Recently, I endured a 16-hour direct flight back home from India. For any flight, especially a long one like that, it helps to prepare ahead and organize key things you’ll need with you in your seat during the journey. Doing so can make your trip more relaxing. Not to mention, it spares you and your plane mates from constant fidgeting in bags under your seat or in the overhead compartment.
After so many years on the go, I believe that I have come up with a great way to keep everything I need right in the palm of my hands during my flight. Years ago, I purchased a little zippered bag, slightly bigger than the size of a passport, which I like to refer to as my “plane pouch.” This is the key to my success.
In this pouch, I have assembled what I consider to be my perfect kit with all things essential to my trip. I’d like to share what’s inside of my bag with you, but I encourage you all to build your own perfect pouch for your next journey! Here is a sample of what I have placed in mine:
1. iPod touch and earbuds: I rarely watch any movies or television during my flights. Instead, I have loaded all of my favorite audio, music, and videos onto my own iPod. The size of this iPod model makes it perfect to slip into my pouch so that no matter how I’m sitting in my chair, I can comfortably hold it and keep track of where it is. You’d be surprised how easily these little gadgets can slip out of your hands and fall into the cracks and crevices of the airplane seats (yes, I’ve seen it done before). It is also great when getting up to move around or go to the restroom—you easily take your pouch and music with you anywhere.
2. Cough drops: I keep about five or six cough drops in my pouch at all times. Sometimes in mid-flight you may get a tickle in your throat from the dry airplane air, or your neighbor may have a nagging cough that needs immediate relief! I typically pop one or two menthol-coated drops during my trip to help open up my nasal passages.
3. Instant tea bags: I have found that many U.S. airplane carriers only have your standard type of tea bags on board. I prefer more exciting varieties like, Earl Grey, Jasmine Green Tea, or Chamomile after dinner. I make sure to always keep a stash of two favorite tea bags in my pouch.
4. Instant Coffee packets: It is no secret that the coffee served on most airplanes is not so memorable. If you want something warm and yummy mid-flight, I have recently found the most delicious (and travel perfect) caramel latte instant coffee packets from NESCAFE. You will only need hot water for a FABULOUS gourmet like cappuccino! Any flight attendant will easily be able to get you a cup of hot water at any time. You won’t believe how wonderful it is. It is available in your grocery store near the instant coffee section. I took these along and turned all of my colleagues on to them!
5. Sample size perfumes: When you need a little spritz before landing, this is the best way to keep a few of your favorite scents on hand. Around holiday time, I purchased a sample-size fragrance box set from a big name beauty store that will keep me supplied for most of the year!
6. Breath strips: If you want to freshen your breath without having to get up and brush, these are perfect!
7. Nail file: I have a tiny nail file that I keep stashed in my pouch to deal with broken nails that inevitably seem to happen to me on each trip. It’s easy to have this issue after handling luggage from the hotel to the airport—and through security lines!
8. Ear plugs: My number one piece of advice to all travelers, even if you have no interest in using a pouch of your own, is to keep at least two sets of earplugs with you in your pockets on every long haul trip. It can make a huge difference in your ability to rest if you find yourself with a noisy next-door neighbor! Keeping a second pair gives you a backup set, or allows you to “gift” a pair to someone else!
While each one of us may come up with a different list of what’s essential during a trip, keeping all your contents in a zippy compartment for convenient access applies to us all.
As always, I wish you the happiest of travels!
