Essential Travel Items Sworn By by Flight Attendants (As They're Considered Worth the Investment)
No-Hold Bars Travel Essentials!
Here's the lowdown on must-have travel items suggested by fellow jetsetters.
1. The Hydration Hero! A versatile water bottle that collapses for storage and expands when filled. Stay hydrated while flying, as it's a fact, the cabin air dries you out faster than a desert wind!
2. Filtered Water on the Go! A water bottle with a built-in filter allows you to refill at public sinks or fountains without worrying about questionable tap water quality.
3. Antibacterial Shield! Resealable travel-size packs of antibacterial wipes help keep things clean on planes and in airports, potentially warding off germs and reducing your chances of a dreaded cold.
4. Skin TLC! Weleda Skin Food, an ultra-rich, natural moisturizer, helps combat dry skin due to dehydration caused by flying. And for the extra-long flights, sheet masks offer an extra boost of hydration.
5. Wrinkle Whisperer! A mini-steamer quickly removes wrinkles from clothes without the need for an ironing board, even if your garments have been squished into packing cubes.
6. Aromatic Delight! A travel kettle and French press travel mug transform hotel coffee into a delicious morning brew, providing a delightful morning lift.
7. Cozy Chameleon! A black sweater serves as a reliable layer that will keep you warm regardless of what you're wearing during chilly plane rides, hotels, museums, or restaurant visits.
8. Added Security! An Add-a-Lock provides peace of mind, especially when staying in rooms with wobbly security chains, or any other place where you want to secure valuables.
9. Circulation Saver! Compression socks help prevent foot, ankle, or leg swelling and aching during long flights.
10. Ear Comfort! Silicone earplugs offer relief during landing and reduce background noise without completely muffling everything.
11. Portable Fortress! A travel safe is perfect for safeguarding your possessions on the beach or in hotels without the usual in-room safe.
Functional Finds handpicked by our editors:
My BuzzFeed colleague Elizabeth Lilly loves the Master Lock Portable Safe. She used it while traveling in Europe, feeling secure leaving valuables locked away while enjoying beach activities.
Promising review: "I'm a flight attendant and really recommend this! It's amazing to keep your things safe!" - Britany G
Get it from Amazon for $23.98 (available in three colors)
Leak-Proof Carry-On Companion
A clear, reusable bag specifically designed for stowing all carry-on liquids under 3 ounces makes security a breeze. It's more durable and roomier than that trusty old Ziploc bag from years ago!
Travel-friendly Toiletries Set
A TSA-friendly toiletries set provides the perfect solution for traveling with your go-to hygiene products. Its silicone construction makes it easy to fill, clean, and refill.
My BuzzFeed colleague Elizabeth Lilly owns and loves this set! "I've used this set on more than five trips and for trips when I don't require body wash or shampoo (like to visit my parents), I use the extra room in the bag to shove in all my beauty products and daily contacts."
Promising review: "If it wasn't for me forgetting them in the hotels, I wouldn't have to buy more. This is my third set. I love these things! I'm a flight attendant and these are easy to fill, use, and pack!" -Raena Hill
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 16 variations)
Portable Power Boost
A lightweight, high-speed portable charger ensures your device battery stays charged while you're on the go. You'll appreciate having a power source when travel bases your phone on providing entertainment, suggestions for good eats, and navigation help.
Adjustable Slumber Buddy
The Velcro-powered Trtl travel pillow adjusts to your perfect head position, helping prevent the painful slow bobbing nod as you attempt to snooze on flights.
Restful Sleep Aid
A weighted sleep mask blocks out even the tiniest bit of light, helping you catch some z's. The weight might even help destress you, like a mini weighted blanket!
Multi-purpose Wallet
This trifold wallet is big enough to hold essential documents like your phone, ID, boarding pass, credit cards, passport, and more. It keeps everything easily accessible, so you can grab it quickly when needed.
On-the-go Entertainment
Amazon Fire TV Stick transforms any TV into a smart TV, making it the perfect companion for frequent travelers.
And, of course, a Kindle Paperwhite lets you carry dozens of books without the added bulk or worry of breaking your precious book.
Business-Savvy Heels
Clarks heels combine style and comfort, making them ideal for professional meetups and long airport lines.
Freshen Up
A hydrating skin mist is perfect for combating dryness during long layovers and can provide a moment of relaxation when needed.
** Fragrant Journey **
A reusable travel perfume atomizer allows you to bring your favorite scent on your travels without the worry of breaking a full-size fragrance bottle.
Handy Soap Sheets
A pack of hand soap sheets comes in handy for situations when bathrooms run out of soap, making your trip a little cleaner.
Pack It All
An oversize travel cooler can store up to several days' worth of meals, keeping them fresh during flights.
Easily Accessible Accessories
A simple luggage strap allows you to keep items like travel pillows or personal item bags close at hand so you don't have to dig through your bag.
Electronics Organizer
An electronics organizer keeps charging cables untangled and easy to find.
Nausea Relief
Sea Bands help alleviate motion sickness during flights, carsickness, or seasickness.
- Elizabeth Lilly, a BuzzFeed colleague, recommends securing valuables with the Master Lock Portable Safe during travel, especially on the beach or in hotels without in-room safes.
- A reusable, clear bag designed for stowing carry-on liquids under 3 ounces ensures securing liquids for airport security, being more durable and roomier than traditional Ziploc bags.
- The TSA-friendly toiletries set, owned and loved by Elizabeth Lilly, is refillable and provides an easy solution for traveling with hygiene products.
- A high-speed portable charger ensures device batteries remain charged during travels, providing essential power for entertainment, suggestions for good eats, and navigation help.
