Top 10 Travel Essentials for Long Flights

Are you a terrible flyer? Does the very idea of getting on a plane fill you with anxiety? Well you are not alone. I am by far one of the worst flyers in the world. However, I love to travel, so I found some tips and tricks that helped me through my recent 15 hour flight(s) to Israel. Check out my list of Top 10 Travel Essentials for Long Flights below and don’t forget to download your travel planner on the @hyggefamilyprints page on Etsy – link below!

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1. The Right Carry-On Bag for You

First and foremost, you have to have a good carry-on. I had success in Israel with a backpack, but my new favorite bag looks more like this one. The pocket at the bottom and the long strap make it easier to carry and more convenient for security checks.

However, I have many nomad friends who prefer to use a hard shell case bag. Find the option that works best for you and don’t be afraid to spend a little extra money on the right carry-on. It can make all the difference in your travels.

The strap is comfortable, the bag is a good size and it has a SHOE compartment at the bottom. I used this compartment for my toiletries, but if you wanted to pack slippers you could tuck them in the bottom pocket. No need to worry about dirt or stink getting on the rest of your stuff.

2. Water

Hydration is key. I can’t say that enough. The air up in the friendly skies is very dry. Be sure to drink plenty of water in the days prior to departure. Drink water during the flight as well. I usually buy a giant Figi water before boarding, but you could also bring a large reusable water bottle and fill it at the water fountain.

Bonus Tip: If I feel particularly nauseous while flying, I sometimes ask for Ginger Ale or Sprite with ice.

3. Nausea Medicine

Speaking of being nauseous… I have tried several remedies for my flight sickness, but nothing has worked better than these Tummy Drops. They come in Natural Ginger and Double Ginger Peach but I prefer Natural Peppermint. The drops are similar to throat lozenges or cough drops. The packaging says you can have up to 12 per day, but I only used maybe 5 for the 15 hour flight(s).

Bonus Tip: I pop a Tummy Drop and tuck it in my cheek right before take off then try to doze off while it dissolves.

4. Headache or Pain Medication

Sometimes you just need Midol, am I right? I try and keep a small pill container with ibprophen and Midol in case I get crampy or get a headache. Although, drinking lots of water helps with easing any pain you will feel a long flight.

5. Disposable Toothbrush

You and your travel companions will thank you for packing these tiny toothbrushes in your carry on. Traveling for 15 hours in a germ-y plane and through various airports can make you feel disgusting. It’s nice to have a clean mouth. My entire tour group was fighting over these, ha!

6. Hand Sanitizer

Speaking of germs… airports and planes are gross, guys. There are hundreds of people rushing around. Who knows if your seat was sterilized or if the people around you are sick? Always carry hand sanitizer. My tour group fought over this as well. I prefer the Honest brand.

7. Hair Ties or Scrunchies

If you have long and unruly hair like me, hair ties or scrunchies are a must. And bring extra. If you only have one hair tie and it snaps mid-flight you are doomed.

8. Headphones

I start listening to worship music before the plane takes off to avoid hearing the noise of the engine. Take off and landing are the worst for me, so I keep movies or music steaming to keep myself distracted.

Bonus Tip: If you have a newer Apple phone, pack the headphones with the adapter. The movie screens on longer flights do not have the new plug ins so you might need to carry the old version just in case! Movies on long flights are a God send.

9. Snacks

Hanger runs in my DNA. If the blood sugar gets low all sorts of terrible outcomes are possible. Once, my husband and I were stuck on a plane for four hours on the tarmac waiting for takeoff. This wait took place over the lunch hour. They wouldn’t give us snacks or water and I about passed out. Always pack a snack for emergency blood sugar moments.

Bonus Tip: I love Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Larabars. Yum. Also tiny packets of Almond Butter are great for a protein boost. Almond butter with cinnamon… yum. Okay, now I am just speaking out of current hunger.

10. Hydration Mist

Last but certainly not least is this facial hydration mist. It might seem frivolous or silly, but I have to tell you I NEVER fly without it. Planes are dry and miserable. A spritz of hydration mist and I feel like I am not in a death trap thousands of miles in the sky. It was especially a life saver on the flight to Israel.

Bonus Tip: Some people like to pack face masks on long flights to hydrate as well. I was too chicken thinking I would look ridiculous. Hydration Mist is inconspicuous.

*HONORABLE MENTIONS:
1. The one item I wish I would have packed and I think would have come in handy was a hand-held fan. On the flights to and from Israel I bounced between being freezing and boiling hot. A hand-held fan may have come in handy!

Thank you for checking out my Top 10 Travel Essentials for Your Carry-On. I hope you found this information helpful for your next adventure. To read more about our latest adventures, check out the

Top 7 Must-See Places in Israel
8 Delicious Eats and Treats Near Tampa Florida
What To Do With An 8 Hour Layover In Philadelphia
Best Small Towns in America: Highlights of Lindsborg, KS

If you have any questions feel free to send me an email or message me on Instagram. Follow @bestillandhygge on Pinterest for more travel tips and tricks and subscribe below for new content every week!

Love Always,