I TAKE 18-HOUR FLIGHTS EVERY 2 MONTHS WITH LAYOVERS — THESE 14 ITEMS MAKE EVERY LEG OF THE TRIP STRESS-FREE
Stay relaxed, comfortable, and entertained with these travel writer-approved picks from $8.
As a travel writer from Australia and living in the United States, I’ve become intimately familiar with the nuances of long-haul travel. Whether I’m jetting off to cover a new destination or heading home to visit my family, my frequent 18-hour flight with layovers has made me a seasoned expert in maximizing comfort and efficiency on the go.
While the prospect of spending sometimes a full day in economy transit may seem daunting, I’ve honed my packing strategy to perfection, ensuring each item earns its place in my trusty July Carry-on Pro Luggage. From innovative travel tech gadgets to essential self-care products, I’ve compiled my top picks to help you prepare for your next long-haul adventure that will keep you comfortable, organized, and refreshed during your travels.
Related: I Review Clothes for a Living, and These Are 10 Amazon Staples Worth Grabbing in Every Color
Therabody Theragun Mini
$149
One of the best investments I ever made for my long-haul journeys was Therabody’s Theragun Mini. Unlike the Pro model, which I also own, the Mini is the perfect travel companion weighing a mere 1 pound and only taking up 5.5 inches of bag space. I never felt comfortable taking out my bigger devices mid-flight but as the Mini’s quieter and smaller, I don’t feel like I’m being too disruptive to my economy-seat neighbors.
I particularly find the Mini helpful during layovers, where I connect to the Therabody app to follow specific travel-related massage routines. Within five minutes, I've ironed out flight soreness and stiffness and find I land less fatigued. There are thousands of raving five-star reviews, but one that sticks with me the most is seeing Simone Biles and the USA gymnastics team regularly using it between exercises at elite levels.
Charmast Portable Charger With Built-in Cables
$30
Long layovers call for various forms of entertainment to pass the time. And if you're like me and rely on your smartphone, headphones, e-reader, tablet, and other tech items to surf the web, listen to music, read books, and watch movies and shows, then you'll need a portable charger at the ready to keep their batteries full. I'm a fan of all-in-one models like this Charmast Portable Charger, which comes with built-in cables to accommodate a variety of devices and charge up to six devices at the same time. You'll be thankful you packed when you realize how quickly the airport outlets get taken up.
LifeStraw Stainless Steel Drink Bottle
$50
There’s no set rule on how much water you need to drink while up in the air, but the Aerospace Medical Association does recommend 8 ounces per hour of flying. In the past, particularly when I had a layover in a place where it was advised to avoid tap water, I'd stay dehydrated as I was scared of getting sick before another leg of travel. For an 18-hour flight, truth be told, I still don't typically hit the recommended 1.125 gallons of water, but since switching to the LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle, I’ve been drinking more than before.
Each bottle comes with replaceable filters that protect against bacteria, microplastics, and parasites so no matter where in the world I am or where the water is from (I’ve drunk from even rivers and waterfalls), I have peace of mind that I’m safe. Pro Tip: If you’re flying, you'll want to gently unscrew the bottle before you take a sip — otherwise the water will explode everywhere due to pressure differences (trust me, I speak from experience).
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
$38
I consider a belt bag another essential, especially when navigating through the airport and Customs lines. As a dual passport holder, I worry about keeping multiple documents and IDs safe, which is why I never travel without my Fabletics Belt Bag. With the hidden back zip pocket close to my chest, I can focus on my surroundings and my other possessions. The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag has a similar design that has won over Travel + Leisure editors with its sleekness and spaciousness. During a layover, you can use it to have fast access to your headphones, portable charger, snacks, wallet, and other essentials. And when you're at your destination, it's the perfect petite travel bag for exploring new and familiar cities
Apadi RFID-blocking Travel Document Organizer
$24
After becoming a dual citizen of the United States and Australia (and having another passport to take care of), I quickly learned that my bruised and battered holder wasn’t going to cut it anymore. To celebrate my new citizenship, a sweet friend got me a customized dual passport holder from The Daily Edited that fits an Apple AirTag, and it’s become an invaluable tool in keeping my documents both secure and easily accessible.
For anyone else traveling with multiple passports or travel documents, I recommend adding the Apadi Travel Document Organizer to your Amazon cart. It has secure spots for everything you'll need, a convenient AirTag holder, and RFID-blocking protection for extra peace of mind.
APL TechLoom Traveler Slip-on Sneakers
$250
The right pair of shoes makes all the difference when traveling. While I’m not the person walking around barefoot on the plane, I still like to keep things as easy as possible, and these ultra-light-weight slip-ons do just that. We’re all aware that we need to be as efficient as possible when going through security, and shoe issues can not just hold up fellow passengers’ time, but can also cause unneeded stress and strain. I was victim to this many years ago when I got so flustered with my shoes and laces that I dropped and shattered my laptop. Now, I always sport my aptly named APL Traveler shoes, which are the epitome of function, style, and comfort for catching a flight and exploring new cities.
Fyy Travel Cable Organizer
$8
Alongside a smashed laptop, I’ve also had a hard drive ruined thanks to a leaking water bottle. And while more bottles have leaked since then, my tech has been kept safe thanks to this cable organizer with a double-lined waterproof case. I like having it in my personal item bag so I can easily grab my headphones, portable charger, and other tech items to stay entertained during my layovers. And, keeping everything together also means I won’t be that person climbing over other passengers to go through my cabin-stored bag in the middle of the flight to find that one cable I need. It has plenty of space for each item, which, thankfully, means no dreaded cable knots and tangles.
Bevledge Window Organization Station
$20
Going’s annual State of Travel Survey for 2024 found that 53 percent of flyers prefer the window, 46 percent love the aisle, and, surprisingly, 1 percent voluntarily opt for the middle seat. I myself am on team window seat, and when I’m ever-so-lucky to have it, this nifty little product helps make the most of the limited space. The Bevledge attaches to the window and provides room for two drinks, my phone, AirPods, glasses, and other little nicknacks — even when the shade is down. It allows me to use my laptop without knocking over my drink or losing any precious legroom and effortlessly packs up flat. While I’ve had no issues, some reviewers note that it doesn’t work on all planes.
Automet Two-piece Sweatsuit
$40
I know I’m not the only one who gets cold on flights, but did you know most planes are actually kept between 71 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit? While it seems warm enough, it feels cooler than it is because we’re sitting still and not moving about. I’m always impressed by those who manage to wear jeans on a flight, but that could never be me. Instead, you can find me in a matching sweatsuit like this one from Amazon-loved brand Automet.
While the only thing on my checklist for pants is comfort, my sweater selection requires more consideration for long-haul flights and layovers; it must have a hood for extra warmth and blocking out sounds and peripheral vision lights (as I don’t typically wear eye masks). I also find a front pocket very helpful to securely hold my phone or other valuables like my wallet, especially when sleeping, walking around, or hurrying to the gate to board.
Dancour Large Nylon Toiletry Bag
$19
By now it’s probably clear that organization is my top priority for long-haul flights with layovers, and to do this, I like to have smaller bags and pouches within my larger bags. My go-to brand is Stoney Clover Lane because its bags are sturdy, spacious, and easily cleanable thanks to their outer nylon lining. I keep various pouches of different colors to differentiate categories like; skincare, medicines, and layover and mid-flight essentials like disposable wipes, hand sanitizer, hair ties, etc. But, if you're not keen on the $70-plus price tag, you can get an equally stylish and spacious version at Amazon with the Dancour Large Nylon Toiletry Bag.
Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes
$24
A long travel day inevitably leads to oily, sweaty skin, especially when there's a layover involved. Instead of suffering through the discomfort, I always make sure to travel with face wipes so I can freshen up at any leg of the trip. This four-in-one version from Ursa Major removes gunk from your pores, awakens the skin, soothes irritation and redness, and restores moisture — it's basically a full skincare routine in one disposable, travel-friendly wipe. You can use them on the plane, at the airport, and even at your hotel.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer
$49
$49
A study measuring skin capacitance (the water content from our skin surface to the deeper layers) found that during a long-haul flight, water loss is most pronounced on faces and forearms with the cheeks losing up to 37 percent. Along with drinking water, hydrating our skin externally is also necessary. Summer Friday’s Jet Lag Mask is literally right in the name. I take this nourishing cream everywhere as it’s great for sensitive skin and works as a moisturizer, eye cream, hand cream, and even a face mask.
Through trial and error, I’ve learned less is more when traveling, so my routine consists of my Jet Lag mask, the brand's Lip Butter Balm, and Blue Lizard’s Mineral Sunscreen, which has added hyaluronic acid. I also keep PanOxyl’s Overnight Clear Spot Patches handy for any breakouts and love to apply Goodl’sl Vitamin C Moisturizing Eye Patches before landing.
Snow Peak Stretch Pillow
$55
I’ve always found traditional travel pillows uncomfortable and somewhat suffocating. In an attempt to avoid ones that go around my neck, I decided to give Snow Peak’s inflatable Stretch Pillow a go and it’s made my mostly overnight journeys a little easier. I love that I have full control over the firmness and that it comes with a mini repair kit — so if there are any issues mid-flight, I won’t be left pillowless. Allow me to extend an apology to all the unsupportive neck pillows I’ve accidentally left on the plane, unlike those, I never forget my Stretch Pillow as it easily packs away in my carry-on once deflated.
The Absorption Company Restore Supplement Sachets
$72
I'm not someone who regularly takes daily supplements, but during long-haul flights that span various time zones, my body does require some extra TLC. I love The Absorption Company because, unlike other vitamin brands where consistency is key, you can consume a sachet when needed. All I have to do is pour the powder into my water bottle and I immediately feel more balanced and refreshed, no matter where I am in the world. I particularly love taking the Calm and Restore packets before my flights and during layovers, while I reserve the Energy and Sleep options to help me adjust to new time zones after landing.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.
For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services—learn more about our process.If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
2024-08-24T04:02:39Z dg43tfdfdgfd