Let’s be real. Spending 10+ hours in the air is the worst. Yes, you’re so lucky to be flying to whatever exotic land awaits and you’re trying not to complain… but sometimes the stale plane air, invaded personal space, and weird food is just a little too much. And don’t even get me started on the bathrooms and tray tables in the plane (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, DON’T Google it). Okay, rant over. The good news is your carry-on bag is your lifesaver. And the better news is that after countless overseas trips, I’ve finally perfected what you need to make it through.

1. The “Just in Case” Collection : This section covers any random issues that might arise. Anxiety? Check. Headache? Check. Smelly person next to you? Check. Spilled coffee on your shirt? Check. Face or eyes too dry? Check. Nausea? Check. Phone running out of battery? Check.

Items in this category:

• Tide to Go Pen
• Aquaphor  : For cuts, chapped things, and dryness
• Acustrap Nausea Bracelet : I am a firm believer in the power of these. Nausea and Anxiety, GONE.
• Eye-Drops
• Peppermint Essential Oil : The best cure I know for anxiety and nausea. Just smell the cap or dab some on your wrists. Bonus! Also helps with migraines.
• Peaceful Sleep Essential Oil : This stuff isn’t necessary but I like to dab a drop under my nose when I am ready to sleep because it is so calming and helps get rid of plane smell.
• Advil : I brought a giant bottle with me in this photo because I was traveling Europe for 6 months and it is way cheaper in the US. Also you can only buy packs of 10 at a time in Europe.
• Phone Charger with Removable USB Cord: You probably have this. And you’ll need it for the planes with USB charging stations under the seats.
• Homemade Facial Mist : I made this for freshening up by combining about 10 drops of my favorite essential oil, green tea, and soda water. Again, not essential but feels GREAT when you feel sticky.
• Facial Lotion : Find what works best for you. I like this one because it stays on.
• Ashwagandha Supplement : Find what works best for you but this works best for me to ease my nerves about traveling when I take it about 30 minutes before leaving for the airport.
• NCD (Natural Cellular Defense) : This is totally unnecessary but it is said to help remove any viruses from your system so it makes me feel better to have it when traveling during flu season. This doesn’t have a lot of backing and is super expensive so if you want something try Cold Snap which is cheaper and also puts me at ease.

2. The “I Feel Plane Sticky” Collection : This section is for those moments you can’t bear to feel your own germiness/smelliness/stickiness.

Items in this category:

• Colgate Wisps : Because this is easier than bringing a toothbrush and toothpaste and you can use them anywhere!
• Pond’s Wet Cleansing Towelettes : Wipe your face. You’ll feel happy.
• Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes : You’re going to want these. Wipe your hands before you eat and wipe the tray table every time you pull it down. This will help you stay well during your trip!
• Dove Mini-Deodorant

3. The “Let’s Pretend I’m Not on a Plane” Collection : This section is for when you have watched too many plane movies and ate too much plane food and are ready for some good ol’ beauty rest.

Items in this category:

• Inflatable Neck Pillow : Inflatable pillows are the best because they fold up small enough to fit in your purse and can be inflated to your personal preference.
• Contoured Eye Mask : Contoured works best because your eyes don’t feel any pressure. Bonus. This brand comes with ear plugs!
• Favorite Tea : This is one of the items that just helps you feel at home. I like Yogi’s Stress Relief Tea because sitting in cramped spaces stresses me out.

4. The “These Items Just Make Me Feel Good” Collection : For when you just need to know your favorite pair of socks are clean and you’re getting vitamins.

Items in this category:

• Favorite Socks
• Emergen-Zzzz / Emergen-C : I personally like the Emergen-Zzz because it contains melatonin and helps me get better quality sleep on flights.

5. The “Don’t Bother Me” Collection : For the moments when you’re tired of talking and being talked to. Or for the screaming babies, snorers, and loud breathers.

• Ear Plugs
• Noise-Cancelling Headphones : People say these don’t make a difference but I love mine. I bought them off of Craigslist and will probably never go back to normal headphones on planes ever again. They don’t cancel all the noise but they also make it seem less like you’re in a giant wind tunnel.

LAST ESSENTIAL ITEMS:

• Mints : I was a big gum chewer on long flights until I realized gum totally dried my mouth out. Now mints for the win!
• Empty Water Bottle: Fill it up after security. If you’re in a time crunch you can also ask the flight attendants to do this but sometimes they can deny that to you. So then what? When they come around for drinks try and get them to fill it up again. If they say no, ask for four cups of water. That should do it 😉
• Book/Kindle/Laptop