From spring break trips, school and business conferences, visiting family far away, and everything in between this packing list has you covered on all the essentials you will need. Bring this small bag on the flight with you, and leave your other stuff in a suitcase you check to avoid being slowed down walking through the airport and making getting food a breeze. Pack this all in a backpack, I use one of my north face ones for style and convenience.
1. Travel Documents & Money
Such as passport, driver's license, boarding passes, cash, credit/debit cards, and any other documents you may need depending on your destination. You can also purchase cases to keep these important documents in!
2. Book
If you bring a nook or tablet you could skip this and save room, but personally, I like to read real books more and find it easier for me to read more. I also usually go for a fun but lighter read that keeps me in a good mood!
3. Sunglasses
You'd be surprised how often you'll want these. You can put them on to darken things up a little so you can snooze without everyone around you knowing.
4. Scarf
Scarfs are great for traveling because they can keep you warm on drafty airplanes, and you can pull it over your face and use it to cover your eyes and as a pillow. Stylish and purposeful ones like this one that has a secret zipped compartment make it easier to feel secure about your important stuff like passport/cash/credit cards while sleeping on the plane if you're sitting next to a stranger.
5. Zip Up Hoodie
Throw your favorite zip-up hoodie in your bag too, it can get really cold on flights and it's a good way of staying warm without looking silly.
6. Pens
The air on planes is very dry so to keep your skin and lips dry bring these products to keep you moisturized.
8. Medication
If you have any medication make sure to bring it in your carry on in case, in the off chance your luggage is sent to the wrong place, you won't be missing out on taking your medications. This also goes for bringing a little bit of DayQuil, NyQuil, and Aspirin.
9. Reusable Water Bottle
If you want to read or watch anything this is your best bet! I usually download a couple movies and books so that I don't have to worry about not having wifi. Both of these things make time on the flight or waiting at the gate go by a lot faster.
11. Long Cord Chargers
Make sure to bring chargers for everything! Including any car chargers you have, and charger for your battery pack (External battery). The longer the cord the better your accessibility as well, and you never know what dumb places the outlets will be in your hotel/ rental.
12. Snacks
As long as it is factory sealed still (unopened by you) it can most likely go through TSA. There are some exclusions though such as soup and liquidy foods, but you get the idea. I usually bring a travel size pack of nuts or Cheez-its.
13. Candy & Gum
Candy is a great distraction from how annoying almost every detail about flying is and gum helps keep your ears popped when you are changing elevations.
14. Headphones (Aux and iPhone)
Some flights have TVs for every seat so you can watch whatever you want, and listen to music. But these require auxiliary headphones. Newer iPhones come with connections that only fit into iPhone charging ports— thanks, Apple— so make sure if you have an iPhone that you bring a pair of each type of headphone or an adapter to be safe.
15. Tissues & Cough Drops
Even if you don't have a cold when you leave for your flight it doesn't mean you'll survive the airport without them. It seems like regardless of having a cold or not I get stuffy and my throat gets itchy in airports.
16. AirBourne
To avoid getting sick as much as you can bring a bottle of AirBourne on your flight so when you feel someone cough or sneeze on you, you can swallow some down and pray it works before that ill-mannered persons' cold is your cold.
17. Mini Comb/Brush
Whether you're sleeping or just sitting in your seat your hair is likely getting tangled and messy. Throw a mini brush in your bag to keep your hair managed.
18. Travel Size Makeup Wipes
These are perfect for when your makeup is running after sleeping or rubbing your eyes on your flight. Even if you aren't wearing makeup you can use one of these to keep your face clean after leaning on dirty seats and wipe the oil off your skin to keep the dirt out.
19. Battery Pack (Backup Battery)
If you cannot find an outlet to charge your phone it's safe to have a backup battery. Even if think your phone dying won't matter, things can change in an instant and you should have a charged phone to be prepared.
20. Neck Pillow
If you're going on a longer flight and you want to be able to nap without straining your neck, these things are a lifesaver!
