Travel Necessities
I fly a lot, and I know what products work to create the smoothest experience and the easiest time relaxing.
Luggage
My all-time favorite luggage brand. Reasonably priced, great warranty, and developed by flight crew (and if they're not airplane warriors, IDK who would be). I have been using the same Crew 9 21" Expandable Spinner Suiter since trips in 2010. This in...
I have had my tag for about as long as I've had my TravelPro luggage. The tag itself is a lightweight metal and I've not noticed any scratching of the images printed on it. The loop to secure it to the luggage is a plastic leather style, and that has...
The metal tag loops that I referenced in my note for the Shutterfly metal tags
It looks like they only have the one color at the moment, but I have this brand packing cube in both the large size and a smaller size (may be available elsewhere). It works great to compartmentalize your clothes (e.g. tops in one, bottoms in another...
I've been eyeing this brand for awhile - ever since I started traveling regularly for work. It's well designed and they've thought about what a woman will need when traveling with a laptop. Multiple pockets, a key strap, and hidden pockets make this ...
Tech
I have a love/hate relationship with the over ear noise-cancelling headphones. I love it because it does provide more noise blocking even when the active noise-cancelling is not turned on (great for when I forget to change out batteries). I hate it b...
Portable air purifier to filter viruses, mold, dust, dander, allergens, smoke, and pollution from your personal space. Purchased for travel during COVID, but given all of the climate change-fueled wildfires, I can see it continuing to be useful going...
Hydration
I really like having a water bottle to refill at the airport and this one is a great size. Not too large that it's cumbersome to carry when full, but not too small that I'm constantly having to refill. I also like that the mouthpiece has a wide openi...
I think a water bottle is key given how many airports now have filtered bottle water fillers (or even just a water fountain). For those that don't have filters (or those you don't trust), I like the bottle with a UV light to kill off any additional b...
Another bottle option with a built-in filter to reduce chlorine taste in tap water. I like how this comes with a small carrying handle and a cap that keeps the mouthpiece clean (no grimy fingers touching!). Brita also sells replacement filters and th...
When you aren't sure about the tap water cleanliness when traveling (or are camping), I would recommend upgrading to a Lifestraw filter which not only removes hard metals and chlorines but also protects against bacteria. You can get the only the stra...
BPA free and for every LifeStraw product purchased, a school child in need receives safe water for an entire school year.
Long-lasting membrane microfilter lasts up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 L) and the activated carbon filter lasts up to 26 gallons (100 L) of water with proper use and maintenance.
BPA free and for every LifeStraw product purchased, a school child in need receives safe water for an entire school year.
Long-lasting membrane microfilter lasts up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 L) and the activated carbon filter lasts up to 26 gallons (100 L) of water with proper use and maintenance.
Comfort
The Trtl neck pillow is such a unique offering. It is comprised of a plastic curved structure designed to fit in the curve of the neck between chin and shoulder, covered in a foam padding, enclosed in a fleece fabric. You place the curved structure o...
I love my Trtl neck pillow because it actually provides enough height for my head not to be bent at such an extreme angle and provides enough structure to actually support the weight of my head. The downside is that the plastic structure can only be ...
I love my Trtl neck pillow because it actually provides enough height for my head not to be bent at such an extreme angle and provides enough structure to actually support the weight of my head. The downside is that the plastic structure can only be ...
So I have an inflatable seat cushion from Eddie Bauer but it looks like it's no longer sold. Here's a similar cushion from LL Bean. I love this for longer flights (over 3 hours) where the worn-down airplane seats just cause so much fatigue. Since it'...
I don't know what brand I have, but I like the infinity scarf that has snaps so that you can unsnap the scarf and turn it into a travel blanket while on the flight, and then turn it back into a usable scarf at your destination or in transit.
After a long flight with dry airplane air, this feels sooooo good. Remember to be a good fellow passenger and not spray it until you're sure they wouldn't get caught in the spray!
Hygiene on the Go
If you can't do a spray or don't want to spray, this is another great alternative for just refreshing your face (and neck, and arms, and wherever else you want to swipe it!) after a flight.
I have a bottle of hand sanitizer in almost every one of my bags. Even if the government has declared COVID over, there are still other germs out there that can quickly turn a fun vacation into a nightmare. Protect yourself with sanitization!
If I use the airplane tray table, I always wipe it down. Also great for if you want to make doubly sure that any surface is clean if you're eating on it or placing another heavily touched items (e.g. phones) on. Also good to wipe off your phone when ...