Y’all. I have been in and out of airports more often than I would like the last couple weeks, and have at least 3 more trips within the next month!! Check out my Adventures for details. So I wanted to share my top 12 must have airplane travel essentials with you!
1. The Right Bag – I absolutely love this Vera Bradley Weekender bag. Let me give you a little background. I went to Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and packed for an entire 10 day trip in a carry on! (It helped that the clothes were smaller – it’s warm there, you get it.) But this bag was crucial. It has a strap that allows it to slide onto the handle of your roller bag, and it’s amazing – if you’ve never had one like this before. There is a side pocket padded extra for electronics, separate interior pockets for toiletries, etc., and I just can’t get enough. I’m so dependent on the storage that this bag actually has for any of my trips – foreign or domestic!
2. Neck Pillow – I’m tall and awkward. I hate sleeping on planes, but sometimes you just have to – especially for a trans-continental flight; I love this particular neck pillow because you can adjust the positioning & shape of the pillow, and can utilize it in different ways (around your shoulder, sleeping on your tray table) and aren’t limited to sitting upright with it.
3. Eye Shade – A must for overnight flights, or really long flights you plan to sleep on. I got this cute sleep mask (that I also use at home) for a bargain on Prime!… and then I found the cutest one with sequins!
4. Ear Plugs – (a must on an overnight flight) – Need I say anymore? Not that the white noise of airplane engines won’t knock me out, but the ear plugs help with everything else.
5. Chargers / Battery Pack – I absolutely love this guy because it ALSO charges my Apple watch! I don’t have to take apart my charging station on my night stand, and instead just bring this guy along with me. I prefer the white but it’s available in a black too.
6. Book to Read / Things to Do – I don’t sit still & do one thing very well for more than a period of an hour or two. I love to have a few options available for me, so I tend to take my tablet loaded with movies, series, etc. I’m currently reading “Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered: A Definitive How To Guide” written by the hosts of one of my favorite podcasts. And if you’re not much of a reader, Amazon Prime has some of my faves! (If you haven’t watched the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – it’s hysterical!) You can get a 30-day free trial by clicking here.
7. Head phones – My preference is wireless. Simply because they keep all the cords out of the way! I love these earbuds, and if you’re looking for a larger noise cancelling headphone, these are cute and affordable!
8. A Water Bottle – I don’t know about you but I absolutely hate paying $5 for a bottle of water at the airport! I always have an empty re-useable bottle with me and then fill up once I’m through security. I prefer one with a screw on lid vs a spout/straw for drinking, and I’m a little anti-plastic if I can help it. I’ve had issues with those leaking on airplanes, (and unfortunately into my bag!) too many times, so I’ve converted. I linked a couple cute reliable ones.
9. Cleansing Wipes – I don’t know about you, but after several hours of travel and multiple planes/airports, I feel gross. If a shower isn’t an immediate option, a quick wipe down with some great little scented wipes can work wonders.
10. Makeup – I may be just a total weirdo over here, but I always carry on my makeup with me. I would hate to lose it or be without it out of inconvenience. And buying all the pieces again would be a pretty penny! I prefer clear cosmetic bags because I can see what I’m reaching for, and this one’s TSA approved. 😉
11. A Great Travel Wallet – This clutch comes with a removable wrist strap, and is designed to carry tickets, passport, cards, and even your cell phone! Love that it’s so stylish and functional. It’s available in over 15 colors, super affordable, and comes with the RFID protection so your info stays safe while traveling.
12. Electronic Organizer – If you’re anything like me, you have multiple devices (iPad, lap top, apple watch, phone charger) that require multiple cords, which can turn your bag into a tangled mess! I love this electronic organizer because it helps to keep all my techy items organized!
And those are my top 12 must have airplane travel essentials! What items do you always travel with? And what did I forget??!