Travel Essentials: The Carry On

When traveling, the carry on is always a tough one. Do you want to have it handy while on the flight? Or can you afford to put it in your checked bag? There is nothing worse than sitting down in your assigned seat, and realizing the book you want to read is packed in your checked bag along with your underwear and toiletries. Take a look inside my carry-on, where I feature my 6 essentials to make sure are always in your bag.

The Carry-On.

I have a variety of necessities in my carry on. I am constantly changing what I'm in the mood for, do I want to read? Binge watch some Pretty Little Liars or Scandal? Perhaps listen to some music, or play a game on my iPad? My carry-on needs to have all the options to keep my mind occupied during my air travel.  Here's a look of what's typically inside my carry on bag when I travel. 

1. Laptop. 

This is for obvious reasons. What if my flight is delayed, I just whip the Macbook out of my carry on and do some web browser, or perhaps some blogging while sitting at the terminal's bar with a glass of wine. 

2. Book. 

You always need a good book handy. Don't get me wrong, I do use the Kindle app on my iPad from time to time- but when I have the real thing handy, I choose that over reading it off technology any day. Theres something about the feel of turning the pages in real life, rather then swiping my finger across a screen. 

Side note: For those of you who not read "Man Up" by Ross Mathews- do it. Now. It's hysterical.  

3. Headphones 

(preferably my Beats by Dre)

This is obvious. Whether it be to listen to music off your phone of iPod or to plug in on those JetBlue flights to watch some TV- headphones are a must. Not only do they keep your ears and mind entertained- but they are also a great way to get out of that small talk with the person next to you. 

4. iPad

The iPad is a game changer on a flight. It basically can cover items 1-3 on my list, but I like to travel in bulk clearly. You can (if you buy wifi on your flight) cruise the internet or do some emails. You can listen to music off it. You can watch a movie or a show on it. Read a book. Play some games. Really the iPad does it all. I mainly use it for the games. You know the ones that don't need wifi to play? This iPad it a great addition to my carry on items because I'm a huge multi-tasker. I like to watch TV and play a game all at once. I don't limit myself to just one activity on my flight, no sir. 

5. Sunglasses

I try not to ever go anywhere without sunglasses. Whether it's to block the sun or cover my face when I'm not feeling it- you're gonna need your sunglasses. Maybe not for the actual flight, but they can't be in your checked bag- you need them handy and close by.

6. Wallet

No, not to get you thru security. To get you an in-flight cocktail- duh. 

F.F.