My International Travel Essentials
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When you’re flying internationally from the US, the flights are long. But when you’ve done it several times, you start to get the hang of it. Each time I travel on those long haul flights, I learn something new. So I figured I’d share my top essentials I need for international flights and all the tips I’ve learned in my travels. In addition to the basics like headphones and a scarf that doubles as a cozy blanket, these are my must haves for overseas travel.
1. Large checked bag with charging feature
I don’t usually check a bag, but now that I have this awesome Raden bag, I want it bring it on every trip. Not only it is super spacious, but it also has a built-in charger, which is perfect for layovers. I’ve wasted so much time searching for an outlet in an airport. That’s no longer an issue! Another really cool feature of this bag is the scale. You just download their app and sync it to your suitcase. Pack it up and it will tell you the weight! So perfect for long trips! Unless you’re a Delta Platinum member like me and don’t have to worry about weight restrictions (*insert hair flip emoji* and read more about the benefits of airline rewards programs here).
2. Carry on Bag
I absolutely love my Herschel duffel I got a few months back. I am always drawn to it because of the pretty pink color, but it’s the perfect weekend bag. This is the bag I bring on the plane as my carry on.
I’m sorry, but there just ain’t no damn way the pillows on international flights are clean. I mean, let’s be honest, airplanes aren’t the cleanest, so any chance I have to bring my own stuff, I take. And most importantly, my Savvy Sleepers travel pillow case. I am always so excited to bust it out and get cozy. Not only is is cleaner, but it also makes me feel that much more at home. I also bring my normal size Savvy Sleeper pillow case with me on my trips for the hotel or Airbnb. Can’t sleep without it! If you don’t know about silk pillow cases, you’re missing out. They’re good for your hair and skin and I swear they make such a difference!
Omg, I love this thing. Everyone brings shampoo and conditioner on trips, but what about body wash? This little pad has NO liquid, so you can bring it in your carry-on (perfect for trips where you’re not checking a bag!). The soap is in the middle and it has an exfoliating side and a sift side. It’s like the best of a bar soap and liquid soap combined! I’ll be honest, I tried to save this for trips only, but I got hooked and use it at home. Oops.
Every time I fly, my skin gets extremely dry. Like the absolute worst. I make sure to always bring the butteriest most intense lotion possible. Lately I’ve been loving Tula Moisture Locking Hand & Nail Therapy. It actually gets the job done and doesn’t have an overpowering scent. Perfect for in the air and everywhere else!
I may be late to the game, but I just recently discovered solid perfume and I think it’s amazing! I never know what to do about perfume when I travel because I definitely don’t have any under 3.4oz. So when I don’t check a bag, I just couldn’t wear any during the whole trip. That is, until I found out about The Soap and Paper Factory Solid Perfume! I’ve been using Gardenia and it’s perfect. I love bringing it on the plane to freshen up after (and sometimes during!) those super long overseas flights.
7. Dove Dry Spray Deodorant (mini size)
I’ve been using Dove Dry Spray for years now, but I never brought it on trips with me because it’s over the liquid limit. But when I was in France, I found the smaller size that I brought with me on the plane on the way back and it has been pretty much the best thing ever. I use Dove Dry Spray because like it says on the can, it works for 48 hours. I have to confess: I’ve had that dreaded moment where I realized I forgot to put on deodorant. But with Dove Dry Spray, I’ve been good! Plus there’s no residue at all and I love the scent.
While most international flights will provide eyemasks, it’s always better to be safe. My absolute favorite is , but there are tons of cute on Etsy. I use eyemasks all the time at home because I love natural light…but maybe not so much in the early morning.
Ana
July 13, 2017 @ 7:19 am
These essentials are great! I think that the suitcase and the carry on are the most important things, and those two that you mention are just perfect xxx
http://fallingforablog.blogspot.com.es/2017/07/the-one-top-you-need-this-summer.html
Megan
July 17, 2017 @ 9:06 am
I agree! Thanks, Ana!
Rachel
July 13, 2017 @ 12:45 pm
I always bring a collapsible water bottle that I fill after security. Those dinky plastic cups are never enough and I don’t want to constantly be asking for more water.
Megan
July 17, 2017 @ 9:06 am
Oooh, that’s a great idea! I’ve really been trying to drink more water lately so I’ll definitely have to do that. Thanks! 🙂
Caitlin
July 14, 2017 @ 12:10 pm
Love these essentials! I need to start traveling with my own pillow!
XX CC | Caitlin Confidential
Megan
July 17, 2017 @ 9:05 am
Yesss! I just bring my own pillow case, but I feel like it seriously makes such a difference!
Natalie
July 20, 2017 @ 1:33 pm
Great travel must haves! I travel a lot but am always looking for new things to make my flight easier and more comfortable. LOVE the built in charger in that suitcase. That is just brilliant!
Megan
July 20, 2017 @ 10:16 pm
Isn’t that amazing!? Totally the selling point for me! 🙂
Leigh
July 20, 2017 @ 4:29 pm
Great essentials post! I love the bag!!
Megan
July 20, 2017 @ 10:15 pm
Thank you!! Me too!
Gabby Beckford
July 20, 2017 @ 5:03 pm
So cute! I don’t carry very much when I travel, but these products look perfectly sized! x
http://www.packslight.com/scuba-diving-underwater-museum-musa/
Megan
July 20, 2017 @ 10:15 pm
I don’t either! I love to pack as lightly as possible. They really are the perfect size!
Patricia
July 20, 2017 @ 6:23 pm
I love these! I’m completely sold on your duffel because I’m wedded to only bringing on “squishable” luggage on my domestic flights because I can cram it under my seat for when the overhead bins are all taken. I do also covet that larger suitcase. Love that it tells you the weight and has a charger. Perfect! The extra moisturizing lotion is a must for me — I get so dried out when I fly. Thanks for sharing your essentials!
Megan
July 20, 2017 @ 10:14 pm
“Squishable” luggage, lol I love it! 🙂 You’re so welcome!
Fiona Mai
July 21, 2017 @ 2:48 am
I’ve never seen such a cute eyemask before. And the Raden bag with charging enabled definitely sounds like a great item to have for my long flights! I’ll certainly consider these for my future trips.
Megan
July 24, 2017 @ 11:23 am
I’m glad you like it! And yesss..seriously SUCH an amazing feature!
Diana
July 21, 2017 @ 4:17 am
Wait… you can shower without using water?? How have I not heard of Olay DUO before? Definitely going to the store and picking one up for myself as soon as I get back to the states. I love your pink Herschel duffel – you are definitely way more stylish than me when you travel haha. I just travel with a backpack and call it a day.
Megan
July 24, 2017 @ 11:25 am
Lol, well you do still need to use water! It’s just nice to be able to have it all in one 😉 But thank you!! This duffel is totally my favorite right now!
Rosie Fluskey
July 21, 2017 @ 5:22 am
I think I take the moisturiser thing a bit too far, I take about five different kinds! I have never found a solid perfume that I love but I am still hunting. The struggle is real. Those wipes look clever but I just had a quick look and they aren’t so easy to find here in the UK. Shame 🙁
Megan
July 24, 2017 @ 11:24 am
Lol! I really love moisturizers too. Solid perfume is a total game changer!! And aww, too bad. I hope you can find something similar!
Katie Dickinson
July 21, 2017 @ 9:46 am
Love the pillowcase idea! Having something clean and cozy totally helps with long flight comfort. I cannot board a plane without some sort of snack stockpile. I’m known among friends as the ‘chronically hungry friend’ -so keeping a small thing of home made trail mix or berries (that I may/may not be allowed to take on international flights…) is my # essential!
Megan
July 24, 2017 @ 11:23 am
Right!? It really does help! Lol, yes, snacks are super essential.
Melissa Conn
July 21, 2017 @ 11:07 am
I haven’t heard of these products before! Honestly my travel essentials are much more basic… We travel super light as a family of four (usually just one backpack each, plus a small carry-on for electronics and the kids’ in-flight needs which often doubles as my purse). Our #1 travel essentials are the Amazon Fire tablets since that’s the only way for my preschoolers to tolerate 15hr flights. But for me personally, I’m going to say my solid deodorant — I NEEEEEEED it when we fly and it’s so compact buy lasts for months on end!
Megan
July 24, 2017 @ 11:22 am
Oh, I can DEFINITELY see the Amazon Fire tablets being top priority in your situation!! And deodorant is totally a must-have! 🙂
sophie
July 22, 2017 @ 12:54 am
These are some great products! and it should come under everyone’s essentials. because they are going to be needed at some point of the Travel.
Thanks for sharing! I would be sharing this with my travel mates!
Cheers!
Megan
July 24, 2017 @ 11:21 am
Definitely! You’re so welcome! 🙂