Packing is, perhaps, the most complicated aspect of travel. Do you bring everything? Do you bring the bare minimum?
Rightly so, people often spend a bunch of time figuring out exactly what they will need.
You can never be too careful, yet you don’t want to overload yourself and lug around unnecessary weight during your trip. Here’s a short and sweet list of the best air travel accessories to consider packing before your next trip.
In-Flight Comfort
Some journeys can be painfully long, and it’s crucial to ensure maximum comfort, so you’re in a healthy state of mind when you arrive at your destination. Here are a few airplane accessories you’ll want to carry with you.
1. Travel Pillow
A U-shaped travel pillow is one of the best travel accessories for long flights.
The cushioning gives your neck ample support so you can rest easy on the flight. While it is possible to sleep in your seat, the position can be pretty uncomfortable and leave you with a stiff neck.
2. Eye Mask
Especially, if you’re sensitive to light, an eye mask will improve the quality of your sleep during the flight, and deep rest will ensure that you’re full of energy to tackle the next leg of your journey. The eye mask and pillow will also come in handy when you’re traveling by bus or train during your trip.
3. Headphones
It’s best to carry a pair of headphones with you so you can watch a movie or listen to your favorite music undisturbed. The headphones will also help drown out unwanted noises, like crowd murmurs and crying babies.
4. Kindle/iPad Mini
Certain airlines offer in-flight movies, but the options may not be what you’re looking for. Reading your favorite books or playing games on your iPad can keep you entertained for hours, especially on lengthy flights.
A Kindle is perhaps one of the best gadgets for long flights as it offers endless hours of occupation, especially if you have a vast collection of books.
5. Ear Plugs
There may be times when some quiet is needed during the flight, and earplugs can help you drown out the noise when you’re trying to sleep.
6. Toiletry Bag
Carry a compact toiletry bag with your necessities, like a toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, and wet wipes. This will make your flight comfortable, and in case of lost luggage, you can keep yourself clean until you’re reunited with your bags.
It’s not fun going over 30 hours without brushing your teeth… 😅
Storage
Packing for a flight can get complex when you’re unsure of where to put your stuff. Having the right storage is essential for an uncomplicated experience.
1. Backpack
You’ll need a handy air travel backpack with ample storage and plenty of compartments for your gadgets, documents, and essentials. This way, you have everything in one place in case of any emergency.
2. Travel Wallet
Travel wallets are different from regular wallets that most people use on a day-to-day basis.
Your passport, international debit card, various currencies, and other identification cards are a few of the essentials you’ll need for a trip. It’s helpful to have a wallet that can store all these items for easy retrieval when needed.
Documents
You want to ensure you’re prepared for any eventuality on your trip, and having the correct documents will give you that security.
1. Passport Copy
A passport copy has to be one of the most important items on your flight packing list.
Carry 2-3 passport-sized photos of yourself along with a few color copies of your passport, including the pages with the visa stamped on it, in case you’re traveling internationally.
This copy will safeguard you from all the complications that come with misplacing your passport.
2. Additional Identification
Pack a copy or two of your driver’s license or any state-issued identification card that you can use when checking into hotels or showing proof when entering specific premises, like a club or a bar.
3. Travel Insurance Plan
Download a PDF of your travel insurance plan onto your mobile device so you can access it easily if necessary. If you need to read the details in the middle of a stressful situation, having the document at hand can be a relief.
You can also ask for help more easily in case of lost luggage, as all your insurance details will be within easy reach.
4. Travel Itinerary
Carrying a hard copy of hotel bookings, reservations, or train/bus tickets can be helpful when you’re moving around the country you’ve traveled to. It pays to have a reminder at hand and makes the check-in process much smoother.
5. Event Tickets
In case you’re attending a specific event at your travel destination, keep a hard copy of the tickets with you. If your phone battery dies out or you’re unable to access the internet, having a hard copy at hand can help you get in quickly.
Double check and triple check you’re not leaving those tickets at home.
Gadgets
Some gadgets can make your travel experience less chaotic by giving you the necessary assistance in your time of need.
1. Adapter
The port next to your seat may not support your charging device, and every country you visit has a different charging port for electronic devices. Carrying an adapter suited for your gadgets will eliminate the difficulties arising out of this situation.
2. Portable Charger
Portable chargers can be convenient when you’re moving from place to place within another country. You may need your phone to check directions, book tickets, or contact lodging, and having a portable charger will allow you to access your device at crucial moments.
3. Portable WiFi Hotspot
This is a big nice to have. Traveling with a portable hotspot may seem a little over the top, but having access to the internet during your trip can be invaluable. You may need to change bookings or carry out research on your next destination, and having WiFi on the go will make these tasks hassle-free.
4. Speakers
This can be pretty useful. Keep a set of compact speakers with you so you can set the vibe when you’re relaxing at a beach, on a hill, or any other scenic location during your trip.
5. Flashlight
A flashlight can be especially handy when you’re making an outdoor or camping trip.
Clothing
Most of us often pack too many clothes for a trip and get weighed down by the unnecessary luggage. Instead, pack fewer clothes, but make sure you have a few essential pieces in there.
1. Rain Gear
Get yourself a foldable, compact raincoat or umbrella that can be easily carried in your backpack in case of wet weather when you arrive at your destination.
2. Party Wear
It’s best to pack fewer clothes and take them regularly to the dry cleaners to avoid overloading yourself. However, it’s essential to take at least one set of clothes that you would wear to go out to a club or for another significant occasion.
The best part is that you reuse the same set throughout the trip, reducing the additional luggage you need to carry.
3. Spare Clothes
Aside from packing the right clothes, consider keeping a spare change of clothing in your carry-on luggage. If the airline loses your check-in bags, you’ll have something to wear until your luggage is recovered.
4. Spare Socks
Having compression socks for travel on long flights can help ease the discomfort that accompanies flying. You can wear socks on the flight to keep yourself warm and cozy throughout the journey.
And even if you’re traveling to a warm destination, you’ll have a spare set when your main pair of socks is sent for laundry.
What else would you add to this list? Have you been away from your toothbrush for longer than 30 hours? Have you forgotten tickets at home? Would love to hear your stories (both good and bad).