13 Nurse-approved Carry-on Travel Essentials

Amanda Hyman, a nurse and friend of mine, let me peek inside both her travel bag and the everyday duffel she brings to the hospital—and, unsurprisingly, there’s quite a bit of overlap between the two. Her must-haves are all about staying ahead of whatever the day throws her way: a packet of Liquid I.V. to fight post-flight fatigue, a bottle of Touchland hand sanitizer that combats germs, and a pair of compression socks to prevent swelling, whether she’s been on her feet during a long shift or sitting still on a plane.

As a nurse, Amanda says staying proactive about her health has become second nature, especially while traveling. “Working in a hospital every day has made me hyper-aware of how quickly you can get sick or dehydrated,” she told me. “A lot of the products I bring on trips are ones I started using because of what I’ve seen at work or learned from patients and fellow nurses.” 

I asked Amanda to share her go-to “just in case” kit—smart, health-forward essentials she always tucks into her personal item. After working closely with immunocompromised cancer patients, she knows how powerful health-forward and proactive products can be, whether you’re in scrubs or navigating airport terminals. Below, find the travel essentials she swears by, from Supergoop sunscreen to New Balance sneakers—starting at just $7.

Coolover Compression Socks

These aren’t your average socks. Compression gear is key for long stretches of sitting, when circulation tends to slow, especially mid-flight. “I wear them every single night,” Amanda shared, noting how they support blood flow after hours on her feet. Stash a pair in your carry-on to help prevent swelling and that heavy-leg feeling while flying.

Touchland Hand Sanitizer 3-Pack

When you’re constantly reaching for hand sanitizer, the formula matters. “A lot of sanitizers we have at the hospital dry my hands out, and this one doesn’t,” Amanda said. Touchland’s pocket-sized spray packs hydrating ingredients into a spill-proof, travel-friendly design that fits neatly in your seatback pocket or belt bag.

New Balance 327 Sneakers

With retro-inspired styling and a breathable design, these comfy sneakers are built for travel days that don’t slow down. “They have great arch support and they’re lightweight, so they’re easy to slip on and off,” Amanda said, noting how crucial comfort is when you’re on your feet all day.

As a nurse who walks miles during her shifts, she knows firsthand which shoes go the distance. Whether you’re breezing through TSA or exploring a new city on foot, the cushy foam sole and sleek silhouette make these a stylish and practical pick for your carry-on.

Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40 Tinted Moisturizer

Amanda swears by daily SPF—and as she pointed out, May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, making now a smart time to step up your sun protection. Her go-to is this dermatologist-loved tinted moisturizer that offers sheer coverage with serious UVA/UVB defense. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it doubles as a hydrating in-flight skincare staple that won’t leave your skin feeling dry or cakey—perfect for travel days when you want minimal makeup and maximum glow.

Supergoop 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35

“People forget the scalp gets some of the most direct sun,” Amanda shared. This brush-on mineral SPF makes it easy to protect your part line and touch up your face without disturbing your makeup. It’s a multitasking powder that absorbs oil, sets your look, and adds an extra layer of sun defense—ideal for midday hikes, walking tours, or long layovers under strong UV rays.

Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes 

From tray tables to hotel remotes, travel surfaces aren’t always the cleanest. “I won’t travel without these,” Amanda told me—and it’s easy to see why. These antibacterial wipes are perfect for quick cleanups when sanitizer alone doesn’t cut it. Plus, they won’t spill or leak in your bag, making them a mess-free staple for your personal item. Bonus: They’re currently 47 percent off at Amazon.

Gin Gins Ginger Candy 

Motion sickness can strike without warning, especially during turbulent flights or bumpy car rides. “A lot of movement makes me feel nauseous,” Amanda said. “But I don’t always want to take medicine.” These chewy ginger candies are her secret weapon for taming an uneasy stomach naturally. With nearly 13,000 five-star ratings, they’re a sweet, soothing solution to have on hand—just in case.

Litepak 125-pack Disposable Face Masks 

Even without a mandate, a disposable face mask is a smart travel companion, especially when someone nearby is coughing or sneezing. Amanda always keeps one in her bag, saying, “There are so many germs—it’s better to be safe.” Lightweight and easy to stash, this affordable 125-pack means you’ll never be caught without protection when you need it most.

Landon Neoprene Carry-all Duffel Bag

The foundation of any smart travel setup is the bag itself. “It fits under the seat in front of me and has compartments for everything,” Amandaour nurse said. “I use it for work, too.” Water-resistant and structured yet soft, this carryall duffel keeps your essentials neat, protected, and within reach during even the most chaotic travel days.

Quest Nutrition Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars 

Amanda shared that she always has a Quest Nutrition Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar in her bag. Packed with protein and flavor, these travel bars are a go-to for energy dips. “If you feel vasovagal or your blood sugar drops, it helps to have a bite of food nearby,” she said. With 20 grams of protein per bar, it’s a reliable tide-you-over option for travel delays or long tours.  

Liquid I.V. Hydration Electrolyte Drink Mix

Traveling often means dehydration, especially at high altitude. “If you drink Liquid I.V. before a flight, it helps once you’re on the plane,” Amanda said. These electrolyte drink mixes dissolve in water to help prevent fatigue, headaches, and that groggy post-flight feeling. Compact and single-serve, they’re ideal to keep on hand for long-haul journeys or hot-weather destinations when hydration is crucial.

Vaseline Body Balm Stick

Dry cabin air can wreak havoc on your skin mid-flight. Amanda keeps this mess-free balm in her bag to soothe chapped lips, flaky patches, and even dry hands. It glides on easily and won’t leak or spill, making it a convenient, TSA-friendly staple for in-air skin rescue.

Apple Watch Series 10

Amanda loves to wear her Apple Watch during her shift and while traveling. Not only does it track her steps and heart rate, but she explained, “while I’m at work, I don’t usually have my phone on me and we’re running around, so it’s helpful if I get any important messages. I can also use it for reminders and timers during our shift.”

As for travel, she said, “Iit reminds you when it’s time to stand after you’ve been sitting for a while, which helps to prevent blood clots during long flights.” 

Curad Assorted Bandages Variety Pack

Paper cuts, blisters, hangnails—minor mishaps are inevitable on the road. This compact kit includes a mix of waterproof, antibacterial, and flexible bandages to cover whatever comes your way. “You never know when you’re going to need a Band-Aid,” Amanda said. “But you’ll never regret bringing them.”

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