Don't Board Without These! Must-Have Items for Stress Free Travel
Personally, I despise flying. I'm not afraid of flying, but the entire process just stresses me out. You have to make sure your bag is not overweight, your documents are always within reach, your carry on fits in the overhead bin and a long list of other things to prepare for the journey. But with a little preparation, the journey can be comfortable, organized, and a little more enjoyable?
Whether you fly a lot, or you're preparing for your first travel adventure, here are some useful items to help make your travel a little less stressful.
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A Super Organized Compartmentalized Bag as Your Personal Item
Have quick access to everything you need: No more digging for your charger at the bottom of your bag. With designated pockets for tech, snacks, toiletries, and travel docs, everything has its place—and you can grab it fast.
Stay TSA-Ready: Separate compartments for electronics and liquids make security checks less stressful. Just unzip, scan, and go.
Pack Like a Pro: Built-in organizers help you maximize space, making it easier to fit everything you need.
Travel Luggage Scale
Avoid Surprise Fees – Weigh your bag before you head to the airport and dodge those unexpected overweight baggage charges.
Pack with Confidence – Know exactly how much room (and weight) you have left for souvenirs and snacks.
Compact and Easy to Use – Small enough to fit in your carry-on and simple enough to use with one hand—no guessing, no stress.
Tablet or E-Reader
Laptops are too big and phones are just too small.
Entertainment while offline: Download your shows, books, or games ahead of time
Save Space: Laptops can take up a lot of space in your carry-on, so having a tablet or e-reader is good option for in-flight entertainment
Save your Eyes: Looking at a small phone screen, especially for a long period of time, can wreak havoc on your eyes. Using a tablet or e-reader can make it easier on your eyes
Portable Charger (Fully Charged!)
Enjoy your own personal charging station - Don't get stressed looking for a place to charge your phone or be stuck in one place if you need a charge
A dead phone = no boarding pass, no music, no movies, no directions when you land. Keep it powered.
Neck Pillow + Sleep Kit
Airlines seem to be making the seats less comfortable every year. Create your own comfort.
Memory foam is your best friend - A nice memory foam neck pillow turns your airplane seat into a first-class nap zone—even if you're in row 32
Instant darkness, anytime, anywhere - Add an eye mask and earplugs for your DIY in-flight spa moment.
Noise-Canceling Headphones or Earbuds
Noise-canceling headphones help block out the background noise.
Peace and Quiet: Enjoy your music, watch a movie, or even catch a nap.
Reduce the Airplane "Hum": They’re especially helpful on flights where you need to tune out the sound of the jet engine and create your own little bubble of calm.
A Compact, Rollable Carry-On
Invest in a lightweight, spinner carry-on with lots of compartments. Bonus points if it has a USB charging port!
No Baggage Fees on most airlines – Save your money for cocktails, not checked bag charges.
Faster Airport Experience – Check in online and skip the long check-in lines. Walk off the plane at the end of your flight and head straight outside —no waiting at baggage claim.
Less Risk of Lost Luggage – Your stuff stays with you, not somewhere in baggage limbo.
More Control – Keep your essentials (and emergencies) close—like medications, chargers, and that extra hoodie.
Encourages Smart Packing – Forces you to pack only what you really need, which means less hauling and more ease.
Extra Layer or Scarf
Stay Warm: Cabin temps are unpredictable. Having a light but warm scarf or hoodie gives you the option to get warm if you need to without taking up too much extra space.
ng it easier to fit everything you need.