Utility Pieces Of Clothing That Are Always In Samantha Brown's Carry-On Bag

Let's be honest: It doesn't matter how many times you've traveled or how many trips you've taken — packing will always feel like a bit of hassle. Whether you're looking for ways to avoid paying for extra baggage fees, trying to cut down on the amount of clothes you'll have to lug around, or just figuring out what's really going to make you feel and look your best while on vacation, the entire thing is a constant battle between what you want, what you need, and what you're allowed to bring. Thankfully, though, there's no need to go at it alone.

Nowadays, there are plenty of experts out there who are more than happy to share some of their hard-earned packing knowledge with anyone and everyone struggling to fit their stuff into a bag. And let's be honest, no one knows more about packing than Samantha Brown. A renowned travel expert with over 20 years of experience, it's safe to say that Brown has become a bit of a guru when it comes to packing everything you need for your vacation in a carry-on only. Packing cubes? She loves them. Wearing your bulkiest items on the plane? She swears by it. Bringing a capsule wardrobe? She thinks it'll make things easier!

That said, out of all the tips and tricks out there, the TV show host mostly swears by three carry-on must-haves that have to do less with organization and more with comfort-focused choices. So, what are these non-negotiables? Well, according to the pro, you'll never catch her flying without a thin cashmere crewneck sweater, flowy pants, and a scarf.

Samantha Brown's approach to feel-good clothing goes beyond simple aesthetics to include one of the most important aspects of flying: practicality. For example, take the expert's preference for flowy pants. The changes in pressure and sudden decrease in movement when we're stuck on a plane typically lead to some pretty uncomfortable bodily reactions. This includes everything from bloating (due to gas expansion) to water retention and poor circulation. With that in mind, anything too restrictive — think jeans, tailored trousers, or even leggings — will only end up making you feel even more constrained. Meanwhile, a pair of flowy pants will, instead, help cut down on any uncomfortable (and unnecessary) tugging and digging.

Similarly, Brown's decision to always bring a cashmere sweater is also the perfect way to deal with in-flight temperatures — which, in case you didn't know, can actually vary depending on which seat you choose. Finally, along with helping keep you warm, a scarf can also works as a multi-purpose accessory: part makeshift pillow and part eye mask to help you block out any light while you're trying to sleep.