After traveling between the States and Europe quite a bit the past few years (before getting his green card, my Dutch husband and I were living an ocean apart!), I’ve discovered what I need to survive those long travel days!
I always take a backpack or large purse that fits below the seat in front of me. Since I normally prefer a window seat, I want my things in close reach. Even though a big nice purse looks prettier, I normally prefer to travel with a backpack. I like all the compartments and airplanes are also dirty – so I want to have a bag I can wash!
My larger essentials:
- Computer
- Computer/phone chargers
- Water bottle
- Neck pillow
- Small pillow (for behind my back)
- Sweater or wrap/socks (planes get chilly on overnight flights!)
- Headphones (noise cancelling for movies or sleep)
- Snacks
- Books/magazines
- Power bank
- Kindle
In my purse (a purse that will fit in the backpack and be worn across my body for safety):
- Wallet (small bills for tips)
- Cell phone
- Passport/i.d.
- Printed boarding pass (never know when phone dies)
- Travel/health insurance information
- Pen
- Paper
- Sunglasses
- Business cards
- Luggage lock (extra one in case of having to check luggage unexpectedly)
In a small toiletry bag:
- Medications
- Ziploc bags (things spill or need to be contained!)
- Zip ties (these do double duty as a quick “lock”)
- Hair ties/pins
- Toothbrush/toothpaste (after a long flight you’ll thank me!)
- Ibuprofen
- Kleenex
- Face blotting papers (work well for a little refresh when you can’t wash your face)
- Hand wipes (nice to use to clean off your tray table, area around your seat and wash hands!)
- Lip Balm
Keep in mind this list doesn’t include extra clothes or things of that nature. These are my essentials I want easy access to and don’t want to bother my seat mates by needing to get in the overhead compartment.
Until the next adventure – bon voyage!
Kris
