4 Things I Never Bring in My Carry On Bag

Packing for a 10-week trip through Spain, Italy, and France means I have to be intentional about what goes in my personal item. Over the years, I have figured out what slows me down or just is not

 worth the space—and the smart alternatives that make travel easier, more comfortable, and less stressful.

Here are 4 things I never bring in my personal item—and what I bring instead.

1. Travel Pillow

I do not bother with travel pillows—they take up too much room and never feel that comfortable to me. Instead, I bring a lightweight jacket or layer that serves multiple purposes. It does not even have to fit inside your bag—you can wear it or carry it on. On the plane, I use it as a blanket, pillow against the window, or just a

warm layer. It is a practical, space-saving alternative that always comes in handy.

2. Airline Headphones

Those cheap, wired airline headphones are usually uncomfortable and the sound quality is pretty bad. I bring my AirPods Max paired with an AirFly adapter so I can connect wirelessly to the plane’s entertainment system. The AirPods Max are comfortable to wear for hours and help muffle engine noise, making the flight a lot more enjoyable. If you want to be cozy and actually hear your show or music clearly, upgrading your headphones is a game changer.

3. Large Water Bottle

I always leave the bulky, oversized water bottles like Stanley at home—they’re hard to carry around and can make you stick out as a tourist. Instead, I pack a sleek, reusable water bottle (like this one) in a neutral color that looks stylish and travels well. I refill it at water bottle stations in airports or ask flight attendants politely to top it off on board. Carrying some Liquid IV or Emergen-C packets is also a great way to stay hydrated and energized throughout the flight and travel days.

4. A Book

If reading is part of your normal routine, absolutely bring a book with you. But for me, I know I’m not going to be a different person on vacation than I am at home—I rarely pick up a book during my day-to-day, so I don’t expect to suddenly start reading on a plane. Instead, I bring a journal. It’s perfect for capturing thoughts, making notes, keeping track of game scores, or doodling. It’s a flexible tool that helps me stay present and creative on the go.

Curious how I keep all this organized on the plane? Check back next week to find out my number one tool for staying organized mid-flight!