Travel Accessories Checklist: What to Pack in a Carry-On
A good carry-on is built in stages, not in one pile. This checklist follows the trip: before you leave, at the airport, in transit and when you arrive. Each line says what to pack and why, with item sizes and prices from our shop as listed at the time of writing. Tick as you go.
Stage 1: Before you leave
- ☐ Luggage tag. The acrylic tag ($16.99) has an adjustable black leather strap and a rear opening for a business card or contact details.
- ☐ Tote. The Stay Curious tote ($21.99) is heavy 12 oz canvas and lies flat when tucked away, so it packs into a suitcase for the way back.
- ☐ Delivery date. Ordering for the trip? Check the delivery date estimator, because items are made to order.
Stage 2: At the airport
- ☐ Accessory pouch. The zipper pouch (from $13.07) has a tapered T-bottom with room for chargers and small essentials, and a gold-tone zipper pull.
- ☐ Cap. A structured mid-profile cap ($29.99) is a quick fix for a bad hair day.
- ☐ Drink. A 20 oz tumbler ($36.99) is stainless steel with a clear push-on lid. Empty it before security and fill it after. Keep it fresh with how to clean a stainless steel tumbler.
Stage 3: In transit
- ☐ Scarf. The light scarf ($38.99) measures 27 by 71 inches. It works as a wrap on a cold plane or a layer for the evening.
- ☐ Socks. The crew socks ($17.99) have cushioned soles and a stretchy knit that fits women’s 5 to men’s 12.
- ☐ Something to do. A hardcover journal ($19.99) with 150 lined pages, or the playing cards ($21.99) in a clear acrylic box.
- ☐ Music. The compact Bluetooth speaker ($31.99) connects within about 10 meters and also has a 3.5 mm aux input. Check the rules of your airline and keep the volume low in shared spaces.
Stage 4: When you arrive
- ☐ Tote for the day. It goes from the suitcase to markets and museums.
- ☐ Pin or sticker. A pin button ($4.99) or a sticker (from $3.99) marks a bag or notebook as yours.
- ☐ Journal. Write down one memory per day. New to it? Read how to start a journal.
What is worth carrying and what is not
| Item | Worth it when | Skip when |
|---|---|---|
| Tote | You want a spare bag | You already carry a backpack |
| Scarf | The plane is cold | Packing very light |
| Speaker | Sharing music in a rental | You listen on headphones |
| Pouch | You carry cables and small items | You have nothing loose |
Packing tips
- Put your name and a phone number or email in the luggage tag opening, and keep your home address off it.
- Pack the scarf and socks on top so they are easy to reach.
- Roll soft items and keep hard ones, like the speaker, near the center of the bag.
Frequently asked questions
What accessories should I keep in a carry-on?
Chargers, a pouch for small items, a layer like a scarf, a refillable bottle and something to read or write in.
Do you ship these as gifts for a traveler?
Yes. Enter their address at checkout. Allow production of 3 to 5 business days plus shipping.
Do international orders take longer?
Yes, 6 to 12 business days after production, and customs duties or taxes, if any, are the customer’s responsibility.