Earlier this week, we chatted about how to get back on a schedule & get your life together after traveling. Let’s keep this travel theme going ( I’m leaving for Paris in exactly a week, so it’s top-of-mind, currently ), shall we?
Today, I’m sharing what I bring in my carry-on to keep myself entertained, fed, hydrated, & feeling relaxed on long flights. Being the most high-maintenance betch in coach is very on-brand for me. I want people to be wondering “who TF does this girl think she is??” while I unload my entire skincare routine & lunch buffet mid-flight.
If my fellow passengers aren’t confused, I’m doing something wrong.
In all seriousness, air travel can be taxing on your immune system, your skin, & your overall well-being. Sitting on a plane for hours on end leaves me feeling anxious, tired, DRY & usually a little disoriented upon landing.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE that I’m able to fly so frequently, I’m just trying to be realistic about the effects of long-haul flights on my bod.
So, to keep sickness, anxiety, & dryness at-bay, I pack everything I need to make me feel BEYOND AMAZING in my carry-on bag. Let’s talk details.
PS– I got my cutie backpack from Herschel Supply via Urban Outfitters. I like this backpack because it’s extremely light-weight, but it fits everything I need! This backpack also fits below the seat in front of me, so there’s no need to hassle with the overhead bin space.
It comes in a few different colors, so I’ll link those below for y’all.
whats in my carry on
Electronics
Because, duh. I keep my laptop + charger cords, my external hard drive ( for photos/video ), phone charger, & headphones in my carry-on at all times. I’ll usually download a movie to watch on my laptop, or I’ll pass the time editing video ( I ALWAYS do this on planes ).
Beauty Supplies
Like I said before, I want to feel RELAXED while flying. Part of my relaxation routine: indulging in skincare + hydrating products mid-flight. You can see a complete break-down of what I bring in my beauty bag here, if you want more details about each product. But, in summary, I usually pack: hand lotion, face moisturizer, makeup remover wipes, a hydrating sheet mask, under-eye masks, a lip mask, lip balm, a gua sha or face roller & concealer.
Health, Wellness, & Food
An essential carry-on category. I bring a plethora of ingestables ( lol ) on flights with me. In terms of health & wellness, I pack: Emergen-C packets, gentle hand sanitizer, any medications I might need, hot tea packets ( I like mint or chamomile for flights! ), & CBD gummies. In terms of food, I like pack: protein bars from home in my bag, as well as buying a couple snacks at the airport. Before I board, if there is a smoothie place or healthy food option in the terminal, I make sure to grab a full meal to eat on the plane. Another thing I can’t fly without: a WATER BOTTLE. Hydrate yourself!
Entertainment
I always pack a book & a notepad with me while traveling. I get very inspired to write while I’m flying, and pen-to-paper is my favorite method. Also, I try to take breaks from my computer to read a book every now-and-then.
Clothes
I never travel without a hoodie/jacket of some type. I like to have layers to put on or take off while I’m traveling, so I start with a base layer ( usually a tank top, leggings, & sneakers ), and then I bring an XL t-shirt and a hoodie. Options are important and comfort is KEY.
& there ya have it!! Everything I bring in my high-maintenance carry-on bag for flights that last more than 5-6 hours.
Of course, I support this level of EXTRA-ness for short flights as well. Do what you gotta do, boo.
What other spa treatments or entertainment apparatus should I add to my carry-on? Suggest ANYTHING next-level high-maintenance on one of my latest instagram posts! The more annoying or confusing to the passengers around me, the better.
Talk soon beebs!! xx
shop my outfit
This post is in partnership with Urban Outfitters and Herschel Supply. All opinions are my own.