwhite
6. Painkillers and other meds
Motion sickness, headaches and other health issues can occur even to the most well traveled adventurer, sometimes our bodies react differently during trips, this is why having ibuprofen, aspirin or other kind of painkiller on hand is always a good idea. Also, you may also be taking a daily dose, and keeping all your pills in one place will avoid you the annoyance of having 5 tiny cardboard boxes all over your bag.
Amazon - 3 Pack Pill Organizer
7. External battery or portable charger
On the assumption that like me you're not someone who switches phones every year, and if your phone isn't new and your battery isn't its peak condition or maybe you just want to have a battery backup just in case... let's be honest, the reasons why you'd want or need to have a portable battery are endless but regardless of this, having something to charge your phone on the go is a must. What if you come across Shawn Mendes and you're phone is about to die? (it happened to me)
Amazon - iWalk Portable Charger
8. TSA-Friendly containers
Going through TSA has to be the worst part about traveling, right? I mean, angry officers yelling at you to take off your shoes, belt, etc. while you do your best to do all that as fast as you can to avoid a personal scolding sounds like the opposite of a fun time. If you're only traveling with a carry on and a personal item you'll want to get TSA-friendly containers so you don't get all your precious liquids thrown away for being more than 3.4 ounces or because it's not stored inside a transparent bag.
I've seen a kit of magnetic containers all over social media that seem very practical and their design is gorgeous, they're from the brand Keep Your Cadence and they come in different colors, sizes and amounts.
9. Sleep mask
Most people are able to take a nap while they fly, not me though, but most people do. The best way to enjoy a nap during a flight is by having a sleep mask, and if you can a neck pillow, this way you won't be bothered by any light source and your rest will most likely be pleasant.
Slip Silk Face Mask
10. Mints or gum
Bad breath is something no one wants to have, especially when you fly abroad and have to talk to a customs officer. Carrying a tin can of mints or a pack of gum will be a massive aid to always have a fresh breath.
1. Water bottle or travel mug
We all know that you once you're past security you can get any kind of beverage you want, and if like me you need to be constantly hydrated or perhaps you have a religious tradition of getting a Starbucks drink, a mug will be be a great item to have in your personal item. Whether it's water or starbiez, having a spill-free mug to put your liquids is a relief as you won't be stressing about dripping any liquids.
Hydroflask 12oz All Around Tumbler 2. Document holder
If like me you're one of those people who checks her purse every 5 minutes to make sure your travel documents are there you'll probably love this leather handmade document holder, no more panicking and stress out about your passport, tickets, and others being all around inside your personal item. This document holder has tons of 5 star reviews on Etsy and its durable material and unique look make it a great personal item must have.
Etsy- Leather Travel Wallet3. Headphones
Long and short flights call for headphones to listen to your favorite podcast, music, or TV show. In addition to its obvious functions, headphones can also be used as a signal to indicate that you're not open to talking to anyone and even a great tool to block the noise to relax and catch some sleep prior or during your flight. I personally use a classic pair of Apple's wired EarPods but I'm sure that a noise cancelling model will be way better as you won't need to turn all the volume up (like I do) to be able to listen to something.
AirPods Max4. Tech organizer
Regardless of the number of devices you're carrying, having a cable organizer will make your life easier. To avoid a tangled inside your bag, stay organized and never lose any cable, the best way to keep everything in place is a cabe pouch. With different compartments ideal for your phone charger, cube, and even a mouse this Amazon tech organizer has the perfect size for your personal item.
Amazon - Anniemoon tech organizer5. iPad or Kindle
You probably like to have some entertainment while you wait to board your flight, at least I do. Perhaps you have a long layover and although walking around the airport to stretch the legs might be something one usually does there's a point where you get bored and want to read or watch something, this is when your iPad or Kindle shows up to save you. If you don't have an iPad already, and you are a book lover then getting a Kindle seems to be one of the best choices according to many bookstagram and booktok members.
Amazon - Kindle Paperwhite6. Painkillers and other meds
Motion sickness, headaches and other health issues can occur even to the most well traveled adventurer, sometimes our bodies react differently during trips, this is why having ibuprofen, aspirin or other kind of painkiller on hand is always a good idea. Also, you may also be taking a daily dose, and keeping all your pills in one place will avoid you the annoyance of having 5 tiny cardboard boxes all over your bag.
Amazon - 3 Pack Pill Organizer7. External battery or portable charger
On the assumption that like me you're not someone who switches phones every year, and if your phone isn't new and your battery isn't its peak condition or maybe you just want to have a battery backup just in case... let's be honest, the reasons why you'd want or need to have a portable battery are endless but regardless of this, having something to charge your phone on the go is a must. What if you come across Shawn Mendes and you're phone is about to die? (it happened to me)
Amazon - iWalk Portable Charger8. TSA-Friendly containers
Going through TSA has to be the worst part about traveling, right? I mean, angry officers yelling at you to take off your shoes, belt, etc. while you do your best to do all that as fast as you can to avoid a personal scolding sounds like the opposite of a fun time. If you're only traveling with a carry on and a personal item you'll want to get TSA-friendly containers so you don't get all your precious liquids thrown away for being more than 3.4 ounces or because it's not stored inside a transparent bag.
I've seen a kit of magnetic containers all over social media that seem very practical and their design is gorgeous, they're from the brand Keep Your Cadence and they come in different colors, sizes and amounts.
9. Sleep mask
Most people are able to take a nap while they fly, not me though, but most people do. The best way to enjoy a nap during a flight is by having a sleep mask, and if you can a neck pillow, this way you won't be bothered by any light source and your rest will most likely be pleasant.
Slip Silk Face Mask10. Mints or gum
Bad breath is something no one wants to have, especially when you fly abroad and have to talk to a customs officer. Carrying a tin can of mints or a pack of gum will be a massive aid to always have a fresh breath.