In my bag
A pair of cashmere track pants, Empty 2 liter water bottle, pair of eye mask, A journal, simple socks, Oroton clutches, Aesop moisturizers, teabags (black and herbal), noise cancelling headphones, Lucas Paw Paw Ointment.
THE CHECKLIST
Beauty products: As soon as I started thinking about long haul travel as potentially relaxing, almost spa-like experiences, it changed everything. Therefore I really up the ante with the beauty products when I travel, taking along eye and face masks (you’ll look crazy but who cares?), moisturiser, lip balm, hand cream, eye cream and pretty much anything I have on hand that’s small enough to fit. Who doesn’t love moisturising while watching Modern Family?
Noise Cancelling Headphones: The difference between economy, business and first class is huge and largely out of your control (unless you have $$$), but the one thing you can do is invest in some good quality noise cancelling headphones, which help make seat 59c, feel a little more like 8a. The new Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 are some great ones (and I’ve tried a bunch in my time!). I don’t usually splurge in my day to day life, but noise cancelling ones are finitely worth the investment – they really work and also have a listening function so you can hear the outside world if you need to.
Sleep Kit: If you’re one of those people who can sleep easily on the plane, count your lucky stars! If, like the rest of us, it’s a struggle to get any shut eye, you really need to get your sleep kit sorted: Comfortable eye mask, earplugs, lavender oil and melatonin are mainstays in my sleep kit.
Chargers: Hopefully you’re flying with an airline that lets you power up, in which case whatever you do don’t leave your charger in your checked luggage. Having a fully charged phone when you land is #1.
Outfit: How to look good but also have maximum comfort when you’re flying. I’m all for the plane change (when you slip into something more comfortable) so you can really sink in and enjoy yourself, with either yoga pants or cashmere track pants being my go to. Add a scarf and some wooly socks, and slip on shoes for when you need to go to the bathroom, and you’re good to go.
Entertainment: A real life book (with pages!) is essential for when you can’t use your kindle, and a journal or notebook is a great thing to have on hand for some in-the-air life planning (anyone else do this?).
Organisation: Grouping key items into little bags might seem OCD, and something that’s definitely not my usual MO, but in the case of long haul travel it plays to be organised so things don’t go missing down the back of seats, tampons don’t roll out into the aisle etc etc etc (you get my drift).
Snacks: Plane snacks are absolutely key to not having to rely on the food you get given – this is something I consider in detail before I head off. You could prepare some cut oats with shaved coconut, almonds, blueberries and banana. A simple meal that’s healthy and is great for between times.
Hydration: Obviously! make sure you take empty water bottle to the plane, ask the hostess to fill it up for you when you board…