When I first started traveling, I was never as prepared as I thought I was. Heck, I was lucky if I remembered to pack myself snacks. As my travel started to get more exotic, and my flights started to get longer and longer, I began to do some research online to see what other bloggers had to offer as advice. Although I might’ve picked up on a few tips and tricks from the web, I unfortunately think my best research was actually suffering through the long travel days myself to figure out what worked for me and what was missing from my routine. Luckily for you, I’m going to share my must haves that I keep in my carryon (I mean that easily accessible bag you keep under the seat) that will help you keep a routine on your flight, and get you prepped and comfortable to hopefully catch some Zzz’s.
These are the items that I find essential to get through the fight, and are actually useful!
First off, let’s start with the actual bag that we keep all the essentials in!
1.) The Bag
I just purchased the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack for my last trip and absolutely loved the functionality of it. Plus, I like that it matches my other carryon luggage.
The backpack that I use is retailed at $175, which may be more expensive than what you want for your carryon, which is totally understandable. The most important think about your luggage is that it is functional, the worst thing your carryon luggage can do is make your life more stressful because you can’t find anything! Bonus points if it’s cute
I provided links below to the backpack that I currently use from Away, as well as other alternatives I’ve found online.
Retail: $175
Pros: There’s enough functionality that makes it easy for me to organize everything I need, including a laptop sleeve, but not too much compartments that makes it overwhelming. I also like the slip on the back of the bag that allows the backpack to rest easily on my suitcase.
Cons: It’s definitely the pricey option.
Retail: $36.99
Pros: This is actually the backpack I used prior to buying the backpack motioned above. Overall, it’s a great alternative, and it has something that I think my Away backpack is missing – a water bottle holder on the side.
Cons: It has more room for storage compared to the Away backpack, but therefore it’s larger and bulkier.
I could speak about different luggage all day, but let’s get to the fun store. What exactly do I think is necessary to keep in these bags? Keep reading below to find out.
2.) Water Bottle
I know, I know. This seems so obvious, and you’re probably thinking, “I’m not an amateur, Taylor!” But you’d be surprised. I just traveled with my decently well-traveled sister to Jordan, and she didn’t think to bring a water bottle with her (even though I reminded her).
The point of bringing your own water bottle is important for 3 reasons;
1. Majority of airports have filtered water stations after security where you can fill up your bottle for free – say goodbye to paying ridiculous airport prices for plastic water bottles (an additional bonus if you are sustainability conscious).
2. The water bottles I propose you buy should all have a filtered capability. It may not matter as much if you are traveling somewhere like…Disney World, but if you are traveling out of the country, I highly recommend having that extra level of protection. Otherwise, I’ll be making another blog sharing the best parasite cleanses (I kid, I kid ).
3. You MUST stay hydrated on flights. Airplanes literally suck the moisture out of you (I actually don’t think that’s true, but point is, drink your damn water).
Below are some options that I have personally used or think would be good options:
Retail: $21.99
Review: I purchased this bottle for my previously mentioned trip to Jordan. I bought this as an upgrade to one that I had from Brita that would continuously leak. I did have one leakage issue with this bottle, but it was my fault because I didn’t close the lid all the way . Overall, I’d recommend this as a good option; I have no plans to replace this purchase for my next trip.
Retail: $24.79
Review: I must be honest; I have not used this product before, however, I was close to purchasing this over the Philips bottle mentioned above for a few reasons. This bottle isn’t stainless steel, which makes it lighter to carry. Also, I like that this bottle includes a clip on the bottle as another way to transport; this would’ve come in handy as I made my way back to the States since my backpack was full of souvenirs…oops . Also, this is a personal preference, but this bottle releases water when it is tilt up vs. the Philips bottle is a straw – I don’t want to tell you how long it took me to figure that on out.
Let’s move on…
3.) Skincare
I don’t care if you are on a plane for 30 minutes or 16 hours, it does something WEIRD to your skin – in my case that means random breakouts. But because I don’t feel like getting up and doing a full skincare routine in the microscopic thing they call airplane bathrooms, I try to get crafty at my seat. Please note that this is what I do only when I’m stuck on an airplane, so therefore I’m skipping some steps.
Now I don’t typically recommend using face wipes, but you know what they say about desperate times…
Below are a few options that I have used and feel comfortable recommending:
Retail: $16.99
Retail: $26.00 (yes these are a little pricey, but they are individually wrapped; and they work wonders for me when I use them after my hot yoga classes)
Retail: $19.98 (better for sensitive skin)
After we are done cleaning our face, let’s skip straight to moisturizing. I’m skipping the toning, and exfoliating because let’s face it, face wipes can be harsh on our face and we don’t need to deplane looking like we just did a chemical peel.
Below are a few options that I have used and feel comfortable recommending (please remember all liquids need to be 3oz):
Retail: $12.00 (I stand by ALL Paula’s Choice skincare)
Retail: $7.91 (All my products are slowly turning into e.l.f products)
PRO Tip! If you are budget conscious or just want to make things easier for yourself, e.l.f has a Jet Set Hydration Kit that I have used for multiple trips. Retail is $15.00 for the following travel size products:
1. Daily Face Cleanser
2. Daily Hydration Moisturizer (as listed above)
3. Illuminating Eye Cream
4. Prep & Hydrate Balm
5. Moisturizing Night Cream
And lastly for the fun stuff, let’s depuff that skin so you can leave the plan looking fresh and clean. Below is a list of options that I love to use – I’ve included full masks, eye masks, and lip masks in case you’re not ready to go full-on Freddy Kruger on the plane.
Retail: $8.87 (these are my go-to)
Retail: $17.50 (I use these everyday)
Retail: $24 (this is really the best hydrating lip mask I’ve used, and I don’t just use it for sleeping. I’ve tried dupes but this performs the best).
This is typically the time in the flight when I bust out some snacks, my headphones, listen to music/watch a movie, and try to get cozy.
4.) Neck Pillows, Compression Socks, & Blankets. Oh my!
Ok that was lame, but depending on how long your flight is, it may be worth investing in a few of these items. Now hopefully the airline doesn’t skimp you out of a blanket, but neck pillows and socks will need to be covered by you.
Neck pillows are controversial – I think you either love them or hate them. Although I guess I would consider myself indifferent – I think you’re better off having one than not.
Retail: $39.97 (I have not tried this yet, but will purchase this for my next long travel; I like that this allows various variations)
Retail: $12.99 (I currently own this pillow. I must admit, it is incredibly soft)
If we’re similar at all, your ankles also swell on long flights. When I booked my 30-hour flight to Thailand, I knew compression socks were absolutely necessary. Below are a couple pairs that I own, use, and can condone.
Retail: $14.97
Retail: $18.11
Okay, now that we are hydrated, snacked, have a fresh face, watched a movie or two, and prepped for any unnecessary swelling, we are ready to move onto my favorite part because I think I FINALLY cracked the code.
5.) Let’s hit the sack
Sleeping on the plane is historically awful for me. However, I think I FINALLY cracked the code during my last flight. The key is having a sleep mask and utilize those ear plugs – a dose of melatonin doesn’t hurt either. Is it the most enjoyable sleep? Well not if you’re slumming it in economy like me…but it’s better than nothing!
Below are a few sleep masks that will help you block out those pesky reading lights while you’re trying to count sheep:
Retail: $14.63 (no need to break the bank here; but I have to admit that Casper has some of the softest sleep masks I’ve used)
Retail: $19.99 (this is a great option if you’re someone who has eyelash extensions. There’s built in molds near the eye that allows for more space!)
Ear plugs aren’t for everyone, but I personally get distracted with every little noise I hear on the plane.
Retail: $10.79 (these have been my go-to for years…and I truly mean YEARS. I lived with a mother who was notorious for slamming kitchen cabinets at 6am They are incredibly soft and have never bothered my ears).
Retail: $18.99 (if sticking things down your ears sounds scary, maybe give this design a try!)
Optional: Take the edge off with some sleep gummies!
Retail: $12.88
Review: I took these my last flight, which was about 12 hours, and slept for about 9 hours of it...I don’t know if it was a combo of my entire routine or just this step, but I think it helped!
Like I said in the beginning, these are tips and tricks I learned from traveling that helps me feel relaxed and fresh when I’m traveling long distances. I hope that you share the similar positive experiences I have if you decide to include some of these steps in your next flight routine.
I would of course love to hear your advice as well! Don’t forget to share any comments/feedback you may have below.
Safe travels,
Taylor x
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