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Travel items for nervous flyers:
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items I was diagnosed with agoraphobia at 15 and later found myself in an international relationship. It's been a challenge, but I've found some things that make my travel anxiety easier to manage.
Wise has been a lifesaver for me after my previous debit card was eaten by a South African ATM. It works at nearly every store I've visited overseas and I can convert the money I add from my main bank into the local currency. The app also allows me t...
Wise Travel Debit Card
I have this exact backpack in green! The thick straps make it comfortable to carry. I also find the corduroy fabric calming to touch when I'm feeling stressed.
Ocean Pacific OG Corduroy Backpack
Valerian root is the best natural anxiety supplement that I've found. It quiets my brain without knocking me out like a sleeping pill would.
Valerian Root Capsules - Natural Sedative Herb
Melatonin gummies help me sleep during overnight flights, but they also help me reset my internal clock when I land so I'm less bothered by jet lag.
Melatonin Sleep Gummies
Not just for sleeping… If you're nervous at takeoff (like I am) and find yourself in a window seat, sometimes it's good to distract your senses.
Sleep Eye Mask - up&up™
For iPad owners: Procreate is the BEST drawing app I've used. Alongside the preset brushes, you can also download your own brushes and fonts and create your own custom color palettes. Doodling is a great distraction during long layover hours. Kids lo...
Procreate Drawing App
I prefer to carry a separate MP3 player so I don't drain my phone battery on flights with no charging ports. I always listen to one of my favorite songs on takeoff because it helps me feel less afraid.
MP3 Player
I've been on a few domestic flights that don't have charging ports, so a portable power bank keeps my tech distractions from dying on me. This slim one is easy to pack anywhere.
Portable Power Bank
Sometimes I get tired of looking at my phone but still want to keep my brain occupied. Sudoku and crossword puzzles sometimes help me stop an anxiety attack before it can build. Most bookstores will have puzzle books made with pretty covers that look...
Puzzle Books
Don't get stuck somewhere new with no phone access! I used Saily when I first came to South Africa and it allowed me to use my American phone number until my host family could get me a local SIM card. It was really easy to replenish my data and I did...
Affordable eSIM plans for international travel
(This is just an example. I've used other brands in the past.) Personally, it helps me feel less homesick if I bring a familiar scent with me, and these samples are small enough to fit in my liquids bag.
Perfume Sampler Set
I hear some Americans don't have to take their shoes off in the airport anymore, but in case you're somewhere that requires it, slip ons are quicker than fiddling with laces. I like the Blowfish brand because they're comfortable, affordable, and avai...
Slip-on Sneakers
I'm most comfortable flying in loose clothing, but I don't like to wear pajamas in public. Linen or drawstring pants are more comfortable than jeans when you're stuck sitting down for a long time.
High-Waisted Linen-Blend Straight Pants | Old Navy
This was a recommendation from a childhood therapist: If you're feeling panicked, distract your senses with a sour candy or a strong mint. I've used that tip in the past and it worked!
Sour Hard Candy
Don't worry about missing your luggage at baggage claim! Add some brightly colored tags that you can spot from a distance. Plus, shopping for cute accessories takes some of the stress out of travel planning.
Easily Recognizable Luggage Tags