I’m on the road again this month. I’m gone for 10 days, with multiple flights and an eight hour road trip that will take me back home (like HOME home, my hometown which I haven’t been to in 5 years!)!

Two friends of mine got married last week and I was able to combine a work trip and attend their lovely wedding, as well as see friends and family.

I wish I could teleport myself and go there more often … it’s beautiful!

Then this week I’m in full team-retreat mode (for my day job). 

Going away always brings to mind the travel essentials I’ve curated over the years to make it more enjoyable.

I don’t know how you feel about travelling these days, but flying or road-tripping is not always comfortable. 

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My Travel Essentials

Here is the list of things I usually bring with me. Some will be obvious, but some might surprise you:

1. Refillable Water Bottle

This is probably an obvious choice for many, but unless I travel where drinking tap water is ill-advised, I make good use of my reusable bottle.

2. Noise-cancelling Headphones

This one is a must! 

OK, maybe TMI, but small noises get to me. I don’t know what it is, but like someone tapping on a keyboard, all the chirps and bleeps from electronic devices that are not on silent mode, and people eating when it’s quiet.

When I’m “trapped“ on a flight or a train, those sounds become amplified, until I think my head will explode.

Thank God for noise-cancelling headphones! They also help when you have a screaming baby on the aisle behind you!

3. Entertainment

Entertainment already downloaded: movies, shows, audiobooks or podcasts, physical or ebooks, etc.

This one varies, but I usually have an audiobook, a physical or ebook downloaded to my phone, as well as a couple movies and TV shows. 

Sometimes I don’t use that entertainment at all, but if I can’t sleep or relax, I’ll pop something on my phone to distract my hamster brain.

4. Battery Pack & Charger

Of course, you can’t have all of the entertainment and not have a phone charger. 

Yes, the regular cables, but also a battery bank like this one*.

5. Facecloth

I wish I was one of those people who can fly overnight, sleep the whole time and get to my destination fresh and ready to tackle the day. 

Alas, this is more what I look like (but less cute)!

Therefore I need some things to freshen up before we land. A wet facecloth usually does the trick. I like the Norwex brand which I’ve had these forever, but any microfiber or bamboo facecloth* would work. Just pop it in a plastic bag when you’re done and let it dry when you get to your hotel.

6. Mask & Mini Pharmacy

I know we’re kind of over wearing a mask everywhere, but I’ll always have some with me on a flight. If I feel like the plane is overcrowded or I can hear someone sneezing or coughing, I’ll wear one. 

I’ve had too many trips ruined by getting sick a few days after arriving at my destination.

This is also the reason why I carry a mini pharmacy with me (I use this little thing). I only bring a few pills of what I would reach for at home for allergies, a headache or an upset stomach.

7. Soft Scarf

If I’m going on a longer flight where I need to sleep, I’ll often use a scarf as a blanket. 

I know they give you blankets on flights, but there is nothing better than your own soft scarf with a few drops of your favourite essential oil to add a touch of comfort.

8. Eye Mask (Buff)

I don’t like eye masks in general. I’m not sure if it’s because I have a small face, but I’ve never found one that is comfortable.

Instead, I use a loose buff and it does the trick. 

9. Foot Hammock

I’m short and sometimes my feet barely touch the floor of the airplane, making it very uncomfortable. Enter the foot hammock*!

At first, I was skeptical that this thing would help, but it totally does. 

You can achieve the same result with an infinity scarf by the way.

10. Snacks & Gum

Never leave home without your favourite snacks and an energy bar, just in case your next meal is not when it’s supposed to be. What can I say, I easily get hangry! 

For me, that’s usually some homemade trail mix, an apple (if not going to the USA - check the rules) and maybe some individually wrapped cheese.

Gum helps with ears popping because of pressure and freshening the breath 😉!

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Have you ever put much thought into your travel essentials? Do you bring something else that’s not on my list?

Like travel content? Check this post on travelling with only a carry-on or this one on packing for a camping trip.