I’ve had travel on my mind the last few days mostly because it’s summer and that means planning some getaways!  I’m sharing what I pack in my tote bag for air travel which I can say fits nicely under the seat in front of me on the plane. From my early days working as a flight attendant, I’ve hung on to some packing and travel tips I learned back then.  I currently fly about two to three times a month and have always enjoyed traveling whether it is for work or pleasure.  Over the years, I’ve got my system down for a streamlined air travel day and having my tote bag well equipped is key!

First, know that I am all about comfort and ease on travel day.  I want to feel good when I land at my destination, not frazzled and tired.  I don’t have the minimalist mindset when packing my tote bag but it isn’t a huge overstuffed bag of complete nonsense either. I like to say I am “efficiently prepared” when it comes to my bag.  If I’m traveling between my home in California or Oklahoma, my tote bag is all I take so I might toss in a few extra items but on any other trip I am all about checking my luggage, not lugging a carry on and fighting for overhead bin space. However, for this conversation, I am only going to talk about what I consider the essentials to have in your carry on tote bag. Packing a suitcase is a whole other conversation especially if you are like me and love shoes and lots of outfit choices!

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE TOTE BAGS FOR AIR TRAVEL FOR 2019

http://loandsons.com/products/

https://www.target.com/p/travelon-rfid-anti-theft-boho-tote/-/A-54630032?preselect=54548130#lnk=sametab

https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-day-market-tote-cognac?utm_sour

My Tote Bag Essentials

1. Scarf or lightweight sweater wrap: I am cold most of the time in airports and planes. Something about keeping my neck or upper body wrapped up is soothing plus it can double as a cushion or pillow for a little nap too.  For late night flights, I will also bring along my travel neck pillow.
2. Hat:  If I don’t wear it initially with my travel day clothes, I put a packable hat in my tote bag.  If you are a hat person, there’s no need  for me to explain the benefits of a hat!   A hat keeps me from having to brush my hair throughout the day and is a nice bonus if I want to nap on the plane by just pulling it down over my eyes!
3. Small zippered beauty bag: Just in case I get stranded somewhere and have to overnight at a hotel due to a cancelled or missed flight, I have the basics for the next day.  Inside the bag I keep lip gloss, lip balm, travel size mascara, small tinted moisturizer, concealer, tinted eyebrow gel, travel size mouthwash, small brush, travel size AG tousled texture hair finishing spray, hair ties, hand cream, facial water spritz, essential oil  like lavender or a soothing blend.  Most of the other items like toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, etc. will be at the hotel so I don’t pack all the travel size items.
4. The tech gear: Bose headphones, air pods, portable charging pack, USB cord.  Side Note:  While I do love my air pods, I don’t wear them when I am on the plane listening to something on one of my mobile devices.  After having one of them fall out of my ear on a flight, it was very difficult to find as it fell between the two seats.  It was a nightmare to find it! I stick to headphones with cords during the flight.
5. Snacks: My husband jokes I always have a food plan and it’s true…my body and metabolism is wired so that I don’t have to look at a clock to know when I need to eat.  My body starts to scream…”you better get me some energy and food soon!!” Having hypoglycemia since I was a kid has made me good at staying on schedule when it comes to fueling my body. So I’m known as the snack girl! No one gets “hangry” when they are with me!  Here is a sampling of the snacks I have in my travel tote:  protein bar, pretzels, almonds, crackers with peanut butter, dried apricots, and herbal tea bags.   I always buy a bottle of water once I get passed security or fill my travel water bottle at the fountain. Hydration is key!!
6. Travel docs: a travel wallet with my ID, credit cards, pet papers if my dog Scarlett is traveling with me, medical insurance card, passport if traveling international.
7. IPad, Iphone and magazine. To eliminate a bulky book in my bag, I’m a fan of the app Audible and download many audio books on there which I prefer listening to on flights.
8. Hand sanitizer, small sanitizing wipes pack (wipe down that tray table), ibuprofen, arnica tablets, gum, and pen. Arnica is a homeopathic supplement used for muscle stiffness, or pain that sometimes comes along with long periods of sitting on a not so comfortable airplane seat.
9. Sunglasses and one pair blue light glasses.
10. If I will need to have a small purse shortly upon arriving where I am going, I will put a small wristlet purse down inside my tote bag.

A few things to remember when packing your tote bag is if you have medications you take, keep those on you. The same goes for any valuables such as jewelry. Place those type of items in the tote bag not in checked luggage. Also, TSA has restrictions of what is allowed in your carry on bag. Be prepared ahead of time and know the rules. It is not fun to watch TSA throw away your favorite facial moisturizer or hair shine serum that cost the equivalent of a nice dinner out for two! For the latest information for what is and what isn’t ok to have in your carry one bag, check their website. http://tsa.gov

As we prepare for air travel this summer season, may our travel days be comfortable and enjoyable.  So on that note, happy packing and safe travels my friends!