October 20, 2024

Essential Items for Traveling on a Plane

What traveling all over the world has taught me is that there are frivolous travel items and essential items for traveling on a plane. I’ve packed in every which way, and have narrowed down a list of things that I always take on trips with me, no matter if it’s domestic or international. The list is going to be geared towards plane travelers, but some of the items are universal and relevant to any type of mode of travel. Personally, by plane is my favorite way, and train rides sprinkled in a close second. I’m happy to share this list, and I hope it cuts down on the fluff you might be tempted to take with you.
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Both of My Away Luggage Bags

Sturdy Luggage

Having a sturdy piece of luggage is top of my list for essential items for traveling on a plane because there is nothing worse than a flimsy bag that falls apart midway through a trip. I’ve bought cheap ones that have lasted a few trips, and now I have invested in Away for luggage (hard shell). A couple of other bags that find their way onto trips with me are Cuyana and Longchamp. None of these bags are inexpensive, but frequently you get what you pay for, and I have yet to be disappointed. Invest in the good stuff for a relaxing voyage.
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The Best Blanket/Towel for Travel

Travel Blanket/Towel

One of the things that has saved me from freezing to death on international flights is my travel blanket. It’s listed as a towel because it can be used as a quick dry towel as well, so it’s a diverse little thing. Trust me, I did a lot of research on this puppy. On a recent trip to Europe, my seat neighbor commented to me how envious he was of one of my favorite essential items for traveling on a plane because he was cold the entire time. I can’t imagine being on a plane for eight hours and being uncomfortable and cold. And friends, the blanket the airplane gives you is often not enough. Be prepared, and get yourself a travel blanket/towel.
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The Ostrich in Full Usage!

Neck Pillow

I’ve tried several iterations of pillows on a flight, even having the audacity to take a full size pillow to Africa one time. Don’t ask how I managed it in my carryon, but I did. It was very comfortable, but not practical at all. Since then, I have discovered the neck pillow that has has become one of my essential items for traveling on a plane: the Ostrich. There are a couple of other companies that make a similar one, but this is the one I own. It’s served me well on many international flights. For domestic, I typically leave it at home.

Headset/Earphones

There are the old plug ones, the new plugs, bluetooth. There are noise canceling, buds, earphones. You could end up taking three different types of headsets if you aren’t careful. I actually take two: my old wired earphones and my bluetooth AirPods. Depending on whether I’m watching something the airline offers on their tv or on my iPad, I am set. This little gadget is a perfect happy medium, but I have yet to purchase it because my wired earphones are not a huge space-taker. I'd also like to splurge on some noise canceling ones but have yet to do so. It's coming! A headset/earphones, though, is definitely one of my essential items for traveling on a plane that I never forget.
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Learning my Camera on the iPad

iPad

When I bought my iPad, I was unsure about it. I bought it to replace a laptop that went kaput, and while it’s not as easy to use for some functions, it’s perfect overall for an electronic travel companion. For me, it's pretty all-inclusive for what I need while traveling. I’ve worked seamlessly on this thing, but also been able to shove it in my purse and take it to a cafe in Paris to read a book while sipping a glass of wine. The Kindle is great, but my iPad’s multifunctional ability make it one of my favorites for essential items for traveling on a plane because I can read, watch a TV show, or work. It was a great purchase that I have no regrets about.
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Wearing My Pacsafe Bag in Paris

Anti-Theft Travel Bag

One of my favorite bags of all time is my Pacsafe bag. It has risen to the top of my essential items for traveling on a plane because I can take the straps and wrap them around my carryon so no one can take it while I’m in the restroom. That sets my mind at ease while traveling solo in particular. The pack also can be configured in two different ways: a backpack or a crossbody. I mostly wear it as a backpack, but the crossbody option is nice. While I don’t consider myself paranoid, I am careful and mindful of my belongings. I highly recommend an anti-theft travel bag to anyone. You might start using it as an everyday bag like I have at times!
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Reusable Travel Bottle - the Corkcicle

Reusable Water Bottle

Yes, we Americans get made fun of for busting out our reusable or plastic water bottles in the middle of the street in foreign countries. Maybe we need more hydration than other people in the world? I don’t know, but I love mine, especially when traveling on a plane. This is one of my essential items for traveling on a plane that I absolutely love. First, I hate plastic water bottles for many reasons I will not get into here. Second, it’s nice to know you have water if your throat suddenly dries out and you are gasping for air in the dry plane recycled air that everyone is breathing. There are thousands of styles, so make sure to grab yourself one for your travels.

Snacks

Through the years, I’ve realized how much I despise plane food. I will avoid eating it all ALL costs, specifically the dinners. Some of the side items are ok, but the whole idea of the food grosses me out. Hence, one of my most important essential items for traveling on a plane is a bag of snacks. Sustenance, if you will. I’ll typically have a mix of nuts, chocolate, turkey jerky, pretzels, and plantain chips. Sometimes I take all of them, sometimes just a few. Another one I recently started to take is granola so I can eat breakfast in my room - granola and milk. It saves me money and I can relax knowing I don’t have to leave to eat. Snacks, friends. They can be life-savers!
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Sanitizer

A very simple way I try to avoid getting sick when traveling is by wiping down my section in a plane or train or any other public spot that I know was not properly cleaned. This is a practice I had well before COVID, friends, so I felt way ahead of the curve here. Sanitization of some sort has always been on my list of essential items for traveling on a plane. Yes, your neighbor will either think you are weird or think you are a genius. I’ve had both. Sometimes I get a quiet request for an extra wipe from a neighbor, and I applaud them for asking. Don’t be shy about your cleanliness or health. Being sick in a hotel room when you arrive sucks and it doesn’t have to be you. Protect your health.
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Life Saving Power Bank

Portable Power Supply

I’ve got the power. And thank goodness these little chargers are made. There have been many times it has saved me from defunct USB cords, running out of battery in the middle of the trip, or a travel companion forgetting to charge the phone the night before. I’m a huge proponent of carrying this in your (anti-theft) travel bag or purse. When you run out of power on your phone and you think you’re lost, no fear. You have your power supply with you to save the day. Trust me, you want this to be on your essential items for traveling on a plane list. I think you'll use it more than you realize.

Set Yourself up for Success

Sure, I love paring down stuff I take on trips. It makes it lighter and easier to haul your stuff around. But there are some things that need to stay on the list of essential items for traveling on a plane, and these items are the ones. I continue to take them over and over and never regret the space I give to them. They are all put to good use at some point in the trip, and I know you’ll do the same. Happy travels.

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