What to Pack in Your Travel Personal Item Bag

If you’re the type of traveler who struggles with packing a carry-on suitcase, only to ditch the checked bag at the airport and hunker down, you probably do. You are doing one of two things wrong. Overpacking is usually caused by lack of preparation. You left your packing to the last minute and didn’t strategically consider the function of each piece. There is also the possibility that you are not taking advantage of your personal belongings allowance. A roomy, well-stuffed personal item bag can make the difference between zipping out of the arrivals area, a carry-on suitcase, or waiting an extended period to collect your checked baggage through baggage claim.

Although I believe a personal item bag is just the unsung hero of travelers. Through trial, error, and my years of experience as a professional travel writer, I’ve come up with 10 items you should never bring in a personal item, as well as 10 things you should travel with. Shop travel accessories from Amazon, starting at just $7.

Don’t pack: a tumbler for your water

Dupack: Leakproof water bottle

One of the first things I put in my personal item bag is my laptop. Bose headphones, chargers, and various other electronics follow suit. With this in mind, I also avoid bringing a water bottle with even the smallest possibility of a leak. So instead of the stainless steel tumbler (the kind with a handle and straw) that I keep by my desk at home, I travel with a reusable water bottle that screws tightly and locks into place. That way, I can slip it into my bag and never worry if any moisture will cause damage during the flight.

Don’t pack: Hardback book

Dupack: Kindle or e-reader

For me, a book (or two) is essential to get through travel days. You never know when the plane’s Wi-Fi will be spotty, or when a delay will leave you with just enough time to get through certain chapters. Unfortunately, books aren’t exactly space-saving items, so I recommend investing in a compact e-reader instead. You’ll have tons of books at your fingertips, yet your backpack won’t weigh down at all. You can also think of it this way: the space you save can be used for that extra shirt or pair of pants that didn’t fit in your carry-on suitcase.

Don’t pack: A toiletry bag without proper lining or closure

Dupack: Spill-proof toiletry bag

My toiletries rarely, if ever, go in my suitcase. I like to travel with them in my personal luggage. Although all of my products are travel size, the pouch ends up being relatively bulky, and it takes up a lot of valuable real estate in the suitcase. I like to have my skincare easily accessible in case I need to reapply sunscreen or moisturize my hands during the flight. Given the number of products with potential spillage (including shampoo, conditioner, and face wash), I pack them in a pouch that’s designed to fully zip and resist moisture. I use the July Hanging Toiletry Bag, but you can find similar styles on Amazon. Be sure to look for ones made of water-resistant nylon or a strong PVC material.

Don’t pack: Heavy-duty slippers or opaque socks

Do Pack: Compression socks

You might be on a long-haul or overnight flight, but that doesn’t mean you need to bring every comfort from home with you. For example: Your go-to slippers. While they can technically fit in your personal item bag, you’re better off bringing a more packable pair of socks, ideally a pair that serves multiple functions. Compression socks keep your feet comfortable and covered (because you should never go barefoot on a plane), and they help with active circulation, which reduces discomfort and swelling.

Don’t pack: A large neck pillow

Dupack: Foldable neck pillow

Neck pillows are one of those travel items that people feel strongly about. Some people can’t fly without them, others think they’re not worth the trouble. If you fall into the former category and plan to carry your pillow in your personal item bag, be sure to invest in a style that’s significantly less bulky than traditional neck pillows. The TRTL Pillow Plus is the perfect example of a travel-friendly neck pillow. It even comes with a waterproof travel bag that holds a fold-up pillow when not in use.

Don’t pack: A traditional umbrella

Dupack: Travel-sized umbrella

I’ve flown into London Heathrow countless times over the past 12 years, and, more often than not, been greeted with a bit of rain. Having learned the hard way to never travel without an umbrella or raincoat, I permanently stash an umbrella in my personal item bag. Of course, a regular umbrella is too unwieldy for this type of transport, so I use the travel-sized version. It’s so small that I hardly notice its presence, but it’s ready if I need protection from the weather. I’ve even heard of fellow travelers opting for a pack poncho instead. When it’s in its packaging, this particular version is just about the size of an iPhone.

Don’t pack: Loose cords and electronics

Dupack: Electronics Organizer

Organization is an art form that will greatly improve your overall travel experience, especially when it comes to packing your personal items bag. After all, if you’re frantically tearing through a bag trying to find your phone cord, there’s a high chance you won’t notice the contents falling around you. Fortunately, you can easily prevent this scenario by using an electronics organizer or similar travel case. Use it to hold your AirPods, chargers, cords, phone, and any other miscellaneous electronics on your travels. This will ensure that everything you need is easy to find, and you won’t experience any unnecessary stress.

Don’t pack: Large jackets or blankets

Dupack: A comfortable wrap

Airplanes are notoriously cold places, but that doesn’t mean you have to dress for the arctic while on board. If the weather or your destination doesn’t require a heavy coat, bring a cashmere wrap (rather than another bulky layer or blanket) in your personal item bag. Although the material is warm enough to dissipate the lower temperatures of the aircraft, the wrap itself is light and foldable. I personally like to keep everything inside my bag at the top. In this position, it is accessible and acts as another layer of protection, keeping the rest of the contents safe. However, if you’re on a budget, we also love this cozy $12 wrap shawl that can double as a blanket on the plane.

Don’t pack: Zip lock bags

Dupack: Reusable silicone bag or pouch

This rule has more to do with stability than saving space, but it’s just as important. I always have a variety of snacks in my tote bag, and I find that I’m less likely to break or forget them if I organize them in small reusable baggies. Given how often I’m in the air — usually between two and three times a month — it makes more financial and environmental sense to employ a reusable silicone bag. I even used one or two of the smaller sizes from this 12 pack for some toiletries that didn’t quite fit in my main toiletry bag.

Don’t pack: Half-charged electronics

Dupack: Portable charger

There’s nothing more frustrating than getting on a plane, all set to tune into the latest episode of your favorite podcast, only to find out that your headphones are about to die. If you’re ever in this scenario, a portable charger will be your lifesaver. I like to keep mine, as well as the appropriate connecting cord, in the aforementioned electronics organizer inside my personal item bag. That way, I can grab it on my phone or headphones at another battery level, less than 10 percent.

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