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Now that the world has opened back up, I’m sure you’re just as eager as I am to hop back on a plane and start crossing the dreamiest places off of your bucket list!
Since globetrotting is literally my job, I’ve taken the time to create my list of travel essentials and tips that I refuse to leave home without, especially on a long haul flight. Some of the items on my list will definitely surprise you. The best part, is that everything can be found on Amazon and won’t break the bank!
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TRAVEL HACKS I SWEAR BY
1. INVEST IN A STURDY SUITCASE
Every trip starts with a good packing strategy. Since I tend to find myself trekking through airports, train stations and across cities more often than not, I’ve quickly learned that a good suitcase is essential. I recommend hard cases that can stand up to the wear and tear of being thrown around by luggage handlers, especially ones that come with a warranty in case a zipper or a wheel breaks. The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Suitcase has been my go to for the past couple years for checked luggage, and has outlasted any other suitcase I’ve owned. In my opinion, it’s worth the investment and I love the fun color.
If you’re like me, and hate lugging your heavy carry on through the airport, I recommend getting the matching carry on size so you can throw your under the seat bag on top and easily glide through the airport. While I’ve been lucky to not have lost my bag too many times, I always recommend packing at least a day’s worth of essentials like an extra change of clothes, toothbrush, PJs and of course your bikini in your carry on in case you do happen to experience the dreaded lost luggage scenario.
2. TRACK YOUR BELONGINGS
My most recent purchase that I’m absolutely obsessed with is the new Apple Air Tags. These small devices can be placed in your bags and conveniently sync up to your phone to keep track of all of your luggage. I put them in every suitcase, including carry ons and purses, in case something gets lost or stolen. Air tags use nearby cellular devices to send pings to your phone about their locations, so unless your bag is in the air, you can accurately see their location in real time, without having to rely upon inaccurate or delayed information from airlines about the whereabouts of your lost luggage. It’s been such a lifesaver.
Never pack any valuables in your checked luggage, carry on only! If you end up having to do a last minute gate check for your carry on, be sure to remove any valuables beforehand to keep with you on the plane.
3. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PACKING
Packing cubes and a good portable travel steamer are a game changer when it comes to keeping everything in your suitcase organized and wrinkle free! Packing cubes make finding things in your suitcase and unpacking a breeze. We especially love the laundry bag for keeping dirty clothes separate from everything else and a clear makeup bag for easily accessible plane essentials like your lip balm and hand wipes.
4. KEEP YOUR DEVICES CHARGED
Sorry for stating the obvious. While most planes these days come with USB or power outlets, we still recommend carrying with you a fully charged portable charger as a back up to keep all of your devices fully charged. Especially for when you’re out exploring a new destination, and don’t have time to stop and charge your phone.
5. STAY HYDRATED + PACK YOUR OWN SNACKS
Planes are extremely dehydrating not only to your skin but to your entire body as well. To avoid this, drink as much water as possible throughout the flight. Planes these day only hand out a measly cup of water every now and then, or if you’re lucky a bottle of water. We always travel with at least two reusable water bottles and be sure to fill them up after security, before the flight. Most airports these days have water fountains throughout the terminals with water bottle fill stations. Whatever you do, DO NOT FILL THEM UP ON THE PLANE. Plane water is poorly filtered, and even hot water from a plane is not recommend by most seasons travelers and flight crew.
Plane food is heavy, unhealthy and filled with sodium. We recommend packing your own preferred snacks, or even better, giving your digestion a break and fasting for the duration of your flight. We never ever eat plane food or drink alcohol on flights to avoid that awful dehydrated/I’m not hungover but I feel hungover feeling, you can get from a long flight of junky plane food and not enough water. Throw an electrolyte packet into your purse to pour into your water bottle for a little extra hydration before landing.
6. PLANES ARE DIRTY
Even with upgraded Covid cleaning procedures still in place, planes are still pretty dirty and don’t ever really get a proper cleaning. The first thing we do when we get to our seat is take out a disinfectant wipe and wipe down any surface our hands might tough throughout the flight. We recommend the lavender scented neat wipes which can function as both a surface cleaner, but are gentle enough to use on your hands as well. We also recommend a good wipe down of your phone as well.
7. SKINCARE – HYDRATION, HYDRATION, HYDRATION
For overnight flights especially, we recommend packing mini sizes of all of your favorite skin care to use throughout the flight. We love a hydrating cleansing balm like Clean it Zero to use before going to sleep and again when you wake up in the morning, followed by a hydrating serum like Summer Fridays CC Serum and your favorite moisturizer.
A good hydrating lip scrub and good this lux unfiltered lip balm is my go to for rehydrating lips. If you need a little extra scrub, Exfolikate by Kate Sommerville conveniently comes in travel size and leaves your skin feeling fresh after a long flight. Personally, I prefer to go makeup free on long flights, and touch up prior to landing. That way my skin doesn’t dry out and I can wash my face before applying my makeup after a long, dirty day of travel.
8. BE COMFORTABLE
Most of us prefer to look chic boarding our plane and upon arrival, but who wants to be uncomfortable during a long, overnight flight? The second that seat belt sign is off, we head to the bathroom and change into our favorite lounge wear set, a pair of cozy slides. This cute set comes in neutrals and is stylish enough to wear boarding your plane. We always recommend bringing a change of clothes to change into prior to landing and a mini deodorant to freshen up prior to arriving our destination. Ear plugs and face mask also help drown out any noises and overhead lighting.
9. HOW TO MANAGE POST FLIGHT HAIR
Another one of our tried and true favorite travel hacks to pack dry shampoo, we love Dry Bar Detox Dry Shampoo, and a teasing brush in our carry on. Prior to landing we brush in some dry shampoo and slick our hair back into a bun with a middle part. Throw on a cute baseball cap or our favorite pair of gold earrings for an instant chic look post flight
10. KEEP IT GOING AFTER YOU LAND
OK OK…. I know our travel routine is a bit extensive, but if you want to keep feeling good and looking fresh throughout your travels, we have a few final tricks to try upon arrival to your destination. Upon arrival to your accommodations be sure to keep up the hydration. A little lymphatic draining on your face using Gua Sha stones will help keep your face from gettnig puffy and remove any toxins from travel. Cleanse your face and put on your serums prior to Gua Sha, and the massage action will help your skin absorb your serums event more. A green juice also just feels right if you can find.
11. HOW TO AVOID JET LAG
Last but not least, here’s our pro tips for avoiding jet lag. The key is that once you board the plane, think of yourself instantly as on the same time zone as to wherever you’re traveling. So for example, if you’re flying over to Europe on an overnight flight from the US, be sure to sleep on the plane since it’s most likely night time in Europe when you board, and then try to stay awake the entire next day (no naps!) until it’s evening in your destination. If you’re feeling sluggish, try going to an espresso and a cute nearby cafe and go for a walk. The fresh air and movement, will help you feel a bit more energized.
If you’re returning to the US from Europe, try to stay awake for the whole flight and hopefully by the time you land in the US, it will be close to bedtime anyways. A little melatonin also helps you get to sleep that first night, if your body is having trouble acclimaI
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