Travel Essentials: What I Always Carry On Flights

By the time I hit publish on this post, I will be less than a week away from taking off to spend ten days in South America! As you can imagine my mind is on packing mode right now thinking about what I have to bring, what I can probably leave behind and trying to figure out how to fit my entire closet in my backpack but then sadly coming to the realization that it’s just not going to happen. But in addition to thinking about what goes in my carry on, I also have to keep in mind my essentials that I NEED to travel. The things I like to keep in my purse that are readily available during the flight. So, here are some of my must-have travel essentials.

1) A Good Book
I ALWAYS travel with a book. I carry a book with me every day, and everywhere I go because you never know when you’ll have some time to kill. But what better time is there to get lost between the pages of a good book than hours in the air. I usually stick with writers that I’m familiar with so that I know I’m in for a good story that will keep me entertained, but it could also be a good time to discover a new writer. I love the feeling of Valore books in my hands and the smell of the pages, so you won’t find me with an e-reader, but I think they are an excellent option when you don’t want to take up too much space.

2) Headphones
Nothing says “Do Not Disturb” more than a pair of earphones which is largely my reason for suggesting you bring them. If you’re the type of passenger, who likes to chat it up with your neighbor, more power to you. I am not that passenger. Don’t get me wrong, I am friendly 🙂 but I like to think of flight time as “me time.” As I said above I love to use this time to crack open a new book, finally listen to an album I just downloaded beginning to end or watch a movie or two which puts those headphones to use to don’t leave home without them.

3) iPod
My iPod is another item that nine times out of ten I’ll always have on me. I have to have music at my fingertips at ALL TIMES, so this comes on board with me. But in addition to music I also like to load my Note6 up with some of my favorite podcast and TV shows to keep me entertained during the flight. I like my galaxy note6 due to light weight.

4) Earplugs
I’m sure we’ve all experienced the unpleasantness of your clogged ears once you reach those high altitudes but have you ever experienced that piercing pain that comes with it sometimes? If not, consider yourself lucky. If you have, then you already know why ear plugs are a must! They help alleviate some of the discomfort passengers can experience in their ears during flight. I once found myself having forgotten then and as a substitute I just put on my earbud earphones and it helped. Just a little tip to keep in mind should you find yourself in a bind.

5) Toothpaste, Toothbrush & Chewing Gum
Especially during long haul flights, the body can go through a lot between takeoff and landing at your destination, and you may find your breath a little tart. So I always like to keep a toothbrush and toothpaste on hand to freshen up close to landing or once I land. If you don’t want to bother, that’s where the chewing gum can come in handy, AND you can also chew a stick to help pop your ears.

6) Neck Pillow
It’s not pictured, but I recommend bringing a neck pillow along for the ride also. It beats rolling up your jacket and calling that a pillow or leaning on your neighbor, who you may or may not know. No matter how you contort your body in the seat, you’re not going to get THAT comfortable, so I suggest bringing whatever helps you best enjoy your flight.

What are some of your travel essentials you refuse to leave home without?