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The Must-Have Items in These Entrepreneurs' Travel Bags At the Circular Summit in Houston, female entrepreneurs and leaders share the one thing they always have in their carry-ons.

By Andrea Huspeni

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

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While flying to far-flung locations for business meetings, connecting with customers or talking to potential vendors, it's important to plan what you take in your carry-on bag.

By being strategic, you can save yourself a lot of stress. And while important documents, valuables and money are essential, there are a few other must-haves that can make your traveling experience better.

At Circular Summit, a women's conference in Houston, we asked female entrepreneurs and leaders what is the one item they always include in their carry-on bag. Here is what they had to say:

Always think about hygiene.

"A pocket toothbrush and my travel dry shampoo. You never know when your travel plans will be derailed due to weather or airport issues. I always make sure I have the minimum in my bag to freshen up after a long travel day before I head to a business meeting or working dinner."

Erin Gore, founder and CEO of Garden Society, a cannabis confection company

Related: 5 Travel Mistakes These Entrepreneurs Made So You Don't Have to

Use your downtime for education.

"My favorite 30 minutes of a flight are take-off and landing. I can't use my computer, so I use that time to get caught up on new facts and ideas. I always bring a book and a magazine, and make sure that there are new podcasts downloaded on my phone. I never get through them all, but I try to absorb several new ideas and thoughts. I think a curious mind makes me a better entrepreneur."

Kristina Libby, co-founder of SoCu, an influencer marketplace

Consider accessories to keep you comfortable.

"I never get on a plane without a scarf. Even if it's the middle of summer and I'm heading to somewhere where it's 100 degrees outside, I will not board that plane without something to keep me warm, because I always get cold when I fly.

"A few years ago, my friend introduced me to the company Bloom and Give. It works with small co-ops in India to make their products and then donates a portion of each purchase to help educate girls in India. I loved their story, loved their scarves and now the first Bloom and Give scarf I bought is my official plane scarf.

"Also, unless it's the winter and I already have a coat with me, I carry a light Uniqlo puffy jacket that I can roll up and pack in my carry-on bag."

JJ Ramburg, co-founder of Goodshop, a "shopfunding" site, and host of MSNBC's Your Business

Related: How to Travel the World for Free (or Cheaply) While Building Your Business

Take what makes you feel your best.

"A protein bar, so I have a healthy snack option instead of junk food. I also always travel with melatonin to help me sleep in whatever time zone I end up in. Plus, planes seem to make my skin incredibly dehydrated, so I always have moisturizing cream on hand."

Jessica Herrin, CEO and founder, Stella & Dot Family Brands, a social selling business

Remember your priorities.

"My gym clothes. I'm religious about trying to get workouts in while I'm gone. The only time in the last 20 years I forgot them was on a recent trip to South Africa and I ended up spending a fortune buying the necessary gear."

Susan McPherson, founder of McPherson Strategies, a consultancy firm focused on social responsibility

Related: 5 Ways to Make the Most of Traveling With Your Boss

Think about worst-case scenarios.

"A neutral scarf that can double as a blanket on the plane and a cute addition to an outfit. I'm always cold and I'm also the person with the wardrobe malfunctions -- spills, rips, you name it -- especially when I'm being extra careful and inevitably headed to a meeting. A scarf can mask a coffee stain without needing to take the time to change."

Katy Aucoin, founder of Dearduck, a gift-giving app
Andrea Huspeni

Founder of This Dog's Life

Andrea Huspeni is the former special projects director at Entrepreneur.com and the founder of This Dog's Life.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

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