First, brush up on your air passenger rights and compensation, knowing the laws that support you as a traveler is essential when faced with flight disruptions. Hi, my name is Toni Reid, and I love to travel, and I want to inspire others to do the same despite having a 9-5. Now, here are five essentials that I bring along with me when I am crammed aboard a metal tube with 300+ strangers. Packing can make or break your trip, so the first and most important aspect of travel packing is your luggage, and here you have to consider airline luggage weight and measurement laws. Over time I realized carrying a heavy bag around wasn't worth the effort, so I chose a backpack as my carry-on as my primary bag for my long and short trips.
Once I was able to pack eight outfits for three countries in a backpack. It made the most sense to me, and I cleared customs and immigration and on the way to my hotel within 20 minutes. I went with the eBags the TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible Junior. It has padding on the straps, so it doesn't hurt my shoulders, it's lightweight, opens up like a suitcase, and I was mobile. Still, with the right bag, you'll need some travel essentials that will compliment your headphones and entertainment, so even the longest trip can be bearable, and for me, I always have these things ready to go in my carry-on.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
TSA-friendly size 3.4 ounces or smaller is the law for carry-on liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. To help speed up security check I put everything in my plastic quart size TSA Approved Toiletry Bag like my,\ Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Ointment, Burt's Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream, Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30, Mario Badescu Skin Care Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber And Green Tea, and Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm with vitamin E.
Sleep - Some airlines no longer offer pillows and blankets to economy passengers then there's the question about the airline sanitization procedures. Thus, it's always best to be prepared! My favorite is ComfortPlus 3-in-1 Premium Travel Blanket. I'm 5 feet 10 inches and this travel blanket is generously sized, it's soft, and the bonus is it rolls into an attach pouched. The Everlasting Comfort Travel Pillow is pure memory foam and my go-to pillow.
Frequent Flier Attire
I like to look cute, but I also want to feel my feet and be able to walk all day. That is what traveling is about. Right? My second trip to Long Beach, CA, back in 2017 is when I discovered Vans. They are the perfect all-purpose travel shoe, and I can slip them on and off when I go through airport security. They're not as casual as sneakers and are comfortable enough to walk the cobblestone streets of Europe. Deciding the perfect travel attire is a compromise between being cute and comfortable. I have found joggers and a comfy oversized sweater or a long cardigan to be perfect for flight attire. These items are flexible enough to wear on a long and chilly flight. Compression socks are one of those critical items that are often neglected, especially for long haul flights. Travel-related deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a severe condition that causes blood clots in long-haul air travel.
Hair
I find wearing my hair in braids to be convenient travel hair. Braids are low maintenance, and it requires minimum packing accessories like hair oil and moisturizing cream. Then the only other hair item I' would need is a scrunchy to pull my braids up or back into a ponytail for variety.
What I carry in my bag has changed but it also reflects what I've learned about packing and traveling through many airports. So I hope I have shared something to enhance your packing knowledge. Having the right carry-on bag is essential if you want to save money, not worry about lost luggage, and if you're going to be stress-free when changing accommodation/location. Still, with the right bag, you'll need some travel essentials that will compliment your headphones and entertainment, so even the longest trip can be bearable, and for me, I always have these things ready to go in my carry-on.
"I enjoy the preparatory elements of travel - packing my bags and choosing my outfits - but my favorite part is getting there."