After many years of back and forth, packing has become much more streamlined for me. Here are my carry-on essentials:
For starters, I typically travel with a very versatile purse & a small backpack. My two favourites are from Longchamps & Mountain Equipment Co-Op. The MEC daypack I like to call my "Mary Poppins" backpack, because considering how small it is, I can fit a TON of stuff in it.
In the purse I put the items that need to more accessible:
Wallet
Passport
Travel Documents (reservations, hotel addresses, etc.)
Pens **WHO TRAVELS WITHOUT A PEN?? Seriously, you annoy me and every flight attendant out there**
Gum
Make-Up &Toiletries (of course, all under 100ml, I like to carry hand sanitizer, wipes, toothbrush/toothpaste, chapstick, hand cream, kleenex, etc.). These go in my favourite things for travel - Ziploc Bags. These are perfect to keep it organized, but they make it easy to get any liquids through security too.
A book and/or magazine
Cell Phone & Headphones
In the backpack, I organize it with the valuable items and items I don't need to have handy:
iPad (I don't typically travel with my computer if I can avoid it)
More travel documents
Chargers (iPhone/iPad, camera)
Camera
Eye Blinders & Ear Plugs (the best travel accessories in my opinion)
Travel Pillow
Medications & First Aid (I never leave home without: Tylenol/Advil, Aleeve, Pepto Bismal, Immodium, Hydralite, Bandaids)
More books or language books/dictionary
If I have a connecting flight, I pack a couple pairs of undies and a change of clothes
There is it - simple and only the most necessary items. For long-haul flights my carry-ons are normally packed to the brim, but for short-haul, I can usually get away with just a purse (and a small carry-on suitcase instead of checked baggage). I don't like traveling with a carry-on suitcase when I have a checked bag, it's too much work (and too much stuff).
What's in your carry-on?