Must Have Items for International Flights.

So can I just say that not doing a study abroad while I was in school is one of my big educational regrets? I kept putting it off in college and then finally planned to do a short trip to Chile my 3L year. Sadly, that was the year the earthquake hit and we had to cancel the trip. I graduated law school still never having gone further than trips to visit family in Mexico or Panama.

Since then I’ve been able to travel enough to make up for missing my study abroad experience (though I’m still bitter that the professors made us write a paper after canceling the trip. #bogus). One of the things I’ve learned is that however un/comfortable you are on your international flight will directly impact the first few days of your trip. So when it comes to flying internationally the name of the game is comfort and, of course, getting some sleep.

If you planned ahead better than I did and are gearing up for a summer study abroad or are planning an international trip for vacation here are some must-haves to help keep jet-lag at bay:

For sleep-

• Earbuds. I bought a CVS pack and used a pair on my last long flight and they were great! It muffled all the sound, which let me actually sleep.
• Breathe right strips. Odd, I know. I put this on once I’m going to sleep because it opens the nasal passages. These strips are to help someone stop from snoring, but if you used one you know it literally widens your nasal passage making it easier to breath. Airplane cabins are crazy dry areas and many people find it hard to breathe comfortably because of the arid air. Using the strips helps with the discomfort.

• Sleep aid. If you can sleep without medicine that’s obviously the better choice, but getting a couple of hours of sleep on the flight is really vital so I take a half dose of Advil PM and slept without issues. 

• Eye mask. The crew tries to reduce as much lighting as possible, but it’s hard when you’re flying from day to day and there’s like only two hours of actual night sky during your flight. The mask conceals any light and helps you sleep.

• Socks. To keep you warm.

To Freshen Up-

• Eye drops. Drops to help with the dry air. I also bring my glasses and a travel contact solution/container so I can sleep without my contacts and let my eyes breathe a little.

• Lotion/oil. I carry argan oil to use as a lip balm because my lips get so dry, but the tube I take can also be used on dry skin, cuticles, etc.

Double Duty-

• A large scarf. I take a large scarf with me on every flight, long or short–and I use it every time. Aside from being a travel essential to spruce up outfits, this scarf keeps me warm on flights. Many international flights have blankets (or you’ll have to option to purchase) but most are large enough to cover legs and chest.

• Wipes. I bring both face wipes to wash off makeup before I sleep or to freshen up my face once we land. And I also bring antibacterial (not pictured) in case I need to clean something.

• Mints or gum. Obvi, to help with ear popping.

• Water bottle. Again, so much thirst! I try to not drink soda, coffee, or wine on flights (though those flights to Paris, champagne and wine is really hard to decline). Water instead keeps my hydrated, reduces post-flight bloating, and helps with ear-popping.

All of these items, minus the scarf, fit inside a medium to large makeup tote bag. I keep mine in my carry-on and can easily grab it whenever I need an item. Some airlines sell these things in their flights, but I prefer to bring my own because I know the item will work and I’d rather not pay around five euro each way when I can just bring my own things.

What’s your must-have item for a long flight/trip?