Packing for a family trip can be overwhelming, especially when multiple kids (and sometimes husbands) need help. As our children get older, they can pitch in by taking care of themselves and a good place to start is by packing their own carry-on. You’ll want to be sure they have everything, so use this list as a guide.

This is a big year for us. Ryan and I turn 50 and will celebrate 25 years of marriage in July. Kate is graduating from high school. And Emma turns 21 in May. It’s a lot to celebrate and we decided the best way to do so was a family trip to Europe. 

This won’t be our first time. Ryan and I both went to Europe after college. He with a backpack and me on a bus, on whirlwind trips throughout Europe. When the girls were three and five years old, we lived in Italy for nearly a year. 

So we’ve spent enough time in Europe to know how special and magical it can be. Really, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate this epic year. We’re even going back to our old, tiny village in Italy for a night. 

Planning Ahead

As we look ahead, it’s not only flights, hotel reservations, and sightseeing that we need to plan, it’s also what to pack, how much to pack, and what kind of suitcase is best for ten days away. And then there’s the carry-on. What will we need with us, on the plane between here and our final destination? 

Long gone are the days when we filled up diaper bags, strapped in car seats, and loaded up DVDs for a family vacation. Now that my girls are 18 and 20, I tell them when we’re leaving and they’ll pack their own luggage. Which is definitely one of the perks of having older kids.

If you’re not there yet but want to help your children become more independent, take smaller steps. Consider making detailed packing lists for your teenager’s carry-on bag. That way they can do it themselves but are less likely to forget something important (like that time Emma forgot to pack underwear).  

I’ve curated a list of travel essentials to get you started. 

What Every Teenager Needs to Pack in a Carry-On

Choosing the Right Carry-On Bag

Before getting the right items for their carry-on, they will need an actual carry-on. So the first step is finding the right bag. Choose a small backpack that will fit in the overhead bin or below the seat in front of them. Make sure it’s durable, big enough to hold everything, and the straps are padded so that it fits comfortably. 

Both of my girls typically grab previously used, school backpacks when we’re traveling and they always work really well. This also helps Ryan feel better about buying so many backpacks that go seemingly unused. The other great thing about a backpack is that it can be used for day trips during your vacation.

Okay, so once you have the right bag, you’re ready to fill it up. Here are my suggestions for your teenager’s perfect carry-on:

Electronic Devices

Smartphones and such. It’s no surprise that electronic devices are at the top of the list. Cell phones, tablets, and even computers can be a great way for your teenager to stay occupied during long flights. As parents, we all want to limit screen time, but we also know the benefits and peace that come with happy kids. Especially during a long plane ride. 

And the accessories. Don’t forget headphones or earbuds and be sure to include portable chargers. If your child has noise-canceling headphones, that’s the best of both worlds. They listen to what they want while blocking out extraneous noise from the plane. If you’re planning on watching a movie on the plane, bring the earbuds with a cord so you don’t have to buy any on the plane! 

Something to Do

In addition to watching a movie or listening to music, it’s also a good option to include other activities to occupy your teenage girls and boys. You can individualize this based on their interests, but here are a few of my favorites.  

Books. Or even better, an e-reader. There’s nothing better than falling into a good book, particularly when you have hours of uninterrupted time to read. Emma and I both have Kindles and we agree that it might be our favorite thing. Kate loves a paper book and will happily deal with a heavier bag because of it. Whatever your preference, a book is by far my number one carry-on necessity. 

Word puzzles and games. Puzzle books, like crosswords, search-and-finds, and word games can be a fun distraction on a long journey. Toss in a deck of playing cards or other card games in addition to travel versions of your favorite board games. You could even include a pack of conversation cards so it’s fun for the entire family. 

Magazines. While this may seem passé to many of our teenagers, there’s really nothing better than flipping through a recent People Magazine or Us Weekly. Or maybe that’s just my own nostalgia calling!

A travel journal. Depending on your teen’s interests, a travel journal can be a great way to help them document their travel experiences. Jotting down their thoughts, and feelings, capturing memories, and tucking away souvenirs can be a fun way for older kids to enjoy their experience. Even better… have them share some of their favorite entries with the rest of the family. 

Personal Items

The basics. Carry-on luggage is a great place to pack some of the little things that your teenager might need to ensure a great flight. Basic things like lip balm, hand cream, sunglasses, and a small makeup bag can go a long way in making them feel more comfortable. My mom always told me to pack my makeup in my carry-on, so if my luggage gets lost, at least you’ll have that. After a long flight, it’s also nice to freshen up a little bit. 

First aid. While teen boys might not be packing much in the way of makeup, putting together a small first aid kit is always a good option. Using a small container or ziplock bag, simply fill it with bandages, hand wipes, and antibiotic ointment. This is also a good place for over-the-counter drugs like anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medicines, pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as allergy meds and sleep aids. And don’t forget any prescription medications. 

Travel docs. Purchasing a travel wallet is a popular choice and is the best way to keep all important documents together and organized. While you’ll probably want to keep passports for young children with you, giving an older teenager their own wallet for travel documents and even credit cards helps build responsibility.  

Comfort

Cozy stuff. Depending on the length of your journey, you might want to include a few things that will be good for taking a short rest or even sleeping for several hours. Travel pillows, an eye mask, and a small blanket are all great ideas for making a long plane ride more enjoyable.  

Dress smart. Dressing smart for a plane doesn’t necessarily mean dressing up. Carrying on a light jacket or sweater, wearing comfortable clothes, and making sure your shoes aren’t too tight are all things that are important to consider. 

Carry-On Sustenance

Making sure that your teenagers are entertained, safe, and comfortable is crucial to a successful travel day. But including extra snacks and hydration can be the difference between peace and anarchy. We all know what hangry kids can look like and it’s not pretty! So be sure to start off with a good breakfast and then include the following items.

Water, water, water. Plane travel can be extremely dehydrating, so getting enough water is essential. Tossing in an empty water bottle that they can fill up at filling stations at the airport is a great way to save money and plastic. 

Snacks. When it comes to snacking, we all have our favorite road trip essentials and flights are no exception. Protein bars, trail mix, and fruit are all great options for keeping kids full and feeling good. While candy can seem like a good idea, it can lead to blood sugar spikes and then crashes, which can leave them feeling crummy. 

A Few Additional Carry-On Packing Tips

Now that your teenage kid has everything they’ll need for their carry-on bag, here are a few tips for packing the bag.

Easy access. Be sure that all the things that need to be accessed often, like travel documents and cell phones, are easy to find quickly the first time. 

Weight distribution. It might not seem like a big deal, but after lugging a backpack around all day, it’s a good idea to spread out the heavy items so that your young adults don’t hurt their backs. 

Roll don’t fold. You might have heard this tip when packing your own suitcase, but it’s just as important for hand luggage. Rolling up blankets, jackets, and any other clothing items can help make room, especially if there is too much stuff. 

Helping your teenagers put together a perfectly packed carry-on is the first step toward a great journey. It’s also a great way to build responsibility, independence, and self-reliance.