With over a decade of experience as a flight attendant and having lived on the remote island of Guam, I’ve become intimately familiar with the ins and outs of travel. To many, an eight-hour flight might seem daunting, but for me, it’s just another leg of a journey that often stretches over 24 hours to get back home to Georgia. My extensive travel background has shaped my perspective on what it means to travel efficiently and fine-tuned my understanding of what constitutes a true travel essential.
Whether dealing with the cramped confines of an airplane cabin or navigating the logistics of multiple time zones, I’ve learned what it takes to stay comfortable, organized, and ready for anything. In this blog post, I’m excited to share my most-used travel essentials—items that have stood the test of time and countless miles in the sky. From must-have gadgets to trusty pieces of luggage, these essentials are the cornerstone of my travel routine, ensuring every journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
This post is all about my tried and true travel essentials.
This post has NO affiliate links, just a genuine passion for stress-free travel.
Build Your Perfect Carry On
The right carry-on is a person’s best travel companion. It should combine lightweight design, durability, and effortless maneuverability.
The perfect carry-on is durable. Unforeseen circumstances might force you to check your carry-on due to full overhead bins. Choosing the right rollaboard ensures your belongings remain intact, regardless of handling. This carry-on is not just robust; it’s also intelligently organized.
The perfect carry-on is not just robust; it’s also intelligently organized. If faced with the dreaded “whose bag is this” TSA inspection, everything is within reach, ensuring a swift and smooth process.
The perfect carry-on is also lightweight, which you can manage easily. If you need to pack heavy, I highly recommend checking your bag. In the airline industry, I always heard, “You pack it, you stack it. You bring it, you sling it.” Additionally, many airlines do not allow flight attendants to touch passengers’ bags because of the massive amount they pay in insurance for shoulder injuries.
With the perfect carry-on, travel stress is minimized, and you can focus on enjoying your journey.
Essential Travel Item: The Rollaboard
My Choice: Travelpro FlightCrew 5 22″ Expandable
I was a flight attendant for 10 years, and throughout that time, I relied on one trusty bag: my Travelpro. Even now, I don’t consider any other brand. There’s a reason why this suitcase is so popular among crew members worldwide—it holds up.
I’ve dragged my Travelpro through snow and salted sidewalks in Detroit and Minneapolis (notorious suitcase wheel killers), across the cobblestone streets of Europe, through rain puddles in Hawaii, and checked it more times than I can count in Atlanta. This bag is tough, and many of its parts are replaceable.
If you’re fortunate enough to live in an airline hub city, you probably have access to a crew outfitter with a repair department and spare parts for your Travelpro. If not, you can purchase the replacement parts and find tutorials on YouTube to fix it yourself. It fits in most mainline aircraft bins, though not always in regional ones (I’ve had backpacks that don’t fit on some regional flights).
It may not be flashy, so I recommend adding a distinguishable tag or ribbon to mark it, especially if you check it, as it looks like every other black bag at baggage claim. But trust me, this bag is the one. Travelpro offers a spinner model that you might want to check out if you prefer spinner-style luggage. However, I avoid this style because the wheel posts are prone to breaking when the bag is checked. Instead, I prefer luggage with recessed wheels, which are better protected and more durable.
Essential Travel Item: The Packing Cubes
My Choice: Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set
Osprey ultralight packing cubes are an essential travel item for any savvy traveler. When you’re on the move, you don’t want the weight of your bag to be dominated by accessories. Instead, you want to keep things light to make room for souvenirs and other treasures you might collect along the way. These packing cubes are designed with the weight-conscious traveler in mind. Made from high-quality, durable materials, they withstand the rigors of travel without adding unnecessary bulk.
While Osprey packing cubes might be more costly than other options on the market, their durability justifies the investment. After experiencing the disappointment of cheaper cubes falling apart, upgrading to Osprey was a game-changer. These cubes keep your belongings organized and compressed, maximizing space in your luggage. Their robust construction means they can handle being tossed around in transit without tearing or wearing out.
By maintaining order in your suitcase, they simplify the packing and unpacking process, making your travels more efficient. Ultimately, Osprey ultralight packing cubes are a valuable addition to any travel arsenal, combining practicality, durability, and lightweight convenience.
Essential Travel Item: The Toiletry Bag
My Choice: Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set
The Osprey Toiletry Kit is an indispensable travel accessory, designed to accommodate full-sized bottles while remaining flexible enough to compress when packing TSA-approved sizes. This versatile kit is both durable and lightweight, ensuring it withstands the demands of frequent travel without adding unnecessary bulk to your luggage.
Its robust construction ensures longevity, making it a reliable companion for all your trips. One of its standout features is its ability to contain spills effectively. The interior lining and secure zippers keep any accidental leaks confined, protecting the rest of your belongings.
The Osprey Toiletry Kit’s practical design includes multiple compartments for organized storage, allowing you to access your essentials easily. Whether packing for a long vacation or a short business trip, this toiletry kit adapts to your needs, providing both convenience and peace of mind.
Build your Perfect Personal Item
The primary function of a personal item while traveling is to prepare you for whatever the trip throws your way. The perfect travel personal item should include essentials like a water bottle, an external charger, noise-canceling headphones, and an eye mask. These items ensure you stay hydrated, powered up, and comfortable throughout your journey.
A well-prepared personal item goes beyond just convenience; it equips you to handle unexpected situations, such as flight delays or changes in cabin temperature. Having everything you need within easy reach minimizes stress and enhances your overall travel experience.
* I will also give you a trick I discovered long ago to reduce stress during boarding and prevent you from becoming the subject of the “Once you have found your seat, please step out of the aisle to allow other passengers to pass by” announcement.*
Essential Travel Item: The Backpack
My Choice: The North Face Borealis Backpack
The North Face Borealis backpack is the ideal travel personal item, seamlessly blending functionality, security, and comfort. One of its standout features is the front pocket organization, designed for easy access to essentials like your wallet and passport, ensuring you can quickly retrieve your documents without hassle.
Security is prioritized with the Borealis, featuring a protected zipper system that keeps your belongings safe from potential theft. Additionally, the backpack includes convenient water bottle storage, making it effortless to stay hydrated on the go.
A major highlight is the external bungee system, providing a versatile space to roll up a jacket or blanket. This feature is particularly useful in airports, keeping your hands free while ensuring your extra layer is easily accessible if the flight gets cold. The bungee system not only secures your jacket or blanket but also allows for quick adjustments, maintaining your comfort throughout the journey.
Essential Travel Item: The Water Bottle
My Choice: The Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth with Flex Straw Cap
Every traveler should bring an empty water bottle when flying for several compelling reasons. First, most airports have water bottle filling stations available once you have cleared TSA. This allows you to avoid purchasing expensive bottled water, often with a hefty markup.
Having your water bottle ensures you stay hydrated throughout your flight. In turbulence, flight attendants may be unable to provide beverage service, leaving you without a drink for extended periods. An accessible water bottle can alleviate this inconvenience, helping you remain comfortable and hydrated.
Hydration is also crucial in combating the symptoms of jet lag. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your flight helps keep your body balanced, reducing fatigue and aiding in faster adjustment to new time zones.
When choosing a travel water bottle, opt for a tall, skinny design that fits easily in the seat pocket in front of you. This minimizes the risk of the bottle rolling down the aisle during takeoff or landing—a common occurrence I’ve witnessed as a flight attendant. Additionally, a bottle with a straw prevents spills, protecting your electronics and fellow passengers from turbulence-related mishaps.
Essential Travel Item: The Noise Canceling Headphones
My Choice: Apple AirPods
Bringing noise-canceling headphones on flights is essential for a peaceful and enjoyable journey. There’s nothing worse than a grown adult crying about a baby crying on an airplane—don’t be that person. Noise-canceling headphones, such as Apple AirPods, are a game-changer. They are lightweight, have a small packing footprint, and offer excellent noise reduction, making them ideal for flights.
Apple AirPods are particularly comfortable for sleeping compared to over-ear headphones, allowing you to rest without the bulk. They also provide high-quality sound for your music, podcasts, or audiobooks, helping you relax and pass the time.
Additionally, it’s wise to pack a pair of wired headphones. These are handy for utilizing the onboard entertainment system without relying on the often subpar earbuds the airline provides. Keeping these wired headphones in your travel bag ensures they are always available when needed, offering a reliable backup.
Noise-canceling headphones improve your comfort and contribute to a more pleasant atmosphere for everyone on board. By blocking out unwanted noise, you can create your own oasis of calm, making your flight experience much more enjoyable.
Essential Travel Item: The External Charger
My Choice: The Anker Power Bank
An external power bank is an essential travel accessory, providing reliable power when you need it most. Airport and aircraft plugs can be notoriously unreliable, and the last thing you want is to arrive at your destination with a dead phone, unable to access maps, call an Uber, or contact anyone. This makes an external power bank crucial for maintaining connectivity and peace of mind.
While exploring your destination, applications like Google Maps can quickly drain your phone’s battery. A power bank ensures that you can navigate unfamiliar streets, find attractions, and keep in touch with friends and family without worrying about running out of battery.
I recommend the Anker power bank. Although it’s a bit bulky, its capacity and versatility are worth it. It can charge your phone, computer, and headphones, making it a versatile tool for all your devices. On a week-long trip to Paris, I found it still held ample charge when I returned home. Honestly, this thing is kind of a brick but it is the most useful brick I have ever toted around Europe. (No one would blame you if you opted for something smaller. )
Having an external power bank means you won’t be stranded without power, whether you’re navigating a foreign city or waiting out a long layover. It provides the assurance that your devices will remain functional, keeping you connected, informed, and safe throughout your travels.
Essential Travel Item: The Eye Mask
My Choice: This 3D Eye Mask From Amazon
An eye mask is an essential travel accessory for flying, offering comfort and ensuring you get the rest you need. One common frustration is the passenger at the window who can’t decide whether to keep their shade up or down, letting in blinding light at unpredictable intervals. An eye mask blocks out this light, creating a consistent and dark environment conducive to sleep.
Additionally, an eye mask serves as the ultimate “do not disturb” signal, especially if you have an overly chatty neighbor. Wearing an eye mask sends a clear message that you’re not available for conversation, allowing you to relax in peace.
When choosing a sleeping eye mask, it’s crucial to pick a 3D design. These masks don’t put pressure on your eyes, making them much more comfortable. Opt for a washable mask to ensure hygiene and freshness for every trip.
A pro tip: use a few eye drops before donning the mask. This helps to keep your eyes hydrated and ensures you wake up feeling refreshed. The combination of a high-quality eye mask and eye drops can significantly enhance your in-flight comfort, making long journeys more bearable and helping you arrive at your destination well-rested and ready to go.
*The Pro-Move Travel Item: The Break Away Bag
My Choice: Allpa X 1.5L Hip Pack
Having a small hip pack accessible at the top of your backpack is the ultimate travel pro-move, streamlining your in-flight experience. Pre-pack this hip pack with essentials like headphones, your card and ID, lip balm, an external charger and cord, and other necessary items. This simple yet strategic organization can be a game-changer.
Say you need to store your bag in the overhead bin because you’re seated at the bulkhead or a window exit having this hip pack accessible ensures you still have everything you need until the fasten seatbelt sign is turned off. It eliminates the hassle of digging through your bag mid-boarding, keeping your essentials within easy reach. It is small enough to stay in your lap at the bulk head.
Avoid being the oblivious passenger who holds up the boarding process, digging through their bag while a line builds behind them. We’ve all seen this person, the subject of the “Once you find your seat, please step out of the aisle” announcement. It’s a bad look and frustrating for everyone involved.
By keeping a well-organized hip pack, you can quickly access your in-flight necessities without causing delays. This efficient approach not only makes your travel smoother but also shows consideration for your fellow passengers, enhancing everyone’s overall boarding experience. My husband and I both do this and we also find it useful when on layovers. He can leave his heavy stuff with me while he runs to the restroom or goes to find us coffee or vice versa.
Be Prepared + Stay Safe + Have Fun
Building the perfect travel kit ensures you stay organized, prepared, and stress-free, no matter where your journey takes you. With my years of experience as a flight attendant and a seasoned traveler, I’ve identified the essentials that make every trip smoother and more enjoyable. These items have proven invaluable across countless miles in the sky, from the ideal carry-on to must-have gadgets. Equip yourself with these travel essentials, and transform your travel experience into a seamless adventure, ready for whatever the trip throws your way. Safe travels!
