What's in my Carry On?

Packing for a holiday is both a joyous and stressful task, especially when you're planning on being away for weeks at a time.

On of my favourite things to pack however, is my carry-on. It's smaller, lighter and you don't have to fold anything! So I thought as a little last minute blog, I'd indulge you on my in-flight essentials for long-haul flights.

So the carry-on bag I'm taking this year is my large Longchamp Le Pliage, I love this bag for travelling as it holds so much but is still comfortable to carry and the material is waterproof, so I'm sat next to a troublesome passenger on the plane who can't control his gin and tonic, at least I know my bag won't suffer if they happen to spill anything.

I got my bag off the Longchamp website and had it custom made which is a service they offer for just £99! Okay, so maybe a little bit steep, but as designer bags go it's a pretty sweet deal when you consider your uses per wear!

So the first thing I've got in my carry-on is my Kindle in its cute little chevron case. I love to read but don't always get enough time to do it when I'm working, so a long flight to me means a long uninterrupted reading session, and I can't wait! I've got all my holiday books which I've been so excited to read downloaded and ready to go, so that should keep me occupied in between movies; (rumour has it, American Hustle and Wolf of Wall Street is just two of many movie choices! I'll definitely be getting my moneys worth of the personal TV, that's for sure!)

Next thing I pull out is my Filofax AKA my saviour. This baby keeps me updated and on track with all my jobs, things to do and reminders to make sure I don't miss anything and just keeps me in check when I need to be at my most organised. This has got our dining reservations in and the dates of any excursions we'll be doing when we're away, I also keep all my important documents in here whilst travelling to ensure I have them to hand wherever we are in the airport.
P.s How pretty is it? Sometimes I just like to stare at it, it's a real work of art. 

Next up, probably the most important thing for travelling, my passport and travel documents. These, as I said before are kept with my beloved Filofax so I can whip them out whenever needed with quick precision. This is all your basic stuff, passport, flight documents, accommodation voucher and car rental invoice.

My favourite piece in my carry-on is of course my make-up bag! I love this bag so much, it was a gift from my brother Matthew and of course the "F" stands for Francesca (or fabulous, fantastic, fierce - take your pick!) The contents of which I have posted in my previous blog so if you're interested, check that out! But it basically holds my in-flight essentials to maintain moisturised and fresh-looking skin!

So left in the bag I have some clothing items, because planes can get damn cold! Rather than wearing an outfit which I'm going to boil in when I land, I always take things I can add to my plane outfit to keep my snug when the air con gets a little bit too much! These items consist of black leggings, thick black socks and a blanket scarf, just get me one of those doughtnut pillows and I'm good to go!

Then I obviously have my purse which contains the usual stuff and also our park tickets, ID and travel card.

Oh and the last is an obvious carry-on essential, my iPhone, because how else will I play solitaire?

So that's about it! Not a great deal I carry on with me but after years of taking bulky rucksacks and side bags and hitting people with them whilst struggling into my seat, I've realised simplicity really is key to a relaxing flight.

I hope you've enjoyed have a nosey in my carry-on, I know I always love to see what other people carry (that's on blogs, not going through airport security).

See you next time and safe travels if you're going away!

x