Travel Essentials for International and Domestic Long Flights
Vacationing is always a thrilling prospect, filled with anticipation and excitement. Whether you’re seeking adventurous escapades or serene relaxation, the process of planning your trip can be enjoyable. However, the task of packing should not be daunting. Having traveled extensively, from domestic trips within the States to exploring Europe and Asia, I’m here to make your packing experience effortless. With essential travel items and practical tips at your disposal, ensure your journey is comfortable and enjoyable. Get ready to embark on your travels with confidence!
What do you need for a flight?
- Passport and Drivers License (make sure you have this for international car rentals)
- Boarding Passes: Downloading them to your phone is easy or you can print them
- Travel Credit Cards: My favorites are Capital One Venture X, Capital One Venture, and Chase Freedom Unlimited.
- Debit Card: I always like to have one on hand in case I need extra cash from an ATM.
What size suitcase to use for an international or domestic flight?
After traveling many years with a checked bag, I have learned that a carry-on is all you need. I have spent two weeks living out of a carry-on. Your carry-on suitcase needs to be around 20 Inches for most flights. Remember, you can also bring a personal item. I prefer a large tote bag that is waterproof, zips, and can be attached to my luggage.
The suitcase that I recommend can hold a lot of stuff for its tiny size. I was able to fit 3 pairs of shoes, 3 skirts, 1 dress, 2 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of dress pants, 14 tops, 1 sweatshirt, 2 swimsuits, 1 swim coverup, rain jacket, windbreaker, jean jacket, pjs, silk robe, gym shorts and leggings, 3 bras, lots of undies, 8 pairs of socks, 1 hat, and 2 small purses. I tightly roll my clothes to fit the maximum amount. Plus I used my tote for my essentials with room to spare.
- Reaction Kenneth Cole Renegade 20 Inch Carry On: Expandable, 8-Wheel Spinner, Lightweight, Hard Sided Suitcase.
- Travel Tote Bag: This bag is very similar to mine. It fits a lot and you can slide it on the handles of your suitcase.
What to have in your carry-on or tote during a flight?
- Snacks- You can bring snacks through TSA as long as it is not in liquid form or pickup some at the airport
- Phone, iPad, Kindle
- Charging Cords
- Hair Tie
- Sunglasses
- Hat– This one is perfect for pony tails
- Travel Pillow with Memory Foam
- Hand Lotion
- Eye Drops: This is considered medication so you do not have to include it in your TSA liquid bag. I keep it in my medicine bag.
- Saline Nose Spray: This is also considered medication so you do not have to include it in your TSA liquid bag. I keep it in my medicine bag.
- Liquid IV: Helps me stay hydrated during long flights
- Lip Balm
- Gum
- Headphones: Beats are bluetooth for your tablet or phone. Apple Earpods with 3.5mm plug for the on flight screens.
- Prescription Medicines
- Basic Medicines: Advil, Tylenol, Pepcid
- Cozy Thick Socks: My favorite for long flights
- Baby Wipes and Wet Wipes: Strange I know, but when you are traveling long distances you need to refresh yourself. Plus you can use these to wipe down the tray tables on your flight.
What travel accessories to take for an international or domestic trip?
When packing with a carry-on and tote, staying minimal is key. Pack what is essential and remember that you can buy most things once you land at your destination if you forget anything. I like to research our destinations to see if they have a Sephora so I can grab hair and makeup essentials. Also, most large markets have toothpaste, deodorant, soap, etc.
- TSA Approved Travel Pack with Refillable Bottles and Containers: This set is perfect for all your skincare, makeup, and shower needs.
- Travel Mini Perfume Refillable Pump Container: Why buy mini perfumes, when you can use these little containers for your perfume. They are so easy to use and did not leak.
- European Travel Plug Adapter: Compact but enough for two people.
- BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter, Worldwide Plug Adapter: This is the one I used for traveling in Korea, Japan, and China.
- Mesh Laundry Bags: I used these to separate dirty clothes from clean. They were also great when I did laundry on our trip.
- Small Crossbody Bag: This small bag fit in my travel tote. I was able to use it for hiking, walking around cities, taking it to the beach. It fit my passport, Kindle, money and my phone.
- Osprey Daylite Commuter Backpack: My husband stored this in his carry on. We used this for hikes, beaches, and traveling on trains. It was great for storing water bottles, snacks, and anything we bought.
Traveling is what inspires me in so many ways from cooking to exploring. I love what travel brings to my life and what it does for my relationship with my husband. I hope my lists were helpful and it’s one less thing you have to think about when preparing for your trip. Please leave me a comment with your favorite travel essentials for long flights!
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