Travelling is my trigger, it makes me a nervous wreck. The plane, the being away from home, the thought of leaving my little angel Bitzy girl, my family, my friends… the whole thing makes me a fucking wreck. Of course under all of that there is excitement to go on a trip, but nerves definitely take center stage leading up to the whole thing.
You guys must think I am a total basket case… which is fine, because I totally am. No shame in my bat shit crazy game.
So, to cope, I plan. I plan like a mad woman. I plan like the world is ending. I don’t stop planning until I am on that plane, which actually is when I start to plan itineraries… so actually, the planning never stops.
Since I am leaving town for a HUGE ass trip in just three weeks (ugh, makes me kinda want to puke just saying that), the planning frenzy has begun.
A BIG thing for me is to make sure I am fully prepared for the long haul flight. I HATE flying, but doesn’t everyone? It’s uncomfortable, it’s long, it’s scary, it’s claustrophobic as fuck, & it’s just not a good time. I do kind of enjoy the fact I can just chill the eff out & watch movies for 9+ hours & people deliver me Bloody Mary’s, but other than that, not a fan.
The key in making sure I have a semi-okay flight is to come with everything I need to make it feel like I am just spending the night at home on my couch. I mean, clearly it will never be the same as I won’t have my snuggly pup or satin pillow, but I get pretty damn close as long as I have my top 20.
These top 20 things come with me on every flight & are a MUST. They keep me comfortable, sane, happy, & calm.
The Top 20 Travel Essentials Breakdown
1. Oversized Travel Tote: Cause you need something to haul around all your travel essentials. This one from Nordstrom is great because it has a hand strap & an arm strap, plus it’s cute enough to double as a purse when you get to your destination.
2. It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream & It Comsetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer: I live and die by these two items. There literally is NO better CC cream or concealer out there. SWEAR. Game changing, life changing, everything. The best thing is, if you’re on the plane & too lazy/scared (hate airplane bathrooms), it’s not gonna make your skin break out if you don’t wash it off.
3. L’Oreal Voluminous Macara in Carbon Black: For the next day, when you’re about to get off the plane, you need a swipe of mascara (like NEED). I am a huge mascara advocate & this one is my absolute favorite.
4. Glossier Balm Dotcom: airplanes are more drying than the sahara desert, that’s actually a fact. Cabin pressure or whatever… Glossier’s Balm Dotcom is a must because it’s a universal skin salve that you can put on your lips, cuticles, dry elbows (ew, but true), whatever.
5. Milk Micellar Wipes: The in seat way to wash your face, because again, I avoid airplane bathrooms like the plague. These are the best, & if you don’t already know, micellar water is everything.
6. Bare Minerals Starter Kit: I don’t typically use Bare Minerals make-up because I have other stuff I use, but I do love their products & they make a great starter kit that doubles as a little make-up travel kit. It has your powder, blush, bronzer, primer, & brush. Pretty much everything you need to touch things up before arriving at your final destination.
7. Korres Wild Rose 24 Hour Moisturizing Cream: Again, planes dry you out big time. This is my fave fave fave ever moisturizing cream.
8. Whish Deodorant Wipes: respect your plane neighbors & wear deodorant. Please. These are the best because they are packets, so they don’t take up space!
9. Calm Magnesium Packets: I do not live without my Calm Magnesium. It’s basically Xanax, but natural. Powder Xanax. I spike my water with this shit every second.
10. Kai rollerball perfume oil: planes are stuffy & stinky, but you also don’t want to pollute your seat mates with a heavy perfume. Kai’s perfume oil is perfect because the scent isn’t too strong (actually, the other passengers will probably enjoy the fresh scent), & it’s an oil so it lasts.
11. Dr. Bronner’s Hand Sanitizer: No explanation needed on this one, planes are a cesspool of germs. You can also make your own DIY hand sanitizer if you’re feeling crafty.
12. Mini Batiste Dry Shampoo + Wet Brush: I have extensions, so a wet brush comes with me everywhere since I have a fear of them turning into dreadlocks. Also, dry shampoo is a great way to fluff up your flat plane hair. I would suggest spraying it off the plane or in the bathroom so you don’t bother people.
13. Travel Toothbrush Set: would you hate me if I said I brush my teeth in my seat just to avoid the airplane bathroom? Did I mention I despise airplane bathrooms? I try to make Zack literally go in the bathroom with me to hold my hand- not looking to join the mile high club (sounds like a nightmare), just need the moral support while I pee.
14. Wildfox ‘Ugh’ Eye Mask: Please do not bother me when the eye mask is on. Plus, the whole flying experience is so UGH.
15. Memory Foam Neck Pillow: Always always always with my memory foam neck pillow. I don’t know about all memory foam pillows, but I can promise you this one is literally the best. Zack was bummed big time cause the one he got from the airport store was not nearly as comfy as mine.
16. Topshop Grey Hoodie: I never ever travel without a hoodie. It grosses me out to think how many heads touched the same seat as me (I am the same way in movie theaters), so the second I sit down… the hoodie comes up. Plus, this grey one is so cute & gives off total Kendal Jenner travel vibes when layered under a leather jacket #justsayin.
17. Cozy Socks: socks are like a security blanket for me when travelling, & these are the perfect combo of lightweight (hot feet is the worst) but also super comfy.
18. Laptop sleeve: to protect your laptop, I just got this one for the trip because it’s chic & also very slim so it won’t take up a lot of space. Also, don’t forget the computer/tablet/& all appropriate chargers.
19. Headphones: No brainer, you need headphones! Airplane ones are not cute & not quality, I just got this pale pink pair with gold details. Great reviews, everyone said it cancels noise which is a major bonus since crying babies are a total airplane buzzkill.
20. Sunglasses: I never travel without my go-to Ray-Ban’s. They are a great option because the lens is super black- which is nice if your eye make-up isn’t done to the nines & you may have a little bit of undereye bags.
✈ Optional, but recommended:: Journal + Pen: I like to document everyday of every trip I go on. Even if it’s just a few words. This also helps for blogging cause I can whip out my notebook & write down names of restaurants/shops/highlights I want to share with you guys! I am obsessed this marble notebook that I used last year, & will continue to add to this year!
Now now now, that covers your in flight essentials, but because I am such an OCD planner, I also wanted to share with you guys my packing spreadsheet I use for EVERY trip. Print it out via the link below & it will make packing seriously SO easy.
✈ ✈ ✈
Pretty sure that covers just about EVERYTHING, but if I am leaving anything out please please PLEASE let me know! Also, any travel tips/hacks I need to know about from you travelling experts? Do tell!! x, E
✈ ✈ ✈