things related to air travel

67 Most Useful Travel Accessories: Must-Have Travel Items 2024

By: Author Milijana

Posted on Published: October 11, 2023  - Last updated: April 25, 2024

Categories TRAVEL TIPS

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Wondering what to carry while traveling? Here are the most useful travel accessories and top travel items you need to have on your packing list to travel smart. Here are the things that make travel easier beyond traveling essentials!

AWESOME TRAVELER ACCESSORIES – Travel Must-Haves

If you are into a digital nomad lifestyle or simply into travel long-term, here’s a list of must-have digital nomad gear, travel supplies, and travel equipment. But if you are a seasonal traveler, the next travel accessories will make your travels easier and more comfortable.

It doesn’t matter if you work remotely and long-term travel is your lifestyle, or you take short business trips and prefer short weekend gateways to recharge your batteries in your leisure time but opt for distant exotic destinations only for your vacation.

What matters here is traveling . Even more, comfortable and enjoyable travel .

Therefore I am listing here the must-have traveling accessories and the best accessories for travel .

Here you will find must-have travel items and best travel items, top traveler accessories ( must-have travel accessories and best travel accessories, but also cool travel accessories and unique travel accessories ), and travel gadgets (must-have travel gadgets and best travel gadgets) every smart traveler has. In short, the things you need to take traveling.

Take a look at my list of the best things for travel, vacation must-haves, favorite digital nomad gear, and the best travel gear every traveler should have … to pack like a professional traveler.

Here’s my travel accessories list with the best items for travelers :

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. 

67 INCREDIBLY USEFUL TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL PACKING LIST  (2024)

BEST THINGS FOR TRAVELING: SMART TRAVEL ESSENTIALS AND SMART TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

Travel must-haves

Let’s start with travel essentials and must-have traveling accessories.

1. HAND SANITIZER WIPES

One of the cheap and useful travel items that can make a big difference to your health while traveling. Hand sanitizer wipes are one of those essential travel items and small travel things that make a big difference. Seemingly banal but one of the best items for travel health-related. They are the most needed travel accessories these days. Take care of your health, always!

2. FOLDING TRAVEL TOOTHBRUSH

A  small on-the-go travel toothbrush is an essential travel thing. The folding feature puts travel toothbrushes on the list of the best things for travel. Again, a foldable travel toothbrush is one of those must-have small and useful travel things.

3. TRAVEL TOWEL

A quick-drying and a space-saving towel is a travel must-have . Don’t bother with big fluffy towels when traveling. Instead, opt for a towel to go, a small absorbent towel, and a quick-dry travel towel. A microfiber towel is among my top 10 travel essentials! It served me well, especially on my long-distance hiking trips, such as the one-month-long Camino del Norte in Spain , when I carried all my stuff in my hiking backpack for one month. A lightweight and space-saving microfiber is one of the best travel items, I highly recommend! Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a lightweight microfiber travel towel you need to have. It is a great microfiber beach towel, an excellent microfiber gym towel, an amazing microfiber camping towel, and a great microfiber backpacking towel. Pack your small and fast-drying travel towel with you!

4. TRAVEL PILLOW

A good travel pillow is a must-have for travelers.  Scarf-looking and super light Trtl Travel Pillow is one of the essential travel items on long flights. This essential travel pillow is a one-sided neck brace, adjustable to your neck and head for maximal comfort. And what’s important, it’s an ultralight travel pillow. If you are looking for a tiny travel pillow and the best travel neck pillow for long flights, the Trtl neck support travel pillow is your best bet! Forget blowing inflatable travel pillows and check out Trtl Travel Pillow .

5. TRAVEL WALLET

Another super useful travel item is a multipurpose RFID-blocking travel wallet. This tri-folded RFID-blocking travel wallet keeps safe and well-organized your international travel essentials and valuables: your passport and ID card, and your credit and debit cards. Keep your valuable documents and cards safe, and get your RFID blocking travel wallet .

6.  TRAVEL SPACE BAGS

Travel space bags are some of the best travel products. Roll-up compression bags save space in your suitcase or backpack. Even more, good travel space bags protect and organize your clothing. I can’t image traveling anymore without using traveling space bags. Sometimes I use only small zipper bags to separate my tiny carry-on travel items. I can find my tiny travel products in a minute! Zipper bags are super practical packing travel tools! Make your packing easier and go for travel space saver bags. Trust me, space-saving travel bags are some of the best backpack travel accessories and suitcase travel accessories.

7. TRAVEL PACKING CUBES

You don’t like the sound of roll-up compression bags, but still want to keep your clothing protected and organized? In that case, these awesome travel packing cubes are for you. Travel packing cubes are some of the top must-have travel accessories! Travel packing cubes, with space-saving travel bags, are the perfect packing tools for travel!

8. TRAVEL SHOE BAG

The waterproof and transparent shoe bags for travel separate your dirty shoes from clean clothing. A travel shoe bag is especially useful after hiking trips when you need to separate your dirty hiking boots from the rest of your clothing. Travel shoe bags are must-have traveling items! They are simple packing tools for travel, cheap travel accessories, and highly useful travel accessories!

RELATED READ: 15 Amazing Women’s Hiking Boots Top 18 Women’s Comfortable Sandals For Walking Best Gifts For Hikers Check out my Amazon Influencer Store for some great travel accessories ideas!

9. TRAVEL LAUNDRY BAG

Interested in some more top travel products? I would argue, that travel laundry bags are essential for travel! A machine-washable laundry bag that keeps the dirt and smell of your laundry away from your clean clothing is essential. Unnecessary to say, that this travel laundry bag is a highly useful travel accessory and one of the best backpack accessories and suitcase accessories you need to take on your travels with you.

10. TRAVEL SHEETS LAUNDRY DETERGENT

These eco-friendly sheets are must-have travel items if you are planning a longer trip. These detergent sheets are travel-friendly. They are not messy, unlike liquid and powder detergents. You can’t spill them. Just toss them in with your laundry and that’s it. Cut a sheet in half and use one half for smaller loads. And, use one sheet for larger loads.   Laundry Club Sheets dissolve completely and clean the clothes.  Laundry sheets belong to the most useful travel items! One package comes with 50 sheets. If you are making a shorter trip, you can pack just a few sheets in a Ziploc bag.

11. SHOE CLEANING TRAVEL KIT

If you prefer a tidy look and would love to keep your shoes clean when traveling, consider getting the Crep Protect Cure Shoe Cleaning Travel Kit . This mini on-the-go kit includes a brush, a microfiber cloth, and a Cure cleaning solution. It does an amazing job with suede, leather, canvas, and nubuck. I especially recommend the kit for cleaning white sneakers!

12. DOWNY WRINKLE RELEASE

Dislike wrinkled clothes when traveling?! Me too! But, I found a great solution for wrinkled clothes! Downy Wrinkle Release Spray  is a game-changer and my new favorite travel item. It fixes wrinkled clothing without ironing. Just hang your clothing, spray it, leave it for a few moments… and ta-da! Trust me, it is one of the most useful travel products ever! After trying it, you will probably want to get it for home use. Check out this bundle !

13. MINI TRAVEL UMBRELLA

This super small umbrella doesn’t take up much space in your travel bag but keeps you well protected from the sun and rain. One of the travel necessities and one of the extremely useful mini travel accessories when needed, agree?!

14. RAIN PONCHO

A raincoat is a small, cheap, and useful travel accessory that you can always carry with you to cover yourself in case of unexpected showers. This travel rain poncho is a cool travel item and an exceptionally useful travel item!

 15. WATERPROOF RAIN JACKET

Sometimes while traveling rainy days can’t be avoided by any means. Especially, if you have fixed dates for your vacation. If you don’t like umbrellas or don’t feel comfortable with a rain poncho, then consider getting this top-rated super lightweight Columbia’s women’s waterproof jacket or this Columbia men’s rain jacket These rain jackets are worshiped among travelers! After all, Columbia is celebrated as one of the very best travel accessories brands when talking about travel clothing and sportswear.

16. SLEEP SACK LINER FOR TRAVEL

Looking for more useful travel accessories and small travel items?! This fist-size and lightweight Vumos sleeping bag liner is voted as a piece of the best travel gear. It is especially beloved by outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy camping.

17. POCKET BLANKET

A pocket-size travel blanket goes on the list of great outdoor gear you must have. You never know when you might need an extra blanket. And this extra small blanket is one of those ‘good-to-have’ helpful travel items!

18. PASHMINA SHAWL AND WRAP

Pashmina is one of the favorite traveling items and one of the best travel accessories for women ever . I wear it as a shawl and a scarf.  It covers my arms when visiting sacred places and when a respectful dress code is needed. But I use it as a practical travel blanket too. My pashmina is my travel essential! My pashmina shawl wrap protected me many times from the coldness caused by the extreme use of air conditioning at many international airports, on buses, trains, etc. It is one of my favorite travel items ever! Women’s pashmina is at the top of my list of must-haves for traveling!! Please, add pashmina to your list of must-have traveling accessories for women. Trust me, you will thank me! 🙂

19. COMPRESSION SOCKS

Travel compression socks go on the list of the most useful travel accessories. They are the travelers’ must-haves for long flights to prevent swollen feet on long-haul flights. Travel compression socks are some of the best travel accessories for long flights! They are some of the most popular travel accessories for a good reason! Travel compression socks are the top travel essential items for anyone with blood circulation and swollen legs issues. Have you tried them?

20. COMFORTABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL PANTS

Light, quick-drying, and waist-adjustable travel pants are travel must-haves for comfortable travels. Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Pants provide maximum comfort to ladies, while Columbia Men’s Pants provide freedom and easiness of moving to men while traveling.

21. TSA CABIN-APPROVED COSMETIC LIQUID CONTAINERS WITH ZIPPER BAG

These travel liquids containers and zipper bags are allowed as airplane accessories. For instance, if you need liquid containers for your contact lenses liquid on your flight, these TSA cabin-approved liquid containers need to be on your travel essentials list. I keep my spare contact lenses and the liquid containers always with me! They are my essential carry-on travel accessories! Travel liquid containers with zipper bags are the small travel accessories you need to have!

22. PILL ORGANIZER

Care for your health shouldn’t stop when traveling. On the contrary, a new environment seeks adjustment for your body. Don’t forget to take your vitamins and minerals with you. When you are young, you might not need them so much. But sadly, as you age, they are a must-take. This tiny folding pill organizer for travel keeps your vitamins and medicine well organized. A pill organizer is a basic travel item, but one of those traveling accessories that can make your life much easier while on the road.

23. TRAVEL TOILETRY BAG 

How many times you have found that your toiletries have leaked out onto your travel clothes in your luggage? Well, this waterproof cosmetic organizer is another item on the list of useful travel accessories that make a big difference. Having a good travel toiletries bag not only helps you easily organize your toiletries but also protects your toiletries from leaking out onto your travel clothes. Dear ladies and gentlemen, this waterproof cosmetic organizer belongs to the best travel gear for women and men. Consider getting it!

24. SOLID SHAMPOO BAR FOR TRAVELS

Solid toiletries are among the best products for travel. If you travel long-term, one of the best travel items to always have with you is a solid shampoo bar. Ethique eco-friendly solid shampoo bar nourishes you and the environment.

25. SOLID CONDITIONER FOR TRAVELS

If your hair needs a great conditioner, especially in tropical climates, Ethique eco-friendly solid conditioner will do the work.

2 6. MENSTRUAL CUP

Talking about hygiene travel products and travel accessories for ladies, Lena reusable period cup is one of the top-rated women’s travel items. Ladies know how essential a good menstrual cup on travels can be! A menstrual cup is an essential travel item for women!

27. TRAVEL MONEY BELT

A travel money belt is among the most popular travel accessories. This comfortable and adjusting travel money belt with RFID block (an antitheft protection) keeps your valuables safe every moment. A practical and extremely useful travel item, enough said.

28. TRAVEL SCARF WITH SECRET HIDDEN POCKETS

Talking about women’s travel accessories and useful travel accessories, this travel scarf with secret hidden pockets happens to be one of the best travel items. Decorative and useful. Ladies simply love it.

29. TRAVEL BOOTS WITH SECRET POCKETS  

Another stylish and highly useful travel item is ankle travel boots with secret pockets . These boots are for hard-core travelers who enjoy adventures and want to keep their personal valuables safe. These boots are available in different colors, to match everyone’s taste. But, what’s more important, they keep safe everyone’s travel valuables.

30. SUNSCREEN SPF 50

Good sunscreen is a must-have travel item. This sunscreen is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and National Eczema Association. Please do yourself a favor and wear sunscreen.

31. COLLAPSIBLE WATER FILTERED BOTTLE  

This roll-up portable travel water bottle keeps you hydrated on your travels and takes minimal space in your travel bag. Quite a handy travel item, right?!

3 2. PORTABLE CHARGER

Talking about things you need when traveling, a mini power bank ‘on-the-go’ is one of the modern essential travel gadgets.  This Anker portable battery with an ultra-high capacity of 20100mAh is one of the top travel accessories and must-have accessories for travel. 

33. UNIVERSAL WORLDWIDE TRAVEL ADAPTER  FOR 150+ COUNTRIES 

Talking about must-have electronics, a good travel adapter is one of those international travel must-haves. Admittedly these days our phones connect us with our families, friends, and business more than ever. And to be connected to our families and business when traveling matters a lot. In that sense, one of the worst things that happen on our travels is not being able to charge the phones. And here is where this universal travel adapter for 150+ countries comes in.

34. GLOBAL DATA SIM

If you don’t have a super affordable global data plan and you don’t like the idea of depending solely on wifi when traveling, you need to know that this Keepgo Global Lifetime SIM card works in 64 countries in Europe, Asia, North, and South America. Hello, globetrotters, this global data sim card could easily become your new favorite travel item.

35. WIRELESS TRAVEL ROUTER TO MAKE YOUR PRIVATE SECURE WIFI NETWORK 

But if you prefer to use a wired network on your travels, you certainly want to have a secure one. This HooToo Wireless Travel Router is a light, small, and powerful travel thing. It changes wired networks into a private secure wireless network and enables you to safely back up your travel photos and enjoy media streaming. Looking for a  travel router Best Buy? Check out TP-Link N300 Wireless Travel Router .

36. PORTABLE USB SOLAR CHARGER

What about travel accessories for cars? This portable USB solar charger can sit on the dash in your car and recharge your phone and tablet when driving. One of the greatest car travel accessories ever.  But if you are into hiking, you can simply put your Anker USB Solar Charger onto your bag and keep charging it on the go.

37. TSA APPROVED SCAN-SMART ANTITHEFT AND WATERPROOF BACKPACK

If you want to avoid unnecessary hassle with airport security and also to avoid becoming a victim of theft on your travels,  you should consider buying a smart travel bag.   This SwissGear Smart DayPack is a  very trendy travel backpack and one of the most popular travel-safe bags ever. It is a top antitheft travel safe backpack and one of the best laptop backpacks ever. Certainly, one of the best traveling bags you can find on the market. Read more about SwissGear Smart DayPack here.  

38. UNIVERSAL TRAVEL CABLE AND ELECTRONICS ORGANIZER

Talking about practical travel accessories and things that make travel easier, consider getting electronics organizer travel accessories. This BagSmart Electronic Organizer is a travel charger organizer and electronics travel bag that  keeps your electronics and cables on your travels well organized. If you are searching for the best travel cable organizer, you consider getting BagSmart Electronic Organizer .

39. DIGITAL LUGGAGE SCALE

This small and super light luggage scale protects you from overpacking and paying extra for overweight luggage fees. A must-have travel item and a useful travel item.  If you don’t want to give extra money for overweight luggage, don’t think twice and just put FREETOO digital luggage scale onto your international travel list. A digital luggage scale is among the all-time best travel buys! Remember, small travel things can make a big difference.

40. ROLLING DUFFEL BAG 

Searching for the best luggage for frequent travelers? The best best gear for travel? It is hard to say what’s the best travel bag. But many travelers swear that rolling duffel bags are the best luggage for frequent travelers as they are light, flexible, and roomy and you can put more things in them than into hard suitcases. But on the other hand, duffel bags might be more vulnerable to theft than suitcases. In any case, this Samsonite Wheeled Duffel is a light travel bag and  waterproof travel bag you should take into account.

41.  TRAVEL SUITCASE WITH SPINNER WHEELS

A wheeled suitcase is arguably the best option for refined travelers and business travelers. A wheeled suitcase is the best gear for travelers who like to travel. in style. If you are looking for the best suitcase for business travel or the best suitcase for European travel, this Samsonite Winfield awesome suitcase is on the list of the best suitcases for business travel and the best suitcases for traveling to Europe. It could become with ease your best travel suitcase and your best business travel luggage ever.

42. CARRY-ON WHEELED BACKPACK WITH A DETACHABLE DAY BAG

Are you a light traveler who is looking for the best luggage to travel internationally with a mini travel backpack? Looking for one of those multipurpose travel bags you can easily carry around? This 3 IN 1 Bag goes as a wheeled bag, a backpack, and a day bag. A perfect travel bag, right? Perfect equipment for travelling, indeed! High Sierra AT3 carry-on can be rated as the ultimate travel bag, unique carry-on luggage, and coolest carry-on luggage. But in any case, it is the best-buy backpack. 3 in 1, remember?!

43. ULTRALIGHT BACKPACK

If you ask backpackers what’s the most useful travel item. They will say, a light backpack of course! It is one of the essential travel items after all. This TETON Sports backpack is one of the best lightweight travel backpacks and top-rated travel backpacks. 

44. LUGGAGE STRAPS

Darller Luggage Straps  belong to the travelers’ must-haves. The straps keep your suitcase tightly closed. You can also tie two suitcases together with them and keep your luggage together. Darller Luggage Straps come in vibrant colors, not only in black. The bright colors help you spot your luggage quickly at airports. There’s no doubt, that the luggage straps are among the best luggage accessories.

45. TSA APPROVED TRAVEL LUGGAGE LOCK

Some extra security gives peace to the mind. So consider adding this travel luggage lock to your luggage accessories . This small safety accessory can make a big difference on your trip.

46. PERSONALIZED LUGGAGE TAGS

47. MINI PERSONAL TRAVEL FAN

Gaiatop Mini Portable Fan is one of the best travel accessories you could wish for when in heat. It is a lifesaver in heat! It is a small and lightweight but mighty device. You can put it in your purse and use it on the go. It is one of the top must-have travel items in the summertime!

48. LIGHT LAPTOP FOR TRAVELLING 

For digital nomads and people who work remotely a light laptop is one of the business travel essentials. Light 13-inch MacBook Air is my working tool. The small and light 13-inch MacBook Air  fits perfectly into my women’s laptop backpack.

My iPhone XS Max goes in the package with my MacBook Air. My Macbook Air and my MacBook Air are my essential business tools. To sum up, my iPhone XS Max is one of my top travel must-haves.

50. UNIVERSAL WATERPROOF PHONE CASE

One of the must-have accessories for iPhone or whatever phone you have is this JOTO universal waterproof phone dry bag . You want to protect your favorite must-have travel gadget, right?!

51. LAPTOP STAND

If you work long hours in front of your laptop screen, this super lightweight, portable, and foldable support laptop stand protects you from neck pain and keeps your health. Amazing travel gadget for people who work remotely! And one of the top digital nomad accessories!

52. BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD 

Trifold pocket-sized iClever Bluetooth keyboard is another great travel gadget you can hardly resist, especially if you are a digital nomad. This is a great travel gift too. Hmm, Christmas is coming soon.

53. NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES

Noise-canceling Bluetooth Sony WF-SP900 headphones keep you away from sound distractions. A useful travel gadget. You can’t deny it, huh?!

54. EARPLUGS

 If good sleep on your travels matters to you, and I believe it matters a lot, then these earplugs for sleeping are a must-have accessory. Earplugs for sleeping, earplugs for swimming, earplugs for snoring … you name it. Yes, you need them. They are the absolute must-have items for traveling!

55. HEADLAMP

One of the cool items to buy for travel and useful traveling gear is a headlamp. Whether you like reading in your hostel bunk bed at night or as outdoor gear for camping and hiking, the DanForce Headlamp is a cool travel item and a great travel gadget to have.

56. MINI TRAVEL FLASHLIGHT

This super small flashlight is one of the most useful travel accessories you simply must have.

57. TRIPOD WITH WIRELESS REMOTE FOR TAKING PICTURES AND VIDEOS

A tripod with a wireless remote is one of the top gadgets for travel! Why? If you travel solo or want to have travel photos with your all family members in the photos, this Ubeesize tripod will do the work for you. A hint? It comes with a lifetime warranty.

58. CANON G7X VLOG CAMERA

If you are interested in high-quality travel videos, Canon G7x is on the way to becoming one of your favorite travel gadgets. Highly useful and essential for vloggers. And, it is another great gift for travelers.

59. GO-PRO HERO 7

Talking about gadgets for travelers, and when it comes to GoPro, a special introduction is unnecessary. The world has gone crazy for GoPro Hero 7 ! One of the best travel gadgets for adventure travelers and beyond.

60. TRAVEL FIRST AID KIT

This portable and lightweight first aid kit is one of the best travel kits. It has bandages, alcohol wipes , ibuprofen, aspirin tablets, antiseptic cotton, sterile pads, first-aid tape, scissors … Hikers, campers, …outdoor enthusiasts, and long-term travelers … simply adore it. You might too! 

61. TRAVEL DOOR ALARM

A small travel door alarm is one of those useful travel accessories that can make a big difference if you happen to need to sleep in a dodgy hotel.

62. SAFETY WHISTLE

A safety whistle is one of the cool cheap things to buy on Amazon , but it can be life-saving in case of an emergency! Your life is worth much more than the few bucks you are going to spend on buying a safety whistle , agree?! Buy it and take it with you. And let’s hope you will never need to use it.

63. PHONE SANITIZER WITH FAST WIRELESS CHARGER

Recent global events taught us that cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing are more important than ever before. This eco-friendly sanitizer cleans easily and safely a huge range of products: from phones, earphones, computer mice, and watches to USB sticks, car keys, makeup tools, jewelry, and more. It’s disinfecting everything. It is usable at home, office, and on travel. This easy-to-use sanitizer is undeniably one of the most useful travel items at the moment.

64. MEMORY FOAM SEAT CUSHION

If you are a digital nomad who works remotely, then you appreciate a comfortable office chair. This ergonomically designed gel memory foam seat cushion will make your back pain back gone or minimalized. It is great for traveling, office, home, driving (car seat), and even wheelchair use.

65. PORTABLE TRAVEL CLOTHESLINE

If you enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, boat riding, or traveling slowly, you would appreciate this elastic stainless travel clothesline with clips . Put the clothesline between trees, on the balcony, in an RV, or bathroom, and make your drying space anywhere. People who hiked Camino de Santiago , like me, know how useful this small travel item can be on multi-day treks. (Check out my Camino de Santiago packing list !) Hang your towels, socks, etc on the clothesline and get your clothes dry naturally! This clothesline is lightweight, easy to pack, and one of the most useful travel accessories for multi-day trips.

66. PORTABLE BIDET

This Portable Bidet with Travel Bag is one of the most popular travel items. Keeping good personal hygiene is important at home and on travels. The HappyPo Travel Bidet is easy to use. It doesn’t need batteries or a connection. You just need to fill it with water, squeeze the bottle, and voilà – a nice wide spray comes! It is small, handy, and easy to carry on. A portable bidet is a must-have travel item for people who like to feel cleaner on their travels.

67. PORTABLE ESPRESSO MACHINE

If you follow my blog, you know how much I appreciate good coffee. On my coffee travels around the world , I sipped fabulous Vietnamese coffee in Vietnam , enjoyed siphoned coffee in Laos, had authentic luwak coffee in Bali , cruised famous coffee houses in Vienna , indulged in Italian espresso in Italy, etc. If you are anything like me, you need a cup of coffee to start your day with. This mini portable espresso machine is a top travel item a coffee lover could ask for! It is lightweight, portable, and easy to use. This handy travel-sized espresso machine is one of the best travel items for coffee-loving travelers!

Hope you find useful my list of the best travelling equipment. You can use it as a travel checklist for packing your essential travel items and favorite travel accessories.

I did my best to cover travel gadgets and accessories, outdoor gear, travel aids accessories, smart travel items, best luggage for travel … domestic and international travel accessories. If you would like to add something to my list of useful travel accessories and help fellow travelers, please leave a comment or send me a message.

Happy and safe travels, always!

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Saturday 9th of July 2022

I was looking for ideas for gift basket for a coworker who is traveling across the country, and really loved your suggestions. It was the small ordinary things we usually overlook! Thank you

Graeme Stewart

Saturday 10th of April 2021

That's a lot of stuff to carry. I would reduce the bags to just one and save a lot of space and airline fees :)

You know that your phone has a flashlight right? That can replace the mini-light.

Otherwise, very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Stewart,

thanks for sharing your thoughts. I gave some options here, of course. Anyway, I still believe that a mini flashlight is one of the really useful travel accessories. It takes almost nothing of space and it can be helpful. It's mini. After all, we don't need to have our phones with us all the time. :-)

Thanks for reading and taking your time to comment! I appreciate it. Milijana

Tuesday 29th of September 2020

The portable solar USB charger is definitely on top of my list! As a travel enthusiast myself that is often found hiking or trekking, I can definitely soak all that natural energy and convert it into power for my electronics.

Great article!

Kim Goodwin

Thursday 5th of December 2019

Hey Milijana, You have given the quality information for the travel. It was helpful to choose the necessary gadgets for my trip. What I personally like in your blog is you've provided many safety gadgets. Keep on like these posts. I am waiting for more information post from you.

I am glad to read this. Thank you for your feedback, Kim!

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

Thanks Milijana for this quality post. Thumbs up!!

Thank you for reading and commenting.

I hope some of the travel accessories I've listed will make your next trip more comfortable, more safe, easier and more enjoyable overall.

Happy and safe travels, Milijana

57 Brilliant Travel Accessories Every Traveller Must Have [2024 Edition]

Travel smarter and safer in 2024 with 57 of the best brilliant travel accessories and travel gadgets. From the best adapters, earplugs, space-savers, travel safety to portable chargers.

1. this ergonomic travel pillow.

The smart design of this washable pillow prevents your head from falling forwards as you sleep. Suitable for adults and children and perfect to use on airplanes, buses, trains, cars, camping, while backpacking, wheelchairs, airport terminals, or even while watching TV.

Buy it here

2. Pack more with these awesome space bags ! I have 20 of them!

Saving space in your suitcase is no longer a challenge with these amazing space bags that push out the air when rolled up. You effectively gain up to 50% more space in your baggage. I use the larger ones at home and the smaller ones for travel. They make for great organisers too!

Buy them here

3. Keep your dirty clothes separate with this handing laundry bag

Keep your dirty clothes organized and separate. This handy GOMATIC hanging laundry bag has a strap to attach it to a doorknob. Once your laundry bag is full, you can easily pack it and have it ready to empty straight into your washing machine when you get home. Buy it here.

4. Get this cute secret pocket infinity scarf

5. This Travel-sized Wireless Router with USB Media Storage

Convert any wired network to a wireless network and stay connected! Not only that you can also stream your videos, photos, and music to your connected media devices. If that wasn’t enough, back up and free up space on your mobile devices by using an attached USB flash drive or hard disk.

6. This Travel Door Alarm

Travelling alone or just wanted added peace of mind in your accommodation? Attach this pocket-sized alarm to your door or window and be alerted the second there is an intruder. There’s also a built-in LED flashlight so there’s no fumbling in the dark.

7. This Multi-Bag Stacker

No more bag juggling or pushing multiple trolleys/carts, just attached this nifty strap that connects suitcases and bags together through their handles.

8. These Amazing Space-Saving Laundry Soap Sheets

Add water and the sheet will dissolve instantly. They also come in shaving, body wash and hand soap versions.

9. Protect your phone from water, drops and scratches with this Lifeproof Case

10. this digital luggage scale.

You’ll never be surprised with having to pay for excess weight at the airport again. This compact and lightweight luggage scale can weigh up to 110 lb / 50 kg luggage. No batteries required.

11. No more breaks and leak with this inflatable bottle bag

This versatile roll-up travel bag suspends items in an inflatable air cushion to protect your bottles such as wine and olive oil. No more nasty surprises and messy spills when you open your suitcase.

12. Boost Circulation with these highly-rated compressions socks

13. Keep your Laptop and Other Items safe with a Portable Safe

14. This Vintage Laptop and Travel Backpack that Charges your Gadgets

15. The Only Travel Adapter You’ll Ever Need PLUS Dual USB Ports (Covers 150 Countries)

16. This inspirational luggage tag with card slot

17. Always Be Ready with a Pocket, Picnic and Beach Blanket

18. For Those Who Love a Mini Electric Toothbrush

19. Keep Your Drinks Hot on Long Haul Flights with this Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug (Different Colours Available)

20. Get This Gorgeous Multi-Use Travel, Hiking, Camping Bag Rucksack

21. This Smartest Carry-on suitcase Built-in USB Charger

22. Keep your toiletries organized with this waterproof organizer

23. Stay clean with these laundry sachets 

24. This personalised passport holder and protector  

25. Charge multiple accessories super fast with this portable compact charger

26. Get some shuteye with this contoured sleep mask

27. Avoid the knots and get this nifty cable organizer

28. Sleep anywhere with the ultimate ergonomic neck supporter

29. Pack like a boss with these space-saving packing cubes with shoe bag

Keep your gear organised with these travel cubes in assorted sizes. Buy it here

30. Keep your stuff safe with this TSA approved luggage lock

31. Keep your jewellery organized with this compact jewellery box

32. Never buy cabin luggage again with this durable and lightweight case

33. Stay hydrated with this collapsible water bottle

34. Breathe easy with this USB or battery operated mini humidifier

35. Take your music with you with this wireless and waterproof Bluetooth speaker

36. Get safe drinking water wherever you go with the LifeStraw water filter

37. Get 18 in 1 multi-purpose credit card size pocket tool

38. These cabin-approved leak-proof travel bottles for makeup and cosmetics

39. Stay charged on the go with this mini power bank

40. Take your phone underwater with a universal waterproof case

41. Protect your camera with this anti-theft shoulder strap by PacSafe

This camera strap is essential for supporting heavy cameras like DSLRs and even popular travel cameras such as Mirrorless ones.

Buy it here $26.87

42. Take this lightweight tripod anywhere and wirelessly take pictures and video

43. Protect your gear with this anti-theft shockproof backpack that’s ScanSmart TSA friendly and water resistant

44. Charge your phone and tablet with this USB solar charger

45. Keep your phone clean with this sanitizer and universal phone charger

46. Put your feel up with this compact foot hammock

47. hang up your washing with this travel clothes line.

No more hanging your delicates over hotel room chairs. This pegless washing line stretches up to 2.5metre and can be to affixed to either a  wall or furniture with its metal hooks or suction cups.

48. Get this beautiful waterproof travel and passport wallet

49. This Convenient Water Bottle with Built-in Pill Organizer

Great way to take your medication while on the go! This water bottle can store your medication for each day of the week. The medication holder can also be detached. Holding 23 oz. or 600ml, the bottle cap also doubles as a cup. Ingenious!

50. Keep all your documents in once place with this travel wallet

51. Alert others when in trouble with this safety whistle

52. Stay entertained with movies, TV shows, songs, Kindle e-books, apps and games on Kindle Fire

Buy on Amazon for $79.99

53. Wash your clothes wherever you are with this machine quality wash bag

Buy on Amazon for $42.44

54. This Clever Tank Top  with Secret Pockets

Keep your  passport, cash and credit cards safe with this versatile tank top. Perfect for both warm and cool climates. It can even fit your cell phones and keys.

Buy on Amazon

55. This Anti-Crease Shirt Transporter

Save time on ironing! This Tupperware for shirts and blouses is called the Shirt Shuttler, perfect for those trips when you know you’ll be spending a night out on the town or in a boardroom, or both!

Buy on Amazon for $24.99

56. This Optical Camera Lens for Smartphones and Tablets

57. The only worldwide travel charger and power adapter you’ll ever need  (UK/US/AU/EU/JP) + Dual USB Ports

Buy on Amazon for $25.99

Want more? Check out these 43 Amazing Money-Saving Tips for Smart Travellers

Stay tuned! I’m constantly updating this page as I discover the latest and greatest travel accessories. If you’re going backpacking or long-term travelling, check out my ultimate travel packing list . Got a favourite travel accessory? Share it below! 🙂

Want more travel tips? Don’t miss these

• How to Travel Cheap: Ultimate Guide to 108 Travel Resources
• 43 Amazing Money-Saving Travel Tips and Hacks
• Travel Insurance for Italy (What You NEED to Know Before You Go)
• 10 Simple Long Haul Flight Tips for Arriving Rested and Relaxed
• 23 Top Travel Essentials: Ultimate Travel Packing List for Backpackers
• What Pack for Winter in Norway: 17 Must-Have Packing Items
• 10 Travel Hacks That’ll Make Your First Solo Trip A Total Breeze
• 20 Clever Ways to Staying Fit While Travelling You Should Try

Like it? Pin it for later!

Over to you!

What other travel accessories do you recommend? Have you used any of these? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

35 Best Things to do in Madeira, Portugal // The Ultimate Guide 2024

Top 10 hotels & resorts in the northern territory 2024 // darwin, katherine & alice springs, 16 comments.

Howdy Michele, I love to travel. I’ve read so many posts about travel gadgets, but you are the best one. Your article was beneficial in finding the necessary devices. I personally like an anti-theft shockproof backpack, which is ScanSmart TSA friendly and water-resistant. It is useful for everyone.

Thank you so much, Kim 🙂

Hello, I have gone through your guide and seems to be interesting though I have one more concern on the WiFi devices. Can you recommend me on the best Pocket Device that will work well on anywhere I travel. I have using AllDayWifi but its very slow on their international data plan. I have been considering RentnConnect though I know very little about it

Hi Collins, have you considered this Skyroam device ? It one of the leaders in the market and very compact.

What about this Trackimo 3G Travel Tracker device this has Light Exposure Sensor – detect/alerts when package or luggage is opened. I am currently using this tracker and i found this very useful to me every time i go travel around the world 🙂

Excellent addition Helen, thank you 🙂

A tracking device would be a great addition to this list.

Amazing! This makes traveling easier.

Definitely brilliant ideas worth sharing

This IS such a cool list! I thought I had everything, but then I found out the door travel alarm (never would’ve thought of it)!. And I wonder how good the neck support (#33) is because there were PLENTY of times I could have used something like that on my trips.

Hey Trang, the door alarm is such a great idea especially for those times when you just don’t feel safe 🙂 Is there anything you’d add to the list?

I just carry a small rubber door stop wedge.

WOW! This is one extensive list of all things travel and certainly one that I will be using to give hints to my friends and family round the holiday season. The new ScanSmart backpack along with the waterproof phone case and solar charger are on top of my list. However my top two purchases are going to be the smart suitcase and the backpack which are absolutely brilliant. Thanks for such a cool list.

Hi Michele, There are all great ideas. I have one more suggestion for you. Smart Blanket! I used it when flying to Zurich to see my son and his family. The plane was freezing, and there were no blankets to be had. I was the only one that was warm and cozy for the whole 8 hours. I love mine. Got it on Amazon http://amzn.to/2hTYlOP I paid $49.00 for mine. Think they are having a sale on them now. Hope you like my suggestion.

The door alarm and aeroplane pillow are a great idea to stay comfy and safe! I always take an extension lead when I travel; so that I have more plug sockets in a hotel room, and it also means you don’t need as many adapters when you travel. You also can’t go wrong with baby wipes and small-ish plastic bags in case a seat is wet, a bottle is leaking or you’ve got a mark on your clothes! ✈️?

All brilliant ideas Emily 🙂 Thanks for sharing. I love the baby wipes idea!

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If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going?   Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

29 Essential Travel Items That Are a Complete Game Changer

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: February 17, 2022  - Last updated: March 31, 2024

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Packing sucks.

You always feel like you’re forgetting something.

Or you over-pack and end up using only half of what you brought.

Packing for your next trip doesn’t have to be this way.

As a full-time travel blogger and after loading up my carry-on luggage dozens of times, I’ve learned to bring some essential travel items that keep me organized and play double duty so that I don’t bring stuff I don’t need .

Whether you’re packing for an international trip, a long flight or want to know what you should put in your carry on, there are some things you should never travel without . 

Being prepared also means I save money when I travel, since I know I have everything I need and don’t have to worry about buying things on the road.

Avoid tourist tax and don’t pay double or triple what you should when you forget something simple like sunscreen! 

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you make a purchase through them – at no extra cost to you. I only share products that I use myself and love, btw.)

This list shares my most unique items that every traveler should have that aren’t so obvious but make your life so much better and easier when you’re on the move. 

You won’t find all the same-old, overdone, boring recommendations that are obvious like remembering to pack your phone charger or packing cubes.

TRAVEL PRO TIP: Packing last minute? A lot of the travel items on this list can be found on Amazon. And if you have Amazon prime, most items will arrive the next day. Sign up for a free trial of prime here (and then you can cancel your membership before the month is over). 

Let’s get to my list of 29 essential travel items that will make your life way easier.

1. A Scarf With Hidden Pockets 

This super sneaky scarf is one of my most recommended travel must haves.

There’s a hidden zippered pocket inside the scarf where you can store cash, keys, sunglasses, a passport and even your phone if you want to.

It’s perfect if you’re traveling solo and want to have your valuable items hidden but easily accessible.

Or if you’re worried about pickpockets, this scarf is a stealthy way to hide your things.

It’s probably one of the best travel accessories for women out there.

The perfect travel accessory - discreetly hide your cash, credit cards, ID, jewelry and other lightweight items.

If you’re browsing a busy farmer’s market or at a crowded festival, it’s perfect for keeping your hands free and not showing off a flashy purse when you want to buy something.

Plus, it’s also the perfect air travel accessory, since it doubles as a small purse which won’t count as a personal item and it will keep you warm and cozy. 

2. A Stuffable Neck Pillow

A stuffable neck pillow is my favorite item for packing light and saving money carry-on luggage fees.

You can easily fit several articles of clothing into this soft, neck pillow shell, and it doesn’t count towards your carry-on luggage.

In the neck pillow above, I packed:

• One cardigan
• One light athletic zip-up
• Two t-shirts
• Two tank tops

So if you’re only traveling for 5-6 days, you could fit your entire ‘top half’ of your wardrobe in this neck pillow, and it won’t even be close to being overstuffed.

I demonstrated packing this neck pillow in my YouTube video about packing light (without feeling like you’re packing light).

Buy this neck pillow on Amazon

3. Soothing Tea Bags for the Plane

Speaking of air travel accessories that you might not have thought about…I always pack my own tea bags with me when I travel, especially on flights.

Just ask the flight attendant for hot water and brew your own.

My favorite is Eucalyptus tea – it opens up your airways and helps prevent your nose from getting all stuffed up.

It helps soothe your throat too.

My throat always gets scratchy from all the stuffy, recycled air on the plane.

A soothing tea is also one of the most useful things for traveling if you’re prone to getting sick when you travel. 

TRAVEL PRO TIP – If you’re an anxious flyer or have trouble sleeping on the plane, you HAVE to try the Sweet Slumber tea made with valerian root . This stuff will put even the most high strung traveler to sleep.

The main ingredient is Valerian root, which is also known as nature’s Valium.

And with some chamomile and lavender for calming, your slumber party is only minutes away.

If you can’t find tea bags, you can build your own or just pack loose leaf tea into a travel mug.

This is my favorite travel tea mug which comes with its own infuser.

So yeah, sleepy time tea is one of the most underrated but essential travel items in my opinion!

TIP: get immediate access to crazy discounts on flights (including business class) when you sign up for FareDrop here (it’s my current travel hack obsession ).

4. Solid Lotion Stick/Body Butter

Another one of my favorite items for travel is a lotion stick (instead of liquid lotion).

It’s one of the best products for travel because it’s not considered a ‘liquid’ when you put it in your carry on.

Plus, there’s no risk of it spilling or exploding in your bag.

Having lotion on you when you travel is always important, because your skin gets so dry from airplane travel or if you’re traveling in a lot of buses with the air conditioning blasting.

As this means one less liquid to pack in your carry on bag, it’s definitely an essential travel item for any trip I take. 

See also: 14 Brilliant Travel Hacks for Packing Toiletries

5. White Noise Machine

The sound quality on a white noise machine is so much better than anything you'll find on the phone apps.

No matter how comfy it is, sleeping in a different bed in a different location is never the same as sleeping in your own bed.

Using a white noise machine can help put you to sleep.

It covers up potentially weird sounds from your hotel room, and the variety of soothing sounds helps keep you asleep.

I like this compact white noise machine , which can also be hung.

I also like this one that changes color and doubles as a night light.

Read more: What to Pack for a Hotel Stay (13 genius ideas)

6. A Tassel USB Charger  

Ok, this is a cool travel accessory that you will absolutely love. The USB cable and cord is cleverly hidden within the leather tassel .

Just clip it to your purse or your overnight bag and it’s conveniently available whenever you need it.

No messy cords to untangle, this is one of my newest favorite items for travel. 

Keep it clipped to your purse or travel bag for those 'oh no' moments when your phone is almost dead!

7. Microfiber Travel Towel 

This is another one of those essential travel items that have a dual purpose.

First, being microfiber, this towel will be fast drying, which is important when you’re on the move.

The one I have is barely even damp by the time I’m done drying myself off.

Plus, if you’re traveling on a budget, I find that cheap hotel rooms have the worst towels that don’t really absorb.

And since they’re so compact, they make the perfect air travel accessory since it can double as a blanket when you need it. 

Doubles as a blanket on the plane/train and also great if you're sensitive to the hotel towels that use too much bleach.

8. Compression Bags 

Wondering how to pack your clothes for travel? Compression bags are the way to go.

Everyone loves travel cubes these days, but compression bags are so much better.

All you do is lay your folded clothes inside, then roll up the bag to push all the air out.

You are then left with super flat clothes that take up 50% less space.

They’re great for saving space and staying organized.

Plus, they’re clear -making your airport security experience go much more smoothly than the cubes which are usually opaque.

Honestly, they’re one of the most useful things for travelling I’ve come across in a long time. 

However, if you DO prefer packing cubes, I also use this set which have a compression component built in to them.

These cubes really are the best of both worlds.

Have a 15 lbs (7kgs) weight limit for your carry-on luggage? Here are 7 bags UNDER 6 pounds that we tested on multiple airlines.

9. A HeroClip Carabiner

This isn’t just any carabiner – this is a clip that hooks to almost anything, anywhere so you can hang your things and keep them off the ground. 

I use this to hang my purse off the table at restaurants and in public washrooms when there’s no hook on the door to hang my bag.

It even hangs off the hinge of the door if there’s no gap to use. 

It’s the perfect travel accessory to hang bags (backpacks, duffel bags, etc) off the floor when you’re traveling like when you need to change in a bathroom stall and there’s no hooks. 

You can attach a water bottle to your bag, or even at the gym. It’s a great ‘gear holder’ for any item, anywhere. 

These are so versatile.

Choose your HEROCLIP here

Keep your bags off the floor! Use these to hook your purse on the table, hang your bag at a public restroom when there's no hook on the door, anywhere!

Read next: These Travel Gear Essentials for Men Are Game-Changing

10. Luggage Tracker

Worried about lost bags? It’s an unfortunate reality that this happens, and when it happens to you it sucks. Especially when you’re starting your vacation.

Attach these smart luggage tags to your bags, and if they get lost, just activate the code on the website to start tracking.

Most bags are recovered within 24 hours.

Luggage trackers for half the price of AirTags!

Plus, you’ve got added security because you don’t have to write your phone number and address on your luggage tags, which is a dead giveaway that you’re not home to potential thieves.

If you’re a bit of an anxious traveler, these are definitely a must have travel item for peace of mind. 

11. A Legit Carry On Bag

Another traveller essential is a high quality and trusty carry on bag.

There are tons of carry on bags out there to choose from, but I have to include the two bags I use on this list.

I only fly carry-on and never check a bag, and this bag (pictured above) has held up great.

I’ve taken it on several different airlines and have never had a problem.

It’s small enough that I use it for a weekend getaway, and big enough for packing two weeks worth of clothes. 

This is the carry-on bag I use the most and has been featured on my YouTube channel!

You Might Also Like: 20 Things to Pack for An All Inclusive Vacation

12. Towel Clips

Towel clips are such a travel hack!

I use these at the beach, at the all-inclusive resort and on cruises!

You can even use them at the local pool or when you’re at the pool in Vegas.

They’re perfect for saving your towel on your lounge chair, so that you don’t have to leave items like sunglasses, books or sunscreen to save your spot.

I like these fun towel clips because they come in all kinds of fun themes – flip flops, pineapples, flamingos, etc!

Planning a trip to Mexico? Check out These 26 Travel Tips for Mexico You Are Guaranteed to Use

13. A Hanging Toiletry Bag

The #1 best-selling toiletry bag on Amazon! It now comes in 12 different colors.

This is one of those travel products that everyone needs, but no one likes to spend the money on a good one.

Well, my life changed forever when I found this bag on Amazon that hangs from a hook or a towel rack.

It’s roomy enough to carry everything you need without being bulky.

It’s perfect for when you check into your hotel and realize there’s zero counter space for your stuff.

Just hang it from a towel rack or even the shower rod and you’re good to go. 

14. A Multi-Tool That’s Safe to Fly With

This multitool is TSA-compliant.

Pack one of these TSA-compliant multitools into your travel bag and keep it there!

The TSA allows you to fly with a multitool in your carry-on bag provided it does not have a blade and has scissors less than 4 inches in length:

• “Multi-tools (multipurpose tools) with scissors less than 4 inches may be placed in carry-on bags.” – source: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all

This one is TSA compliant as it doesn’t have a blade. But it does have tweezers, pliers, a nail file, etc.

It’s perfect for those small, inconvenient travel moments where a little tool would come in handy.

Fixing jewelry, removing clothing tags or when you need to get rid of a splinter.

15. An Extra Long Phone Charger

Keep your regular phone charger at home, and pick up a 10-foot cord for traveling.

You never know where the electrical outlets will be in your hotel room, and more often than not they’re only on one side of the bed.

16. Insulated Tumbler

Comes in multiple colors, comes with 2 different lids, fits perfectly in cupholders. Simple, elegant and classy!

For road trips, camping, the beach, a cruise, an all-inclusive resort or any kind of travel, an insulated tumbler is a must-have travel accessory.

This tumbler has an insanely high amount of 5-star ratings on Amazon and comes in a variety of funcolors!

These are perfect at the all inclusive resort or when you’re walking around in the Las Vegas heat – this cup keeps your drinks ICE COLD (but can also be used for hot beverages)!

Use it for your poolside drinks and to stay hydrated all day long.

17. Bed Shelfie

Perfect for hotel stays, travel trailers, cruises, holding CPAP machines and staying at Airbnbs.

Don’t you hate it when you check into your hotel room and there’s a small bedside table or no bedside table at all?

This bed shelfie is the perfect solution.

Use it to hold your phone, drinks, books, glasses, anything.

If you travel with a CPAP machine, it will fit on the bed shelf, too.

A lot of people use these for their RVs and travel trailers and attach them to the sofa.

18. Fanny Pack/Belt Bag

Fanny packs (or belt bags depending which generation you’re from) are in and I am SO okay with this trend.

They’re the perfect size for carrying your essentials without being too bulky.

I also love that it stays close to my body for feeling more secure and keeps my hands free to take photos or hold a drink.

You can go hiking with them, or when you sit down at a restaurant you don’t need to set it down anywhere.

A good fanny pack has been one of my most useful items for traveling.

I love my black lululemon fanny pack. I wear it for all my Las Vegas trips (perfect for pool parties, too).

But this fanny pack comes in 18 different colors and is the perfect bag for a music festival this summer!

19. Vicks VapoInhaler

This is so handy to have on road trips or on the airplane for instant relief from the dry air.

It’s small and super stealth to use so no one will notice.

Check out Vicks VapoInhaler here .

20. Chub Rub Anti-Chafing Balm

This is the ultimate hack to staying comfortable in a warm climate.

If you’re going to be doing a lot of walking, cycling or hiking on vacation, you need this chub rub to prevent chafing!

Wear your beautiful dresses and skirts without having to worry about any thigh chafing.

Once you try it, this is the summer travel accessory you won’t ever leave home without.

Try the all natural anti chafing stick here .

21. Bottle Protectors

No more wrapping your bottles in towels and hoping for the best!

Bring home your bottles of wine or liquor safely, securely and stress-free with these bottle protectors, also appropriately named ‘ wine angels ‘.

Grab a set of wine protectors here .

22. Slippers

If you’re coming back to your hotel room after a long day of walking and adventures, it’s so nice to take your shoes off.

But I never trust how clean the floors are in hotel rooms, which is why I won’t ever go bare foot and not even in my socks.

So I pack a pair of slippers to wear in the hotel room and problem solved!

These slippers have memory foam , so they’re ultra comfy for sore feet (and they come in 10 colors)!

23. An e-SIM Card

If you’re visiting another country, an e-SIM card is the easiest, most convenient and usually the most affordable way to get data on your smart phone.

Airalo offers data plans in 190 countries around the world.

All you do is visit the website, download the app, choose your country and the amount of data you need and activate your eSIM.

No need to pre-buy a physical sim card.

Plus, if you’re not sure how much you need, if you run out, you can easily add more with the press of one button.

As a Canadian, I’ve used Airalo eSIM cards in Mexico , France , Germany and the United States .

24. A Bag That Fits Under the Airplane Seat (Personal Item)

Airlines are jacking up the prices on luggage and carry-on bags. On short trips to save money, you could try and only bring a personal item that fits under the seat.

This bag is the largest one I can find that fit under the seat, but still holds lots!

I packed cowboy boots, a jacket, sweater, one pair of pants, two pairs of shoes and a few small travel accessories.

View the bag here in 20 different colors and patterns.

This is my number one travel bag. It's small enough for your second carry-on item (fits under the seat) but large enough to fit enough for a weekend trip. It has an internal wet pocket if you need to travel with a wet swim suit!

25. Luggage Cup Holder

Go hands free through the airport when you have your coffee, water and other small items - no spillage!

This luggage cup holder is one of the most useful travel accessories I’ve ever owned.

Slip it over the handle of your luggage, and you’ve got two cup holder or one cup holder and another spot to hold your phone or other small items that you need quick access to.

When you’re waiting in line at the airport gate and have a coffee in your hand and need to have your boarding pass and ID ready, this luggage cup holder is a life saver.

View the cupholders here (dozens of colors to choose from).

26. Toiletry Skins for Leak-Proof Travel

Grab these viral travel accessories!

These are plastic ‘skins’ that you slip over top of the tops of your liquids bottles (almost like a condom, lol)!

The idea is that they’re watertight and prevent a bottle from opening or leaking.

View the toiletry skins here .

I also love this set of LeakLocks® that were featued on Buzzfeed!

27. Airplane Foot Hammock

This foot hammock has been the biggest flying hack when it comes to comfort.

I sling it behind the tray table in front of my and now my feet are elevated.

This helps with circulation and my legs are so much more comfortable.

The foot rest is adjustable and it folds flat so it takes up no room at all.

View the foot hammock I use here .

28. A Flight Deal Subscription

What if I told you there’s an app that finds you crazy discounts on flights (we’re talking an average of 50-70% lower) – especially business class flights!?

It’s called FareDrop .

It’s an app (or desktop version) that sends flight deals straight to your phone (or email) based on your travel goals. 

After you sign up for your free account ( right here ) you simply set your home airport along with places you want to go.

You can sign up for a free membership, or check out the paid plans to score insanely low prices on business class flights.

I also wrote a full review and tips about using FareDrop to its fullest potential .

29. Universal Sink Stopper

Perfect for your hotel room when you need to fill the sink full of ice (if you don't have a mini-fridge) or if you have to do some quick laundry.

I always carry a universal sink stopper for hotel stays.

Here’s how I use it:

• Allows you to use the sink to wash some clothes
• Fill the sink with ice to keep your drinks cold.

Grab your universal sink stopper here

I hope you found this list of traveler essentials to be helpful. I have to say, these are my tried and true best items for travel and they’ve never let me down.

Packing is always a pain in the you-know-what no matter how many times you do it, so I find that list like these are super helpful to make sure you’ve pack all the essential travel items you need. 

More Packing List Posts:

• T hese Travel Gear Essentials for Men Are Game-Changing
• 14 Brilliant Travel Hacks for Packing Toiletries
• What to Pack for a Hotel Stay (13 genius ideas)
• What to Pack for Vegas – 15 Things to Bring (beyond the obvious)
• The Only Road Trip Packing List You Need: 16 Items to Bring
• 20 Things You Should Pack for an All Inclusive Vacation
• Day Hike Packing List | 13 Essentials for Hiking (& how to avoid extra bulk)

Do you have any other travel must haves? Let me know what travel products you can’t leave home without! 

Before you go…

If you want to stay up to date, get behind the scenes content, or connect with me directly – you can follow my YouTube channel , Facebook Page , Instagram or Twitch channel !

New photos, videos and live streams!

Liked this post? Share it with your travel buddies and save a pin to your travel boards so you don’t forget what to pack!

Wednesday 29th of April 2020

Hey Alyssa! Super great post!! I live in Germany and travel a lot but am always looking for ways to fit everything into 1 small carryon bag with the strict bag policy on cheaper airlines in Europe. I am absolutely LOVING that hidden pocket scarf! Genius!! Don't know why I have never thought of that!! And the solid lotion stick is a must!! I like the solid shampoo and travel products from Lush too!! Anyways, thanks again for this awesome post!!

Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler

The holiday travel season is fully upon us. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record number of passengers this Christmas, and the TSA already broke a daily record. They screened a whopping 2.9 million travelers on Nov. 26, 2023, alone ... the most passengers ever screened in a single day.

As millions of travelers take trips by plane , cruise ship or road , we've gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.

Whether you're an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.

How to find travel deals

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year.

Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don't mind altering your family's plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.

One of our favorite tools at TPG for finding deals is Google Flights . You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of how prices have ranged and will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you've selected.

It also has some fun tools you can use to find a cheap destination. By clicking the "Explore" button on the sidebar and putting your departure airport, Google will give you a map or list view of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

However, Google isn't the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for Twitter alerts and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.

Don't sleep on mileage awards, either. If you've been hoarding miles during the pandemic, it's time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.

No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights , there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (part of Red Ventures, like TPG) supply additional redemption ideas or even business class upgrade inventory.

You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren't available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get you extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.

Be your own best advocate

Since there are still air traffic controller shortages and little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.

There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.

First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You'll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of having your luggage go in a different direction than you during a transfer.

You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. Read our article 5 reasons to book the first flight of the day for all the data.

Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here's what you should do next

Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines allow you to even rebook yourself in the app.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading for the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). You could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media if there's a delay . Sometimes, an airline's Twitter representative will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines also now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in the case of meltdowns like the one Southwest passengers experienced during the holidays .

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime mega lines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry .

Essentially, the government pre-screens you for security and thus you save a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, however, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.

Related: 7 ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry , you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

If you have the time, going for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck makes sense. Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta

The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear .

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You'll approach a kiosk where your identity is confirmed via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn't perfect at all airports where it's so popular, and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still generally lead to shorter lines overall.

Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit

Make copies of your important documents

Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.

You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID, and you didn't bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn't have the physical document.

TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. Editor Kristy Tolley says she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. "I also leave a copy of it at home if I'm traveling alone," she said.

Check expiration dates

If you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.

Related: How and when to renew your passport

Double-checking the expiration dates for your driver's licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don't forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.

Few things are worse than getting to the front of the security line and realizing the PreCheck mark is gone from your boarding pass.

Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.

Consider travel protection

When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection . Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations

If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance . These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Read the fine print on any extra policies very carefully to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.

Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.

Tips for your luggage

TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.

First and foremost, try to be on "team carry-on" whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact info is attached, the bag is within the weight limits, you get to the airport early (but not too early) to check it and confirm your luggage is tagged to the right destination or connection.

Related: 7 tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage

After last year's baggage delays and luggage disasters , we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent ) into your luggage so you can track your items if they go missing .

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure and get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Staying safe on your journeys

From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, there are many scenarios that could arise when you're away from home.

To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about a destination you plan to visit and check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it's still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.

Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, if you dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone, you will be connected to emergency services just like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.

Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you're supposed to be or the last place you visited.

If you're arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there at the time you're arriving and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.

Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room's security swing bar can also make sense, with some taking steps like placing a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.

Some final tips

• For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship's departure time and help you get acclimated to the local time zone.
• When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps with you or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
• One other note, you should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.

Bottom line

Whether you're fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.

Some of our favorite tools are deal alerts, Google Flights , sign-up bonuses and credit card rewards . Learn those tools and use them for better travel every time.

Remember that these days when things go wrong, you have to be your own best advocate. For more travel tips and tricks, read the stories below.

Related reading:

• Your flight is delayed or canceled: Here's what to do next
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• Here's how to get through airport security faster

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• Newsletter Signup

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Air Travel Is Hell. Here Are 25 Little Ways to Make It Easier on Your Body

By Katie Way

It’s not a skill I brag about a lot, but I’m good at going to the airport and getting on a plane. I’ve flown multiple times a year ever since I moved from the East Coast to the Midwest for college in 2013, and in my not-so-humble opinion, I have it down to a bit of a science. I’m not saying I look forward to air travel, which has only gotten more fraught since 2020 , but I do have a grip on making the whole ordeal as painless as possible, even on eye-wateringly long, cramped international flights.

This isn’t to say that flying is easy on the brain and body. Quite the opposite! A plane ride is a gauntlet of punishing seating, loud strangers, gross toilets, timing that feels both extremely urgent and totally out of your control, and weird snack options. The experience can leave you sore, stressed out, and exhausted.

While so many aspects are out of your control when it comes to the actual flight itself, there are simple ways to make the whole thing more comfortable, dignified, and even…a teeny bit more fun. Here are some easy adjustments that, individually and cumulatively, can make traveling on a plane as breezy as possible.

1. Do your best to get a good night’s sleep the night before your flight—that means at least seven hours—even if you plan to doze on the plane, which can be a gamble. That bedrock of rest will help you deal with whatever curveballs are thrown at you: delayed flights, snoring aisle mates, wild turbulence—whatever. Every inconvenience will be more bearable if you’re not rolling up to the airport exhausted.

2. There are a few things you can pack that will make flying more physically comfortable. I preach the gospel of those foam pillows—I grabbed this compactible Cabeau pillow from a Hudson News a few years ago, and it’s been my constant companion ever since. Wearing mine makes me feel like a dog in a cone, but I never fail to throw it in my backpack anyway because it makes napping way easier on my neck. If you’re a light sleeper, pack an eye mask to block out the ever-shifting plane lighting.

3. While you’re at it: Don’t forget a pair of earplugs or noise-canceling headphones , so you can feel empathy instead of vitriol for parents flying with antsy, vocal kids. (And if you’re the person with those antsy, vocal kids? Here’s a Condé Nast Traveler guide to help.)

4. Store anything you can’t go a day without in your “personal item,” just in case you have to check your carry-on at the gate: Think medication, a toothbrush/toothpaste/floss kit, and the book you’re using to look mysterious at the airport Starbucks. Worried about whether your medicine is okay to bring aboard? Per TSA , you’re allowed to carry on more than 3.4 ounces of liquid medications, and unused syringes are fine if they accompany injectable meds—just know that, in both cases, you might have to go through additional screenings. All of this preparation downgrades a luggage-related mishap from a potentially trip-altering emergency to a big annoyance.

5. We’re so lucky to be alive during the golden age of athleisure . My tried and true uniform: A sweater or sweatshirt that can double as a blanket or pillow, slip-on shoes with gym socks so I can glide through TSA without bare feet touching the airport floor, leggings , and breathable cotton underwear . We’re going for function over form, but looking a little schlubby in public also makes me feel like I’m a celebrity hiding from the paparazzi. Delusional? Maybe. Comfortable? Absolutely.

6. Prep your body for hours of sitting with a gentle workout routine. Personal trainers shared 18 different moves with SELF to help minimize the aches and pains that come with sitting in the same place for hours at a time, including banded squats, glute bridges, a calf stretch, and a classic child’s pose. And if you’re feeling shoulder , back , and neck pain mid-flight? Stretch it all out. You might look a little goofy doing a quick spinal decompression thousands of feet up in the air, but that’s a small price to pay for comfort—and you’re probably never going to see these people again anyways!

7. Wear a pair of compression socks . If you’re flying for more than six hours, they can help reduce the risk of blood clots that comes with sitting for long periods of time for some folks. Though this risk is minimal for people who don’t have certain health conditions, it’s increased by high altitudes. Compression socks can also help combat any related swelling and discomfort—your ankles and calves will seriously thank you.

8. On the plane make an effort to get up from your seat and take a stroll down the aisle, especially if you have a higher risk of developing a blood clot. A little movement can also help ease any travel-induced bloating . A quick jaunt every two to three hours you’re in the air should do the trick—and if you’re drinking water and snacking away, that’s probably how often you’ll need to make a pit stop to the bathroom anyway.

9. If you have a disability, you probably know that airlines legally have to accommodate you in the US—but that doesn’t mean they’re good at it. To ensure your needs are met as best as possible, try to get to your gate at least 90 minutes before your flight is set to take off. That way you have time to request what you need before the airline staff has to deal with an entire flight’s worth of people boarding the plane. Arriving early also gives you time to call the airline’s complaints resolution official , the legally mandated expert on accessibility-related travel issues, if you run into any problems—their number should be available on your airline’s website, and it’s worth looking up and saving in your phone ahead of time just in case you need it.

By Caroline Tien

By Erica Sloan

10. If you’re traveling with a mobility device like a manual wheelchair or power chair, things can get extra complicated. This is a great multipart guide to traveling with a wheelchair, and this is a really helpful Reddit thread about taking your manual wheelchair on a plane—or, if absolutely necessary, checking it at the gate. One user suggested bookmarking this page , which outlines the federal regulation that states airlines have to at least try and store your collapsible wheelchair in the plane’s cabin.

11. As unfair as it is, flying comfortably while fat requires some extra preparation. Some airlines have gotten with the times and established specific policies for “customers of size,” which is the terminology carriers typically use. Southwest, for example, offers complimentary additional seats if a passenger can’t fit into a single one, including by reimbursing extra seats bought in advance.

12. When you can’t book ahead of time but think you’ll need more space, you should ask the staff at the gate whether it’s possible for you to switch to a part of the plane with an extra empty seat or even to an entire free row if your flight isn’t full, as Katie, a Delta Airlines flight attendant, tells SELF. (Katie requested that SELF omit her last name for professional reasons.) “Try just going to the gate agent and saying, ‘Hey, if there’s anywhere with a middle seat open, I’d love to be there,’” she says.

13. Request a seatbelt extender as you board the plane—according to Katie, that’s the easiest time for flight attendants to accommodate your request. “We have all different planes, the seats are made differently sometimes,” she says, so even if you don’t always need an extender, it’s worth asking if you think there’s any chance you could be uncomfortable. (You can check SeatGuru to find the width of the seats on your plane.) Also, it might seem like a timesaver to bring your own extender from home, but you’ll need to ask the flight attendants in order to ensure the one you’re using is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)–compliant, because not every at-home model conforms to the aviation safety administration’s safety regulations.

14. Mask up. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommend that you wear high-quality masks or respirators while traveling, especially in “crowded or tight spaces with poor ventilation like airport jetways,” on planes where the ventilation system is switched off, and on trains and buses—a.k.a. the way many airports require travelers to hop from terminal to terminal. For the best protection, grab a pack of disposable N95, KN95, or KF94 masks . Keep a few on you at all times so you can put on a new one if long-term wear is making the one you came to the airport with feel stale.

15. While you don’t need to use a Clorox wipe on every inch of your seat to protect yourself from germs, it’s good to be cautious about touching shared surfaces on the plane, especially if you’re immunocompromised or traveling to visit someone who is. One thing you do need to thoroughly sanitize: your hands! Make sure you wash them after using the bathroom, and don’t be afraid to get liberal with the hand sanitizer too. “Hand sanitizer is going to be a better investment than bringing a whole tub of wipes,” Peter Chin-Hong, MD , a medical professor who specializes in infectious diseases at University of California, San Francisco tells SELF. “And washing [or disinfecting] your hands before touching your face—that’s probably the most important thing.” Dr. Chin-Hong also says that because bathroom door handles tend to be particularly germy, it’s worth finding an alternate way to open the door after you’re done, like with a napkin or your elbow.

16. According to the World Health Organization , the low humidity levels on a plane that do a number on your skin, eyes, and lips don’t actually dehydrate you internally—but it’s still important to drink enough water to stay adequately hydrated and comfortable during your flight. Bring an empty reusable water bottle in your carry-on and fill it up before you get on the plane. You might need to have a few plastic cups of water on an especially long flight too—but avoid refilling your water bottle in the airplane bathroom, because studies have shown it can be particularly germy.

17. Because plane travel is notorious for giving you that gross chapped feeling, nasal spray, eye drops, lip balm, and moisturizing lotion can also help if you’re otherwise feeling parched.

18. If you have lots of flying-related anxiety, especially during takeoff and landing, you could find relief from deep breathing exercises or other quick physical destressors , like activating your “dive reflex” by placing a cold can of soda against your cheek or forehead or manually relaxing your muscles one by one. It’s also a good idea to download a meditation app if you think you might need a little extra guidance.

19. Take it easy if you’re drinking alcohol while flying . Booze is notoriously dehydrating and can lead to big sleep disruptions—the latter of which is not the vibe if you want to arrive at your destination well-rested or need to make a tight connecting flight. Still, as long as you’re drinking plenty of water, a glass of wine or a beer probably won’t hurt anything other than your wallet.

20. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan accordingly. From there, stay hydrated, eat small amounts of food throughout your trip, and suck on hard candies or ginger lozenges for a little extra digestive help. (Skip the ginger ale—the sugar content could actually make you feel worse.)

21. If you end up hurling midair, either in a barf bag or the bathroom, try not to rinse your mouth out with water from the airplane sink—a 2019 study found that most running water on planes is unsanitary. Take your water bottle to the bathroom, or ask the flight attendants for a cup of water. On your way back to your seat, ask for a cup of ginger tea or club soda to ease any further stomach upset. Drink more water, too, since vomiting dehydrates you.

22. Airplane food… famously not the best , if it’s even on offer! If you want to feel satiated for the duration of your flight, prep an arsenal of snacks (so you don’t wind up paying $30 for a bag of Craisins and some red pepper hummus). Ideally you’d have something that’s easy to carry and eat, protein-forward to keep you full, and doesn’t generate a ton of trash. (Here are the official guidelines about specific foods you can bring on planes in the US.) Think mixed nuts, protein bars, or a banana. You can always just copy what a registered dietitian packs to eat on trips , including her signature “airport sandwich.”

23. Be lightly friendly to your neighbors. That doesn’t mean you have to listen to anyone’s life story, but a simple “hello” and a smile as you prepare for takeoff can go a long way. Don’t you want to be on good terms with the person whose lap you’re climbing across because you have to get to the bathroom? (Being cordial might also make it way easier to find common ground if someone is being really loud when you’re trying to sleep or otherwise encroaching on your already-spartan personal space.)

24. Do yourself a profound favor and let go of the illusion that you might “get some work done” during your flight. Why the charade? Save yourself the additional stress of forced productivity—the middle seat of a flight probably isn’t going to be the site of your finest work ever.

25. When you’ve safely landed, stretch and move your body again once you reach your destination for maximum cramp-banishing effect. Then put the tiny indignities of flying in your rearview mirror, where they belong—at least, until your flight home.

• Traveling Abroad This Summer? You May Need One of These Vaccines First
• How to Turn Down a Friends Trip If You Can’t Afford It
• The Best Car-Camping Gear for Your Next Road Trip

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Travel blog

40 Travel Must Haves According To Flight Centre Experts

Published 5 August 2022

Luke Wilson

Travel wallet, eye mask, noise-cancelling headphones – we all have certain items that we simply cannot travel without. We have put together a list of our 40 best must-have travel items according to our Travel Experts.

1. Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise cancelling headphones are a fan favourite here at Flight Centre. We just love them, and many of us can't travel without them. They are great for watching movies on long-haul flights, they are great for listening to music while you travel, and they are especially great at keeping unwanted noise out. Noise cancelling headphones are one of the most useful travel accessories for long haul or red eye flights.

“Noise cancelling headphones are great for drowning out the plane and the people around you and also allows you to enjoy your own entertainment.”  - Robert Caldwell

2. Packing Cubes

If you are a messy packer, you are probably familiar with sitting on top of your suitcase as you struggle to zip it up. In that case, packing cubes will probably be your best friend. They are great for keeping your luggage neat and organised meaning you have more space for the things that matter, like souvenirs.

“Packing cubes for my suitcase helps to keep me super organised and also helps with my life-long issue of overpacking.”  - Donna Pearce

3. Travel Pillow

Jetting off on a long-haul flight? Taking off early in the morning or late at night? A travel pillow (sometimes called a neck pillow) could be the difference between arriving at your destination ready to go or arriving ready to go to bed. Plus having something to support your neck can help to avoid neck pain.

4. Eye Mask

are going to need your energy. To make sure you are able to get your sleep, we recommend an eye mask or a sleep mask. If you are bothered by noise, ear plugs can be a great way to make sure you get some uninterrupted shut-eye.

“An eye mask is great so that I can make sure I can get some slumber and be energised for when I arrive.”  - Matilda Williams

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40 Best Travel Destinations In The World

When travelling to another country, you'll often find that that country has different electrical outlets, meaning your chargers and devices may not work. A travel adapter is one of the most important travel gadgets you can pack in your suitcase, because it allows you to plug into any outlet making sure you can stay fully charged anywhere you go. This can be especially important if you are travelling with electronic documents.

“Make sure to pack your adapter in your carry-on baggage. It will be a real life-saver if your luggage gets lost in transit.”  - Luke Wilson

6. Compression Socks

These are great for a long flight. Compression socks help with blood flow and aid circulation which prevents swelling and stops your feet falling asleep.

7. Travel Wallet

Imagine being at the airport, and you are fumbling in your bag looking for your boarding pass. Take the stress away with a travel wallet or document organiser.

When you are travelling, your travel documents, especially your passport if you are travelling internationally, are some of the most important items for you to pack. A travel wallet helps to keep them organised and safe. It also makes for a more seamless airport experience by making them easier to find.

8. Toiletry Bag

Have you ever arrived at your destination, only to open your suitcase and discover a major shampoo explosion? If only Ross from Friends had this list, he could have avoided this catastrophe.

A toiletry bag can help to save space as well as keep your clothes safe from leaks and keep your toiletries organised in an easy-to-find bag.

9. Luggage Tags

“Is that my bag? No, that shade of red is slightly too dark”

You would be surprised how many suitcases look like yours on a baggage carousel. Make your luggage easy to spot with a luggage tag. They can also add some much-needed flare and personality to a bland bag.

10. Tripod and Camera

When you are travelling, Instagram worthy pictures that will make your family and friends jealous is a must!

“I tend to do a lot of photography when I’m travelling. A camera and tripod is great as a solo traveller to make sure you get the picture you want, without having to rely on other people.”  - Liam Lavery

11. Laundry Bag

Have I worn this pair of underwear yet on this trip or are they clean? Solution. Keep them separate! A laundry bag is a great way to keep your clean and dirty clothes apart. Plus, it keeps and dirt and smell off your clean clothes.

12. Carry-On Bag

Phone, wallet, keys, passport, charger, headphones, boarding pass... The amount of items you need for a flight can be extensive. Having a carry-on bag is absolutely essential for a much more seamless airport experience. Your carry-on bag could also double as day bag in your destination.

13. Water Purifier Bottle

In some countries, the tap water is not safe to drink, so having a water bottle that can purify your water on the go is super handy. Plus, it reduces your reliance on plastic bottles, which is great for the environment and can be a great way to save money.

14. WaterWipes

“They are like wet wipes, but biodegradable (made mostly out of water). They are great for so many situations and fit easily into your day bag. Travel with your baby, tick! Spill something on the plane - tick! Clean the table before you eat - tick! Wipe your hands and face after eating pizza in Italy (unless you lick your fingers clean!).”  - Barbara Davidson

15. Money Belt Or Bra Pocket

In some countries, having a wallet in your pocket is pretty much an invitation for pick pockets. A money belt or bra pocket can be a great way to stash your cash safely.

16. Baby Carrier

When the kids are little, a baby carrier can be a blessing in an airport. It makes getting on and off planes much easier and can also be great for getting around your destination.

“As a new parent, a baby carrier is essential for the airport, layovers and in the destination itself.”  - Craig Gardiner

17. Battery Pack

In 2023, we rely on our phones for a lot! Maps, translation, snapping pictures, tickets, music... the list is pretty much endless which makes a portable battery pack one of our essential travel items.

“I take a battery pack everywhere I go because I rely on my phone so much for Google Maps and tickets etc. If it dies, I'm toast!”  - Sarah Goosem

“A battery pack is great for long-haul flights, bus and train journeys to keep your music going and make sure you can always contact people.”  - Vicki Fletcher

18. Entertainment

Entertainment while you are travelling is a must. Pre-downloaded Spotify playlists and Netflix series can be great for getting through long flights in a sometimes uncomfortable airplane seat. Books can also be a great option, one of our team once took the entire Tomorrow When The War Began series on his trip to France – and he loved it!

“A Netflix binge is a great way to make it through a long-haul flight!”  - Joshua Pollok

“Pre-downloaded Spotify playlists and Netflix series are a must on long-haul flights”  - Nick McGinley

19. Sunscreen

Imagine stunning white-sand beaches with beautiful blue water, and there you are looking like a plum. Avoid this situation completely, and make sure you pack some sunscreen.

“In some places, such as tropical islands, sunscreen can be very expensive. So save some money and your skin, and take some with you.”  - Vicki Fletcher

20. Gaffa Tape

60 Tips For Flying With Kids

21. An Empty Space

Did you really go on holiday if you don’t bring home a few souvenirs?

“No matter where I go, or for how long, I always manage to return with more than I left with”  - Ben Weston

22. Moisturiser

Between the dry in-flight air and changes in climate, air travel can wreak havoc on your skin. That's why we recommend bringing moisturiser on your next trip to make sure your skin stays silky smooth!

“Face masks are good for long-haul flights, but a great moisturiser can really save your skin on arrival. It also helps with jetlag!”  - Vicki Fletcher

23. Toothbrush

It might come as a surprise that not all cultures use toothbrushes, which makes remembering to pack yours all that more important! You may not always be able to pick one up in your destination.

“I can't stand having unclean teeth or the "furry feeling" and the thought of having bad breath scares me”  - Nathan Varney

24. In-Destination Sim Card

If you don't have an affordable global data plan, and you don't want to rely on WIFI on an international trip, an in-destination SIM card can be an affordable option.

“You can't always rely on WIFI when you need to access WhatsApp, socials, Google Translate or most importantly, Google Maps! You can usually pick up pretty cheap SIM cards in-destination with a lot of data. If you are going to the UK and Europe make sure you get your sim card in London, it is cheaper, easier and can be used through all European countries.”  - Amanda Zeleznik

25. Selfie Stick

When you are travelling, you will want to capture the memories forever. Whether you are travelling solo, or you are travelling with your besties and want to get a group pic – a selfie stick is a great option! There may not always be someone around to take your picture, plus, in some destinations, handing over your expensive iPhone to a stranger to take a picture might not be the smartest choice.

“My selfie stick came in super handy on the Great Wall of China with my friend! We got so much of the amazing background in the photo with us without having to ask strangers to take photos of us every other minute.”  - Skye McRae-Mitchell

26. Sunglasses

“They protect you from the sun. They hide those hungover post-party eyes. And who doesn’t look and feel better in a pair of cool shades!”  - Kylie Johnson

27. Hand Sanitiser

Post-pandemic, hand sanitiser has become essential for protecting your health while travelling. The last thing you want is to spend your trip in a hotel room because you have a pesky cough. Be safe, wash your hands regularly.

11 Tips To Stay Healthy While You Travel

28. Shoe Bags

Dirty shoes and clean clothes don’t tend to mix well. Shoe bags are a great way to keep them separate. This is especially important if you plan to do a lot of hiking or expect your shoes to get muddy.

Even the most tropical of destinations can get chilly. Even if you don’t end up wearing it, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

“You might get cold, you should bring a jacket” - Mum

30. Spare Clothes That Are Easily Accessible

Whether you are flying, driving, catching the train or any other form of transport, it’s a good idea to have a spare pair of clothes that is easily accessible in case you spill food or get what you are wearing dirty.

This is even more important for parents of young children, where the chances of ending up with something on your clothes increases exponentially.

31. A Few Days’ Worth Of Toiletries

A few days’ worth of toiletries in your carry-on baggage can be a life-saver. Losing your luggage is a bad experience, but having no toiletries will make it even worse. Having a few toiletries on hand will help you out until you are reunited with your belongings. Plus it could save you the stress of having to go buy some on your first day in an unfamiliar city.

32. Electronics Organiser

Phone charger, laptop charger, headphones, SD cards. In 2023, there are a lot of electronic accessories we need to pack. An electronics organiser can help keep them neat, tangle-free and all in the same place. You can also get waterproof cases that will keep them all safe.

33. Travel Insurance

While travelling is a relaxing and fulfilling experience, you never know if you are going to hit a bump in the road. Having travel insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and help to smooth out any dramas that may arise.

At Flight Centre, we recommend  Cover-More  for both domestic and international travel insurance.

34. Travel Credit Card

Carrying wads of foreign cash can be a risky endeavor in some destinations. Keep your money safe and organised with a travel credit card. We recommend using a  Travel Money Card  which allows you to load up to 10 currencies and can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted.

35. Deodorant

While this might seem like an obvious one, forgetting this could turn that 18+ hour flight into an absolute stinker... and not just for you! Plus, if you are anything like me, having some on hand will give you some much needed peace of mind.

36. Mosquito/Bug Repellant

Packing mosquito or bug repellant is one of the best decisions you will make, especially if you are planning to travel to somewhere tropical. The uncomfortable itching feeling definitely doesn’t help you relax.

In some countries, mosquitos can be carriers of disease, which means bug repellant can be a real life-saver!

37. Padlocks

This item may not seem important until you need it. Having a padlock is a great way to add an extra layer of security and to keep your luggage safe from prying hands.

We definitely recommend having one on you in case you need to part your luggage between checking-out of your hotel and your flight back home.

38. Lip Balm

Not only can changes in climate and the dry air wreak havoc on your skin, but it can also leave your lips dry and cracked, which makes for an uncomfortable experience. That is why we recommend lip balm or something to keep them hydrated.

“Cracked lips ruin anything, keep them hydrated!”  - Whitney Wong

39. Sleeping Devices

A long-haul flight and a child that can’t get to sleep is a recipe for disaster! Luckily, many airlines allow  sleeping devices  such as a flight hammock or inflatable pillow to help the little ones, and the big ones, get some rest.

40. An Open Mind And Sense Of Adventure

“When you travel to the places I travel to, you need it! I've been stuck at borders for hours and it's out of your control, so you make the most of it and find the positive in it, and time flies. Nothing is an issue. You open yourself up to more adventures and great conversations with new friends, with fantastic travel stories when you return!”  - Katherine Benvenuti

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Simple Flying

Airline travel 101: a beginner's guide to flying.

Flying for the first time? Here’s what you need to know

Airline travel has become an essential part of modern life, connecting people across the globe and making the world more accessible than ever before. If you're new to flying or simply want to brush up on your knowledge, this beginner's guide to airline travel will provide you with everything you need to navigate the skies with confidence.

First things first

The first step in airline travel is booking your flight . Start by choosing your destination and preferred travel dates. Visit airline websites or online travel agencies to compare prices and flight options. Consider factors such as layovers, airline reputation, and baggage allowances when making your decision. Once you've selected your flight, follow the booking process, provide passenger information, and complete the payment to secure your ticket.

Next, consider what and how you’ll be packing for the trip. Check the airline's baggage policy to determine the allowed size, weight, and number of bags. Make a checklist of essential items, including travel documents (passport, ID, and visa), tickets, electronic devices, chargers, medications, and necessary clothing.

Remember to pack liquids in accordance with aviation security rules. Oftentimes, you’ll need to follow the 100ml rule and place liquids, aerosols, and gels in a clear, resealable bag.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here .

All packed? You’re ready to go!

Before your flight, it's essential to check-in. Most airlines offer online check-in, allowing you to select seats, print boarding passes, and avoid long queues at the airport. Online check-in typically opens 24 hours before departure.

If you prefer doing this in person, head to the check-in counter at the airport. Note that some low-cost airlines might charge you for an in-person check-in, so definitely log in before your flight to confirm. Whether you check in online or at the airport, if you have luggage to check , arrive at the airport (wear comfortable clothes for the flight!) with sufficient time to complete the check-in process and drop off your bags.

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Airport security procedures are designed to ensure the safety of all passengers. Familiarize yourself with the regulations to make the security screening process smoother. Prepare by removing any metal objects, electronics, and liquids from your carry-on bag for separate screening. Nearly all airports need you to pass through a metal detector and/or a full body scan to check for any dangerous substances. Ensure you don't have anything in your pockets and remove any heavy layers to avoid further scrutiny.

Some airports may require you to remove your shoes too. Simply follow the instructions of security personnel, place your belongings in the provided bins, proceed through the metal detectors or body scanners, and you’re good to go.

Once through security, keep an eye on the information screens for your flight's gate number and boarding time. Airlines usually begin boarding with specific zones or groups, so pay attention to the announcements and follow the instructions. Have your boarding pass and identification ready for inspection, and proceed to the aircraft when your zone is called.

Taking to the skies

Once onboard, find your assigned seat and stow your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. Fasten your seatbelt and listen to the safety instructions provided by the flight attendants.

During the flight, don’t forget to make use of the provided amenities, such as the in-flight entertainment system (or bring along a flight-friendly game ), reading materials, or refreshments. Follow any specific guidelines given by the cabin crew – and remember to look out the window to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the world!

When the aircraft has touched down, remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the seatbelt sign is turned off. Then, gather your personal belongings and proceed through the arrival procedures at the airport.

Lastly, locate your assigned carousel, and wait for your luggage to arrive (handy tip: use luggage tags so you can easily identify your bags). If any items are missing or damaged, be sure to inform staff at the baggage service counter before leaving the airport.

Discover more aviation news about the passenger experience here.

Now you're all equipped with the knowledge needed for a successful and memorable journey. Embrace the adventure, enjoy the experience, and most importantly, have fun!

Air Travel Vocabulary

Here are twenty words and terms often used in air travel.

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Flight Tips , Travel Tips

25+ things to do on a plane so you’ll never be bored on a flight again.

Need ideas for things to do on a plane?  It can be hard to fill the time on long flights, especially if you’re an active person and aren’t used to sitting still for that long – without wifi!  But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered – after taking flights all over the world (even 16.5 hours from the UK to Australia!) I’ve had plenty of practice at finding things to do on long flights!  Check out these ideas for things to do on flights that will keep you entertained – or at the very least to help pass the time!

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The Best Things To Do on a Plane

I may have lots of experience with long flights, but I’m not a fan of air travel in general.  Whether you’re a solo traveller or flying with your friends and family, taking a long flight means you have a lot of time to fill while you’re cooped up in a little space.  

In this post I’m sharing my top travel tips and tricks for what to do on a flight, from catching up on some zzs to getting colourful and creative, you’re bound to find some great suggestions for things to do on a plane to pass time among all of these.

Don’t forget, you probably won’t have access to wifi on a flight, and you’ll need to put your phone and other devices into airplane mode before you take off.  

In-Flight Entertainment

Long-haul flights offer a variety of in-flight entertainment, from movies and TV shows to games and radio programs.  I love checking out the different options – deciding what to watch or listen to is the hardest part! 

However, instead of using the poor-quality disposable earphones provided, make sure you bring your own noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds.  Bose is one of the best known and best quality brands, or if you’re on a budget then I have a pair of Sound Core Noise Cancelling Earbuds which do a great job at a fraction of the price.

The most important thing to remember is to bring an Airfly Bluetooth transmitter to allow you to connect to the sound.  Airfly Pro even allows you to link 2 different sets of earphones so you can listen with a friend!

I was devastated when I realised I’d forgotten my Airfly for my long-haul flight to Australia, I bought another one as soon as I could so I’d have it for the flight home.  Airfly works with any headphone socket , on planes, trains, buses or wherever you can’t connect to the Bluetooth directly. 

It is definitely one of my long-haul flight essentials and is now on my packing list so I never forget it again!!

Noise Cancelling Earphones

My Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

Bluetooth Transmitter

Bring Your Own Entertainment

If you have them (and are prepared to carry them around on your trip), bringing your own laptop, tablet or Kindle is a great way to control exactly what entertainment you’ll have access to on a flight without wifi.  You don’t even need a separate device now you can use your smartphone for everything!

Make sure you download everything to your device so you can access it offline.  Apps like Netflix and Disney+ allow you to download movies and TV programmes to your device.  (Note: Disney+ lets you download to a cellphone via the app, but you can’t download anything to a laptop).  

Here are some ideas for what to check out on the in-flight screens or things to bring on a flight for entertainment:

Watch a Movie

Watching a movie on a plane is a great way to pass the time on a long flight, especially if it is an epic or a series of films you haven’t had a chance to watch before.  A long flight of several hours gives you more than enough time to watch a movie or two!

Catch Up on Your Favourite TV Show

Similarly, binge-watching TV shows is one of my favourite things to do on a plane ride.  I don’t often watch TV series as I’m travelling most of the time and aren’t sure what’s going to be available where I’m heading so like to take the time on a plane to catch up. 

I often binge watch old series I’ve seen before too so I don’t have to pay too much attention to what’s going on, and it won’t matter if I doze off part-way through!  

Listen to a Podcast 

I love listening to podcasts as I feel like I’m learning something!  If you’re on a business trip you could listen to a podcast related to your work (I have a couple of favourite blogging podcasts) or choose any topic you like to help pass the time on a long flight.  I usually use Spotify to download my podcasts, or there are various other apps like Apple Podcasts and Audible which have podcasts too.

Listen to an Audiobook

If you prefer Audiobooks, Audible has a great selection to choose from which can be downloaded to your device.  If you have an Audible membership  there are lots of free books and podcasts to download as well without using any of your credits.

There are lots of travel books to listen to which I like when I am on the road.  Pick a title about an adventure or about the destination where you’re going to get you in the mood, or choose an author from there so you can discover a new international writer and get to know something about where you’re travelling to.  

I do have a habit of falling asleep listening to Audiobooks though, so I usually have to skip back to find where I dozed off!  

LEARN MORE ABOUT AUDIBLE

Listen to Music

Music is a great way to pass the time on a plane, so plug in your headphones and listen to some tunes! Whether it’s your own playlist or streaming music from the entertainment system, be sure to check out what options are available for onboard music as well as whatever you have on your own device. 

Why not look up some artists from your destination so you can get in the mood and listen to some local music?  Music is a great way to escape and pretend you’re somewhere else, and it can help cheer you up or relax you if you’re a nervous flyer.  

Prepare for a long flight by making some playlists to listen to on your device.  I like to organise my music into playlists according to my mood, so I have some happy tunes, some chilled-out ones and some cheesy pop for a pick-me-up!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: What to Pack in Carry On Luggage

Read a Book

There is nothing better than snuggling down with a good book, and it is a fabulous thing to do on a plane to help the time fly by as you get lost in the pages.  If you’re heading off on holiday then some trashy chick lit is perfect for a beach vacation, or choose whatever you fancy.  

A Kindle is the perfect solution to having to choose between bringing several books – download as many as you like so you have a choice to suit your mood.  Kindle Unlimited is a membership offering unlimited reading for a monthly subscription, which is great for big readers.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KINDLE UNLIMITED

Read a Magazine or Newspaper

If you have a favourite magazine, bring it along with you on the plane and enjoy spending some time reading or just flicking through the pictures if you’re tired! If you don’t have anything to read, airlines typically have inflight magazines that are available to read throughout the flight. 

Some flights offer magazines and newspapers to pick up as you board so you can read those, or get something at the airport.

There are usually some games that are on offer in the in-flight entertainment or download some to your phone to play on the airplane.  Some of the games on Netflix don’t require the internet to play (check each one as some do need you to be online), or download other gaming apps to your phone to keep you occupied on a flight.  Scroll down for more suggestions for travel games to play on flights when you’re travelling with other people.

A pack of cards is a simple thing to bring on a flight but cards can keep you busy for hours.  If you’re travelling with someone, play a game together (you could even ask someone next to you to play!) or set up a game of patience or solitaire to play by yourself.  The downside is you only have a small amount of space on the tray table, so whatever you play you’ll need to keep it contained!

Doing puzzles is a great way to pass the time while flying.  Bring your own puzzle book and pens to get your mind working on a plane.  Crosswords, word searches and sudoku are my favourites, but visual puzzles like Spot the Difference can work better if you’re feeling tired and can’t focus on anything too taxing!  You can usually pick up a book of puzzles in the airport shops if you don’t have one already.

Drawing or Colouring Books

If you’re not a fan of puzzles or just want something creative to do, bring along a sketch pad or a colouring book and a set of pencils.  Draw something yourself or use pre-done patterns to focus on the colouring.  Don’t worry, you don’t need to make a work of art here!  Even doodles, different shapes or patterns are enough to keep you busy on a long flight.

Plan Your Trip

If you’ve got a guidebook for your destination but haven’t had time to read it, now is the time to decide what you’re going to do once you arrive! If you have a paper guidebook, scribble notes and circle things you’d like to do so you can refer back to them later.

If you’ve got an eBook or Kindle version, write down some notes on paper or on your phone so you have easy access to them. Check out key attractions, restaurant and bar recommendations and get even more excited about your vacation!

Track Your Progress

I also love checking out the flight locator to show where the flight currently is, although on a very long flight, it doesn’t seem to move as quickly as I’d like!  I also have a window seat so I can look out for landmarks but even if I can’t see out of the window I like to know where I am and imagine what is going on in the towns and cities below. 

Write Something

I always have my laptop with me on flights so I can crack on with writing a new blog post, but you don’t have to write anything to do with work. Write postcards home or catch up with your journal. If you’re on your way home and want to share photos on social media, get a head start on writing those Instagram captions. 

Feeling creative?  Write a letter to someone special or write a song or a poem about your travels – you could even start writing a book!  Use whatever format you like – sometimes a good old-fashioned paper and pen will get your creative juices flowing more readily than a laptop keyboard. 

Get Some Work Done

If you’re heading off on vacation then the last thing you want to think about is work, but if you are travelling for business or want to get a head start before you go back to work then catching up on a few tasks could be useful.  Of course, it depends on what job you have, but if you use a computer for work then there is usually something you can do.

If you can log on to WiFi on the flight then you could do whatever you like – maybe get cracking on those emails sitting in your inbox!  If you won’t have wifi then check your emails at the airport if you get a chance then you could start drafting responses while you’re in the air, work on a presentation or a spreadsheet of figures.  I often draft blog posts when I’m on a flight and don’t have the distraction of Wi-Fi to take my mind off it!

Delete and/or Edit Photos

Not having access to the internet means you have some time to spend clearing some space on your phone – perfect if you are flying somewhere on holiday where you’ll be taking lots of pics! Take a look at old photos to see what can be deleted, or if you’re on the way home choose your favourite travel photos to share on social media or create a photo book filled with memories.

Make New Friends

This depends on who you are sitting with, but you could strike up a conversation with the person next to you and chat about the weather or something infinitely more interesting! If it is a very quiet flight then have a chat with cabin crew if they have time between service offerings.  

I love sleeping on flights as it definitely helps the time go more quickly! However, bear in mind the time difference of your new destination, and try to sleep according to your new time zone to help reduce jet lag. That is easier said than done of course, but using an app like Timeshifter can show you when to plan your sleep times.

To help you get some shut-eye when you need to, bring an eye mask and ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones so you can drown out the background noise and get some peace and quiet.

If you’re a fan of mindfulness, now is the time to practice! When there are no distractions (so avoid mealtimes), it’s the perfect opportunity to focus on your breathing and find some inner peace during the flight. Don’t forget some earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to help you focus.  

Eat & Drink

I wouldn’t usually recommend eating and drinking just to pass the time, but when you’re doing it on a plane it certainly helps the time to pass more quickly!  I bring my own snacks to eat in-between meal times (or if the food sucks) and always have my water bottle with me. 

Did you know that you can bring an empty water bottle with you through security and fill it up before you board?  Don’t buy a single-use water bottle at the airport, bring your own to save money and plastic use!!  I love my Water-to-Go bottle which has a built in filter so I can make any fresh water safe to drink.  Save 15% on your purchase with the code BYORB . GET YOUR REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

Do resist the temptation to get drunk on the flight though – the dry aeroplane air will dehydrate you faster and it can make your jetlag worse too when you wake up with a hangover!

Travel Safely

• Leave valuables at home and don't keep all your money and credit cards in one place.  I love hidden pocket clothing like this travel scarf for stashing my cash and passport or a belt with a hidden pocket.   Read more about how to hide money while travelling .
• Bring a water bottle with a built-in filter so you can safely drink water from any fresh water source while saving money and reducing plastic use.  I take my Water-to-Go bottle with me everywhere!
• Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel.  I always buy travel insurance and was very glad I had insurance when I had my laptop and passport stolen in Ecuador!  Consider getting insurance for your trip to cover things like trip cancellation, emergency medical, lost luggage and stolen items, as well as adventure sports and activities and more.  
• I chose World Nomads Travel Insurance for my recent backpacking trip to Australia and New Zealand.  They offer travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families and you can get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road

GET A NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE

As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from  World Nomads  using this link. I do not represent  World Nomads . This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Fun Things to Do on a Long Flight with Friends

Movie night.

If you’re looking for something to do that will keep everyone entertained for hours, why not have a movie night?  Plan to watch the same movie and settle down with some snacks.  Even if you’re sitting apart from each other you can catch up afterwards to discuss the best parts! 

Play a Travel Game

If you’re flying with family or friends, why not play some travel games to help pass the time? Classic games such as I Spy, Hangman or Noughts and Crosses are simple to play and work well for a while, but for long flights, it might be worth investing in a travel-sized board game to keep you occupied for longer!  Check out these fun travel games to play on a flight:

Travel Size Battleship

Travel Scrabble

Uno Card Game

Play Trivia

A quiz or trivia questions make for a fun travel game.  You can use travel-based apps like Trivial Pursuit that have built-in questions about different countries and cultures.  You could even create your own game based on the places you’re travelling to, with one person testing the other’s knowledge about the trip and what you’ll see there. 

Make it even more interesting with prizes of sweets, snacks or drinks for the winner.  But remember not to make too much noise, other people might be sleeping so you’ll need to keep your quiz time as quiet as possible!

Sensible Things to Do on a Plane

It’s not all fun and games when you’re taking a flight – here are some productive things to keep you busy on a plane that are useful too!

Sitting in the same seat for hours on end can take its toll on your body. There is an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long flights so get up regularly to move around and stretch your legs.  Movement helps to keep your blood flowing and stops you from getting stiff.  

Some long-haul flights also have recommendations for exercises you can do in your seat, with tips for bending and stretching your legs without having to get up.  Check the in-flight entertainment screens to see what is available on your airline.  At the very least, try making circles with your feet, and move them up and down.  Shoulder rolls and arm stretches will help too.

Read the Emergency Procedures

Make sure you read the emergency procedures in case you need them at some point during your flight. While it’s not pleasant to think about the worst-case scenario it’s always better to be prepared.  Pay attention to the in-flight safety presentation and read the safety card carefully so you are ready for anything.

Now you can sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge you’ll know what to do in case of an emergency – and it will definitely help pass some time on the flight.

Fill in Your Arrival Card

Depending on your destination you may need to complete an arrival card in order to pass through customs when you land.  Your flight attendants will hand out any forms you might need, so make sure you bring a pen with you to fill it in.

As well as a pen, have key information handy like your passport details, the flight number and the address where you are staying, as well as your contact details and an emergency contact.

Things for Kids to Do on a Plane

This is not my area of expertise as I usually travel alone, but if you need help entertaining kids on planes then make sure you do more research and prepare as much as you can!  There are lots of activities for toddlers on airplanes that might work for young children, from colouring in to watching TV shows and playing sensory games. 

Toys should be small, noise-free and clean so there’s no potential mess to cause chaos!  Check out Amazon for some ideas for play packs and travel toys:

Fidget Toy Pack

Soft Activity Book

Kids Travel Tray

So, there we are!  I hope these ideas for things to do on a long flight will keep you entertained for hours and help the time pass by in a flash.  Do you have any more suggestions for what to do on a plane that I’ve missed?  Let me know in the comments below!

Want More Flight Tips?

• 25+ Things to do on a Plane 
• How to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Your Flights
• What to Pack in a Carry On
• How to Find the Best Flight Deals on Black Friday

Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

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Protect Your Trip »

27 things you should always pack in your carry-on bag.

Create your packing list of essentials and new in-flight finds.

What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag

Packing your carry-on bag for a flight is exciting – but it can also be overwhelming. With a little planning and a concise list of airport and in-flight essentials, you can maximize space and be prepared for your journey.

To help you decide what to pack in your carry-on bag, our team compiled this list of must-have items. Download the packing list here to use while you prep for your next trip, then read on to learn more about what to pack.

Carry-on packing list

Travel wallet, passport holder, toiletry bag, tsa-approved liquids bag and compliant containers, prescription medications, glasses case, travel pillow, packing cubes, tech organizer, luggage tracker, zippered pouches and reusable silicone bags, mini clip bag, hand sanitizer, bluetooth wireless adapter, wired earbuds or headphones, e-reader or a great book, travel adapter/converter, travel first-aid kit, reusable water bottle, activities or games, light jacket, change of clothing.

Protect your credit cards and cash with an RFID wallet like the Travelon RFID Blocking Single Zip Wallet , which prevents scammers from wirelessly stealing your personal information. This travel wallet is especially useful since it can also hold most smartphones.

If you're traveling internationally, an option like the TIGARI Passport Holder can protect your travel document and make it easy to locate in your carry-on bag. You'll need access to your passport at airport security, when you board the plane and when you're filling out entry forms, so keep the passport holder as well as a pen within reach. Once you arrive at your destination, put the passport wallet somewhere safe at your lodging or – if you feel inclined to keep it with you – stow it in your travel purse, belt bag or backpack to ensure it's safe while you explore.

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Pack your toiletry bag in your carry-on so you can easily freshen up and so that you'll have essentials like toothpaste and deodorant in the event your checked luggage is lost in transit. Also consider packing toiletries that are useful for travel (particularly the dry air on planes), even if they're not part of your daily routine at home.

U.S. News senior travel editor Marisa Méndez recommends including a facial moisturizer and a body lotion in your toiletry bag. "My skin always dries out on flights and it's nice to have something to soothe my skin," she says.

"I always love having facial spray to freshen up after the flight," says Elizabeth Von Tersch , also a senior travel editor at U.S. News. She always keeps one in her purse. " Mario Badescu and Evian are great." These facial sprays help to moisturize your skin after the drying environment on a plane or give you a little midday pick-me-up.

When packing your carry-on bag for a flight, you'll want to have a clear quart-sized bag that meets Transportation Security Administration guidelines for liquids and gels. Some Dopp kits or toiletry bags include a removable bag for travel-size liquids, or you can buy this reusable TSA-approved clear bag on Amazon . Put any liquids or gels you're traveling with in this bag, including shampoo, lotion, liquid makeup items and hand sanitizer.

Keep in mind that all liquids and gels must be in travel-size bottles or containers measuring 3.4 ounces or less. Remember: You'll need to remove this clear quart-sized bag from your carry-on bag at security, so consider packing it in an external pocket or an easy-to-find spot in your carry-on suitcase. To learn more about TSA regulations, consult our article about what is allowed in a carry-on .

Never stow prescription medications in checked baggage : If luggage is lost or delayed, replacing these medications while traveling can be extremely challenging or even impossible. If you take multiple medications, consider a travel pill sorter like the EZY Dose Pill Organizer , available for about $5 on Amazon.

Whether you wear glasses for vision correction or you're packing your favorite pair of sunglasses, keeping them protected while stowed in your carry-on is essential. If you're bringing multiple pairs, a case like the foldable Dagne Dover Remi Glasses Case can hold up to three pairs, or the Lug Eyeglass Holder & Mini Pill Case works well for eyeglasses and contacts.

Courtesy of Cabeau

Resting throughout your journey can help you feel refreshed when you reach your destination and make the time pass a little quicker. But nothing can (literally) cramp your style like a stiff neck from sleeping wrong. Choose a comfortable neck pillow for travel like the top-rated Cabeau Evolution S3 or the MLVOC Travel Pillow (less than $30 on Amazon). For a travel pillow that doubles as a packing cube, consider the Tube pillow , which holds up to three days' worth of clothing.

Packing cubes aren't just for organizing clothing and shoes. Maximize space in your carry-on bag with these handy travel compartments . While Eagle Creek's PACK-IT line features the top-rated compression packing cubes on the market, many travelers also swear by the Veken Packing Cubes , which are usually available for $20 or less on Amazon. To maximize space even more, consider Lug's compression packing cubes .

If you're planning to travel with jewelry, watches or items that would be difficult to replace, be sure to put these in your carry-on bag, as checked items run the risk of being misplaced. For jewelry, a compact case that is easy to spot like the Lug Mini Swizzle is ideal for rings, cufflinks or earrings.

It's easy to let your charging cords get lost at the bottom of your bag or get your headphones tangled somewhere in your tote. A handy tech organizer such as the CALPAK Tech Organizer or the BAGSMART Tech Organizer , with zippered compartments and sections for specific cords, can help reduce tangled messes (and the need for you to search for your essentials in a tight airplane cabin).

Even though you'll have your carry-on bag with you, it's still a good idea to have a luggage tracker like an Apple AirTag or a Tile Pro securely attached to your bag. In the event you and your bag get separated, you'll be able to track down where you parted ways (because when you're jet-lagged it's easy to be a bit absent-minded).

Smaller than packing cubes, zippered pouches and silicone bags like the Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags are perfect for storing everything from snacks to scrunchies. If traveling with family, consider different colored pouches for each traveler's items so you can easily tell them apart without removing everything from the bag.

Get a handy little bag with a carabiner clip, such as the CALPAK Luka Key Pouch , to securely attach to the outside of your bag for quick-grab items like gum, hand sanitizer or individual travel wipes . Once you're at your destination, you can clip it on a belt loop or use the elastic band to slide it on your wrist for your room key, lip gloss and other small essentials.

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Let's face it – traveling can introduce your body to a host of unwanted germs. Carrying a bottle of travel hand sanitizer will keep your hands clean on the go, even if there's not a bathroom nearby. To disinfect surfaces like airplane tray tables, arm rests or tables, consider having a pack of disinfecting wipes at your disposal as well.

During a flight, the low humidity and high altitude can have a drying effect on your skin and lips. To combat the dry air, consider packing a hydrating lip balm like this new stick option by Aquaphor . What's more, if you choose a balm over a liquid moisturizer, you won't need to store this product in your clear TSA-approved liquids bag.

In-flight entertainment can help your travel day go faster, but being tethered to the seatback with wired headphones can feel a bit constricting. Plus, you may have to unplug to let your seat mates in or out. Avoid those troubles and connect your wireless headphones to the in-flight system with Twelve South's AirFly ($35 or less on Amazon), which wirelessly transmits audio via Bluetooth.

If you'd prefer to connect directly to the in-flight entertainment to watch a movie (or maybe just tune out your seatmates), buy some inexpensive wired earbuds like this well-rated set by Jogteg . You can keep them in your carry-on so you're always ready, even on flights where they don't pass out complimentary headsets.

Having a book or magazine in your carry-on bag is always a good idea. Whether you encounter a delayed flight, a long layover or a plane with less than stellar in-flight entertainment, a good book will help pass the time.

On everything from red-eye flights to international jaunts, a good eye mask can block out light from overhead, the seatback screens and plane windows. The Nodpod Sleep Mask is especially relaxing since it's weighted.

"Even if you plan to grab a bite at the airport or on the plane (if that's an option), pack some snacks," says Amanda Norcross , content and SEO strategist for travel at U.S. News. "Flying is unpredictable and stressful for many travelers, and 'hanger' only makes things worse." Trail mix, granola bars, crackers, pretzels, dried fruit and popcorn are some good snack options you may want to throw in your carry-on. Also put chewing gum in your carry-on to freshen breath and help with ear popping.

It's not always easy to find a charging station at the airport, and there are restrictions when it comes to packing batteries in your carry-on baggage for any flight. One option that meets Federal Aviation Administration guidelines is the Anker 537 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K for Laptop) . This device can charge a laptop, smartphone or tablet quickly, to keep your devices running even on a long flight.

For international travel – since different countries use different plug shapes – packing a universal adapter or converter will enable you to charge your devices and other electronics. Before purchasing, consider what your needs will be, especially regarding the shape of the wall outlet plugs and the voltage of the countries you'll be visiting.

A travel adapter such as the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter on Amazon makes plugs from the U.S. fit into electrical outlets around the world, whereas a travel converter like the ALLWEI International Travel Adapter converts the electricity voltage. If you're traveling overseas from the U.S., you'll need both of these devices to use electronics like laptops, curling irons and hair straighteners (unless your device is dual voltage, like the BaBylissPRO Nano Mini Straightening Iron ).

For minor injuries like blisters from new shoes or unexpected cuts and scrapes, pack a first-aid kit with Band-Aids and triple antibiotic ointment like Neosporin in your bag.

Staying hydrated while traveling is a must. Pack a reusable water bottle like the Corkcicle Canteen Triple Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle to fill up at the airport before your flight and refill throughout your travels. Even better – an insulated bottle will stay cold for hours.

Whether it's a long flight or layover (or maybe you just need a good distraction), having some activities like a miniature coloring book and mini colored pencils or small packable games can be really useful.

"I took a small coloring book and a small set of pencils on a flight once and it was life-changing," Méndez says. U.S. News senior digital producer for travel Leilani Osmundson says she and her husband love to bring a deck of cards and portable two-player games to pass the time.

"I typically wear a lightweight jacket on the plane to free up space in my carry-on," says Norcross. "If the plane is too warm, I can easily stuff it under the seat in front of me with my backpack." If you're in need of a simple yet effective packable jacket , check out the Amazon Essentials Puffer Jacket .

Whether your coffee spills off your tray table or you lose your checked baggage, an extra outfit is handy to have. Pack a versatile outfit (including socks and underwear) into your carry-on bag so you have a backup option, or perhaps have your swimwear and flip-flops ready to head directly to the beach the moment you arrive. For tired or swollen feet, having a pair of compression socks and a change of walking shoes can make your travel day much more comfortable.

What not to pack in a carry-on bag

When packing a carry-on bag or suitcase, it's important to note that some items are prohibited on all flights, due to Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The prohibited list includes aerosol products (such as anti-static spray or pepper spray), lithium or lithium-ion batteries, firearms and ammunition, flammables, and explosives. For more details on what you can and can't pack in your carry-on, visit the TSA's What Can I Bring? and the FAA's Pack Safe websites.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood loves to see how much she can fit in her carry-on bag. She always brings a few snacks, a good read and little luxuries to make the journey comfortable. Hood used her personal travel experience, along with her retail background and research expertise, to curate this list.

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11 Easy Air Travel Tips to Make for a Happier Flight

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Planning

Updated On: June 7, 2023

Dave spoke on CBC Radio this morning about making Spring Break Travels easier. We realized that a lot of people have anxiety over air travel and we wanted to give some easy air travel tips to ease that stress.

How to make flying more relaxing, speedier, and less stressful. 

Table of Contents

Air Travel Tips

Travel can be stressful, but if you are prepared to follow our air travel tips, you can not only make your travels easier, you can have fun at the airport and relax the minute you leave home.

Let’s face it. In today’s world, air travel is not fun. Remember the days when you used to love being at the airport or on the plane just as much as the trip itself?

Well, they are long gone my friend, with confusing security checks that seem to change rules from airport to airport to seats getting smaller with each trip, flying can sometimes be a downright miserable experience.

But we’re here to help!

1. Arrive Early

This may sound routine, but we hear of so many travellers arriving at the last minute at the airport.

One time, Dave and I waited 45 minutes for our parking lot shuttle to bring us to the airport.

There wasn’t another way out. No taxis swing by the ParknFly, so we had no other choice but to stand and wait.

As seasoned travellers who rack up nearly 100,000 air miles each year, we still arrive early to our flights.

I’ve talked to other full-time travellers who feel the same way. They (and we) say, why take the risk? Arrive early and relax.

2. Use Valet Parking Service

We usually book our parking online through ParknFly and did you know that for only $20 more (online only) you can upgrade to valet parking?

Valet parking gets priority and there are more shuttles for this. You never have to wait more than eight minutes. It doesn’t matter anyway because you are waiting indoors!

If it’s the middle of winter and you are flying somewhere warm, you don’t have to bring your heavy winter coats, leave them in the car, hop on the heated shuttle and be taken door-to-door.

When you fly home, give them a call from the airport and they’ll have your car warmed up, scraped off and waiting for you when you get back. We even get our car detailed at ParknFly.

Plus when you book online there are deep discounts for long-term parking!

3. Check In Online

We always check in online. That saves you tons of time of having to stand in line to check in at the teller.

Most airlines now have a luggage drop off only section for those who have already checked in online. You have done all the paperwork and all you have to do is drop off your bags.

4. Pack Carry On Only

Or better yet, travel with carry-on only bags.

If you are flying south, you don’t need a lot of clothing. Pack a few sarongs, shorts, non-wrinkle pants, and for a ladies, a cute strappy dress or two and you are good to go.

Most hotels supply shampoo, conditioner and soap and the small tubes of toothpaste are all you need for a week. Besides, you can always buy what you need at the gift shop.

5. Packing Tips – Pack Smart

Think about what you can and can’t bring on the plane with you. If you aren’t sure, don’t bring it!

We’ve left behind some a nice mini screwdriver (I’m talking an inch long tops!) because we forgot it was in Dave’s camera bag.

If you have a pointy object, liquids larger than 100ml or aerosol cans, they are taken away at security and thrown away. Start packing in advance and then go through your luggage once or twice before you leave and scale down.

We have a lot of mix and match clothing that we can turn into several outfits with only 3 to 5 pieces.

6. Be Prepared for Security

Don’t be that guy in front of George Clooney in Up in the Air, be George Clooney!

When you get to security, have everything you need to show in a plastic bag.

We also carry our computers a separate canvas shopping bag when checking in and when going through security, it’s easy access and takes the weight out of your carryon. We wear slip on shoes with clean and nice socks.

There’s nothing more embarrassing than holy socks at security! And men, don’t wear a belt.

We always have everything put away before we get to security except our passport and boarding pass. We never carry anything in our pockets. Think of the word KISS…Keep it simple stupid.

Note : Make sure your electronics are charged, with new security measures, you may be asked to turn on your computer, iPad or cell phone. If you can’t turn it on, it’s not coming with you!

7. Load Videos, Books or Music onto your Phone or iPad

We always have TV series, movies and books loaded on our iPads. You can never count on the entertainment system working on the flight.

Trust me it’s happened to us several times a year. We’ve sat in our seats, turn on our entertainment system and nothing happens.

The airline always offers us a coupon to redeem miles for the inconvenience but that never works either. Luckily we have our must see flick on the iPad and we enjoy our flight either way.

It passes the time in the airport too.

8. Pack Snacks

Flights are cutting down on giving passengers food and drink, so we always have a stash of food. Our go-to flying snack is a bagel with cream cheese and some crackers.

It fills you up quickly and does the trick.  It saves you having to buy food on the plane if they don’t offer it, and it helps out with the pitiful quantity of food they do give you if you get a meal.

This is also a good tip for kids, trust me I know. Dave’s a big kid and he gets grumpy when he’s hungry, if I give him a treat, he’s instantly happy.

9. Get Lounge Access

We use American Express Platinum to get into lounges all over the world regardless of what airline we’re flying.

In Toronto they have American Express lounges that cardmembers can enter for free, but get this!

Non-cardmembers can enter too for a fee. $40 gets you lounge access with food and drinks covered including alcoholic beverages. Just look for the Plaza Premium Lounge.

We see this at all airports. It’s different credit cards at each airport around the world, but there’s usually always one lounge that offers people entry for a fee. We say, if you travel a lot, get that card that offers the Priority Pass , we have access to 600 lounges across the globe. You can also purchase a yearly membership to Priority Pass to have access to lounges.

10. Stay Hydrated

Water is a tricky one. You know you can’t bring any water bottles with you through security but what about empty bottles?

We’ve seen people have to leave behind their Nalgenes and thermoses, so we never bother. If you want to bring something to fill your own water bottle, use a collapsible water bottle or we bite the bullet and buy water at the airport.

Flight attendants are supposed to bring you all the water you need, but believe me it never happens.

I’m always parched on the plane and they never come around enough. You can go back and ask for some though, so don’t be afraid to get what you want.

11. Carry Cash

We always carry small bills of US Dollars and Euros with us. It’s great for tolls if we are driving across the border, but we also have it to tip our valet or porters when we arrive at the hotel.

When we arrive at our we go to the ATM in the airport and get out a couple hundred dollars in the local currency. We don’t buy currency in Canada, we just get it when we arrive. With chip cards, we can use our credit cards all over the world.

There are plenty of ways to make your travels easier, just remember, this a vacation so have fun.

Give yourself the time you need so you don’t feel pressure at the airport. Terminals are getting better each day with free wifi, lounge access, and even massages. So start vacation early and make your time at the airport a part of your trip!

Must Have Travel Gear For Your Flight

GoToob Bottles : 

I am surprised at the amount of people that still carry liquids larger than 100 ml, but it happens nearly every time we fly.

I have to admit, I haven’t found 100ml bottles that work well or are reusable until we found the GoToob Bottles. The multipack contains three bottles perfect for shampoo, conditioner and sunscreen. I like the no-drip, leak proof valves and large opening making it easy to fill.

I didn’t bother to use the integrated label feature as it’s very small to read, I just go by the colour of the bottle instead. Keep these bottles separate in a plastic bag and you’ll whiz through security.

Trackable Luggage Tags : 

Have you ever lost your luggage never to be found again? I’m not going to lie, most airlines are not that helpful these days when it comes to helping you locate your valuables.

I’ve watched many a friend get nowhere fast as they have online discussions with airlines asking them for help finding their bags.

To make sure we have an extra leg up in case we lose our bags, we registered our trackable luggage tag’s serial number online giving us extra security when it comes to our travels.

Luggage Hugger :

Okay, how many of you have a black generic suitcase? Be honest. We’re guilty of it too, but with the luggage hugger, we can now locate our bag easily.

We thought we were safe with a duffel bag, but sure enough, when flying to Maui a couple of months ago, somebody grabbed our duffel bag thinking it was theirs.

Luckily we were there to correct the mistake. Now, that we have the luggage holder, our bags stand out when they fall onto the conveyor belt.

Read: 7 tips to Stress-Free Travel

Luggage Handle Wraps :

We’ve been using luggage handle wraps for years and this is the next best thing to the luggage hugger.

As a matter a fact, we use both the hugger and the handle wraps because you can never be too safe. We even put the handle wraps on our carryon bags because sometimes we have to stow them when boarding a small plane.

Do you know how many small black carry on rollers there are out there? Our handle wraps set them apart.

40 Blinks Eye Mask :

When flying, I always wear an eye mask. I can sleep anywhere and there’s something about air travel that knocks me right out. A good eye mask is a must.

I’ve been woken up by someone opening up their blind and unexpectedly blasting me with sunlight. I only made that mistake once. The minute I’m tired, I put on my mask.

The difference between 40 Blinks and other eye masks is that it is contoured out of molded foam so it doesn’t put pressure on your eyelids. It blocks the same light with twice the comfort.

EarPlanes :

As much as we hate to travel with a cold it is bound to happen.

We find that our allergies are acting up more and more as we get older as well. Have you ever flown with an earache? It is completely unbearable.

I keep a pair handy to relieve pressure in the ears for take off and landings. You may not always be affected by pressure, but when you are, you’ll be glad you have your EarPlanes.

Fun Read: Air Travel is so Annoying

No Jet Lag Pills :

The more we travel, the more we seem to suffer from jet lag . We do everything right.

We usually avoid alcohol, we drink plenty of water and we avoid caffeine, but we still suffer.

No Jet Lag pills have natural remedies such as Arnica Montana and Chamomilla to help ease the symptoms. We used them on our flight to Austin Texas and while it was only a two-hour time change, I felt great.

Normally I even suffer through daylight savings and it’s only an hour’s difference. So this must have done something. Plus it tastes good too.

Compression Socks  : 

I never took Deep Vein Thrombosis seriously until a friends sister got it after a flight.

Compression socks help with circulation and leg exhaustion. Compression socks have come a long way.

I tried them once a few years ago and they felt like they were squeezing my legs, my latest pair are so cushiony and cozy.

The merino wool keeps odour away and they feel comfortable on a flight.

Acorn Via Cap-Toe Ballet Flats :

Speaking of feet. I know that nobody likes to look at people’s bare feet when travelling. I was guilty of this in my backpacking days. I used to always travel in flipflops.

Now, I care about the people around me and slip into my ballet flats on the flight. They are comfortable and stylish and I’ve even worn them out of the airport too.

Why didn’t I start wearing ballet flats in my travels earlier?

And that’s our tips to make air travel easier. Did we miss anything? Have you got a tip to share? Leave it in the comments below!

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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21 thoughts on “11 Easy Air Travel Tips to Make for a Happier Flight”

Great read and useful tips i always arrive early cuts the stress out thinking will i get there on time. If im super early i just go find a coffee shop or somewhere to eat and just grab myself a snack. Only once was i really late 10 min before checking closed (one advantage no que at check in heheh) but so stressful. I always find bringing a proper pillow with me not one of these blow up ones is a god send yes can be a bit bulky but a small compression bag makes it easy to carry and also good tip about security again i have two bags one for liquids and one shoulder bag for electronics makes my life so much easier. Also i always set alarm on phone hour 10 min before take of time so i can start to make way to gate planes bored 40 min before flight and have had it in some airports were it takes like 30 min to get to gate i find doing that takes the stress out of oh no im running late getting to my gate.

It made sense when you said that we should arrive early so we’ll still be on-time even if something unexpected happens. I want to book an airport transportation service so I can continue doing work in the car when I depart on a business trip this May. I’m glad I read your article and learned why it’d be a good idea to book the transportation service for an early time!

Well-written article. Great summery of tips, thanks for sharing.

Your blog is filled with great tips. I just have a close call from Madrid to Malaga. I am sending this link to my family who are traveling by a themselves in April and May.

The earplanes you mention from Amazon will not ship to Canada.

Perhaps you can try Amazon.ca. Sorry about that.

Great advice, with so much to pack and organise you can easily forget stuff. Thanks guys will remember these for next time I fly.

Thanks Aaron, glad we could help!

Some good tips here guys! I myself am awful when it comes to prepping for anything, preferring to pretty much just wing everything, but I guess that’s just my style of travel.. When I am heading somewhere a little more out there, Venezuela, Palestine, Myanmar; hell yes, it makes sense to be prepared 🙂

Yes, water is tricky and depends which airport and airline we are using. Sometimes i managed to bring empty bottles, sometimes no. I ll just gulped down the whole mineral water, and bring the empty plastic bottle along. If i have to throw them away, well, i lose nothing. Just have to bear with the weird taste of in-flight water.

I could never get my hubby to not wear his belt 🙁

Arriving early to the airport is the best tip ever! Those are great tips! I always make it a point to leave early and arrive at the airport early – that’s really one of the simplest things that we can and should do!

“Arrive Early” This is the fact my friends always forget to do. Ha Ha. Effective Article.

I know eh! It sounds simple, but so many people don’t heed that rule and then get themselves into trouble

I really like your tip about loading music and books. It’s sounds obvious but I’ve forgotten before. On my longest ever flight – to New Zealand from the UK – my Kindle only had books I’d already read, and my phone battery died so I had no access to music. The 9-hour stop over in China was mind-numbingly dull!

I know how you feel. I have been caught off guard in the past. a ridiculously long flight to China with no entertainment system. Not fun at all.

I do a lot of these. My big one is arrive early. The day I’m traveling is a travel day. I’m not doing anything else, so I arrive at the airport early and I enjoy the lounge via my Priority Pass Card (a life saver). Interesting that you’ve received compensation when your in-flight entertainment system hasn’t worked. I’ve had this happen numerous times on Thai Air. Definitely no compensation of any sort, and flight attendants can get down right snarky when they have to reboot the system. Like you, I always carry my own entertainment! 🙂

That’s exactly how we feel. If we are travelling that day, we’re not doing else. That priority pass is amazing isn’t it? we’ve flashed it everywhere and are amazed with the lounge access we get. Love it! The only compensation they’ve given us is a voucher to redeem points for Air Canada (Star Alliance, same as Thai Air) Both times that I tried to redeem it didn’t work, so I almost think it is a ploy just to make us all feel better on the flight so we don’t complain.

Arriving early to the airport is the best tip ever! Recently, I needed to catch my Berlin-Paris flight and halfway to the airport I noticed I’d left my passport at the accommodation. It ended with me running like a mad woman, a 32,5€ taxi, a huge security line and more running. And even like that I didn’t make it on time, luckily the plane was delayed by 30 minutes!

Lucky your plane was delayed. We had that happen to us once years ago. We left our briefcase (it was the 90s) on the sidewalk outside my friends apartment. The passports and tickets were inside. We were almost at the airport and realized we left it all behind. Luckily a good samaritan saw what we did and grabbed our briefcase waiting for us to come back. We barely made our flight but we made it. Lucky too! Because we were moving to Vancouver at the time. That would have mess up our plans for sure!

Those are great tips! I always make it a point to leave early and arrive at the airport early – that’s really one of the simplest things that we can and should do!

I agree, it is simple and yet I see so many people arriving late! We’ve been in the ParknFly parking lot and witnessed people panicking because their flight is about to take off. We’re like “why are you just arriving now?”

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12 Practical Air Travel Tips for First Time Travelers

Here are 12 Practical Air Travel Tips that first time travelers ought to know. After learning these tips, you can set your mind at ease because you will be far more prepared for your first trip.

Air Travel Tips for the First Time Traveler

It’s perfectly normal for first time travelers to feel a little uncomfortable about their first trip. However, with the brilliant and practical air travel tips provided here you can put those concerns aside and focus on enjoying that first trip instead of stressing out about it.

Before we dive into the details of these practical air travel trips here’s a quick summary:

• Give yourself plenty of time
• Don’t over pack
• Learn the check in, seat assignment and boarding process for your flight
• Get your boarding pass before you get to the airport
• Figure out your parking situation
• Learn the TSA Security Rules
• Charge everything before you get on the plane
• Eat before you get on the plane
• Stow your bag near your seat
• Bring something to do on the plane
• Follow good airplane travel etiquette
• Don’t stress out

Ok, let’s get into the details!

Air Travel Tip #1: Give yourself plenty of time

A critical air travel tip to use for your first trip is to make sure you give yourself plenty of time.

As a rookie traveler you are going to be a little slower than a travel pro so you need to give yourself a little more time. A travel pro can show up around and hour before their flight (even shorter at some cases). Conventional wisdom suggests you give yourself about an hour and a half.

But, for your first trip – give yourself two hours. yeah, it’s probably overkill, but better safe than sorry. For more tips on how early to get to the airport check out our entire guide here .

As you get more proficient at traveling you will start to dial in a time frame that fits your rhythm and “travel skills.”

Air Travel Tip #2: Don’t over pack (and don’t check your bag!)

The second air travel tip might be hard one to follow, but it’s critical: fight the urge to over pack .

First time travelers often want to bring more than they ought to. It’s normal, but it’s also a total rookie move.

The cold hard facts are that you really do not need as much you think you do! Traveling light is key. Just bring the minimum and remember things like you get toiletries in your hotel room so limit those too (don’t bring shampoo or conditioner – the hotels give you that).

Moreover, never check your bag. Always pack light enough to be able to use a carry on. This gives you flexibility and helps you travel a little faster.

Pro Air Travel Tip : Get yourself a great piece of luggage (like the TravelPro Crew 11 21″ ). Listen, if this is your first trip and you are not going to have too many more trips in the near future, then get something more affordable. But, if this is going to be a regular occurrence (e.g. you took a job that has regular business travel) then spend the time to get yourself a great piece of luggage. You can read our review of the TravelPro Crew 11 21″ here .

Air Travel Tip #3: Learn the check in, seat assignment & boarding process for your flight

Each airline has a different process for seat assignment, check in and boarding process. Depending on the class of ticket you purchase you may be able to select your seat assignment. But, in some cases you can’t – and you have to select it at check in or when you actually board the plane (like Southwest Airlines).

Learn the process for all of this for your airline and adjust your behavior accordingly. For example, with Southwest Airlines you gotta check in 24 hours before and depending on your status and how close to that 24 hour window you check in determines you boarding group (A, B or C). The boarding group will often be the difference between getting a good seat and getting a middle seat .

Here’s a few examples for you:

• Learn the Southwest process here .
• Learn the Delta process here .
• Learn the United process here .

Make sure you learn this process for your airline!

Air Travel Tip #4: Get your boarding pass before you get to the airport

Unless you like standing in lines and wasting time, print out your boarding pass before you arrive at the airport. Better yet, download it to your mobile phone.

If you do find yourself needing to get it at the airport make sure to use a kiosk. Skip the lines and find a kiosk – it’s much quicker. And, if you aren’t checking a bag (which shouldn’t be!) you can save yourself even more time.

Figure out your parking situation (Air Travel Tips #5)

Surprisingly, parking your car can sometimes be a debacle at certain airports. You may have to park well off airport property or pay a significant amount of money to park it on property. This means you are riding a shuttle to/from the airport – again adding time. Try to get a bead on how and where you are going to park your car on your first trip. Or, if you can, take a taxi or Uber.

Pro air travel tip: If you do take a parking shuttle, bring a few bucks to tip the shuttle driver. 2 bucks for a small bag, 5 bucks for a big bag. Only tip if they actually load and unload your bag

Air Travel Tip #6: Learn the TSA Security Rules

Airport security can be a little disorienting your first time through. Make sure you read up on what you are allowed to take and not take through and how you are supposed to take it through.

For example, no liquids or gels greater than 3 oz, (like water, toothpaste, shampoo and the like).

You will have to take your shoes and coat off and remove your larger electronics (like laptops and tablets) from their bags.

The more ready you are for this the easier it will go and less likely you get pulled for secondary screening (which slows you down) and/or fumble around with your stuff like a newb.

You can read all of the TSA requirements here .

If you have time, try to get TSA Precheck . If your trip is international sign up for Global Entry . Both of these services speed up your security processing time making it a little easier to get in and out of the airport or country by going through a background check. Definitely worth the money.

Charge everything before you get on the plane (Air Travel Tips #7)

Always be charging! This is a critical air travel tip unless you enjoy your phone sputtering out somewhere over Kansas in the middle of your fourth episode of Game of Thrones.

Charge whenever you can! Better yet, buy a portable charger to bring with you for backup. I personally recommend the Anker PowerCore 20100 . You can read my review of it here .

Number 8: Eat before you get on the plane

For a shorter flight this is less important, but for longer flights it’s wise to eat before you get on the plane. Most domestic flights no longer serve meals unless you are upgraded to first class and you happen to cross a meal time while in flight.

Some airlines will sell you a boxed meal – but it’s usually pretty expensive. Instead, eat before you get on the plane and perhaps bring a few snacks (no hot food though! We don’t want to smell your stinky pizza!).

You might be interested in 9 Healthy Travel Snacks

Stow your bag near your seat (Air Travel Tips #9)

A rookie mistake I often see newb travels make is stowing their bags nowhere near their actual seat. Or worse, stowing it BEHIND their seat. Never do that!

If you stow your bags behind your seat you are going to be swimming upstream when you deplane – which sucks. More likely you will just be sitting in your seat waiting for enough people to deplane so you can get to your bag.

If the plane happens to be pretty full when you board, stow your bag IN FRONT of your seat in the first available bin you find. Make a mental note of what bin it was stored in so you can find it on the way out.

Number 10: Bring Something to do on the Plane

Flights can be a whole lot of boring! Make sure you bring something to do for you flight. A book, maybe download a few movies. Make sure you get some good headphones too – and a backup pair (wired, preferably) .

Follow good airplane travel etiquette (Air Travel tip #11)

When you are actually on the plane make sure you employ good travel etiquette. Things like not bringing stinky food on the plane, letting the middle seat passenger have the armrests, not listening to your music without headphones and more. Proper airline behavior is always a good thing to learn and will not only make your trip go a little easier, but it will make sure you don’t earn the ire of your fellow passengers of the airline crew.

For more air travel tips on Airplane Etiquette make sure to read our entire article: Airplane Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules for Traveling on a Plane .

Final Tip: Don’t Stress Out!

The final piece of advice we have for you in this collection of air travel tips is both simple and difficult, but incredibly important: don’t lose your crap! Regular travelers know that you win some and lose some when traveling. Sometimes the flight is delayed. Sometimes it’s early. Sometimes you get the upgrade, sometimes you get the middle seat.

You gotta just roll with it . Don’t stress out. It ain’t worth it.

Final Thoughts on the Best Dang Air Travel Tips

We hope you liked this list of practical air travel tips for the first time traveler. If you liked this content, please do us a favor share it on social media and click the “like” button below and don’t forget to follow us on social media including Twitter , Instagram , Pinterest and Facebook .

And, of course, if you are interested in more travel tips and travel advice and product reviews, you might like these great articles:

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also earn commissions from other affiliate programs as applicable.

Jeremy Ballou is the editor of the CBoardingGroup.com and a long-time writer in both the travel and tech industry. Most days he's in thinking about travel or writing about it.

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Traveling Tulls

Eco-Travel in Retirement – Nature and Sustainable Luxury Travel

21 Things to Do On a Plane That’ll Make Time FLY

Travel is exciting … until it’s not. The weeks before a trip are busy and fun. You’re booking restaurants, anticipating activities, and planning your travel clothing . And then suddenly, after all the buildup, you’re on a plane with nothing to do. Air travel can be at best tedious, and at worst anxiety producing. I’ve put together a list of ideas for things to do on a plane ride that’ll make your time in the air much more pleasant.

I inherited a lot of wonderful things from my dad – his love of dogs and literature, his sense of humor – but unfortunately I also inherited his fear of flying. But, like my dad, I also loved to travel, and had to learn to overcome my fear. It took a few years and a couple of trip-of-a-lifetime opportunities, but I got over it. For me it was primarily a change in attitude and some careful flight preparation .

Begin by changing your approach to flight days. Most of us are content with spending time at a restaurant, at the mall, or at home reading on the couch, but when we’re faced with unscheduled time traveling, we become anxious or bored. Reassessing this unscheduled time will set the tone for your flight. Arrive at the airport in time for a leisurely meal or a browse through the airport bookstore. Once on board, do what you’d do at home. Imagine it’s a snow day and you have to stay home. What would you do to pass the time? Many of the things you’d do at home are the same things to do on a flight.

This post contains affiliate links. Buying through these links will not cost you extra, but I may earn a small commission which I use to maintain this website.

Table of Contents

What to do on a plane ride

Most airlines offer in-flight entertainment, including movies, TV shows, and games. Check your airline’s website ahead of departure to see what entertainment will be offered. And note that there may be different options for different legs of your journey. Knowing you’ve got a new release or a long-time favorite movie to enjoy will make you look forward to the trip.

But don’t rely exclusively on the in-flight entertainment. Your seatback screen may not be functioning, or the offerings might not appeal to you. And even if all goes well, anything gets boring after an hour or two. Always have backup options and take a break from time to time.

BYO Entertainment for the flight

Download movies and TV shows onto your device. Long-haul flights are the perfect opportunity to binge-watch a series, and you can often download great ones based on your streaming services. Keeping a list of recommended titles in the weeks leading up to your trip is a great way to have much-anticipated shows to watch.

Bonus : having the movies on your device means you can finish your show later if you run out of time. Airplane Etiquette : be sure anything you decide to watch is OK for all ages.

Read a book on an ereader or kindle. I usually choose a fast-paced mystery that’ll grab my attention, but you might prefer to use that uninterrupted time to tackle a book you’ve been eager to read. Download a couple of books so you’re sure to have something you like.

Bonus: Your local library probably offers free ebooks and audiobooks, Check the website or ask a librarian for help.

Listen to music Prepare a playlist of your favorite songs that’ll inspire and/or calm you on the flight. Bring your own headphones to get the best sound quality.

Games & Puzzles

Whether you’re traveling alone or with the family, it’s a good idea to have a game or two to occupy yourself on the flight or during airport layovers. If you’ve a Nintendo Switch or similar, you’re ready to go. But for the rest of us…

Puzzle games, sudoku, and crossword puzzles are great distractions while flying. Make a photocopy of the NYT puzzle or tear a page or two out of one of your own puzzle or activity book.

Download puzzle apps to your device. There are apps for all of your favorite types of puzzles – even jigsaws! I love my crossword puzzle app and go through at least a few on every flight.

Bonus : most of the apps will offer hints if you need them!

Travel games are great if you’re traveling with a partner or family. A deck of cards is compact for packing but will keep you entertained for many hours on a flight and again during the rest of the trip.

• If you’re traveling with kids, look for magnetic game boards, or card games like Guess in 10, or Clue. Eye Found It is a great game our whole family enjoys.
• Young kids will need to have some small travel toys to keep them entertained. Bring along their favorites but add some new toys and activities for the novelty.
• Avoid anything with small pieces that’ll fall off the tray table and be impossible to retrieve.

Download games on your phone or tablet to your device. Do you enjoy action games like Subway Surfers or strategy games? Try the apps at home to see what you enjoy and how well it works on your device. If you’re traveling with someone, investigate ‘pass and play’ games. Some of our favorite board games are now available on devices:

• Scrabble Go has a pass and play mode where you can challenge your travel companions.
• Chess/Checkers
• Monument Valley, a great cooperative puzzle game

Creative things to do on a plane ride

Tuck coloring books or a sketch pad into your personal item . Or draw on your device if it has the capability. On a recent flight, I envied my seatmate’s artistry as she created on her Macbook. Though I’ve none of the talent she possessed, I do enjoy a sketch pad and a few colored pencils when I travel.

Create a zentangle Do you enjoy doodling? Well now it’s been elevated to an artform – zentangles! Making these intricate doodles is a calming, meditative exercise, perfect for plane travel. There are zentangle books to get you started, or just dive in on your sketchpad.

Compose your own soundtrack. If you’re musical, plug in your headphones and make music with GarageBand or BandLab.

Airplane etiquette – It’s easy to get carried away when you’re listening to music but be mindful that your fellow passengers won’t enjoy your tapping or singing out loud.

Be Crafty. Enjoy your at-home craft hobbies. Knit, crochet, or work on a virtual scrapbook. Try out some challenging origami patterns while you listen to an audio book.

Sleeping on a long flight

Sleeping the flight away is one of the best ways to pass the time but for many of us, it’s nearly impossible. Planning ahead might help:

• Book a window seat so you won’t be disturbed by your neighbor.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Pack a shawl or lightweight blanket that you can snuggle under in your carry-on bag.
• Bring a travel pillow (or roll your jacket to give neck support)
• Pack a few teabags of your favorite sleepy time teas. The flight attendants can give you cups of hot water for the tea.
• Consider taking melatonin or another sleep aid. TRY these before your trip to see how they affect you. Some people have adverse reactions to sleep medications.
• Optional: ear plugs, eye masks. Some people swear by these and others find them annoying. YMMV

Prepare for your destination

Photographers – Enroute to your destination, study your camera’s user manual. On the way home, review, rate, and edit photographs. This is definitely one of my favorite things to do!

Learn a bit of the local language . There are some great apps that make learning a new language fun! Some may be free from your local library and can be loaded onto your device. This is our go-to activity on an international flight. My favorites are Duolingo and TripLingo (which also has a built-in translator)

Research your destination – Map out your itineraries, and first days’ adventures. Read guidebooks, historical fiction books, or download a movie about the destination.

Bonus (again) : Travel guides can be downloaded from your local library.

Journal – Work on your trip journal – write down trip hopes and ideas, create a destination bucket list, decorate with doodles and artwork.

Productive things to do on a plane ride

Listen to a podcast or take an online course – make sure to have a notebook to jot down thoughts.

Clean up your email inbox – if you have access to the plane’s wi-fi, this is the perfect time to weed through all your files.

Catch up on work – Not much fun, but getting a few hours of work in during the flight will make things easier once you’ve landed.

Remember to stay healthy during a long flight

This is the most important thing to do on a plane. A long haul flight can be tough on your circulation, your skin, and your general health.

• Try to eat well before and during the flight.
• Avoid salt and too much alcohol.
• Keep yourself hydrated. I add electrolyte powder (and sometimes Vitamin C powder) to my water bottle at the airport and sip it during the flight.
• Pack moisturizer and lip balm and apply often.

Move your body – while it’s not possible to ‘work out’ you can take a walk to the restroom, stretch and even do some chair yoga. On an especially long flight, make sure to get up every few hours and move your legs. There may be a spot mid-plane where you can even do some toe touches, lunges, etc. Ignore any stares, your body will thank you at the end of the flight.

Meditate – Sometimes a few minutes of meditation is all you need to quiet your mind. If you have a practice you use at home, do that. But if you’re new to meditation there are apps to guide you.

Take some ‘me’ time – For busy people, a flight is a great opportunity to indulge yourself. Pack a favorite snack. Bring or buy a magazine you rarely get to enjoy. Apply a face mask or try a new moisturizer.

This post is part of our Travel 101 series of posts that will prepare you for your trip. If you’re just beginning to plan I’d suggest you start with the first in the series – Pack Light, Travel Easy

I hope I’ve given you some ideas that’ll help you to enjoy your next flight. If you have suggestions for things to do on a plane ride, I’d love to hear them! Drop me a line or add your suggestion in the comments. Thanks!

Amy Tull and Team

• Into the Wild: Planning Multigenerational Trips in National Parks
• Nature and Birding in Costa Rica: a World of Strange & Wonderful Beauty
• How to Survive a Long Flight: be comfortable even in Economy Seats (2024)
• Best Time to Travel to Machu Picchu, Peru: a traveler’s guide (2024)

Amy, a writer on responsible bucket list travel, is your reliable source for insightful travel advice. With a career background in libraries, and a degree in biology and mathematics, Amy's approach to travel is rooted in meticulous research and planning, and her commitment to eco-conscious adventures.

Amy’s dedication to sustainable travel practices, including efficient packing techniques, ensures that every adventure leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the traveler's well-being. Trust Amy to guide you towards meaningful and eco-friendly travel, making the most of your retirement years.

A lifelong New England resident, Amy is also the source for insider tips on travel in the Northeastern U.S.

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This helped me so much because I had no idea what I was going to do. Thnx

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25+ Air Travel Questions Answered

When should i buy a ticket.

A number of studies have shown that approximately six weeks before a specific trip tends to be the best time to buy a ticket. The airlines penalize you both for planning ahead and not planning ahead.

If you’re planning on paying for your ticket with frequent flyer miles (more on that later) then you should look much further out, maybe even a year in advance, because only a limited number of seats are made available on any given flight for frequent fliers.

The airlines assume that much of last-minute travel will be by business travelers who are not paying the price of their own tickets and therefore less sensitive to the cost of the ticket.

There are some exceptions of course to this general rule. If you’re flying in a particularly busy time of year when planes will fill up like Christmas or Thanksgiving or if you are flying to a city for a big event then you might want to book a little further out.

Why does my flight have more than one flight number or airline?

It may seem surprising but if you book a ticket through United Airlines you won’t necessarily be flying on United Airlines. This is true of most major airlines. What you have seen is called a codeshare. A codeshare allows an airline partner, like Lufthansa in the case of United, to resell their flight through their partner airline. This is normal.

Often flight schedules are coordinated in between partner airlines to make it easy to make a connection. The codeshare mechanism allows an airline to give you access to more flights and therefore, in theory, more convenience.

What’s the difference between a direct flight and a nonstop flight?

A nonstop flight takes off from the originating airport and lands at the destination airport without stopping. The term is quite literal. Direct on the other hand is a bit misleading.

In general, a direct flight means that you can stay on the plane all the way from the originating airport to the destination, but in some cases, a direct flight is just two connecting flights that share the same flight number. In those cases, you will have to get off the plane take your stuff, walk to another gate and board a different plane with the same flight number as your first plane. In other words, the term direct is much less meaningful.

Can I Change The Name on an Airplane Ticket?

Maybe. See Can I Change The Name on an Airplane Ticket?

What is a Round the World (RTW) ticket and should I get one?

A round the world ticket is a special ticket that can save you money on a multi-city trip. It has a lot of restrictions and is limited to one particular airline alliance. For more information check out our detailed Guide to Round The World (RTW) Tickets .

Should I join a frequent-flier program?

Airlines created frequent flyer programs to encourage you to be loyal to their airline. In general, the more flights or miles you fly on a specific airline, the more credit you get in that program. Most airline frequent flyer programs give you credit per mile flown, although there are some that give you credit per segment. A segment is one take-off and one landing.

All frequent-flier programs, that I’m aware of, are currently free. So if you book an airline ticket, you should always include a frequent flyer program number on the reservation. You might have the option of both the airline you’re flying and any of the partner airline programs.

See also:  A beginners guide to frequent flyer points

What is an airline partner?

The airlines of the world have organized themselves into different competing teams. Each of the major US legacy carriers: Delta, United, and American) are in a different alliance.

Star Alliance member airlines :  Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Portugal, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines

OneWorld member airlines:   Air Berlin, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LATAM, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, SriLankan Airlines

SkyTeam member airlines:   Aeroflot, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, Air Europa,  Air France , Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, Xiamen Airlines,

You can use frequent flyer miles to book flights on the airline that corresponds to that program, but you can also use your miles to book flights on a partner airline.

For example, you can use your United miles to book a flight on United, but can also use them to book a flight on Lufthansa. You can use your American airline miles to book a flight on American, but you can also use them to book a flight on British Airways.

Which frequent flyer programs should I join?

You can join all of them. You should probably join at least one in each major alliance.

I would suggest that people in the US join the frequent flyer programs for each of United, Delta, and American as needed. You may also want to join the frequent flyer programs for other non-major carriers that you fly like Southwest Airlines and JetBlue, depending on which airlines fly out of your local airport.

What’s the deal with airport codes?

Every airport in the world has an airport code. The code has three letters like SFO for San Francisco, BOS for Boston, or JFK for John F. Kennedy Airport near New York City.

It is useful to know the airport code for the destination for the flight you were taking. If you check luggage they will put on a luggage tag with that code on your suitcase. Double-check that code before your suitcase goes away. I politely argued with the gate agent for 15 minutes one time at JFK that he had just booked my luggage to San Jose Costa Rica (SJO) instead of San Jose California (SJC). When he was finally convinced, he was quite apologetic.

Some cities also have an airline code, such as NYC for New York City, which represents all of the airports in the area. So if you book a flight to NYC you were basically saying show me the flights to all New York airports. Here’s a list of all cities with airport codes.

How do I choose an airline seat?

It depends on which route you fly and which airline do you fly when you can pick your airline seat. Southwest airline, for instance, has open seating which means your boarding pass just tells you in what order you board and then you find whatever seat you can. That is unusual.

Most airlines let you book a seat at the time when you buy the ticket, although increasingly some airlines, like British Airways, don’t let you book a coach seat more than 24 hours before your flight without additional fees. Additional fees in general or a growing trend in airline tickets.

What’s the best airline seat?

Some people, like me, prefer to sit in the window both because it has a view and because on a long flight it’s easier for me to sleep at a window because people don’t keep bumping into me like they do when I sit on the aisle. My wife, on the other hand, prefers an aisle seat so that she does not need to negotiate with someone else when she wants to get up and use the restroom. Although after trying a window seat on a long-distance flight she does agree that it is easier to sleep in a window seat. The person at the window seat is somewhat less likely to get up during the flight, and therefore someone more likely of having issues with Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Not all airline seats are created equal. Some discount airlines like Spirit Airlines have very small seat pitch (the distance from the front of one seat to the front of the next seat) and therefore less legroom. Typically airlines these days will have at least three different classes of seats: first and/or business class, premium economy, and economy. First or business-class seats will be wider with better legroom. Business-class seats on a long haul flight will be more likely to be a lay-flat seat. Economy and the premium economy seats will be the same size, but the premium economy seating can have up to five more inches of legroom (or seat pitch). Legroom also means more room to use your laptop computer so these seats are popular with business travelers.

Premium seats are generally available for an additional cost, with unsold seats sometimes being made available to people in their frequent fliers program.

Exit row seats also have more legroom but have more restrictions. You need to be an able-bodied adult, able to understand crew instructions and willing to help in the case of an emergency to be seated in the exit row.

Some seats will have additional restrictions or advantages. For example, the row just in front of the exit row will not recline. The last row before I bulkhead will also likely not recline. The first row after a bulkhead may have the ability to put a baby bassinet, especially on a long haul flight but during take-off and landing, all your gear will need to be in an overhead compartment, not on the floor at your seat.

A great resource for finding the best seats on your flight is SeatGuru.com . I don’t just say that because I used to work on SeatGuru.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and how do I avoid it?

DVT is caused by blood clots that form in the legs during a flight. It is a rare but very serious condition. Wearing compression socks can help, but the best way to prevent DVT is to get up and walk the aisle every couple of hours during a long flight.

Can I get food on my flight?

It used to be that on any flight over a couple of hours a meal was served. On domestic U.S. flights in coach that is largely a thing of the past. There will be snack boxes served on many longer flights in the U.S., but at an additional cost. The good news is that as the food has grown more and rarer, the quality has gotten better in my opinion.

Your ticket should indicate whether a meal is served on your flight so always check that before you go to the airport so you can know if you should purchase something to take on the plane with you.

In my experience, airport food has gotten better over the last couple of decades. There is a greater variety of food and more healthy food available at many airports. There are familiar restaurants (chain restaurants) and sometimes good local options. You can try a bread bowl clam chowder in San Francisco’s airport or the barbecue in Dallas / Fort Worth and not regret the decision.

Most long-haul flights, flights over an ocean, usually still serve food. For example, the flight from the west coast of the U.S. to Europe or Asia will usually offer a meal service at the beginning of the flight and then another one at the end. The quality of the food depends upon the carrier and obviously whether you are in coach or business class or first class.

Can I get a drink on my flight?

Most airlines are still providing a free soft drink, coffee, tea, water or juice on a flight. Beer or wine can often be purchased for an additional charge. You should expect most airline purchases these days will need to be done with a credit card when you were purchasing them on the airplane. Most international flights will include free beer and wine, although that is not as universal as it once was. I have flown on an international United flight within the last couple of years that charged for a glass of wine.

If you were flying a budget carrier like Ryan Air in Europe or Spirit Air in the United States, you should pretty much assume that anything other than the actual seat and seatbelt will cost extra.

What’s the most surprising airline fee?

Ryan Air will charge you €15 to print your boarding pass at the airport. That’s just ridiculous. Feel free to tell them I said so.

What’s the story with baggage fees?

Most US airlines charge for checked baggage. Southwest will still allow you one bag that is checked for free.

The airlines have found that most people don’t think about baggage fees when they consider the cost of air travel. They found when they raised ticket prices people traveled less, but adding an additional fee for checked luggage does not seem to have the same effect. Don’t expect those fees to go away anytime soon because they are the reason the airlines are profitable. The old joke used to be: “how do you become a millionaire? Start as a billionaire and then start an airline”.

Most airlines are not charging for carry-on luggage… yet. Space for carry-on luggage is at a premium now because baggage fees are causing many more people to carry on their luggage which causes some delays in boarding. (See our   chart for baggage regulations on different airlines ). If you have a carry-on bag with you at the gate and they tell you there is no room for it, then they will “gate check” your bag. There is no fee for this.

On a larger airline airplane, gate-checked baggage will usually be delivered back to you at the luggage carousel as if you had checked the bag. On smaller regional aircraft, you will sometimes pick up your bag At the jetway at your destination. It is a good idea to clarify where you will pick up the bag when you gate check it with the agent at the gate.

One way to avoid baggage fees is to buy your ticket with a credit card issued through the airline’s frequent flyer program. Using an airline credit card will get you additional frequent flyer miles for your flight and will also enable you to board sooner often.

How can I entertain kids on the plane?

Be gBe glad you live in a digital age. When I was a kid, parents entertained their children with a free deck of cards from the airline and the souvenir plastic wings they pinned on you. These days an iPad or other electronic device tends to be a more popular choice.

Many airplanes have seatback entertainment systems which include movies for a variety of age and maturity levels as well as games. SeatGuru.com is a good resource for determining what entertainment system will be on a particular flight. Consult the airline’s website for more information.

I’m increasingly seeing a BYOD (bring your own device) approach from airlines. United, for example, has been rolling out a system on some of their domestic routes where there are no screens because they assume you’ll be bringing your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. These flights have a Wi-Fi system that you can use to access the Internet, but more importantly to access a hundred movies from a local server on the plane. As of this writing, I am not seeing them charge for that entertainment portion of the Wi-Fi but you should get the United app on your device before you get on the plane. You will want to have the United app downloaded on your device before the flight.

Long-haul international flights almost universally have some sort of seatback entertainment system. It’s best to bring snacks when traveling with kids. On a long haul flight where food is served, it may not come at your convenience. On a domestic flight where no food will be served, you may want a carry-on meal as well.

When traveling internationally, rules differ by country whether you can use small electronic devices during takeoff and landing. A small toy or game or even that old deck of cards might come in handy. When we traveled with our children and they were small, we often brought some new activity or game.

For children older than infants or toddlers, it is best to explain what the flight will be like. We have seen at least one mother and daughter nearly get kicked off a plane because the mother could not control her child and get her to stay in the seatbelt during take-off.

• See also  15 Tips for Flying With Kids

What do I do if there are Snakes on the Plane ?

That this is a question that is best asked of Samuel L Jackson.

How Can I Avoid Jet Lag?

See one of these articles:

• How to Sleep on a Plane – Gear that Helps
• An Expert’s Guide to Defeating Jet Lag

What kind of exercises can I do on a plane?

It may seem like a silly question, but there are exercises you can do in your airline seat. Minimally you should do ankle rolls and occasional walking in the aisle for your circulation. Dropping to the floor for push-ups or sit-ups is not compatible with the hygiene of airplane floors.

How do I prepare for an airline emergency?

Frequent fliers can probably do the airline safety briefing from memory, but new flyers at least should pay attention to these mandatory briefings. You probably already know how to use a seatbelt, but it is a good practice to know the location of the nearest exit.

Make sure you were not seated in an emergency row if you’re not able to understand instructions or not able to help in the case of an emergency.

Remember to leave your luggage behind in the case of an evacuation of the plane. You would be amazed at how many times people don’t follow those simple instructions, themselves and others at risk.

Airline safety is at one of the safest levels we have ever seen. You are much safer after you get on the plane then you were on your drive to the airport. You are at more risk from severe unexpected turbulence than you are from crashing. Flight attendants and passengers have been severely injured or killed (very rarely) by unexpected turbulence. Always wear your seatbelt when you’re in your seat. That’s what the pilots you do.

Be careful when you are getting down luggage from the overhead compartment. Luggage falling on people’s heads is realistically the most common safety hazard you will have on your airplane. Note also that it is not the flight attendant’s job to lift your heavy suitcase into the overhead compartment, as that is the number one source of injury for flight attendants. Don’t pack more than you can lift in your carry-on bag.

When should I arrive at the airport?

The common rule of thumb is to arrive one hour early for a domestic flight and two hours before an international flight. If you’re going to be traveling around rush-hour or some other time with predictably bad traffic, add some additional time. If you’re traveling on a holiday such as around Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s good to add additional time. Parking in long term parking can also add time. It also just doesn’t hurt to get to the airport early and have things to do. I tend to relax once I’m at my gate and through security.

Some airports, like parts of Dulles airport that use sky buses to get to the outer terminals just take longer. If you have not traveled through an airport before, it couldn’t hurt to look at the airport website for specific recommendations.

Where should I go when I get to the airport?

There are three main steps in your airport journey: the airline counter, security, and the gate. If you are checking a bag you definitely have to stop at the airline counter. Everyone has to go through security. But if you’re flying domestically, and are only bringing carry-on luggage (see restrictions on carry-on luggage), You may be able to print your boarding pass ahead of time and go straight to security and then on to your gate. If you’re flying internationally, someone will need to verify your passport. That will often happen at the airline counter.

See also  The Definitive Guide to Airport Security

How does self-check-in work?

More and more airlines and airports are using self-check-in at the airline counter. If this is the case at your departing airport, then you will check-in at an automated kiosk using your flight record number, or the credit card you used to book the flight or your passport. The kiosk will take you through a series of questions, try and sell you additional services, and will then print your boarding pass and, in many cases these days, also your baggage tags. Put the baggage tags on your suitcase and then look for a line to drop off baggage.

Do I still need a boarding pass?

Most airlines these days will give you the option of a paper boarding pass or one on your smartphone that is emailed to you. Either will work. If you have a boarding pass, you need to know where it is and be able to get to it at the appropriate time at security. If you lose your boarding pass then you can re-print one at the airline counter kiosk. If you use an electronic boarding pass, then you need to have your smartphone ready and it has to have enough charge to show the boarding pass at security and then likely then again at the gate.

Where do I charge my phone?

In many airports, you will find people huddled sitting on the floor next to the rare power outlet recharging their smartphone or laptop. If you want to make friends, you can bring a small traveler power strip so that more than one person can use the outlet. Some airlines are better about putting lots of plugs and USB outlets in their gates. Southwest seems to be one of the best airlines for this. You may also consider carrying a battery recharger for your trips. I carry either a HooToo device which you can also function as a wireless router later on at the hotel or an Away suitcase which has a built-in battery.

What is there to eat at the airport?

I use the GateGuru app from TripAdvisor to tell me what food there is at the airport. It can be handy to know whether you should eat before or after going through security or whether to eat near the arrival or departure gate when you are changing planes.

What are your unanswered questions?

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by Chris Christensen

+Chris Christensen | @chris2x | facebook

2 Responses to “25+ Air Travel Questions Answered”

Mike Shubic (@MikesRoadTrip)

Great info Chris!

thanks Mike!

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I've Taken Nearly 100 Flights In 5 Years — These Are The Tricks I Swear By To Make Air Travel As Easy As Possible

When we can all fly safely again, these simple tricks will make your next trip as easy and low-stress as possible.

BuzzFeed Contributor

Have you ever sat in an airport watching other travelers pass by? Some people make travel look easy, but the majority of travelers look frantic.

As a travel writer , I've flown hundreds of times, and I've made enough silly mistakes — losing my boarding pass, missing my flight because I was in line for a sandwich, getting my moisturizer taken at security — to figure out the differences between people who glide through the airport and those who struggle.

You don't have to fly often to travel like a pro . Here are the tricks and habits that make flying a whole lot easier for me.

1. one day before your flight, download the app of the airline you're flying so you can check-in and get your boarding pass..

I'm not a fan of downloading a ton of apps, but it's worth it when you're flying. When you download an airline's app, you can check in from your phone, access your boarding pass (SO much easier than keeping track of a paper ticket), get flight updates, and, in some cases, stream in-flight movies and TV. 

2. If you have to get a COVID-19 test for your flight, download whatever app the airline suggests, and upload your test results (and/or vaccination record).

COVID has really slowed things down at most airports. Getting everything done at home before you arrive at the airport will save you big time. Recently, I didn't download or upload my test results and vaccination record to the airline app, so I had to wait in a very long check-in line.

At this point, every airline seems to have their own test and vaccine verifying service. American Airlines uses VeriFLY , United Airlines uses  Travel-Ready Center , and many international airlines are currently testing the IATA Travel Pass . With these apps, you can see what documentation you need to fly and you can get it verified in advance.

3. Pack light and pack smart (aka skip the bag-drop line).

It doesn't matter if you're traveling for two weeks, a month, or a weekend. You can fit everything you need in a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. Remember, laundry exists all over the world, and when is the last time you ever wore everything you packed anyway?

What you pack will vary based on where you're going of course, but my go-to is two pairs of shoes, a couple pairs of jeans, a couple dresses, a sweater or sweatshirt, five shirts, PJs, and five pairs of socks and underwear. Depending where you're traveling you may need extras (like a swimsuit, scarf, rain jacket, etc), but you get the idea.

Oh, and there's no weight limit for carry-on bags. YAY!

4. Put your clothing in a carry-on, but store everything you'll have to remove at security as a personal item (aka your purse, backpack, shoulder bag).

This move will save you so much time at the security line. If your carry-on suitcase is just full of clothes, you can throw it on the security belt while you focus on your personal item, which will have all the "questionable" items like  liquids, large electronics, and food. 

Packing this way also ensures everything you'll need in-flight will be in your personal item (which should be stowed under the seat in front of you). That way, you won't need to get up and open the overhead bin to rummage through your suitcase mid-flight.

5. If you're stressed about space in your carry-on suitcase, be strategic about what you wear to the airport.

To save room in your carry-on bag, wear your bulkiest clothing on the plane (think: your biggest pair of shoes, jeans, a big sweatshirt, etc...).

6. And keep in mind that what you wear also effects how quickly you get through airport security.

When deciding what to wear to the airport, you'll want to keep airport security in mind. Skip the belt and chunky jewelry, wear a jacket you can easily take on or off, and opt for shoes you can slip off easily. I also always wear socks because no one wants to walk barefoot through security.

Plus, since you will likely be checking your ticket a thousand times while you're at the airport, wear something with pockets so you can easily access your phone and passport.

7. Strategically pack your personal item, keeping items you'll need to remove in the security line accessible.

The TSA suggests packing in layers , which works well. Put things you won't need to touch at security or in-flight at the bottom of your personal item, and pack items you know you'll have to access at the top. These items might include large electronics (laptop, Kindle, iPad), food, liquids, gels, and aerosols.

8. Take TSA's liquids rules seriously.

All airports have different procedures, and actually I've been through some airports that don't even make you pull out liquids. I think it depends on their screening equipment. That being said, you can avoid any holds-ups by following the "official" rules , which say all liquids, gels, and aerosols should be 3.4 ounces or less, and they should all fit in a single, quart-sized plastic bag. 

9. Bring an empty water bottle that you can fill up once you get through security.

A reusable water bottle is clutch for travel. The air in planes is dry, so you'll need to work extra hard to stay hydrated. That means means those tiny bottles of water you get on board won't cut it. If you're flying internationally, this is even more important because  dehydration can actually worsen jet lag . 

Bring a water bottle, fill it up once you get through security, and put it in your personal item so you can access it and drink plenty during the flight.

10. You might also want to pack a few snacks in case you don't have time to grab food before your flight.

I've quite literally missed a flight because I thought I had enough time to get lunch. These days I always pack a bag of nuts, an energy bar, and usually an apple or two in my personal item...just in case.

Keep in mind that if you pack a liquid-y food like yogurt you'll have to pull it out at security.

11. Put together an airplane kit containing headphones, eye drops, extra face masks, hand sanitizer, and antibacterial wipes.

There are a few essentials that will make your flight so much easier. Bring headphones so you can access the plane's in-flight entertainment (which may be on the seat-back OR on your phone) and a charging cord (because watching a movie on your own device can quickly drain the battery). 

I always bring eye drops because my eyes get very dry on planes, as well as a few COVID-related items like an extra face mask or two, hand sanitizer, and antibacterial wipes. 

12. If you need to sleep on the flight, also pack a few sleep essentials.

If I know I want to sleep on a flight, I'll carry on earplugs, an eye mask, a blow-up neck pillow, and a little lavender essential oil (which helps me prep for sleep). If you have a hard time sleeping on planes and are on a long-haul flight, bring along some Tylenol PM, too.

13. If you have a carry-on suitcase and the flight is full, make sure you board as early as possible.

In all honesty, I hate how people scramble to board planes, but if you're on a full flight and are trying to make a tight connection with a carry-on suitcase,  plan ahead. You'll want to line up early to ensure your bag fits in the overhead compartment. I've been on several flights where the plane has run out of overhead bin space and the staff started putting bags in the hold below. It's usually not a big deal, but it can be a nightmare when you have a tight connection.

14. If it looks like overhead bins are already full, put your carry-on bag in the first available bin you pass located in front of your seat.

There is nothing worse than getting to your seat only to find that the overhead bin space around you is full. If this happens, you're basically suck with two unfortunate options: 1.) put your bag behind you, knowing that you'll have to wait for everyone to deplane before you get it, or 2.) move against the flow of people boarding the plane and find a bin closer to the front of the aircraft.

I always make a game-time call as I'm boarding or I ask the welcoming flight attendant about the status of overhead bin space. If it looks full, I put my bag in a bin closer to the front of the plane on the way to my seat so it will be easy to grab as I deplane. Just make sure to remember the aisle number!

15. If you have a tight connection, look up your landing gate and connection gate in the airline app. While you're at it, inform the flight attendant that you have a tight connection.

If you're worried about making a connection, there are a few things you can do to deplane and get to your connecting gate quickly. First, use the airline's app to figure out where you'll be landing and what gate you need to go to. Next, let a flight attendant know you have a tight connection. You might also want to inform your seat mate so you can get up quickly. 

If you're lucky, the flight team will make an announcement asking people to stay seated so passengers with tight connections can deplane. 

16. Pick your carry-on suitcase and personal item wisely.

Running through an airport (especially with a mask on) is never fun, but sometimes it has to be done. This is when your choice of luggage actually matters. I recommend a four-wheel carry-on suitcase, which can be pushed or pulled alongside you and a backpack instead of a shoulder bag or purse.

Do you have any great tips for flying that I either missed? Tell us in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This article was written to provide travel recommendations or suggestions; however, it’s important to keep in mind your own health, community health, and exposure risk.

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These Are the Most Affordable (and Most Expensive) U.S. Airlines

And not all of the least expensive are budget airlines.

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Frontier Airlines is the cheapest carrier in the United States, despite its history of upselling customers for things like bags and seat selection.

The ranking is courtesy of a new study from airline compensation company AirAdvisor shared with Travel + Leisure , which looked at total passenger revenue per seat mile for the top 10 airlines in the U.S. When it comes to Frontier, the airline was more than $0.01 per mile cheaper than the next cheapest airline, fellow low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines.

“Frontier Airlines is often referred to as an ultra-low-cost carrier, and this certainly rings true based on our research,” AirAdvisor wrote in the study. “US airlines don’t get any cheaper than this as a whole.”

The ranking comes as both Frontier and Spirit recently eliminated most change and cancellation fees and Spirit made it easier to use travel vouchers for longer .  

Next on the list was Hawaiian Airlines, which came in as the third cheapest airline and the cheapest non-ultra-low cost carrier. In fact, AirAdvisor found Hawaiian Airlines was “by far the best combination of reliability and price of any airline we reviewed.”

Low-cost airline Allegiant Air and JetBlue rounded out the top five, but AirAdvisor noted Allegiant’s revenue per seat mile was $0.03 more than Frontier’s.

On the other end of the spectrum was Delta Air Lines , which came in as the most expensive airline per mile, but also one of the most reliable. That said, there are still ways to save.

“Delta offers flights all over the world, so there is a place for them on the itinerary of even the most budget-conscious traveler,” AirAdvisor wrote in the report. “Their website has a section for current flight deals, and you can subscribe to their newsletter to be informed whenever new sales are starting.”

Delta was followed by Southwest Airlines , which came in as the second most expensive on the list. That was due, in part, to the airline’s optional upgraded fare categories that come with perks like seat selection.

To form the list, AirAdvisor said it averaged the revenue per available seat mile for each airline in 2022 and 2023. The company specializes in helping travelers collect compensation from airlines when they are owed and collects a commission when the airline pays.

Beyond booking the cheapest airlines, travelers can save by buying tickets with specific airlines on certain days , being flexible, and setting price alerts .

Related Articles

The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Best Travel Credit Card

Last Updated: May 10, 2024

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. This page does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

Here in the US — as well as much of Europe — cash is no longer king. Credit cards have stolen that title and are used by people to pay for everything from new cars to a pack of gum.

We love credit cards in the US. You see ads for them plastered all over cities, TV, and online. Your bank likely calls and emails you with credit card offers all the time too. I can’t count how many unsolicited card offers I get in the mail — and no matter how often I say stop sending them to me, they continue like a deluge!

These days, there are HUNDREDS of travel rewards credit cards. With so many cards to choose from, it’s hard to know which ones are actually good for travel and which are not worth your time.

It can be especially confusing trying to navigate all the welcome offers, loyalty programs, perks, offers, arcane rules, and hidden fees of credit cards.

It’s so complex most people just pick the first one they see and call it a day. Or, even worse, they just give up and use a debit card instead!

Don’t be like them.

Be a better and smarter traveler.

Travel credit cards are an incredible tool you can use to earn free flights, travel perks, and hotel stays — and all without spending extra money.

Sound too good to be true? Don’t worry, it’s not.

In this article, I am going to tell you how to easily pick the best credit card for travel so you can maximize your points and earn free travel — because it’s a lot easier than you think!

Quick Overview: The Best Travel Rewards Cards

Don’t want to read this entire post? Fine. I get it. Time is important! So here’s my quick list of favorites by category!

For more details on each card, click here to jump ahead to our comparison chart .

Travel credit cards offer a great opportunity to earn free points that can be redeemed for airfares, hotels, or cold hard cash. In the race to get customers, credit card issuing companies partner with various travel brands (or just simply offer their own card) that entice consumers with a welcome offer, loyalty points, special discounts, and more.

Their desire to get you, the consumer, is really your gain. By milking the system, you can get tons of free air tickets, hotel rooms, and vacations, or choose to get cash back.

I’ve accumulated close to one million points through welcome offers alone . I get so many points each year; it would take an entire book to just list them off to you.

And, as long as you can pay your credit card off each month, you’ll be able to accrue points and miles that you can redeem for free travel.

The tricky part is finding the card that works for you, your travel goals, and your budget.

So how do you pick the best travel-related credit card? Here’s how:

Table of Contents

• Know There is No Perfect Card
• 5 Things to Look for in a Rewards Credit Card
• Will This Hurt Your Credit?

What If You Have Poor Credit?

The best travel rewards credit cards, step 1: know there is no perfect card.

The first thing you need to know is that there is no perfect travel card. Every card offers different benefits that will fit different lifestyles, budgets, and travel goals.

I use an AMEX card for booking flights, card_name for my everyday spending, a different Chase card for my phone bills, and a card_name for my business expenses! I have friends who only want cash back and others who only want United miles.

There is no perfect card. There is only the perfect card for YOU !

Start off by asking yourself, “what is my goal?”

Are you interested in loyalty to a brand, free rewards, or avoiding fees? Do you want to milk the rewards and welcome offers to get free flights or do you just want a card that won’t charge you a fee for using it at that restaurant in Brazil?

Is elite status the most important perk for you? Do you want points you can use for anything, like cash?

If you just want points to spend wherever you choose, get a card with transferable points, such as a Chase, American Express, Capital One, Bilt, or Citi card. These valuable points can be transferred multiple airlines or hotel partners and used to book travel directly through their sites.

Just want free hotel rooms? Sign up for hotel cards .

Want points that can be used like cash? Get a card_name .

Personally, I dislike Hilton and never fly United so I don’t waste time getting their points.

I don’t like cashback cards because I travel so often that points — not cashback — are more useful for me.

Using credit cards that get me airline miles or that have good transfer bonuses to airline programs is what I go for.

Find your goal and then find the cards that match your goal as well as your spending habits. By first focusing on what you want, you can maximize your short-term goals as you get the hang of how it all works.  

Step 2: 5 Really Important Things to Look for in a Travel Rewards Credit Card

Comparing credit cards can be a little overwhelming. To help you stay focused and ensure you get the best card for you and your goals, here are the six things I look for in a new card:

1. A huge welcome offer — The best travel cards offer you a sizable introductory offer. You’ll need to meet a minimum spending requirement (usually within the first few months) but it will be these welcome points that jump-start your mileage account and get you closer to a free flight or hotel stay.

Sometimes these offers are even big enough to get you a few free flights right off the bat! Don’t sign up for a card unless it offers a high welcome offer.

As a general guide, welcome offers work like this: in order to receive the large introductory offer, you must make either a single purchase or meet a minimum spending threshold in a certain time frame (i.e. spend $3,000 within three months). After that, depending on the card, you can earn 1-5x points per dollar spent.

Typical travel credit card welcome offers range between 40,000 to 60,000 points, though sometimes they can be as high as 100,000. That’s why cards are so great—you get an instant balance of thousands of points for very little work.

If you’re not sure you’ll be able to make the minimum threshold for the welcome offer, ask around to see if any friends or family are planning a large purchase. If they’ll let you put it on your card (and then pay you with cash) you can easily meet the minimum spend threshold to earn your welcome points.

2. Low spending minimum — Unfortunately, in order to get the great bonuses these cards offer, there is usually a required spending minimum. While there are ways to temporarily boost your spending, it’s best to be able to get the bonus using normal day-to-day spending. I typically sign up for cards with a minimum spending requirement of $1,000–3,000 USD in a three- to six-month period.

While you shouldn’t necessarily avoid high-minimum spending cards as they have substantial rewards, it’s a good idea to start small because you don’t want to get stuck with so many cards that you can’t meet the minimum spend. Only apply for cards that you can meet the minimum spend on to qualify for the welcome bonus.

Managing your ability to meet the minimum spending requirements is key because if you are spending more money than you usually do just to get these points, the points are no longer free. Only spend what you normally would and not a penny more.

If you’re looking for ways to meet your minimum spending requirements, check out my guide for some clever ways .

3. Added category spending bonus — Most credit cards offer one point for every dollar spent. However, good credit cards will give you extra points when you shop at specific retailers, or, if it is a branded credit card, with a particular brand. This will help you earn points much more quickly.

I don’t want one dollar to equal just one point. I want the ability to get two or three points every time I spend a dollar.

For example, some cards give you 3x points for travel and dining at restaurants, while others give 5x points on airfare. I can get added points when I use co-branded card to book with that company (i.e. Delta flights with a Delta card).

That’s what you want. Never accept one point per dollar spent. Look for at least two. (Some cards even offer up to 6 points per dollar spent.)

Otherwise, it will take way too long to accumulate enough points for free travel.

4. Have special travel perks – All of these travel credit cards offer great perks. Many will give you a special elite loyalty status or other extra perks. Here are the perks I prioritize:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Free checked baggage
• Priority boarding
• Free hotel stays
• Lounge access

Using travel credit cards is not just about just getting points and miles, it’s about what else comes with these cards that make my life easier!

5. Low annual fees – No one likes paying annual fees for credit cards. Many of the fees for company branded credit cards range from $50-$95 per year. For those who travel a lot and fly a lot, I think it is worth it to get a card with a fee.

Fee-based cards tend to give you a better rewards scheme, where you can accumulate points faster, get better access to services and special offers, and get better travel protection. With these cards, I have saved more money on travel than I have spent on fees.

That said, some of the premium cards that have fees of $500 or more a year are always worth it the first year since you get the sign-up bonus and, if you use the card benefits a lot, can be worth it in subsequent years too. Do the math because if you’re getting double the value from the card, a $500 yearly fee card is worth it then!

6. No foreign transaction fees – Credit cards are great to use when you are overseas because you get the best possible exchange rate from them but if you are paying a fee every time you use the card, then it doesn’t become as good. Nowadays there are so many cards offering no foreign transaction fees that you should never, ever, ever get a credit card with a foreign transaction fee. NEVER!  

Does Opening A Lot of Credit Cards Hurt My Credit?

While it’s true that opening and closing a lot of credit cards at once can hurt your credit, applying for a few credit cards over a period of time won’t kill your credit score. Your credit score will slightly dip every time there is an inquiry into whether that is a credit card or home loan or car loan. It’s how the system is set up.

But so long as you space out your applications and pay your bills each month, you won’t find any long-term damages to your credit. Your credit rating rises over time as long as you maintain it. You aren’t going to have a bank officer tell you years from now, “Sorry, because you canceled three credit cards in 2020, your loan is denied.”

I once cancelled four credit cards in one day and the impact on my score? Nothing.

I currently have a few dozen credit cards, a credit score of 825, and have been approved for a mortgage. Having lots of credit actually helps your credit score because you improve your debt to credit ratio. This is the most important factor in your credit score. If you keep your balances low and have a lot of available credit, you look like less of a credit risk to banks and your score goes up!

So, as long as you’re paying your monthly balances and spreading out your credit card applications, you’ll be fine. Unless you’re planning to make a big purchase in the near future (like a house or a car), you don’t need to worry about the small dip your credit rating might take.

Many travel rewards cards are only available to those with a high credit score, and if you have a low score (650 or less), you may find yourself being declined often and limited in your options.

There’s no magic bullet to suddenly fixing your credit score. If you have a low credit score, you need to build it back up. There are ways to do that and point-earning cards that can get you there.

Here are five ways to improve your credit score:

• Go to AnnualCreditReport.com and get a free copy of your credit report. This site lets you know what your credit score is so you can see what areas you need to work on.
• Dispute any incorrect information on your credit report with the credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and Transunion). Don’t let mistakes bring you down.
• Get a secured credit card. These cards require you to put down a cash deposit, think of it like a pre-paid credit card (or a credit-card-in-training). If you decide to put $500 USD in your secured credit card, you can use up to $500 USD each month and then pay it off. Spending and paying off your balance in full each month is a good way to build up your trustworthiness. A good secured card will have automatic reporting to the three major credit bureaus. This will help you build a good credit history and increase your score. Check with your local bank or any credit card issuer to see what they offer, or check out this list of the best credit cards for bad credit . Over time, you can raise the limit and this will raise your score allowing you to move to a regular credit card.
• Become an additional cardholder (authorized user) on the card of someone else with good credit. Essentially, this is like if that person was vouching for you. It can instantly improve your credit score. Warning: Your missed payments will also appear on their account, so don’t add someone or have someone add you if they aren’t on top of their finances. This works both ways!
• Pay all current bills on time and don’t get into more debt. Additionally, move any existing debt to low- or zero-interest cards.

Credit scores improve over time but they don’t take forever — and you don’t need to be debt-free to make it happen. A few smart months of money management and you’ll see your score rise.

All financial institutions have products for people with poor credit. Moreover, ask your local credit union if they have any prepaid cards. Get them and constantly work at it. If you’re passive, it won’t improve, but if you push the banks and prove you’re not a risk, you’ll soon be getting the good cards that include better offers!

You may not get the best deals or cards right away, but you will eventually. It just takes time.  

With so many credit cards to choose from, which ones do you pick? Well, the short answer is all of them. Grab as many as you can. Why put a limit on how many points you can get?

Getting a travel credit card is simple and easy to do when you follow the steps above. Once you know your goal, you can easily find the card that matches the goal and the perks you want. Don’t leave money on the table! Get a card, collect points, save money when you travel, and learn to travel for free!  

Want More? Learn How to Travel for FREE with My Book!

• How to spot and get the best earning cards
• How to master the ins and outs of loyalty programs
• How to maximize your everyday spending for bonus points
• The secret art of earning points for free
• How to always find an award flight or hotel room
• Where to discover the best travel deals
• The tools and resources travelers use to unlock secret fares and deals
• Step-by-step cheat sheets

  Advertiser Disclosure: “Nomadic Matt has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Some or all of the card offers on this page are from advertisers and compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Nomadic Matt and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.”

Editorial Disclosure: “Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. This page does not include all card companies or all available card offers.”

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please visit this page.

For rates and fees of the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express card, See Rates and Fees .

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