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With the holidays right around the corner, many people will be traveling to visit friends and family, or just going on a vacation. Whatever your reason, air travel may be in your near future.
Whenever I fly anywhere, I purpose to pack as lightly as possible. No one wants to lug three suitcases and two totes through the airport; trust me. So, unless you’re going to be away for more than two weeks, try to fit everything into one duffle/suitcase and one larger “carry-on”/purse. Winter time can be more difficult, since many of our sweaters and jackets are bulky, but if you wear or carry some of the larger items, you’ll be fine.
I actually carry on all of my luggage, rather than checking a bag. No one wants to stand around the luggage carrousel after a long flight, waiting to find her bag with the pink ribbon (Tip: always give your bag some kind of distinguishing characteristic if you are checking luggage to help you identify your bag quickly and easily!)
Once you’re on the plane, you’re ready to sit back and enjoy the flight! Here are my travel essentials for your trip:
Large Tote — Think “Weekender Bag”
This will be your go-to bag for all things travel. Big enough to hold all of your essentials, but small enough to slide underneath the seat. I like this handbag by Michael Kors.
Water
Fill your own water bottle once you are through airport security, or just buy a bottle from one of the many stores past the security gates.
It’s important to stay hydrated on the plane since the air can be very dry. Yes, the flight attendants will bring you a beverage and maybe a snack, but those cups are small and the attendants aren’t there to keep refilling your glass. So come prepared with your own water…
Snacks
…and your own snacks. Plane food isn’t the best especially if you are on a short flight. You won’t be served a meal and if you get a snack, it’ll be a little packet of trail mix or something of the like. That’s fine in a pinch, but I’m all about being prepared and eating more than 5 mini pretzels, so I like to bring fruit bars. The “this strawberry walks into a bar” kind from trader joes are my favorite.
Hand Sanitizer
Don’t want to eat with dirty hands, of course. But you also want to protect yourself from all the germs on the plane. Anytime you touch your face, eyes or mouth, you want your hands to be clean.
Neosporin
This may sound gross, but it’s a travel pro tip — put a little neosporin on your pinky finger and line the inside of your nose with it. It’s your own personal barrier against breathing in those germs!
iPod with Noise Canceling Headphones
I like to listen to audiobooks when I’m on the plane or watch a movie I rented on iTunes and noise canceling headphones are great because they block out the noise of the plane.
I like these C5’s from Bowers & Wilkins. The in-ear pieces are comfortable and the sound is perfect.
Socks
It can be cold on the plane (freezing) and if you take off your shoes to be comfortable, you’ll want socks to keep you warm and keep your feet clean from the floor. These slipper socks from Free People are cute and festive!
Sweatshirt/Sweater
Did I mention that it’s cold on the plane? It is. And it’s nice to be able to wear that extra layer of cozy warmth. This oversized Chinti and Parker cashmere sweater is cozy and comfortable for any holiday travel.
Eye mask/Sunglasses
If your flight is long enough that you’ll be sleeping or taking a nap, you’ll enjoy an eye mask, but some sunglasses will do. Block out those cabin lights or even the sun, depending on when your flight is. A quick nap will help you look well rested when you arrive to your destination.
Magazines/Books
If you have a Kindle or an iPad, this is the way to go — save space while having all your reading material at your fingertips. Of course pen and paper books and magazines are still just as fun. Catch up on your winter reading while on the flight. What’s nice about regular paper books vs electronic is that there are no in-flight restrictions on when you read.
Portable Electronics Charger (Halo)
Watching movies, listening to music, ect, can drain your battery. Bring it back to life with a portable charger like the Halo. I take this everywhere with me. You charge it at home and use it whenever you need that extra boost.
Are any of you traveling for the holiday? What are your travel essentials? Let me know in the comments!
