Top Tips for Long-Haul Travellers
I’m guilty of paying far more attention to my carry-on baggage than that which I check into the hold!
First and foremost, I’d recommend a good quality, lightweight trolley bag or back-pack. My personal preference is a back-pack as I can then utilise this as a day bag when I’m out exploring my destination. However, having a wheeled bag can be more convenient for many and certainly makes airport journeys easier when there is a lot of distance to cover in the terminal buildings. Do ensure you check any airline specific size restrictions, before investing in your carry on luggage.
Inside my back-pack, I’ll carry a smaller bag/wallet with essential items such as passports, money, credit cards. This can be easily lifted out and carried separately at any transfer point, should it be necessary to access. When travelling, I always keep my cards in a RFID blocking folio for a little extra security and peace of mind.
My attention then turns to the primary contents…
First up; a change of clothes. It might sound a little crazy to be changing your clothes but it’s a great way to help you feel a little fresher at any mid-point. Accidents can happen; a spilt drink on a 3 hour flight isn’t the end of the world but if you’re heading farther afield, you’ll be pleased you packed a spare T-Shirt. A change of clothing is also useful if you’re departing from a cold climate and heading somewhere far hotter. Ensure you travel with flight socks; wearing these will make your legs and feet feel so much lighter and fresher when you disembark. I used to laugh at the thought of wearing them but now I’m a firm advocate; no more tired, heavy legs upon arrival.
When travelling, my footwear tip is to wear lace up shoes as feet tend to expand in-flight and therefore these tend to be a more comfortable option for most. If wearing open toe footwear, make sure you carry a pair of warm socks for in-flight as cabin temperatures can vary. The same applies to clothing; wearing loose, natural fibres in layers is generally more comfortable when travelling long-distance.
Alongside my spare ‘wardrobe’ I’ll have what I call my ‘flight survival kit’; this is my collection of can’t live without toiletries. It includes face spritz, hand-cream, eye gel, lip-balm, moisturiser, facial cleaner etc. Everything I have is in miniature versions and fits neatly into a permitted airline clear bag. You’d be surprised how useful these tiny lotions and potions can be and how much better you feel when using them mid-flight.
Next, I’ll pack my iPad/Laptop, phone and any chargers; portable chargers can be really useful if you are delayed at any point. If I’m taking my camera, this will also claim its space in my carry on bag. Extra gadgets and gismo’s include noise-cancelling headphones and/or good quality ear-plugs and a comfortable eye-mask. My ‘go to’ for earphones is Bose as I find them more comfortable to wear; they make such a difference to your in-flight entertainment experience and ability to get some rest. I’ll also pack a refillable water bottle, I use a Chilly Bottle but there are lots of different ones to choose from. Staying hydrated is so important, particularly on longer flights and cabin crew will happily re-fill your bottle. It stays cool for hours and is a really useful item once in resort too. I'll usually add in a reading book and a guide book for my destination; I prefer an actual book to reading via an electronic device and always have one in my carry on. My guide book helps me plan for my arrival. Sunglasses and spectacles are always in my carry-on along with my contact lenses and any essential medication.
My game-changing discovery was a travel pillow. I’d always thought these were a bit of a folly until I invested in one for myself to see what all the fuss was about. Choose carefully and try before you buy; I selected a memory foam option with a flat back and a clip at the front. The clips has dual benefits as it attaches easily to the handle of my back-pack for carrying and when it's being worn, it prevents the pillow from sliding away from my neck whilst resting. If you are not able to enjoy the luxury of business class, a travel pillow can make your journey ‘down the back’ a whole lot more comfortable. I was surprised just how much more comfortable I was when using a neck pillow. Combined with a good quality, well fitting eye-mask, these two items can make the difference between reasonable quality rest and a very uncomfortable and exhausting journey.
Add to your comfort with a small blanket or large scarf. I have a favourite poncho style wrap which has become a staple of my travel wardrobe and can be easily worn back to front if it gets a little cold at altitude. Equally, I also travel with a large scarf which is lightweight and packs neatly away. Scarves are a really useful travel accessory; from beach picnic blanket to cover up for sightseeing and an added layer on a cooler evening.
Finally, and you’ll likely laugh at this one; travel slippers! The type that you are often gifted in hotels (or you can purchase online). Once airborne, our shoes are removed and stowed under the seat in front; we then use our travel slippers for trips to the bathroom during the flight. Far better than walking around in socks or having to keep putting your shoes back on. These are then collected by the cabin crew along with other items for rubbish and recycling at the end of the flight.
Many people have asked about luggage trackers; personally, I don’t use one; however, they do seem popular and appeal to many, particularly more gadget savvy travellers. A word of caution if you do have one; some airlines do not permit their use, do check with your airline if you intend to use one.
At any given time, I'll have a variety of other items alongside those listed. It may sound a lot but actually takes up nominal space and ensures my long-haul flight is as comfortable as possible and that I arrive at my destination with all of my essential items intact and on my person.
I hope this helps with some ideas, hints and tips for your own adventures...