Travel isn’t something I do constantly, but when I do, I want it to be as easy and comfortable as possible. I’ve learned over time that a few small changes, what I pack and how I prep, can make a big difference on long travel days. These are my go-to travel essentials plus a handful of simple tips that genuinely make travel easier, whether I’m flying or driving.
My Go-To Travel Essentials
The Carry-On Bag I Always Use
I usually travel with the CalPak Luka Duffel, which works just as well for weekend trips as it does for longer ones. I like that it slides over my suitcase handle and has multiple compartments, so everything stays organized and easy to grab—no digging through one giant pocket mid-flight.
Comfort Essentials for Long Travel Days
Long travel days are so much easier when you’re comfortable from the start.
- SPANX AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants and Half-Zip are my travel uniform (I reviewed and compared them to two other brands in this post). Comfortable enough to sit for hours but still polished enough that I don’t feel sloppy.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones make a huge difference on the plane and in the airport. I also use them for solo gym trips and long walks.
- I like to take early flights, and this Sleep Eye Mask blocks light without pressing on your eyes, allowing me to nap on the plane or on long car rides.
Hydration & Skin Care Must-Haves
Flying is incredibly dehydrating, and I’ve learned that staying ahead of it makes a noticeable difference.
- LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes are my favorite electrolyte hydrator. I mix this with water before takeoff so I’m sipping throughout the flight.
- Owala FreeSip TWIST Stainless Steel Water Bottle is easy to carry and refill.
- Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches are great for flights (put them on under your eye mask) or at your destination after you land.
Packing and Organization Tools
These are the items I rely on to stay organized while traveling.
- Compression Packing Cubes zip down to remove excess air, which helps save space and keeps everything organized.
- This Travel Makeup Bag has an angled shape that makes better use of space, and it holds far more than you’d expect.
- The individual pouches in this Travel Jewelry Case keep everything organized and tangle-free.
- I’ve tried so many toiletry containers. These hold up to their leak-proof promise and they’re affordable.
- Whether or not your’re a chronic overpacker, a Digital Luggage Scale avoids surprise overweight bag fees at the airport.
- A 3-in-1 Charger for phone, watch, and earbuds means fewer cords to keep track of.
Simple Tips That Make Travel Easier
These are the tips that have made the biggest difference for me.
Always pack a backup outfit in your carry-on
My luggage has been lost before, and I learned the hard way that it’s worth being prepared. I always keep a change of clothes, or at least underwear and socks, a tee, and basic toiletries in my carry-on. Even if your bag arrives the next day, this alone makes travel far less stressful.
I also recommend putting an AirTag in your suitcase. If your luggage gets lost, you’ll be able to see exactly where it is instead of waiting for updates from the airline. When the airline lost my mom’s bag, they told her they didn’t know where it was—but she was able to show them its location, which helped them track it down much faster.
Bring a refillable water bottle and hydrate early
A refillable bottle saves money and reduces plastic waste. I usually mix a hydration packet before takeoff so I’m sipping throughout the flight, which helps with energy levels and dry skin.
Wear slippers on long flights
For very long flights, I pack IKEA slippers. They’re under $5, easy to toss in your bag, keep your feet comfortable, and protect them from the not-so-clean airplane floor.
Stretch before you sit for hours
Whether I’m driving or flying, I like to do a quick yoga or stretching session before heading out. Even ten minutes makes a noticeable difference when you’ll be sitting for several hours afterward.
Rehydrate your skin after landing
Once I arrive, I like to do a hydrating sheet mask followed by an eye mask. It’s a simple reset that helps me feel refreshed instead of rundown.
I’ve linked everything here that I personally use and reach for again and again. And if there’s something you never travel without, I’d love to know!
Thank you for reading!
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I have some packing cubes that I love but I've been wanting to try some compression ones as I could use all the help I can get saving space!
I need to invest in a great pair of noise cancelling headphones. I hope you have a great trip Jill! Can't wait to hear about it!
xo,
Kellyann
This are great tips Jill! I have the comfort essentials you list so I am on my way. Will read this again when I travel!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Wow, I'm impressed. You think it all. I'm now a, I buy what I missed, person.
I typically pack the best for trips abroad as I really think it through and pack in a carry-on + large personal bag. I always seem to overpack for our flights in the US, but I do learn a few lessons each time.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
What great tips! I am all for comfort and like to be comfortable when I travel. You really go need a good set of headphones to block out the noise around you.
That is a great idea to wear slippers on long flights.
WowWow, I'm impressed. You think of it all. I'm more a, Well I but what I miss, person. Thanks for the party.
I've so shocked how much I love the packing cubes. At first I thought they were silly, but now I swear by them too.
XOXO
The spanx set is super comfy to travel in!
I'm pretty sure we are going to Europe as a family this summer, so I may need that Spanx set, it looks so cozy!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
These are all such good tips. I haven't tried the compression packing cubes, but I think I should invest in some as I anticipate some international travel this year. One thing I would recommend for long flights is a pair of compression socks. You never know how much you'll be able to get up and move around for a bit. I also plan to use the same outfit as my travel to and from outfit.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Such a great tip about packing a change of clothes (and medications) in your carry-on or personal bag in case you and your luggage don't arrive in the same place at the same time. Need to check out those IKEA slippers for flights. Another good idea. I am having circulation problems in my feet and legs and would probably be far more comfortable in slippers for a long flight.
These are all fantastic tips, my friend! I don't travel very often as far as flying goes, but after our Pebble Beach trip last year, I could see so much of this being super helpful with the long flights!! I am still eying the Spanx set, it looks so cozy and would have definitely been more comfy than my jeans and t-shirt haha!! I love the idea of a skin/eye mask afterwards!
Make Life Marvelous
Love this! We are flying to Croatia in April so I added a few items to my cart!
Great tips! I’m a huge fan of the AirTag trick. It’s such a lifesaver when the airline has no clue where your bags are. Those IKEA slippers are a genius (and cheap!) move for long flights, too. I’ll definitely be trying that yoga session before my next trip to help with the "airplane stiffness.
These are great tips, Jill. Compression packing cubes have made travel packing so much easier for me!
Julia x