First of all, you need to decide on the bag itself. I always have a small cross-body bag for my purse, passport etc., but the main bag itself is a small case on wheels (within the size guidelines of the airline) from the brand ITLuggage which I purchased from Primark. And it is perfect to wheel along (has 4 wheels) in the airport instead of lugging a heavy bag on your shoulder!
Now, onto what to take!
Two main essentials that I wouldn't risk skipping on, especially if you go on a long haul flight are a big blanket style scarf (I purchased this
from New Look in a sale - it actually doubles up as a kaftan/robe) which is great if you feel cold or want to wrap up to snooze on the flight and a travel pillow (mine is from Primark) which again, is great for nodding off & not ending up with a stiff neck!
Other essentials I would definitely recommend are headphones - there is nothing worse than being on a long flight & having the airlines own uncomfortable headphones rammed into your ears for several hours trying desperately to enjoy your in-flight films - so bring your own comfy headphones - they are a must! Mine are from Ebay - so they don't have to be expensive!
And another essential if films aren't enough to entertain you, is a good book (two I'm currently loving are by Joan Khurody & Cressida McLaughlin) or magazines.
For beauty essentials, some people do go the 'whole hog' and give themselves an in-flight facial, but if you are like me and find being without makeup in public truly horrific then these few bits are all you need....
Lip Balm - Your lips will get dry while in the air and some of the best around are, Vaseline lip tins, Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula (tinted balms are great if you are skipping lipstick), Burt's Bees, Aloe Lips (blog post here) & eos. (blog post here)
Shine Control Powder Sheets - To stop shine & to look fresh on landing. These from Superdrug are cheap, cheerful & do the job!
Hand Cream - Like your lips, your hands are bound to get dry, so slather it on! Great brands include Soap & Glory Hand Food & Palmers Coconut Oil Formula. Both are very rich & moisturising.
Hand Gel - As well as keeping your hands moisturised with hand cream, you also need to keep them clean! There are always pesky germs flying about even at several thousand feet in the air, so it is vital to bring a hand gel along. I particularly like mini ones from Bath & Body Works but ones by Cuticura here in the UK are great also.
Finally, before I forget, another tip worth remembering is to take a spare set of clothes and underwear (swimwear and sunglasses too if going somewhere hot!) as you never know if your main suitcase will be delayed or go missing!*
*Side note - Obviously never pack jewellery, money, phone, tablet or chargers in your main case!!
So, that's about it!
Have you got a trip planned for this year? I hope my list of essentials will help you pack easier but if all else fails there's one essential you most definitely can't be without.....
your passport!!
Bee x
