With only two days left till I depart South Africa packing has officially commenced. It’s important to fill your carry on with the right essentials and to be properly prepared in order to avoid any airport nightmares.
Below I have compiled a list of my must-have carry on travel essentials when flying long distance.
1.) Carry on bag:
Investing in decent hand luggage is a must if you’re a regular flyer. People will be judging you on your hand luggage, make sure it represents you, just like you would with a handbag you choose to invest in.
Louis Vuitton Pegase 55 in black R49600.00
2.) Memory foam neck support:
They so gross and I always said I would never use one, but I am officially converted. Flying with a neck support allows me to catch a few of those much needed zzzz’s. Currently I am loving the memory foam ones, they soft yet firm providing the best possible comfort for a long haul flight. Find one with a removable cover, this way you’ll be able to wash it after a flight.
Pink memory foam comfort neck support from Amazon R92
3.) Headphones:
Most long haul flights will provide you with a set of headphones but personally I prefer to use my own set.
Taylor Gold FRENDS headset R2125
4.) Eye mask:
Eye masks are a complete must for long haul flights!
Mary Green sleeping eye mask R288
5.) Comfy socks:
Most peoples feet swell up during long haul flights, my suggestion to this problem? Shoes off… comfy loose socks on. The loosely and chunkier the socks the better.
Country Road zig zag socks R69
6.) Travel size toiletries:
For those of you lucky enough to break up your long haul flight with a stop over at an airport hotel, for some shut eye and a shower, having travel size toiletries are fantastic.
Aesop Jet Set kit R395
7.) Comfortable shoes:
Forget heels when flying, your best friend will be a pair of comfortable trainers or sneakers when you lugging around your luggage from A to B.
Nike Air Force 1 07 R960
8.) A large tote
What’s a sneaky way to have more hand luggage then 7kg? A large tote! No one ever weighs your handbag. It’s great for carrying all your odds and ends whilst traveling.
Michael Kors medium Jet Set travel tote R3180
9.) Reading material:
Magazines soothe me before a flight and take my mind off everything making me anxious. A good book for the plane is also important for me as I often get bored watching films.
All airports will have a large selection of magazines on sale
10.) Hairbrush:
Direct peoples attention to your well kept hair, thanks to having a hairbrush onboard with you, instead of the dark circles under your eyes from not sleeping.
Tangle Teezer R110
11.) Lip balm:
Gotta keep em’ lips moisturised while flying. Damn air con!
Coco Chanel Rouge lip baume R375
12.) Notebook:
Having a notebook on you is great for so many reasons. For writing done traveling tips, inspirational quotes, ideas or simply documenting how you feeling.
Moleskine notebook R96
13.) Samples:
Before I fly I get samples of whatever facial products I happen to be using at the time. They small and light and don’t take up much space. This way I don’t have to take larger bottles on board with me. I love using the dermologica hydrating mask when I fly instead of a facial cream.
Dermalogica samples Free from your local beautician
14.) Perfume:
Flying for a full day may mean no showers, unless you flying first class. So having one of your favourite perfumes as carry on is a must.
Jo Malone Blue Agave and Cocoa 100ml R835
15.) Hand cream:
My skin always drys out with I’m flying so I make sure I always have a hand cream packed. I double up on it by using it as body lotion too.
Dr Hunter’s hand creme R160
16.) Facial oil:
If I’m not using the Dermalogica hydrating mask I’m using a facial oil to keep my skin hydrated during the flight.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate R490
xxxx EJ
Happy Traveling
