Traveling Thursday: Onboard Essentials
I got a couple of requests for a post on my favorite travel gear and I’m more than happy to oblige because I’m a total geek when it comes to anything travel-related and could talk about this stuff for days. In fact, I have so many favorite things that I’m going to have to break it up into several posts.
First up are all the things I like to have for flights. I usually carry everything in either my trusty Hervé Chapelier shopping bag or Filson tin cloth tote.
And for the record, nothing in this post is a paid endorsement – although it should be!
I don’t sleep well on planes and if I want any chance at all, an inflatable flight pillow and eyeshades are critical. I like these from Eagle Creek because they’re super soft and comfortable. 
The pillow inflates in just a few breaths and the removable cover and shades are also washable.
Yes, it’s dangerously close to a Snuggie but airplanes are cold, pashminas are too small and the Cabin Cuddler is really cleverly designed. It has a pocket for your feet and flaps for your lap and arms so it keeps your entire body toasty. Unless I’m flying first class where they have the good blankets, it’s the Cabin Cuddler for me. (I just don’t call it that out loud.)
I also like to dab Badger Sleep Balm onto pulse points. It ain’t no Ambien but it does soothe and calm.
Flight Spray fights off all the nasty germs that circulate in airplanes to help prevent colds and flus. You spray it up your nose. Gross, I know, but it works! I haven’t gotten sick in over a decade on any of my travels. Just be discreet when you use it.
Again. Airplanes = germs (I’m a germaphobe in case you hadn’t noticed) so I use CleanWell hand sanitizer after touching anything. I like this brand because it’s all-natural and alcohol-free.
I’m a big fan of the MD Skincare line anyway but the 4-in-1 Facial Towelettes are sheer genius! Cleanser, toner and moisturizer in one wipe that are individually wrapped, they’re just perfect for travel. I use them on overnight flights. They’ve changed my life.
I have dry skin, lips and even eyes and the cabin air makes everything so much worse. So I always have some type of hand lotion with me. Right now, I’m mad for REN products.
For eyes, the single-use vials of preservative-free eyedrops from Systane are really convenient.
As for lips, I’ve tried all (yes, ALL) the lip treatments out there and for me, nothing compares to good ol’ Blistex.
iphone. Enough said.
Add a large bottle of water, a book and some magazines and there you have it, my onboard travel kit. What’s in your kit? For the next installment, I’ll share my packing essentials.
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
I love that you admit to the cabin cuddler!
.-= Appletree´s last post ..The word just sounds sexy =-.
most of the above minus the Snuggie substitute, plus my Kindle and Halls cough drops 'cos dry air can bring on a coughing attack…
.-= moderenemama´s last post ..I neglected to say which Sunday… =-.
Hadn't heard of those 4 in 1 wipes…must get!
hooray — thanks, Ally! you know I was rooting for this post. I'm in trouble as I am in love with your tin cloth tote, and I'm not allowed to bring any more "totes" home. But that looks like the perfect carry-on bag. can't wait for the next installment! ok, have to ask — have you tried Fresh Sugar Lip treatment?
.-= jen jafarzadeh´s last post ..african prayer mat baskets =-.
Filed under my "Travel" bookmark.
Thanks so much!
.-= Raina´s last post ..Daily deliciousness =-.
Appletree: It was hard to come out but I worked up the courage!
jen: Okay, that is one that I haven't tried. Should I? The waxy ones generally don't work for me . . .
Great list – and that blanket that isn't a snuggie looks awesome. I'd add just one thing – peanut m&ms!
.-= christy´s last post ..Sleepyhead =-.
Hmmm…last flight I was on (international) my water was taken away…my cream was impunded…I held onto my eye drops for dear life!
I think I need to travel with you!
Ps…I love the sugar too…and lip venom…it stays on long!
.-= linda@LimeintheCoconut´s last post ..Kitchen Love… =-.
Ally, you pro Globetrotter you! Also in my "heavy' bag due to last minute purchase of a massive amount of interior design magazines jumps in some good chewing gum and a moisture mask (for long flights). And always a piece of chocolate…
.-= Splendid Willow´s last post ..Oh My – Moooi Gallery + Swedish Antiques =-.
Ally!! How nice are those bags!!! They look practical too.
Check this website, http://www.reisenthel.com/us/index.html, in their collection they have some travel stuff that I'm sure you will like
Have a nice day
See u
I don't know what I'd do without my Hervé Chapelier bag, CleanWell sanitizer and iPhone. Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'm definitely going to add a few of these to my packing list.
.-= Caitlin @ Sacramento Street´s last post ..A Gorgeous Duo =-.
The only thing I would add to that is house shoes or slippers. As soon as i get on the plane and get settled in (for a long flight), I take off my real shoes and put on (black) house slippers/ballet type flats.
Thanks for all the good info.
As a dry skin, germ phobe, I really, really appreciate this list.
.-= The Zhush´s last post ..Catherine Zeta Jones Loves Scrunchies…. =-.
That was brilliant, Ally. Very useful information for my next flight….. and I love REN products…all of them. They smell divine.
Many thanks for your birthday wishes. XXXX
.-= Jacqueline´s last post ..A MASSIVE THANK YOU ………. =-.
where do you buy the Ren products?
linda: Gotta keep it to 3 oz., girl!
Splendid Willow: You do the mask during the flight?!
Lucy: Their things are so cute! Thanks!
Mustang Sally: I forgot about slippers! I take a pair too if I'm wearing shoes other than flats.
The Zhush: Glad it's helpful!
I bought from Whole Foods in New York jet Lag pills last summer and they worked like miracle. I took them every hour (when I was awake) during the flight to Helsinki, Finland.
Usually I am really beaten for days after long east bound flights, but now I was in my normal rhytm the next day!
Pashmina is my onboard essential, I rather use it than the worn out airline blankets.
.-= Lumo´s last post ..Little candy box =-.
For cross country flights, a little baggie with nuts/raisins, my cashmere dkny cozy (found at consignment shop!); it can double for pillow in a pinch
Love your suggestions, will try those wipes and will look for the cabin cuddler, sounds very cozy!
Kit
What about LIP GLOSS? hehe JK
well, that is one of my essentials!
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