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9/11/2024
Top 10 Travel Essentials Even the most adventurous travelers have their creature comforts. These are the things that can make your trip a little less foreign or your hotel room a little homier. As experienced travelers, we’ve put together a list of items that we’ve found make our flights and our travels a more comfortable experience. What would you add to this list?  To make your long flight more enjoyable:1. Earplugs and an eye mask. You may get them on your flight, but you can never be too sure, especially with airline cutbacks these days. If you bring your own, then you know you’re covered. Even if you can’t sleep on the plane, these can help provide a quieter, more peaceful experience. And if you have space to carry them, noise-canceling headphones are even better. No need to spend a fortune. We like Cowin’s noise-canceling headphone options at affordable prices. And to reduce red and puffy eyes after a long flight, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. 2. Scarf. Fashionable and functional. Comfortably managing your temperature can be tricky on a plane (or train or anywhere you’re not in control of the thermostat). Wearing a large scarf (even a lightweight one) or pashmina on the plane is a simple way to add a layer and potential extra blanket without adding cumbersome bulk. Bonus feature, it removes the risk of elbowing your seatmates while trying to remove a jacket or sweater. 3. Neck pillow. Travel in comfort with either a traditional neck pillow or our latest favorite travel hack - the Trtl pillow. Some of our team members find it difficult to sleep on overnight international flights, so even a little shut-eye makes a difference. Whether you opt for an inflatable pillow, a Trtl, or a traditional neck support, all of these options can be attached to the outside of your purse, carry on, or backpack, and don’t count against your boarding limits. Many times, they have a clip built in, or a loop that you can use to secure it to your bag using a small, separate carabiner. 4. Water bottle. We never go anywhere without one! We especially love this flat-pack style. We like filling up a reusable water bottle before boarding an international flight. Most domestic airports have water refill stations after security check points. Yes, we know you’re served water on the flight, but often not for an hour or more after boarding. Plus, a reusable water bottle comes in handy as you journey. Fill it up at your accommodations in the morning and help reduce plastic waste wherever you go. 5. Lip balm and hand lotion. Does anyone else feel dried out on the plane? Aircraft cabin air is typically dry, usually 10%–20% humidity, about half of what most people consider comfortable. And our lips and skin suffer for it. Don’t get us started on what it does to our cuticles! It’s a small thing you might not think about in advance, but it’s irksome to feel as though you’re shriveling up like a raisin--and an old one, at that--about half way into a long-haul flight. Small lip balms travel easily through security checkpoints, and travel-size lotions fit into your carry on quart-size liquids bag.  To make your stay more comfortable:1. A 2oz empty spray bottle. Nobody wants to iron on vacation, and you won’t find an iron in most overseas hotels. Sure, you can send out your items for ironing, but at what cost, and will they be returned in time? Instead, fill your little spray bottle with water then spray down your clothes the night before you wear them. Smooth and tug out the wrinkles, and hang to dry. In most cases, this trick works just fine. You can empty out the water before traveling onward. Free wrinkle releaser! 2. A cozy layer and a good book. Sweatshirt, cardigan, bathrobe - whatever you like to lounge in at home, bring something lightweight but comparable for your trip. This home comfort will help your accommodations feel a little cozier and help you relax after a full day of sightseeing and adventuring. Don’t have time to read at home? You might when you travel. Whether it’s a paperback or ebook, bring it along to help you unwind in your comfy clothes before lights out. 3. Laundry detergent sheets. A quick and easy way to freshen up a few clothing items even in a bathroom sink! The sheet format doesn’t take up any space and there’s no risk of leakage since it’s not liquid. We like this eco-friendly brand, and you can pick from a variety of scents or unscented. When we’re going to be in one place for two or three nights, we wash out our things straight away, and then hang them to dry fully before repacking and heading out. Lightweight and polyblends dry fastest, so pack accordingly. 4. Power bank. When you’re traveling, your phone can be your lifeline - digital boarding passes and tickets, maps, translators, travel journal, camera, connection to home - so many functions. You’re sunk if your battery dies. Travel without fear of being stranded high and dry with a portable, rechargeable power bank. Slim and lipstick-size power banks travel well in your day bag or purse, and provide critical peace of mind as you go. 5. Toiletry Bag. Hanging bag, Dopp Kit, mega makeup case - there are different styles for different needs but we recommend investing in a quality toiletry bag. Even better if it has a hook for hanging. In our experience, your toiletries can get out of hand in a hurry. Whether you wear a lot of makeup or no makeup, or anywhere in between, find a toiletry bag that works best for your needs to help control the clutter on the hotel bathroom vanity. Something like this streamlined bag works well. Its compact size takes up little space in your luggage or backpack. We’re all about packing light, packing smart, and packing items that serve a purpose. In fact, we write quite a lot about it. Check out our packing tips and hacks. But more importantly, we are committed to helping you have an incredible travel experience from start to finish. With personalized journeys, authentic experiences, expert planning, and unparalleled customer service, we believe your next adventure should begin with Soirée. Find out more here.  Comments are closed.
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