What things to take on a trip and how to pack them compactly: tips for packing carry-on luggage from the daughter of a flight attendant

Many travelers turn to TikTok for tips on packing a carry-on bag easily and successfully. Toronto-based startup founder and marketing expert Katherine Johnsen, whose mother worked as a flight attendant for Air Canada for 25 years, created a video called "Flight Essentials," which has been viewed by 620,000 people.

So, GMA asked her to share additional tips and tricks to help travelers in 2024. Johnsen revealed all the secrets of perfectly packed personal belongings and a small rollaboard that accompanied her on dozens of flights last year, including 68 trips from Canada to Los Angeles and New York, as reported by the ABC News website.

Top 10 essentials for traveling

When it comes to packing personal items, Johnsen recommends using cases to organize and easily access things like electronics or cosmetics.

• Headphones with noise-canceling function
• Bluetooth adapter (for using headphones with the on-board system)
• Computer, tablet, e-reader, or book
• Bag with equipment - cords, adapters, chargers
• Bag of "Essentials" - lip balm, painkillers, tissues, toothbrush, throat lozenges, hand cream
• External battery/portable charger

• Sweater ("My mom, who is a flight attendant, says you can't go wrong with black cashmere," says Johnsen).
• An eye mask
• A small bottle of water
• Sunglasses

Tips for packing your hand luggage

Whether you're already a carry-on pro like Johnsen or have made a New Year's resolution to pack lighter, here are some tips to make the packing process easy and enjoyable.

"If you carefully plan what you're going to wear for the week, you likely have a selection of your favorite items," says Johnsen. "Focus on a capsule collection of clothes with your favorite basics. You should be able to get at least three wears out of each item you bring with you."

Packing tips: place silk items inside cotton items and then roll to avoid wrinkles. Fold large items like sweaters or denim. Roll layered items such as T-shirts.

Fill your shoes with socks or smaller items. Choose versatile shoes, for instance, ones that can be worn for workouts and paired with pants.