Travel Essentials.
As an ex long haul Stewardess for British Airways, I have travelled the world and learnt a few travel tips along the way. Long haul flying can be exhausting, but it needn’t be with the right travel essentials.
If you are following me on instagram you will know that I am presently in Florida visiting my Mum. As I write its over 90 degrees here!
I know this is the time of year when many of you will be flying away for vacations, so I thought I would share with you what I pack in my hand luggage…
As an ex long haul Stewardess for British Airways, I have travelled the world and learnt a few travel tips along the way…
Travel Essentials
1.Water: a small bottle of water for each of the family
This one will come as no suprise to any of you, hydration is essential when flying. Due to security regulations when flying today, you will not be able to take bottles larger than 100 ml into the departure areas. This means you will need to buy it in the duty free areas in the departure lounges. I know it will be available on the flight but very often you will receive a small cup and have to wait awhile to get it. Even on a short haul flight I would recommend taking a bottle. I recently travelled to Milan and forgot mine, I ended up drinking wine (oops)
2. Moisturiser.
A beauty essential this time and one for you (forget the kids on this one) I never wear make-up on a flight these days (I may add a touch of Mascara when I land ) but I do moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. My favourite one at the moment is the new Elizabeth Arden 8 hour miracle hydrating mist. Luckily it comes in a 100ml bottle so you can take it through security in your hand luggage. I spray it whenever I get the chance. It is my new best friend. feels super refreshing too!
3. Phone headphones.
Always handy, and great for listening to those podcasts you dont have time for at home. I never rely on the plane headphones or entertainment systems being fully functional. Although on my last flight I was able to plug my phone directly into into my seat, which meant I could recharge my phone too! I was so glad I had packed my own earphones (Brilliant idea Norwegian Air)
4. Travel Pillow.
Another obvious one, especially when travelling with kids. Even on a day flight its nice to be comfy. I was given this Tempur travel pillow and now I won’t travel without it. (At home I keep it in my car) It is so soft and malleable that it moulds to its own space and your head, which making sleeping on a long haul flight very easy. This one ties in with no.5 on the list too…
5. Sleep Mask.
Perhaps best for a night flight, I pack mine in my suitcase and use it for the return night flight. A good quality travel sleep mask will block out light and hopefully allow you to sleep for awhile. My tempur sleep mask has a little weight to it, so when you press it down it moulds to your face and blocks out light perfectly. Great for that annoying moment when your seat neighbour decides to read, when everyone else is asleep! right? (combine this with no.4 and you are all set)
More:
Of course I could add Jelly babies, antibacterial hand wipes, lip salve and more to my list of essentials, but the five above are the most important ones for me…
The ‘Tempur® Challenge’
You too can claim a free travel pillow just like this by taking the The ‘Tempur® Challenge’ from the 10th July – 7th August, which offers you the opportunity to go into a store, test out the mattresses and win a Tempur® travel pillow of their own. Full Details here: http://uk.tempur.com/tempur-challenge.html
I would be very interested to know what you always pack in your hand luggage for a long haul flight? Any more tips to add to my travel essentials list?
Great list! I always take a pashmina or wrap even when we are flying somewhere hot. I freeze on planes the a/c is so cold! And it acts as a comfort blanket as I hate flying and have ended up in the past with an anxiety induced migraine!
Author
Hello thats a brilliant idea thanks! I tend to do that on night flights as I am always cold when i wake up, that is if I manage to get any sleep?
best wishes
Thanks for your comment!
ashley
Lizzy Arden 8 hr cream (as a lip balm) is always in my bag. Was reading an old copy of Woman’s Own yesterday and there you were! Good for you!
You’re still not coming up in my reader, so apologies for infrequent visits.
Author
Hi Fiona!
May I ask which issue of woman’s own? I knew it would be in there at some point but I must have missed it?
such a shame abut the feed, Im not sure how to fix it!!
ashley xxx
Sorry, can’t help I’m afraid, it was lying around at work. You’ve popped up in my feed again…how bizarre.
Bookmarked for my next trip. Thanks! x
Author
Cheers my dear! do you have somewhere exciting planned?
bestest
Ash x
I want one of those travel pillows. Will be great for the car! I’m always falling asleep on the way home from Essex. Hope you’re having a fantastic time. I know your shopping a lot! Can’t wait to see what you bought xx
Author
I’m shopping too much Laurie! Got lots of treasure too! ?
I pack a lightweight outfit, including underwear, in case my luggage is lost. If I’m going to the beach or somewhere with a pool I also pack a swimsuit and cover up. A book, a magazine, and a simple crochet project. I’d be the one with the light on (sorry). I find it hard to sleep upright. My mouth falls open and I wake up! And if I don’t my niece takes awful pictures of me.
Author
Such a good idea Cindy! as I too am always fearful of my luggage being lost!
best ashley
Good tips! I must encourage my husband to moisturise more on flights and drink water not wine haha! xx
Great tips Ashley, thanks for this. Enjoy your time away, bet you’ll find some great backdrops over there. x Jacqui
You are very welcome Jacqui but m sure as you are a frequent flier you probably know this already!!
Bestest ash x