How to Survive Your Trip Delay
A Field Guide to Trip Interruption (or: Planes, Stays, and Automobiles)

The Perfect Carry-On Bag

First off, my thanks go out to the people of Richmond for their hospitality this weekend! I certainly enjoyed myself, and look forward to my next weekend there sometime this spring, when NASCAR comes back to town. A personal highlight of the weekend: I made the entire trip with only one carry-on bag, and cut-out any possibility of a baggage delay.

Felix the Cat Bag of Tricks - Travel Insure BlogI've done a lot of reading about the perfect carry-on bag. Mostly because after all of this time, I'm still looking for that perfect formula that will make me a modern day Felix The Cat (so that whenever I'm in a fix, I can reach into my magic bag of tricks to get just the item or tool that I need).

And after years of searching and looking, I think that I've gotten pretty close. Obviously, different trips and different locations require different tools - but this, in my humble opinion is the best core start that I've gotten so far that helps me aviod or survive baggage delays. So without further discourse, I present to you my ideal travel kit:

  1. Mid-Sized Travel Briefcase
    I think it goes without saying that you can't have a travel bag without the bag itself. And for those who regularly fly, getting just the right size is about as challenging as trying to figure out what to put into it! Personally, I use a TSA Friendly laptop briefcase - dimensions 15"x7"x12" - with a removable shoulder strap. It has enough room to carry everything I need (laptop, tablet, travel papers, entertainment, etc.) without being too bulky. And if I ever get so lucky to only travel with one carry-on, then it goes in the overhead compartment. In fact, it looks like this:
    Perfect Carry On Bag - Travel Insure Blog
    This is my travel bag. You can't have it.
  2. Tablet (instead of Laptop)
    Whenever given the option, I usually travel with both my laptop and my tablet - in case I need to get something major done on the road. But when given the option (like being on vacation for less than three business days), I will always pack my tablet and leave the laptop at home. My tablet does many of the functions that my laptop does, isn't dependent on WiFi (if I elect to turn on the 3G), and is a whole lot lighter. It may only be a couple pounds different - but a world of change when it comes to dragging it through airline terminals and around ground transport. 
  3. Chargers for all electronic devices
    I always carry a regular charger for each device - and then at least one backup charger. I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten my charger somewhere along the way, and had to pay nearly twice as much at an airport for a replacement. So I've learned my lesson when it comes to surviving a trip delay - and always carry a backup charger. Plus, its an easy way to make friends at the airport while waiting for a flight, because odds are others have forgotten their chargers, too. For bonus points: pack a travel surge protector, and see how many people want to get to know you in a hurry. 
  4. At least one printed item
    Its going to happen to you at least once: you'll be travelling, and you'll experience a trip delay.
    And wouldn't you know it, your tablet is dead. All the outlets are already jammed by others. So you're stuck high and dry. This is why I always carry at least one printed book (or the newspaper - or at least three magazines) in my carry-on. This way, I won't be scrambling for something to do once I'm there, and can avoid looking for a $5 magazine, and end up with a $10 water as well. 
  5. Extra Essentials
    Forget to pack your contact lens solution? How about an extra pair of socks? Your carry-on bag is a great place to put these items - especially if you have a baggage delay. And by skipping the laptop, you have plenty of room for them. Be sure to throw in those last-minute extras the night before, and you can ensure that you'll never forget them. Just remember to follow the 3-1-1 rule when it comes to liquids - or else, you'll have your favorite tube of toothpaste confiscated.

While I'm getting closer to being prepared for anything, I know I'm not there yet. And I'm sure that you have your own secret ways to get to the perfect carry-on bag. What do you have packed when you travel? Let me know in the comments below!

Comments

sheryl

The size of the bag is one of the primary factors that I am considering in choosing a bag. I want a carry-on bag that is not too big for my height and not too small. I am particular also in bag handles especially for traveling bags.

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