We are back to our travel adventures and all the shenanigans that come with planning them too. For me, one of the most stressful moments always was the pre-packing process. But after 11 years of living abroad, when I visit family every year in Brazil, I think I gained some experience on this matter.
Here are some tips on how to organise it and decide what is important to take with you on a long flight:
To start with, you must pick the right bag. Sometimes, you just need a perfect match to fit all your essentials. So, what do I usually take on my handbag for a long flight to Brazil? To be honest with you, I have tried several different handbags before. But this time, I went for this stylish grey compact backpack.
I usually have some items that I find especially important for the moment of the flight, especially if it is a long flight. After all, the pillow and blanket provided by the airline may not be enough for your comfort, so it’s always good to be prepared.
Then, after having a perfect handbag, it is time to choose what to carry on it.
Here are my picks and essentials:
Headphones
I am not going to lie, together with my passport, this is the first item I pack in my handbag. I can’t simply exist without my pair of headphones.
Although it is quite common to distribute headphones on long flights, they are not always of good quality.
For me, it is important to have the right type of headphones to take me through long-haul flights. Especially when I am going to Brazil when I feel particularly emotional after spending so much time far from my family. I do need to chill and listen to my music on a pair of headphones that I am familiar with.
And if you really want to enjoy in-flight entertainment, bring your own headphones as well.
Kindle and Smartphone
I know you probably don’t go anywhere without your smartphone. So, why not use it to store your entertainment?
If you can’t live without your favourite show, have a list of movies to catch up on or you already know that the flight doesn’t have an individual screen, bring your fun! It is worth downloading movies on your phone, or tablet or even taking books and magazines. Everything helps to pass the time.
I do prefer physical to e-books, but it’s also important to think about optimisation of space in your bag, so your kindle will be very welcome in this journey.
Passport Case
I think I have had the same passport case for nearly 10 years now, and it goes wherever I go. It may seem like overkill at first glance, but passport covers are very useful! They prevent, for example, accidents with drinking. If you spill coffee over your passport, it will be protected.
They also organise your life.
The last time travelling, I had to handle all the family passports Covers also help “organise” travel documents. You can leave documents such as proof of international vaccination, travel insurance, boarding passes, and immigration forms on the cover. Everything related to your flights can stay close and safe.
Don’t forget to bring a pen, because eventually, you will need to fill in some documents at immigration.
Portable charger and External Hard drive
Who do we want to deceive? Everyone is crazy about cell phones and can’t live without a battery. So don’t have a heart attack when you realize you’re 5% away from disconnecting from the world. Ensure 100% online life by taking a portable charger on the go. It is also worth bringing a car charger, especially if you are traveling by car.
Adapters and cables
How angry to arrive at the hotel room and realize that the outlet is not the same as your electronic device, isn’t it? Avoid the problem and always have a universal adapter. It guarantees success in all countries, even here in Brazil, where the plug is… Different! Also, don’t forget an extension. It will come in handy at hotels where there are few outlets or at the airport, where you can become the success of the departure lounge by providing extra outlets for passengers (and yourself, of course). Oh! And as many electronics today have cables with USB output, it is worth having a hub with several inputs, so you don’t have to carry different chargers.
Food
Snacks, we need lots of them when we travel. Especially when it comes to a long-haul flight. I usually go for healthier snacks such as a chocolate 90% cacao or a cashew nuts package.
But when I am travelling with family, I usually prepare some sandwiches and beverages to be consumed too. Remember that is not allowed to enter the security area of an airport with any liquid, so, it is better to prepare something to b consumed before reaching the departure gate.
Toiletries and Skincare
That is probably an essential part of my packing procedure. I pretty much like to keep my skincare routine when I am travelling, so I do need to take some travel-size products.
Considering the distance of the trip and possible connections, a very complete toiletry bag will be very useful in your carry-on bag.
I usually buy shampoo and conditioner at my destination. But toothbrushes and other amenities go with me from home. It is in this bag that I also carry more two essentials: ear protectors (they reduce the noise of the plane’s turbine a lot) and a sleep mask (it improves the quality of sleep a lot).
