As the semester comes to a close for many college students, the excitement of going home has begun to build. You get to go home and eat home cooked food, sleep in your own bed that is more than just a mattress topper and scratchy sheets, and so many other things. But before you can fall into your blankets and sleep for three days straight, you have to get there first, and sometimes traveling can overwhelm you after a week of finals. Here are seven essentials that you do not want to be with out while making the (hopefully) painless trek back home.
1. Bring a book
Or any other type of entertainment that you can enjoy for more than an hour. The uncertainty of airport security lines can leave you with an extra hour of waiting for your flight to board and the flight alone can take up to four hours, so you do not want to be sitting there, playing with your hands and staring at the floor for hours. I find it especially calming to read a book that I have been dying to finish but was unable to due to the stress of finals.
2. Do not forget your headphones
Listening to music or watching a movie on your laptop or from the airplane can help pass the time significantly better than just sitting there, listening to the constant hum of the engines. You do not want to find your seat on the plane, only to find that your headphones are no where to be seen and there are two crying babies on the flight.
3. Do not forget your chargers
If you are getting ready for a long day of traveling like most college students are, then you definitely do not want to be without your charger for your phone or laptop. Airports have graciously provided charging stations during this age of technology, but what good would it do if you didn't have your charger and you still had one more two hour flight with 5% left. Also, remembering to bring your headphones would have been pointless.
4. Bring a blanket or small pillow
The seats on airplanes can be uncomfortable and make the trip feel that much longer with the constant search for a good position. Bringing small blanket or pillow can help alleviate some of the struggle be providing comfort and warmth, especially if you are one to take naps to pass the time efficiently.
5. Have a notebook in your bag
This may be more personal, but I always find it soothing to write on actual paper, rather than type, and something about flying makes the words come out easier. Take a moment to look out the window and write down any thoughts or feelings you have, even if they are about the most random of things.
6. Wear comfortable shoes
I cannot stress this enough, traveling will seem ten times longer if you are not comfortable. Wear shoes that do not make your feet tired or constrict them too much while you are sitting. If you are one to take your shoes off during travel, then wear a pair that are easy to slip off and on to save time.
7. Pack light
You do not want to be trudging through the airport, trying to find your gate, and dragging a bag that weighs more than you do. Only pack what you know you will use, even if they aren't what I have listed above, pack light so that your bag doesn't feel like a weight to drag around during your journey home.
Safe travels to all those who are going home for the holidays!
