Getting ready for a trip but not sure what to throw in that bag to make your life a little easier? Experienced travellers know that beyond your required documents, taking the time for a few well thought accessories, carefully tucked into your carry-on, can make the difference between an okay trip and a fabulous voyage.
Here’s my list of items I just won’t travel without.
My Must Have ~ Won’t Travel Without ~Accessories!
*A pashmina. The little scarf of many purposes. It helps you look pulled together and fashion forward but is so much more. It’s great to wrap around your shoulders and neck if your flight’s a little chilly, and in a pinch can be bunched up under your head to create a billowy pillow so you can catch a nap. I won’t fly without one.
*Travel size hand lotion. My favourite right now is L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. Airports, plane rides and hotels leave my hands dry. Insider Tips: When choosing a hand cream make sure you abide by the rules of the air and keep that little lotion under 3.4 oz. This is a good time to think about lip chap too!
*Travel Packs of Antibacterial Hand Wipes. Essential if you find yourself needing to clean off that tray on the plane or catch an inadvertent spill on the go. Yes, I’m the crazy lady sitting beside you on the plane wiping off my daughters folding tray, but I’m also the gem who will lend you a wipe when you need to wash your own hands and there’s no soap left in the ladies room. You’re welcome. Insider Tip: Do you know when the last time the clip on your seatbelt was sanitized? A LONG time ago.
*Noise Cancelling Headphones. Flights need not be long, boring or loud. A great set of noise cancelling headphones is an excellent investment. My Bose Headphones have never let me down. With quality headphones you can plug in and get some work done, fire up some quiet music and take a nap, or really unwind with a new flick downloaded on your iPad or laptop.
*Power strip. Whip out a small power strip and and you are instantly the most popular person in the airport lounge. Suddenly the shortage of electrical outlets to “Charge All The THINGS!” is no longer a problem. You just plug in that small power strip, triple the number of outlets available and quite possibly make a new friend. (related: it never hurts to throw a portable charger in your bag)
*Bonus Items. Tools of distraction for yourself or your family. A small bag filled with books, magazines, a re-fillable water bottle, gum, mints and a few healthy snacks will go a long way on flights of any length.
With this arsenal of travel essentials you will have everything you need to sit back and enjoy your flight. Bon Voyage!
Shirley O says
Great suggestions. The Travel Packs of Antibacterial Hand Wipes would really come in handy to help prevent catching a bug while traveling.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
A good list of necessary items to have on board the plane with you. I must say that I’m disgusted that you now have to actually pay on most flights to take a checked in bag with you. How on earth do they expect someone flying to Europe to manage with just a carry on? Another thing is that some airlines now demand that you check-in online ahead of a 2 hour wait at the airport. This happened to me in Spring, at a cost of an extra 50 pounds sterling! So beware travellers.
Ricky says
Great info to pass on too!
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
Great tips and I must say that I dread to think of all the germs in a plane. The quick clean between flights leaves a lot to be desired these days.
Deborah Dorrington says
All of your tips are great, especially the small power strip. I finally got a pair of noise cancelling headphones and you are correct they are the best to have on a flight.
Mike Gismondi says
These are great tips, thanks!
Jenny Wilson says
Can’t believe I haven’t tried noise cancelling headphones yet. It sounds fantastic and I will make a note to have them on my Christmas wishlist!