We’ve all been there. We’re trying to make the best of a long haul flight only to be in a seat where a young kid with a non-observant parent allows the constant potentially inadvertent kicking of your seat to occur for 11 hours. At other times, you’ll have large groups of people traveling together, excitedly and loudly talking, preventing you from enjoying your movie or keeping you from sleeping. Then there’s the unfortunate incidents of travelers with motion sickness which sets the flight attendants rushing back and forth up and down the aisles to attend to them and to help clean up any accidents. I have found ways over the years to cocoon myself from all these external distractions by bringing my must-have items with me on the plane. 

1) Eye mask – It’s a signal to my brain to literally shut out the world and rest. Getting sleep during the plane right is pivotal to being alert and aware when getting off the plane to head to immigration, customs, finding your luggage and venturing out to a world unknown to you. I have a thick black silky one I use at home and on my travels. It’s luxuriously silky and much thicker and wider than the ones provided by airlines.

2) A pair of ear plugs (plus a spare) – This is key to muffling out any noises and commotion occurring during the trip. Sometimes ear plugs fall out during sleep, get buried in your seat or your neighbor’s blanket or perhaps land somewhere on the floor. It’s best to have a backup pair to ensure your maximum peace and comfort.

3) Airplane socks – These don’t have to be the compression socks unless you need them. They can be some fuzzy comfortable socks that you can put on after taking off your shoes so you can relax, settle in and get some rest. They sell these at the airport so they’re easy to find. 

4) Your own headphones – All long haul airlines will provide you a pair of headphones for watching movies and listening to music but sometimes the quality is not great and doesn’t quite shut out the sounds around you, thereby distracting you from your choice of entertainment. 

5) A wrap – I have a black pashmina wrap I bought from Costco years ago when it was stylish. I take it with me on all my plane rides because it acts as a blanket that’s breathable unlike the blankets which are provided to you. In addition, it can function as an accessory on your journey if your shoulders need to be covered for any sacred sites that may require it so it can have a dual purpose. 

6) Your own pillows – Most everybody has a travel neck pillow but I also bring a regular neckroll pillow that I combine with the airline’s pillow to support my lower back. Depending on the airline, the comfort of the seats may be questionable. If it’s a long journey, it’s best to be as comfortable as possible. This pillow is small enough so it’s not cumbersome to bring and can be placed under your knee to help ease the tension on your back. The added bonus is you have your own personal pillow for your neck or knees for your stay. 

7) Sanitizing wipes – These are much lighter and space efficient than the liquid type and can be used for wiping anything from your hands to surfaces on the plane. Plus they serve as hand wipes after a sticky or messy meal.

Hope my travel hacks have inspired you to find ways to make your journey more pleasant and enjoyable. Bon voyage and safe travels!

EYE MASK:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GSO1D9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

EAR PLUGS:

https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-5-Pair-Vending-Pack/dp/B00IT5MHWW/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1533384716&sr=8-7&keywords=ear+plugs

AIRPLANE SOCKS

https://www.amazon.com/Slaxry-Unisex-Winter-Comfortable-Cashmere/dp/B01M33FFN1/ref=pd_sim_193_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01M33FFN1&pd_rd_r=M6PCWSPPSGTZ4TBDJ8DN&pd_rd_w=LYTNs&pd_rd_wg=Dc5TQ&psc=1&refRID=M6PCWSPPSGTZ4TBDJ8DN

HEADPHONES: 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DVN1P29/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

WRAP: 

https://www.amazon.com/REEMONDE-Womens-Super-Colors-Pashmina/dp/B01L7INGOU/ref=sr_1_8?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1533385016&sr=1-8&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1&keywords=Black+pashmina+wrap

NECKROLL PILLOW:

https://www.amazon.com/Newpoint-100-Percent-Cotton-Neckroll-Pillow/dp/B001TH8M9O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1533384384&sr=8-3&keywords=White+neck+pillow

SANITIZING WIPES:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FZ23FA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1