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Everyone’s travel style and needs are different. You may be a nervous traveler, so you may like to have a couple of drinks at an airport bar. Maybe you’re a seasoned pro, so you already know which magazine you’ll pick up from Hudson News before you even arrive at the airport. Or you could be the last-minute boarder who always glides through security and arrives at the gate just in time with coffee in hand.
Whatever your style, these are the five things every traveler must have, no matter where you’re going or how long you’ll be flying.
1) The BBC: Belt Bag + Big Bag + Carry-on
No, not the British Broadcasting Corporation! I’m talking about the best travel bag configuration out there.
In May 2022, I traveled with a belt bag, or “fanny pack,” for the first time, and it changed the way I travel. Most airlines only allow a small personal item and a carry-on bag, like a suitcase or duffel bag, but I managed to fly with THREE. You read that right, three bags.
I travel with my belt bag, my Longchamp purse, and a carry-on-sized suitcase by Travel Pro. This three-bag system has made all the difference.
I carry my belt bag around my chest while my Longchamp rests on my suitcase. When it came time to board, I tucked my belt bag inside my Longchamp to meet the airline’s two-bag requirement. I’ve noticed some gate agents won’t make a fuss about a third bag if it’s small, like a belt bag, and will let folks through without needing to tuck it away.
But why has the belt bag changed the way I fly? Everything I need is always right at my fingertips. I spent no time searching through my massive purse to find my wallet when going through security or digging around for a pen when it came time to sign immigration paperwork. I had everything crucial to my trip in my belt bag.
2) Snacks
I don’t care what Dr. Rick from the Progressive Insurance commercials says. You don’t need to overpay for snacks at the airport to avoid becoming your parents.
Bringing snacks when you travel is a great way to save money and time. You’re going on vacation. Do you want to spend money you’ve saved on expensive airport food that would probably cost you less than half outside the airport? If you do, go ahead with your bougie self. I’ll be here with my pre-packed veggie snack pack; thank you. Not to mention, if you’re running late (due to your delay or the airline’s), you’re out of luck. If you’ve ever had a short connection between flights, you know you can miss your chance to grab snacks. Going straight to your gate will be less stressful than cramming in a quick snack grab.
Packing snacks is also essential if you have any food allergies! Most folks with allergies already know this, but the numbers behind this may be surprising. 32 million people have food allergies in the United States alone, and 2.9 million people pass through U.S. airports daily. Even with the rising cases of allergies in kids and adults, allergy-friendly options are still limited. Having snacks for yourself is vital to fueling your body as you travel.
3) Comfy shoes
Outfit inspiration all over social media features many great ideas: monochrome sweatsuits, yoga pants with a shacket, or maybe jeans with a leather jacket. Whatever your style, your choice of shoes is the most important piece of your outfit.
One time, and only this one time, I wore heels to the airport because they’re easy to take off and put back on after security. What I didn’t think through, though, was if I needed to move quickly. Now, these heels are comfy for heels, but having to run back when I accidentally abandoned my water bottle at a bus stop was not a great way to start our trip. My feet hurt the rest of the day, and I was one grumpy girl. Running in heels is certainly not for the faint of heart.
My favorite shoes for travel days are Converse or Hokas.
4) Entertainment
With every airline having different entertainment options and varying internet access, one of the most important things to take with you is something to help pass the time.
My favorite things to bring are a journal, a book, and our Nintendo Switch. I love having a journal to track new ideas for blog posts and travel destinations. Whether it’s a digital copy, audiobook, or hard copy, having a book is a great way to immerse yourself in another world while letting the clouds fly by. If you need something a little more engaging, video games are the way to go. My husband loves playing on our Switch when we travel, and having the option for us to play together is a fun way to start our trip. Whatever you bring with you, having a range of options is helpful to break up the monotony, especially on longer flights.
Want book recommendations? Check out what I’m reading here!
You can also shop my bookshelf by clicking here!
5) Chargers
Chargers for all your devices are my fifth and final must-have for travel days. Bringing chargers may seem like a no-brainer, but having your chargers easily accessible during your flight will ensure you have plenty of entertainment and enough juice to schedule an Uber or pull up walking directions to your hotel upon arrival.
Having a charger on hand can also be a great way to make new friends when traveling! You could really help someone by having your charger with you. Helping is a great way to start a conversation and learn about the other person. It’s like being the kid in class that always has gum or a tampon handy, and who didn’t love that kid?
Ditch the stress! Use these 5 travel must-haves and book your next trip with me!
Wherever you go, these five things are the most helpful to have with you when traveling. They’ll help you stay organized, happy, and healthy during what can be a very stressful time!
Another great way to reduce stress when you travel? Having someone else plan your trips! As a former flight attendant and world traveler, I want to put my skills and knowledge to work so you can have the best trip! Let’s work together to build the trip of your dreams!
