How to Pack a Personal Item

I get very excited when I start packing for a trip because that means my vacation is fast approaching. Packing makes it more “real” so to speak, and really gets me in the vacation mindset. The more trips I make across the pond, the quicker and easier it is to pack, but that’s only because I learned from past packing fails and figured out a system that really works. I know there are a lot of people out there who don’t like packing, but hopefully today’s blog post will help change that.

I’ve heard people say they love traveling but really hate packing. When I asked what they don’t like about packing, the most common responses were that they don’t know what to pack, they’re afraid they’ll forget something, and/or that they’re worried that what they packed won’t end up being what they need. If you are nodding your head “yes” to any of the the above, keep reading!

In previous posts, How to Plan Your Trip and Pack Light, Pack Right, I talked about the importance of planning ahead for your trip, based on where you’re going, the activities that you’ll be participating in, etc. and making sure that you travel as lightly as possible. In this post, I’ll share with you some tips and tricks for packing a personal item so that, hopefully, you will feel more prepared and less worried about forgetting something. As an added bonus, I’ve also created a printable packing checklist for my subscribers (new subscribers will also get this packing list).

First, it’s important to choose the right bag for your trip. There are times when I prefer a backpack, particularly when I know I want or need to be hands-free in the airport and/or am planning day trips where I will be walking or hiking. By using a backpack as a personal item, I will have both my in-flight bag and a day bag for trekking. On other trips, especially those in which I will be taking a wheeled carry-on, I take a tote bag and tuck a small cross body purse inside the carry-on for walks about the city and evenings out.

I’ve learned the hard way not to over pack. I’ve made the mistake of lugging a heavy bag through the airport, and now opt for lightweight bags (under 2 pounds maximum) and pack only the essentials. I know that as long as I have the “must-haves”, I can get most other things at my destination. I look for bags that are rather unstructured and can be “scrunched” under the seat on a plane, in an overhead compartment, or on a small shelf on the train. I also prefer to use materials that are water resistant, as one never knows when a sunny day will turn rainy (this happens pretty quickly in Brittany). I tend to shy away from leather bags as they are heavy and not very practical in the elements. I’m also trying to use more cloth or man-made materials as I’m eating more plant-based, but of course fabrics and design are personal preference. Below are some of my personal favorites. I will create a separate post in the near future featuring personal items for men.

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This particular bag is very affordable (under $40 on Amazon) and is water resistant. It is considered an “anti-theft” backpack as the only way to access the interior is from a pocket on the back. It has side pockets for a water bottle and/or umbrella, one zippered pocket on the front (great for hand wipes and tissues) and one interior zip pocket for a wallet or other valuables. The one potential downside of a bag like this is that while the shoulder straps are adjustable, they are not padded. As such, this bag is a good option if you are traveling to a city and need an anti-theft bag and packing the majority of your items in a wheeled carry-on or checked bag. There are many similar styles on Amazon and out in retail. I use this when I only want to take one bag (i.e. no separate purse) as I can easily convert it to a shoulder bag for the evening.

I gravitate towards nylon bags as they are lightweight, water resistant, and easy to clean. These are all important factors when flying and walking through a large airport such as Charles de Gaulle. There are many brands that make nylon bags and they can be found just about anywhere. Two brands that make high quality nylon bags are Lug and Kipling. Many Lug bags offer RFID protection and all have tons of organizational features. Three of my favorites are the Cabby, Hatchback 3, and the Canter.

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Before packing my personal item, I decide whether I will be taking a tote, a duffel, or a wheeled bag as my carry-on. If I’m taking my wheeled carry on, I bring a personal item that has a trolley sleeve. In the past, I’ve carried a bag that didn’t seem heavy, but once I carried it for about 30 minutes through CDG and waited in a long line in customs, I realized that those trolley sleeves are pretty crucial. Now, I always take a bag that has a trolley sleeve to place on top of a rolled bag or take a large tote style carry-on with small backpack or cross body containing only the bare essentials inside.

When it comes time to pack, I get out all of the items that I think I will need, spread them on my bed, then use my checklist to ensure that I have everything.

Of course, everyone’s personal item “requirements” may be different, but these are the items that I find useful on long-haul trips. Having these items makes me feel prepared for just about anything.

Here’s how a few of the bags look packed with the above:

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It never fails that even with the best of planning, I will want to double check that I have everything before I walk out the door. The internal organization and see-through pockets in these bags allow me to quickly glance inside to ensure that yes, I have my passport, my keys, my wallet, etc.

I’ve listed below the items that I take in my personal item. For a printable checklist, please hit the “Subscribe” button on my blog. I will get the checklist to you straight away.

The Essentials:

• Passport
• Color copy of passport photo and ID
• Euros
• Credit/debit card(s)
• Prescription medication
• Glasses/contacts
• Cell phone
• Cell phone charger
• Adapter
• Emergency contact information
• Insurance card(s)
• Tickets (hard copies and downloaded on phone)
• Hotel confirmation (hard copies and downloaded on phone)
• Keys

In-flight Must-haves:

• Headphones
• iPad and/or reader
• Scarf (great as a blanket or wrap)
• In-flight socks (comfy or compression)
• Eye mask
• Book or magazine
• Small journal
• Pens
• Gum
• Antibacterial wipes
• Diaper wipes
• Deodorant or deodorant wipes
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Hydrating eye drops
• Reusable water bottle
• Hydrating facial spray
• Protein bar or another snack
• Lip balm
• Hair brush or comb
• Small mirror

The Just-in-case Items:

• Pouch with:
  • Pain meds
  • Upset stomach meds
  • Cough drops
  • Band Aids
  • Vitamins and/or immune system booster
• Hair tie
• Tissues
• Stain remover wipes

For Use at Destination:

• Small, reusable bag
• Sunglasses
• Makeup
• AM skincare
• PM skincare
• Body lotion
• Sunscreen
• Laundry soap
• Hair tools
• Travel umbrella

Miscellaneous:

• Daypack
• Clear quart-size bag or TSA approved bag for liquids
• Reusable containers

Lug Canter (personal item) https://www.luglife.com/products/canter

Lug Hatchback 3 https://www.luglife.com/products/hatchback-3

Another option, not mentioned above: Lug Puddle Jumper Duffle https://www.luglife.com/products/puddle-jumper-duffel

Vegan leather anti-theft backpack https://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Fashion-Two-Toned-Vintage-Shoulder/dp/B07F816YC4?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

**Always check your airline’s website for baggage size requirements and weight restrictions.**

Updated TSA carryon information: http://www.airline-baggage-fees.com/tsa_carryon_rules.php

Carryon luggage size restrictions https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-bags/airline-carry-on-luggage-size-guide

Airline baggage fees updated Jan 2020 https://upgradedpoints.com/airline-baggage-fees/

So, with that information, do you feel like you could pack with a little more clarity and excitement? Please let me know.

Please leave me a comment with anything you carry in your personal item that is not on the above list. Do you have a favorite bag or backpack? I would love to hear your recommendations.

If you have travel hacks that you’d like to share, you can add that in the comment section too!

Bon voyage!

Amy