Five things that should never be inside your carry on bag

Last week I told you about the five most important things to pack in your carry on bag. But remember, what you leave out of your bag is just as important as what you put in it.

In many cases while traveling, your carry on bag becomes a bit of a lifeline, especially on longer flights. Knowing this, some people try to stuff in as many things as possible, just in case they need something while on the plane or in case they can't access their luggage once they land. Don't.

As I said, packing smart includes knowing what to skip over just as much as what to include. I put together a list of the top five things I often see people try to pack in their carry ons that just don't fly, so don't even try.

1. A hairdryer. This is no longer an essential grooming item for travelers who are staying in hotels that are at least two-star. Even if you don't find a hairdryer in your bathroom, the front desk will typically have a few portable types that you can borrow during your stay. Generally, hotels today have hairdryers that are mounted on the bathroom wall, so if you use a diffuser to dry curly hair, make sure you bring one of those nifty "socks" that fit snugly over the nozzle of the dryer and diffuses the hot air almost as well as your big, bulky diffuser that you use at home.

2. Power supply cables. Everyone today uses them to power cell phones, digital cameras, computers, and other gadgets that require recharging. In these security-conscious days, such cords can easily be considered unsafe, and you might be required to put them into your checked luggage. However, if the security check happens AFTER you've checked luggage, and all you have is your carry on, you could be stuck. Put all power supply cables into your checked luggage so you don't have to run around looking for suitable replacements when you arrive at your destination.

3. Shampoo and conditioner. Almost all hotels today have amenities in the bathrooms, including shampoo and conditioner. For the very few exceptions, there is always a shop available for buying shampoo and conditioner upon arrival, including in the hotel gift shop. More likely than not, you won't need to buy these products at all and will find very suitable products that will work for the short time you plan to be at your destination.

4. Bottles of water. You are a victim of the security regulations in place in a post-9/11 world, and liquids are forbidden to be taken through security, unless they fit into that tiny quart bag you're saving for those must-have items. Besides, any bottle of water will be too big to comply with the rules, so don't even try it. Stay hydrated by purchasing the water inside the gate area, if permitted by your airline, or just buy it on the plane if it isn't free. The hassle isn't worth the extra cost of buying the water where it's permitted. 

5. Lighters and matches. More forbidden items in today's world. This might seem obvious, but I still see lighters and matches being confiscated from people's purses and carry ons. If you smoke (and you're not going to quit during this trip) just avoid any possibility of trouble and pick up a disposable lighter or matches when you arrive at your destination. Those X-ray machines that are used in most airports will spot a lighter or a book of matches, and you'll have to go through the trouble of pulling it out of your carry on bag while all those passengers behind you glower and fume because you're holding up the line.