My Mom's Been Traveling for 40+ Years, and These Are the 12 Things She Refuses to Fly Without-From $5

"Ever since I was a kid, my mom was considered the go-to person if you needed something-extra water, snacks, she had it. Her tote bag seemed magical to me because it had whatever I needed, but really, she was just a prepared packer. Her preparedness has transferred over into her travels, too, including knowing how to pack a carry-on bag and make her hotel room feel like home."

"My mom has been traveling for more than 40 years, and she always makes sure her personal item bag is stocked with everything she could possibly need during a long travel day, from hand sanitizer spray to tinted lip balm. She shared her must-haves and tips for making trips easier with Travel + Leisure, and everything is available at Amazon's travel store for as little as $5."

A consistently prepared approach to packing translates into practical carry-on and personal-item strategies for travel. A compact mini first-aid kit addresses blisters and minor injuries with Band-Aids, cleansing wipes, ointment, burn cream, gauze, and sterile gloves in a clip-on case. A cable organizer with mesh pockets, slots, and a zip closure prevents tangles and keeps chargers and small devices accessible. A portable charger with built-in cables avoids dependence on outlets, can charge multiple devices simultaneously, and includes a digital display. Affordable travel essentials can be sourced from mainstream retailers for minimal cost.

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