10 (More) Things to Keep in Your Carry-On

Last week I started talking about how you can keep things in your carry-on to make packing easier. There are just some things that you should have with you every time you travel with will help your trips go more smoothly and are convenient to have on hand. Perhaps you have other must-have items in your arsenal, and I'd love for you to share them!

Ziptop bags - These can come in super handy for so many things: dirty clothes, leftovers, snacks, wet items and more. Didn't have time to let your bathing suit dry before heading home? Toss it in one. Picked up some fried chicken and have leftovers? Bag it up and take it with you.

Lip balm - Changes in climate can wreak havoc on your lips, but so can being out in the sun all day, winter winds and the stale air on the plane. Keep your pucker soft and supple with moisture that fits in your pocket.

Snacks - Being hungry can make you cranky and ruin your day. You're not always going to have access to food when you're traveling, so make sure to toss some filling snacks into your bag. Some favorites: granola bars, nuts, carrot sticks, fruit and muffins.

Water bottle - You need to stay hydrated, especially on the plane where the atmosphere just saps your moisture. If you have a reusable bottle, you can save money by filling it up wherever you go. A folding water bottle is also a space saver when you aren't using it.

Non-electronic entertainment - What happens when you run out of battery and aren't near an electrical outlet? Boredom, that's what. I always keep a pack of cards, a travel game or a puzzle book in my bag. Usually, all 3 make it in there, so I can play alone or with my husband. My favorite travel game is Fluxx. Everyone can play it.

Antibacterial wipes - Do you know how many germs are on all the things you touch when you travel? From the tray table on the plane to the bathroom doorknobs, you are subjected to all kinds of yucky bacteria. Besides being able to wipe down questionable surfaces, these work great when you spill something or have dirty hands and aren't near a sink.

Gum - Gum is always handy: for keeping your ears clear on the plane, helping with dry mouth and freshening your breath after eating and not having the opportunity to brush your teeth.

Mini power strip - 95% of the time I travel, I find that there are only two free outlets in the room, both of which are usually in the sink area. I don't know about you, but I don't want to plug my phone in near running water. Probably you have more than one thing to plug in, too. I have this Belkin one and it's awesome.

Pen - You never know when you'll need a pen. Fill out the crossword during take-off, fill out customs forms, write down directions, etc. 

Tea Bags - Water isn't always what you want, but then again, sometimes you need something to help you sleep, relax or soothe your throat, so taking a small selection of tea bags can be very helpful when you travel. Toss in some sugar or Splenda packets if you don't like your tea plain.

What other items do you include in your must-have items?

Drive Safe on Your Summer Road Trip

Each summer, hundreds of Columbia motorists will gas up their vehicle in preparation for a road trip. Although an out-of-town trip can be a very memorable and exciting experience, personal safety should still remain a top priority. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind when traveling on a road trip. 

Take rest breaks

When traveling on a long journey, it is critical that the driver takes several rest stops along the way. The simple act of driving can actually cause a great deal of mental and physical fatigue. Drivers should never make the mistake of driving on an empty stomach. Hunger tends to cause people to lose their focus while driving. Instead of putting the responsibility of driving on one person, the best approach is to have at least two drivers. 

Observe the speed limit

Always take the time to observe the posted speed limit. The highway patrol is always on the lookout for speedsters. Driving at an extremely fast rate of speed jeopardizes the well-being of everyone on the road. However, traveling at excessively slow speeds can be just as dangerous. In some instances, a slow driver can cause a major traffic jam. 

Keep the vehicle locked at all times 

The car doors should remain locked at all times. There are always opportunistic thieves who are looking to rip-off inattentive travelers. It only takes a few seconds for an experienced criminal to steal items out of a vehicle. If the doors are unlocked, even a quick bathroom break could be disastrous. The best approach is to keep valuables securely locked in the trunk. 

Never leave children unattended

When traveling with small children, never leave them unattended. Before hitting the road, make sure that the child has a photo ID card. In the unfortunate event that a child becomes lost, an ID card can help the authorities track them down. Each year, dozens of innocent children are abducted. Small kids should be instructed to never talk to strangers. 

Have the vehicle serviced

In order to prevent car trouble on the road, the vehicle needs to be serviced prior to the road trip. Some of the most important items that need to be checked out include the coolant system, brakes, battery, tires, transmission and air-conditioner. It is also important to check the oil level before hitting the road. 

Organize a roadside emergency kit

SC travel agents recommend that everyone keep a roadside emergency kit on hand. Some of the key items include a first aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight, pocketknife, duct tape and a basic tool set. It is also advisable to keep bottled water and a few snacks in the vehicle. 

These are great tips to remember every time you take a road trip. South Carolina is a great destination for your travels. If you want to find out more about Columbia, SC travel, AAA has some wonderful ideas for you, including a lot of budget- and family-friendly suggestions.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.

10 Things to Keep in Your Carry-On

Do you hate packing? Let's make it easier! When you keep things packed, it's easier to just pull together the rest of your stuff and get on your way to your destination. There are some things you should just keep in your carry-on. They will make your trip easier, more comfortable and you won't need to buy them when you get there and realize you should have brought them to begin with.

Sunscreen - Sunny or not, it's really important to protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun. If you don't use the same sunscreen on your face as the rest of your body, you may just want to look for makeup with SPF in it, to cover both bases in one product. You still want to cover your other exposed skin with sunscreen, including your ears, back of your neck and the part in your hair.

Sarong - Multipurpose! Can be used as a cover up, skirt, towel, picnic blanket, scarf or more. It's a great item to have and packs super small.

Tote bag or reusable bag - Carry around your groceries, laundry, beach essentials, souvenirs and anything else. I love one that packs into itself and I can carry in my day bag to pull out in case I need it.

Packable rain jacket - Better than an umbrella, keeps you dry and can also be used as an additional layer if it's chilly wherever you are.

Eye mask - Ever been woken up with sunlight right in your eye as soon as the sun comes up? So many hotels have horrible drapes. If yours do, these will help you sleep past the crack of dawn without having to burrow under the covers like a groundhog.

Ear plugs - You never know when you'll be a victim of noisy neighbors or construction. They are smart to have just in case.

Flip Flops - Wear them to the beach, down to breakfast, out on the deck, to the pool or wherever else you don't want to wear real shoes, but aren't about to go to barefoot.

Vitamin C - Keep yourself from getting sick on vacation. You're being exposed to random germs, recycled plane air and unhealthy food. Even if you choose nutritious options, you still might not be eating as you normally do, which could lower your immune system, along with not getting as much sleep as usual.

Papaya enzyme - Along with new foods you might never have encountered and all the delicious, but unhealthy options you are faced with, you're bound to have some digestion issues and/or heartburn. Papaya enzyme are chewable tablets that aid in breaking down food and making you not feel like you ate one of those Taco Bell burritos that just sits in your stomach.

Aspirin/ibuprofen - Well, this is pretty self-explanatory. Helps with headaches, swelling, minor aches and pains, etc.

What are your must-have travel items?