For those of you planning a summer getaway (which we hope you are), here are some thoughts: While it's normal to expect the unexpected when traveling, some surprises are more welcome than others. Even the most enjoyable trips can sometimes turn into headaches, from flight delays to unfamiliar local customs.
Yes, there are always things we can't control, but we can prevent some of the most annoying things about traveling before we even head to the airport. And who better to ask than someone who travels for a living? I reached out to my friend Emily, who's been a flight attendant for over 10 years. Having flown all over the world, she knows a thing or two about packing for a trip. These are her must-haves to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. And they're all under $25.
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Why packing cubes? “They help you stay organized when you're packing and unpacking a lot, and they help you keep dirty items separate from clean items,” Emily explained. The four cubes have compression zippers and a vacuum-sealing effect, so you can use every square inch of your luggage space.
$17 on Amazon
Amazon
Available in 32 colours and combinations, the socks improve blood circulation to reduce swelling and discomfort during the flight. “Many senior flight attendants with varicose veins wear compression socks,” says Emily, adding, “I also like the Medi Qtto brand of night compression socks, which are made in Japan.”
$15 on Amazon
Amazon
Emily's motto? “Safety always comes first!” This lock can be installed in seconds on any door that opens inwards. Simply insert the metal part into the door strike, close the door and place the red part over the metal part. Now no one can get in from the outside, giving you more peace of mind in your hotel or Airbnb.
$15 on Amazon
Amazon
“Planes are very loud so protecting/preserving your hearing is important,” said our high-altitude flying expert. We agree! Not only do these super soft earplugs help with noise reduction, they're also perfect for relieving the painful pressure point that many people experience while flying.
$20 on Amazon
Amazon
“Obviously you won't use it at work, but it's good to invest in a pillow you like for travel,” says Emily, “you never know when you'll need it while boarding or disembarking (delays and cancellations happen all the time, so having a pillow is a lifesaver).” Made from comfortable, supportive memory foam, this best-selling pillow compresses to half its size and packs into a small carry-on bag for extra space.
$16 on Amazon
Amazon
“You don't need a travel blanket, but bring layers,” advises Emily. “A cozy sweater, a foldable hoodie, whatever works. Just don't show up empty-handed in shorts and a t-shirt. You may be going to Hawaii, but you haven't arrived there yet. As my mom always said, if you take a tumble on the mountain, you'll be glad you brought a sweater.” With a fleece lining, this zip-up hoodie is super cozy, and the pockets have a place to warm your cold hands.
$17 on Amazon
Amazon
“We get it, airport fashion is important, but you never know when you'll need to sprint through the airport or how swollen your feet will be at altitude,” says Emily. “In addition to cute shoes, make sure you have something comfortable to wear.” Before your flight, these cushioned shoes are easy to slip on and off through security. Once you've landed, the lightweight sole keeps your feet comfortable on walking tours and more.
$24 on Amazon
Amazon
“Needless to say, you never know what type of plug or voltage you'll be dealing with,” says Emily. This highly-rated product comes with four different plug types for use in over 150 countries, as well as multiple USB ports and AC sockets. You can charge up to six devices at once.
$20 on Amazon
Amazon
“I always fold mine up and put it in the outside pocket of my suitcase,” says Emily. “Many places (domestic and international) charge checked baggage fees, so bring a tote bag for when you go grocery shopping or to the farmer's market.” These versatile totes come in lots of fun colors, and you're sure to find plenty of uses for them once you get back from your trip.
$12 on Amazon
Amazon
“I always [a swimsuit] “For me, it's always a regret: I end up in a situation where I have a nice pool but no swimsuit,” says Emily.These sleek swimsuits are popular because they're simple, soft and durable, with flattering ruffles and compression features for added support.
$20 on Amazon
Amazon
Emily's honest opinion: “I don't think this is a cold-fighting miracle product as advertised, but it does keep your nasal passages hydrated so you don't feel like a dried-out corpse after a long flight.” NASA once included this in their medical space kits, so if it's good enough for astronauts, imagine how good it would be for airplane passengers.
$17 on Amazon
Amazon
“A tasty road snack goes a long way and helps avoid price gouging at the airport,” says Emily, “and gum or Starbursts (chewy) help clear your ears. My favourites are Goma Macro Bars and Ginger Chews.” Ginger fits these criteria and can help ward off nausea and motion sickness.
$23 on Amazon
Amazon
“Staying hydrated is hard but so important for your health,” Emily stressed. “When you're on a plane you can get super dehydrated so make sure you get plenty of electrolytes! I love Gatorade Zero Sugar packs which you just drop into your water and the little hints of flavour also help you drink more water.” With this pack you can try four flavours: Glacier Freeze, Fruit Punch, Glacier Cherry and Lemon Lime.
$17 on Amazon
Amazon
Emily's final choice? “Last but not least, basic first aid. Even if you never end up using it, you'll be glad you had it!” With 100 items, this kit has everything you need (and more) to treat those unexpected cuts, scrapes, and more: bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and a CPR mask, just to name a few.
$20 on Amazon
If you have an Amazon Prime membership, shipping is free, of course. If you're not yet a member, don't worry. You can sign up for a free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, even if you don't have Prime, shipping is free on orders over $25.)
