10 Things I Keep in my Purse on Travel Days
It’s that time again—our family is gearing up for another adventure, and this time, we’re heading to sunny Brazil for the holidays! After enduring months of chilly weather here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re more than ready to soak up some much-needed Vitamin D and embrace the warmth of South America.
As any seasoned traveler knows, a successful trip begins with smart packing—especially when it comes to what’s in your carry-on. Beyond the obvious must-haves like my phone, wallet, and passport, I’ve honed a go-to list of items that make every travel day more comfortable, organized, and enjoyable. Let’s dive into my purse and see the items that keep every journey smooth and stress-free, no matter the destination!
The 10 Essentials
Tide To Go Pen - I don’t know about you, but I seem to spill something on myself during every flight! This is my go-to for tackling stains before they set.
Sanitizing Wipes - Airplanes aren’t known for being the cleanest environments, so I use these to wipe down tray tables, armrests, and my hands.
Gum - This is essential for relieving ear pressure during takeoff and landing!
Travel Medicine Organizer - I pack essentials like ibuprofen, vitamins, and any personal medications in a compact travel organizer for easy access.
Chapstick - Cabin air is notoriously dry, so I always keep my favorite chapstick handy to stay moisturized.
Emergen-C - Boosting my immune system while traveling is a MUST. Nobody’s getting sick on my watch!
First Aid Kit - A small kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and other basics can be a lifesaver for unexpected cuts or scrapes.
Flossers - Perfect for a quick refresh after indulging in all those mid-flight snacks!
Travel Tissues - You never know when your nose will run or your drink will spill!
Makeup Removing Wipes - There’s something about that recycled cabin air that always messes with my skin! These wipes are great for refreshing my face before landing or during layovers.
Even with all of these essentials, there’s still plenty of room in my purse for my phone, wallet, and a couple of snacks! In my larger carry-on backpack, I pack items like a book, my electronics, and a water bottle. Staying organized and prepared helps me focus on enjoying the journey rather than stressing about the little things. For more inspiration, check out this Instagram Reel to see the exact products I always have on hand!
Ready for Spontaneity
One of my favorite travel hacks? I never fully unpack these items after a trip! They stay tucked in my bag, ready to grab at a moment’s notice. You never know when an unexpected adventure might present itself, and having a prepped carry-on means I’m always ready to go!
Travel Purse Maintenance Tips
Check and Refresh: Go through your purse every month or so to ensure medicines haven’t expired, the gum is still fresh, and you haven’t run out of anything.
Adjust for Each Season: It’s important to tailor your purse’s contents to the season. For summer, add a sunscreen stick and a pair of sunglasses. In winter, include some hand warmers. If you know where your next trip is taking you, include destination-specific items depending on what the weather is like!
Keep It Minimal: Avoid overloading your purse and stick to the essentials to keep it lightweight and manageable!
The Best Travel Purses
Travelon Anti-Theft Signature 3 Compartment Crossbody Bag - This is my all-time favorite crossbody bag (especially when I’m traveling)! It includes slash-resistant body panels and shoulder straps, locking compartments, a lock-down strap, and RFID blocking card and passport slots. It’s basically theft-proof!
LATMAP Anti-Theft Travel Sling Bag - This bag has it all! It features hidden zippers, several compartments and pockets, and is made of water-resistant faux leather.
OSOCE Anti-Theft Crossbody Travel Bag - If your trip is going to be full of endless adventures and activities, this is the bag for you! The RFID function prevents against card copying and information stealing, and the reflective safety strip allows you to stay as safe at all hours of the day.
Preventing Pickpocketing
Other than travel packing tips and tricks, this topic is probably the most frequently asked in my Instagram DM’s! Everyone wants to know how we protect ourselves against pickpocketers and stay safe while traveling. Here are some of my tried and true tips as you prepare for any adventure:
Use Anti-Theft Bags - Invest in one of the purses linked above, or wear hidden pouches (AKA Money Belts) under your clothing to secure cash, cards, and passports.
Keep Valuables Close - Avoid putting valuables in easily accessible pockets, and always keep your bag in front of you in crowded areas. For the longest time (for whatever reason!) I was wary of using hotel safes, but now we lock everything up in them when we depart each morning.
Stay Alert and Aware - Avoid looking at your phone for extended periods of time or wearing headphones that block out sounds. I know several people who have had their phones snatched out of their hands while walking down the street! I recommend only pulling out your phone when someone else in your party can stay alert to the surroundings and use a phone strap to secure it to your wrist.
Divide Your Belongings - Separate cash, cards, and IDs into different pockets or bags.
Use RFID Protection - To prevent digital theft, use wallets or cardholders with RFID-blocking technology to secure credit cards.
Travel with a Buddy - When possible, stay with friends so you always have an extra set of eyes on your belongings.
Be Wary of Common Scams - Watch out for distractions, such as someone "accidentally" bumping into you or asking for help while another person targets your belongings.
Trust Your Instincts -If someone seems overly interested in you or your belongings, create distance and stay vigilant.
Your Sources for All Things Travel
Carry-On Only Travel Guide: Toiletries
I often get asked how I manage to pack so light, especially when it comes to toiletries. Squeezing everything into a single bag can seem daunting, but it’s absolutely possible with the right approach. In this blog post, I share everything from space-saving techniques to must-have travel-friendly products and tools!
Carry-On Only Travel Guide: Capsule Wardrobe
Traveling light without sacrificing style can be challenging, but a well-thought-out capsule wardrobe simplifies the whole process! In this blog post, I teach you how to pack a capsule wardrobe that ensures you’re prepared for any adventure without overpacking.
Travel Essentials
Packing light can be especially challenging for families trying to fit everything into one suitcase. But as a family of carry-on travelers, we've spent summers in Europe, winters in Japan, and trekked through Australia with just one suitcase each! Inthis blog post, I share some of my go-to travel essentials to help you breeze through packing and ensure your vacation is nothing short of amazing!
Planning your holiday travels can be hectic, but with a well-stocked purse, you’ll be ready to say “yes” to any adventure that comes your way!
Do you have any winter trips planned? Whether you’re jetting off to the snowy mountains, heading home for the holidays, or trading the December cold for some warm sunshine, I’d love to hear where you’re traveling! Share your destinations and any carry-on must-haves in the comments below!
