For the next five weeks, I’ll be travelling and avoiding the real world, which has become my new normal. I’ve been travelling quite a bit in the past few years so I’d like to think I’ve mastered the art of flying. When I was younger, I used to adore the whole process. The excitement of entering the airport, of adding new stamps to my passport, the way your back sinks into your seat during take-off. Now that I almost only fly solo, I’ve realized that flying is a means to an end and if you prepare yourself correctly, you don’t have to think twice about it. Whether you’re just starting to fly on your own or you just want the experience to be stress-free, here are my must-have flying items.
Neck Pillow
I don’t know I was just being cheap, but I always thought neck pillows were a silly gimmick. It wasn’t until I was flying long-haul from Toronto to Bangkok that I finally caved and picked one up. Oh my god, what a game changer! When you’re flying alone, there’s nothing worse than not sleeping because you’re afraid of accidentally falling asleep on your neighbour. With a good-quality neck pillow, that’s easy to avoid. I’d recommend getting one that clips in the front so it won’t slip during slumber so you don’t have to wake up to readjust it.
Pro Tip: Buy a neck pillow with a case. You wouldn’t put your face on the airport floor, so why would you put your pillow there? Even attaching it to your bag that will end up on the ground sounds like you’re asking for a breakout or a cold. You deserve better!
Compression Socks
Sure, this sounds a little geriatric, but if you’re flying for more than six hours, they can be a lifesaver. No one wants to start their holiday with canckles of discomfort. Regardless of how often you decide to stand up and take a lap on the plane, you still may end up with the dreadful ache and swelling. If the flight is going to be a long one, or I’m flying to a drastically different altitude I’ll just throw them into my carry-on and pull them out when need be.
Eye Mask
I genuinely cannot think of anything more essential on a flight than good quality sleep. If I’m not asleep within the first thirty minutes, I’m gutted and grumpy. However, I get distracted really easily and since you can’t control the lighting, a good eye-mask can be a great fix. I used to just wear a hoodie with a ginormous hood or a beanie to cover my eyes, but light always peaks through and I would end up with horrendous hair. I just pop my eye mask in the same case as my neck pillow so I don’t have to even think about it.
Rose Water
It’s no secret that flights dry out your skin. If you’re like me and the drier your skin gets, the oiler you become, pick up some rose water! I normally reach for the bottle halfway through my flight when I’m feeling claustrophobic and when I’m waiting to deplane to feel refreshed and glowing. Rose water is also anti-inflammatory so if you’ve been sleeping for ages or just feel a little puffy, give yourself a spritz.
Travel Wallet
Between my passport, Nexus card, residency card, sim cards, pocket change in multiple currencies, and boarding pass, there are a million things to keep at arm’s length when at the airport. Getting a big travel wallet to keep everything in one place will make customs a breeze.
Pro Tip: Throw a pen in your travel wallet so you’re always prepared to go through immigration before you even land.
An Earring
This sounds a bit random, but when I’m travelling somewhere my plan doesn’t cover and I’ll need to pick up a new sim card, I pack a pair of earrings. I’ll just throw them in my carry-on to switch them out of my iPhone. Obviously, this only works if your phone is unlocked, but if it isn’t…baby what are you doing? Sure, there are actual devices for this, but I just always travel with jewelry and it works for me!
