7 Carry-on Travel Essentials My Mom Packs From $6

My mom’s first-ever taste of travel was a cross-country train ride from Vermont to California for a family reunion when she was 9 years old. Since then, she’s spent the past 41 years trekking across 40 states for both work and pleasure, and in the process, she has mastered the art of efficient packing.

Over the years, she’s become an expert at traveling with just a carry-on for up to two weeks, thanks to some tips she picked up from colleagues and her own trial and error. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a longer trip across the country, you won’t catch her without these seven travel necessities. Several are multipurpose, helping her to cut back on the amount she needs to pack, while others are space-saving. And everything can be found in Amazon’s travel section for as little as $6.

Best Carry-on Travel Essentials

Veken 8-set Packing Cubes

Once my mom started using packing cubes, she was able to overcome overpacking. For two-week trips specifically, her trick is to create a capsule wardrobe with four bottoms, six tops, and one sweater, all of which can be mixed and matched. And she uses her packing cubes to organize each group: one to pack her bottoms, one for her tops, and one for her bras, underwear, and socks. 

Veken’s eight-pack is a great option if you want to do the same. It comes with three bags for your laundry, shoes, and toiletries as well as four sizes of packing cubes with mesh panels that let you see what’s inside.

Tide Stain Remover Wipes

If you’re prone to spilling coffee, my mom recommends adding stain-removal wipes to your carry-on. Simply blot the bleach-free wipes on the spot, and the stain will come out the next time you wash your clothes. 

Holii Travel Pill Organizer

Many travelers make one common mistake: packing full bottles of their medications and supplements. To save room, my mom fills a travel pill organizer that “doesn’t take up much space.” Holii’s case comes with compartments to separate pills by day or type. Its silicone seal provides an extra layer of protection while its latch buckle ensures it stays closed.

Ouai Hair Oil

The only liquid hair product my mom will pack is this multipurpose oil. Many hotels offer high-quality shampoos and conditioners, which she recommends using. “If you’re worried about your hair and the quality of the shampoo, then I would bring something like a hair oil.” Ouai’s lightweight formula can be used on damp or dry tresses to add shine, protect them from heat, and reduce frizz.

Wavytalk Mini Flat Iron

Another hair item that she can’t travel without is a flat iron, which helps her control and style her locks. This mini version has a slim profile that won’t add bulk to your carry-on. It takes up to 30 seconds to heat up and can straighten or curl your hair with just a flick of the wrist.

Mrsdry Travel Bottles

Her skincare assortment is another essential that she can’t leave home without, but with the TSA requirements for liquids, she relies on silicone travel bottles to take her face wash and other favorites on the go. This leak-proof set comes with four different colored bottles that can fit up to three ounces of liquid. 

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag

Instead of digging around her carry-on, using a toiletry bag is helpful for keeping her makeup and skincare organized in one place. Bagsmart’s case offers four different compartments for storing items, so you can keep your items neatly organized throughout your travels. The built-in metal hook allows you to hang it on the bathroom door for easy access, and its waterproof interior prevents leaks from escaping.

If you want to squeeze more into your carry-on, get my mom’s favorites while most of them are on sale, or head to Amazon’s travel section to find your own. 

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