Travel Essentials: What's in My Carry-On

While I believe it's just as easy to hop on a plane and go without too much fuss, there are a few items that I find make the journey more enjoyable and just make everything easier! Here's what I take along:

Snacks

I've never been a fan of plane food (show me someone who is!) so I usually make sure to stock up on a bunch of snacks I can easily tuck away. I love to take coconut chips, granola bars or homemade granola, popcorn, and chocolate. I also really enjoy grabbing my own meal at the airport from the best place I can find and taking that on board. 

Water

Airplanes wreak havoc on our skin and we dehydrate quite quickly so it's always good to have water on hand at all times. I take my Swell bottle with me and once I've cleared security, I fill it up so that I can stay properly hydrated before and during the flight.

Lip Balm

I usually have more than one kicking about in my handbag and the same goes when on airplanes. I love to take a little of May Lindstrom's Blue Cocoon on board which not only smells heavenly but also doubles as a moisturizer and eye cream.

Rose Water

I really love rose water! It's been really great for calming inflammation on my skin and keeping it hydrated before applying a moisturizer. Plus it smells really lovely and the size is acceptable to bring onto the plane.

Anti-Bacterial Spray

Hundreds of people, several hours, all cramped in one small space does not make for the most hygienic place! It's good to carry something extra just in case although I always make sure I'm using a natural version. Many of the conventional anti-bacterial items on the market contain nasty chemicals.

Oregano Oil

This is one of my favourite items. Oregano oil is great for boosting your immune system and for warding off illness. It really is one of the best things to take when any sign of sniffles or a sore throat appears and in the lead up to traveling.

Essential Oils

I don't really wear perfume but I do love the scent of many essential oils. I find them a lot subtler and they're really lovely to have either to relax before a flight or freshen up with just as you're landing. I love lavender and bergamot.

Eye Mask

I can't always sleep on planes but I make sure to pack one of these anyway just in case! I have one that smells of lavender and chamomile from Saje Wellness.

Big Comfy Socks

I usually find myself super cold on airplanes so I always pack a big warm pair for the journey.

Books

If I don't already have one, I really love going into the bookshop before boarding and seeking out a book I know nothing about to read with all the spare time I know I'll have. If I don't find a book, I often grab some magazines and even a word search puzzle book (which is kind of old-school but I secretly really enjoy them!)

Notebook

I also take along a notebook to write down anything and everything that comes to mind. Being disconnected from technology and having so much time on your hands is a really good reason to have one packed.

Headphones

The in-flight ones just aren't the same as pulling out my own pair that I know are guaranteed to work when I watch movies and listen to my music.

Gum

This tends to already be in my handbag so I just pack some more for a longer journey; I love Pur gum.

Scarf

I love scarves and always have a hard time choosing which ones to take with me when I go anywhere! I like to pack a bigger, warmer, cozy one such as my cashmere one for the plane, which then doubles as a blanket.

Sunglasses

These always pair well with jet lag and even work to hold up messy hair before you get the chance to grab a shower!

Tili Bag

I loved these bags ever since I first saw them. They come sized and ready to go through security and in really cute patterns to carry all of your liquids.

Travel Documents

Of course you can't go anywhere without these and they are the most important (they should probably be at the top of this list but, priorities!) I have a travel pouch that I keep my passport and tickets in so they're easy to access.

I know all of this seems like a lot but it really isn't when it's all packed and in your bag. I find having these items takes the stress away from traveling because let's face it, sometimes it can be. These items leave me feeling a bit more comfortable on the journey and tide me over until I arrive at my destination.

Happy Holiday-ing!