Long-Flight Essentials

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Eeeeeeeek. It’s here. It’s finally here! Tomorrow I leave for my sister’s wedding in ITALY!!!

I can’t believe how quickly it came! It seems like just yesterday she was home for Christmas, trying on wedding dresses! I seriously cannot wait to get over there.

But getting over there is quite the hike (in our case it involves not one, but two layovers!) and so today I’m sharing some of my favorite long-flight essentials. I actually really appreciate layovers, IF they’re timed right. I love getting a chance to stand up, walk around, and get something to eat. In our case, we fly to D.C. first, and arrive just before dinner time. Which is perfect, because who wants to eat airplane food for dinner? Then we have our long flight to Geneva (8+ hours). Then it’s a short break before the final leg of our trip to Florence!

When it comes to long flights or international travel, the only thing I really care about in terms of packing is my carry on. Seriously, everything else is replaceable. Packing my suitcase for this trip took me all of 30 minutes. But packing my carry on? That’s another story. These are my must-have items for time spent on the plane…

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I like to dress in my favorite leggings (available in tall here!), a soft tank, a cozy cardigan, and an extra layer. I get SO COLD, so I like plenty of layers to keep me warm. I also love this scarf for travel, which can turn into a wrap too.

A blanket for warmth and coziness and let’s be honest, sometimes a seat cover if there are questionable stains of an unknown origin…

Headphones. You’ll need a good set to watch movies, listen to music, etc. The ones they give you on the plane are total crap and I never really trust that they haven’t been used previously, even if they are coming out of a sealed plastic bag.

Solid Perfume. I love to have a little something to swipe on during layovers so I don’t feel as smelly as I probably am.

Backpack. I like something with structure but that isn’t too big. This one is a good size, with easily accessible front pockets. And it’s cute to boot!

Kindle Paperwhite. I think if I had to choose one thing above all – one thing to rule them all – it would be my Kindle Paperwhite. I’m a bookworm at heart and can pass any amount of time with a good read. I love the Kindle for travel because I download three or for books ahead of time for the duration of the trip but have to carry only one device.

A chic passport cover, because that makes you feel, well, chic.

Neck pillow. A MUST. If I have a neck pillow, I can totally conk out for a good chunk of time. This one is inflatable so it won’t steal much room in your carry on, and it’s plush cover is sooooooo soft. Seriously, we just ordered these and I was blown away by how soft it is! It comes in a kit, with an eye cover and earplugs too.

Colgate Wisps. I swear by these things. A long flight means food, (hopefully) sleep, and thus some pretty bad breath. My family has been using these things since I was in high school! They are the best for a quick teeth clean mid-flight.

Cozy socks. A must, for my freezing feet.

Comfy shoes. These are supportive, easy to slip on and off, and super stylish.

Essential oil. I love this oil blend from Aveda. It’s super calming, and I like to dab a little under my nose and take a few deep belly breaths when I need to relax during the flight.

Cosmetic case. (This one’s on sale!) My mom always told me, make sure you have the bare necessities with you in your carry on. That way if your luggage gets lost, you can at least get by for a day or two. I like to pack my cosmetic case with said wisps, my actual toothbrush, a couple face wipes in a plastic baggie, deodorant, mascara, and lipstick. Everything else I can pick up at a shop if need be.

That’s it – my must haves! Now I’m off to work and trying to wrap up last-minute things before we leave tomorrow. Next time you hear from me, it will be from Italy! Ciao!