What's In My Carry-On?

Let's talk personal items. And by personal items, I mean the smaller size carry-on allotted to you by most airlines. The one that fits under the seat. You all know that when I travel alone, I generally stuff all my belongings into the smallest bag possible, just so I don't have to hoist anything into the overhead, but when we travel as a couple, we take a larger carry-on and a personal-sized item for under the seat.

What's in my carry-on bag? I'll tell you!

Laptop

I hardly go anywhere without my laptop, because I work wherever I am. And if I don't take it - rarely - I bring along a portable keyboard to use with my tablet or phone. My laptop is large, so I always try to find a bag that fits it well, but still has functionality as a main carry-on as well. You'll have to take your laptop out of your bag at security, unless you have precheck, so make sure you have it somewhere easily accessible.

iPad mini 

This is my all time favorite multitasker. I can check emails, I can play games, I can read a book, I can blog, I can listen to podcasts, I can watch videos, I can easily look up directions and make notes. It does everything your computer can do, but in a convenient handheld size.

A scarf/wrap

Sometimes the plane is hot. Sometimes it's freezing. You never know. I have a wrap I love that can a also be used as a scarf or a blanket. That means it's multipurpose and can be used on almost any trip at anytime. I wrap it around my purse when we go anywhere in case it's chilly inside.

A cardigan

Layering when you travel is a must. Usually I just wear my cardigan over a t-shirt when I travel on the plane. It's the same reason I take a wrap. You never know what the weather's going to be. You might have a freak cold snap. A cardigan is never a bad idea. The worst thing that'll happen is that you won't have to wear it.

Snacks

O.M.G. You can't live without snacks! Okay, I can't live without snacks. I always have a few things ready to pull out of my bag in case I get hungry, or we have a longer than expected layover or we end up trapped in the Tarmac for forever. You can barely get any substantial snacks on the plane, unless you give them money.

And if you don't eat them in transit, now you have extra snacks to spare on your actual trip! Toss them in your day bag and eat in the car or while waiting in line or in between meals to save some bucks.

Battery backup

If you want to stay connected or play games or use apps, your battery probably won't last all day. I keep a battery backup with me at all times. The one I have - and actually we have two - allows me to charge two things at once, or charge my phone two and a half times before it needs to be plugged in. It's a lifesaver when you're on-the-go all day.

Toiletries 

At the very least you should keep your liquids bag in your small carry-on for easy access to them when going through TSA (unless you have precheck). I just like to have things with me in case something happens and I need them during the flight. It also makes it less likely for spills.

Charging cords

Bring at least the most important ones you want on use on the plane, or you'll be sad...or digging in your other bag for it in between flights. Ask me how I know.

Refillable thermos/water bottle 

I'm perfectly happy to buy a bottle of water at the airport, bacause I don't like to wait for the drinks cart to come down the plane aisle. What I hate is buying a bunch of bottled waters at my destination. We generally get a gallon or two at the store and then fill the bottle each morning with a good chunk of ice, that way we save money on drinks when we're not at a restaurant.

Pen

You never know when you're going to need to fill something out, play an impromptu game of sudoku or scribble down instructions. I always have at least one, usually two. 

Obviously I also have my money, credit cards, passport and confirmation papers with me, because necessary. After years of packing light and paying attention to what works and what doesn't, I know exactly what works and what doesn't and what I've used over and over again.

So, tell me, what do you have in your carry-on?

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Review: ONboard Underseat Duffel from Lewis N Clark

More and more airlines are raising their prices on baggage fees, and several of them are adding charges to carry-on luggage that only fits in the overhead. For those of you like to travel light and save money, then getting an underseat bag that works for you is going to be key. Lewis N Clark has designed a range of bags for you, the ONboard line is classic and perfect for the frugal traveler as well.

 I was able to view the ONboard collection when at the Travel Goods Show and I knew then that you guys were going to think it was as awesome as I do. I was especially loving the Underseat Duffle, because of its profile and how handy all the pockets are to get to all your things even with it under the seat. It's also manageable to carry, even for a smaller person.  You can carry it with the handles or the included removable, adjustable shoulder strap .

Eric's going to Vegas with friends next month, so I've been pulling together all the things he needs to go for a week, to do minimal laundry with the insanely hot weather. I packed him 5 shirts, 3 pair of shorts, 4 pair of underwear, flip flops and swim trunks. I also packed his toiletry bag with the necessities, pulled together some snacks for show and added other things I knew he would need. This bag had a place for everything and room for souvenirs on the way home.

Despite its size, the main compartment is largeenough for a weekor moreworth of clothing.   

I like the flat bottom of the bag, because it gives the duffel structure, which many duffels lack. It's perfect for shoes and I packed the flip flops first (you could easily fit smaller flops in the side slip pockets that run the length of the bag, or you can use that for smaller items like socks, underwear or your jewelry bag. After adding underwear to one side, I had a good chunk of the bag open for everything else.

OnceI rolled all the clothing, they easily fit into that space, with room for more. 

Our small toiletry bag fit on top of the underwear to make my layers level with each other. As you can see, it's not full yet. 

I added snacks, because the flight is short, but also because it's nice to just have snacks in general when you travel. 

The outside of the bag has a pass-through strap on one side and two large zipper pockets on the other. The outer most pocket has slip pockets for small electronics or toiletries or snacks. Whatever you want to use it for.

The inner pocket is larger than the other and has no organization, but it's big enough for a 10" tablet. This is where I would keep my tablet and some games. You may want to pack a magazine or a notebook in there, however you like to travel.

Even the top of the bag is useful and forward-thinking. Easily accessible when in flight, but also a low profile so it doesn't catch on anything, I think this little zipper pocket is ingenious. 

It's a fantastic hold-all for when you pass through security and need to empty your pockets. It can easily hold your keys, wallet, change and whatever else you walk around with. It's also large enough to just toss your phone in during your flight. 

Of course, you may want to put your phone in the front pocket of the bag. This is perfect for all the things you want to have right at your fingertips, plus has a handy RFID-blocking zipper pocket big enough to hold credit cards and your passport (or several). It has two slip pockets for organization, and when you sip this up, there's even a pocket on the outside. 

Initially, I wasn't quite sure what this little pocket was for, because I'd totally use it for lip balm, but the plastic ring with an elastic band clued me in to it being more useful than that (for most other people). You can clip your keys to this, and use it for other quick-access items like a mini flashlight or flash drive if you're working.

An no bag is complete without a place for a water bottle, is it? Well, the ONboard Underseat Duffel doesn't disappoint there either. The back of the bag has an awesome zip out bottle holder, so you can have it when you need it, and then zip it away when you don't. I love that. 

So, whether you're using this bag as a personal item size or a main carry-on, it has plenty of room for everything you need for a weekend trip, a week trip, or even longer. It's the perfect companion for a business traveler as well. With its classic look, it can go from plane to a business meeting and then to your hotel room. When not traveling, it can double as a gym bag, too. 

Additional details:

Where can I buy it? The Lewis N Clark website

How much is it? $69.99

more specs: Neoprene handle wrap, 16" x 9" x 8.5", 840D ballistic nylon

Like what Lewis N Clark is doing? Get social: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Disclaimer: I was provided with the ONboard Underseat Duffel for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Cheaper Philadelphia with Go Cards

You guys know that I'll be traveling to Philly in October. Our original plan was to go there strictly for Chester Hill's Harry Potter Festival, but now Warner Bros is cracking down on unauthorized festivals and conventions, so that won't be taking place now. That just means we have two more days of sightseeing, and we can do it cheaper with Philadelphia Pass from Smarter Destinations.

photo credit

You can save up to 45% on 1-, 2-, 3-, or 5-day trips with your Go Card. The more things you do, the more you save, plus you skip ticket lines and can go straight in. We've used Go Cards on other trips, including California, Las Vegas and Washington, DC. Each time we've saved a bundle and been able to do a lot more than we expected.

Here's how we plan to spend 5 days in Philly with our Go Card this Fall:

photo courtesy of SmartDestinations

Big Bus Philadelphia

This hop-on, hop-off bus has been fun everywhere we've done it. You basically get an awesome fact-filled tour and a perfect vantage point from which to take pictures and see all the city's best landmarks. Each stop allows you to get off and hop back on at will, so you can customize your own tour. 

In the past, we've made a complete loop on the bus, then stayed on to enjoy the activities that sound the most fun to us. It saves a lot of walking and transportation fees, and you get the history on the places you're going to visit.

photo courtesy of SmartDestinations

Eastern State Penitentiary 

This abandoned prison is now an official historical landmark. When at its height, it was the "home" of the infamous Al Capone, among others. The prison takes you through the history of the building and it's prisoners through a self-guided audio tour. It's said that it's haunted by those who perished there and I'm excited to wander the castle-like building.

photo courtesy of SmartDestinations

One Liberty Observation Deck

You can learn a lot about a place by seeing its skyline and viewing it from above. This deck is located 57 floors up and includes free tours. There are exhibits and a 360-degree view, and maps showing you historical buildings that you may have already visited or plan to on your trip. 

photo courtesy of SmartDestinations

Independence Tour

There's nothing like taking a city walking tour to really see the background of a city. Qualified historians take you to historical locations, like Ben Franklin's homes and Independence Hall. Neither Eric or I have ever been to Philly, so we're interested to learn more about it and see some of our country's most notable destinations.

photo courtesy of SmartDestinations

Grim Philly Twilight Tours

I don't know why, but I'm super interested in the haunted histories of places, whether that be a building, and underground tunnel system, or a whole city. I want to hear about all the creepy stories that have been told about Philadelphia while I see where they were said to happen.

photo courtesy of SmartDestinations

Longwood Gardens

I'm a sucker for a botanical garden and Longwood Gardens features over 1,000 acres of plants and flowers. The conservatory was built in 1921, here are two lakes, fountains, a treehouse, topiaries and more. I'm going to get all my steps in on this day, since there are several hour's worth of things to see.

photo courtesy of SmartDestinations

National Liberty Museum

Who doesn't want to actually see the Liberty Bell and the big crack in it? It's a piece of our nation's history and it's a must when visiting Philadelphia. 

photo courtesy of SmartDestinations

Mutter Museum

I've been hoping to visit this museum for, literally, decades. The Mutter Museum is full of medical oddities and is truly one-of-a-kind. If, like me, you're fascinated by all things medical, odd or not, then you'll want to put this on your list as well. From spinal surgery innovations to Civil War medicine to cross-sections of Albert Einstein's brain, if you're hoping to find it, it's here.

I'm sure this isn't a complete list of things we'll be doing in the city, but they are the ones on the top of my list. The Philadelphia Pass features 37 unique attractions and allows you to do the things in the city that interest you most. If you have children, then perhaps including a trip to The Philadelphia Zoo, the hands-on Independence Seaport Museum and the Adventure Aquarium is in order. 

No matter how you choose to spend your time, your visit is sure to be budget-friendly, educational and fun. Purchase your Philadelphia Pass now, or save up to 55% off all attraction passes.

What do you want to see most on a trip to Philly?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.