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Friends are traveling to Ireland this week. I’m so excited for them and looking forward to some vicarious adventure!

Immediately after being told they were going, I started listing off my travel gear musts. Like most travel addicts, there are things I just can’t do without on those long transit days and flights. So here’s my nerd list of things I take and do.

Clothing

The clothing in my travel gear has to be comfy and lightweight. I’m all about the comfort when in transit.

• Airplane compression socks. I use these every time I fly.  They help circulation in your legs when sitting for hours. I put them on before going through airport security so I don’t have to go through barefoot. Ew! You can find a variety of compression socks on Amazon. From short to tall, depending on your preference.
• Pull off shoes. I like shoes that slip off easily. I don’t want to be dealing with laces or buckles at security or in the close seat quarters. Right now, I’m in love with the Women’s Busy Day Stretch Flat. They are super comfy, lightweight and easy to slip on and off.
• If you wear contacts, wear your glasses. I don’t like sleeping in my contacts and want to be as comfortable as I can.
• At least one change of clothes. You should really take more. Twice now I’ve had my checked-in luggage arrive 3 days late. Make sure you have enough in your carry-on in case you never see your luggage.
• Sweater or wrap. Flights are either too hot or too cold. A like light layers that won’t take up too much space.

Stuff to refresh with

After 6-13 hours on a plane, I like to freshen up either just before or after we land. Recycled plane air. Need I say more.

• Deodorant
• Wet wipes
• Dry shampoo
• Moisturizer

Food

• Drink a lot of water. I find it helps me avoid or reduce the affects of jet lag. Every time they come around with water I ask for two cups. 🙂
• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. I find these make jet lag worse.
• Snacks. Less and less the included food options on flights are good. And less and less there are included food options. I take something just in case. See my post on travel snacking.

Games

Our travel gear isn’t complete without game. We like games and have a few we like to take with us. All 2 or more player games.

• A deck of cards
• Fluxx
• Exploding Kittens
• Spot It!
• Travel Sequence
• Zombie Dice

Electronics

You want a good variety. Something for layovers and something for the flight. Something you can enjoy on your own and something you can do as a group.

• Tablet. I’ve got mine loaded with games, a sketch pad, Kindle books and audio books, Netflix movies and Tv shows, my YouVersion bible and devotions, my DayOne journal, and music. Don’t forget your headphones.
• Battery device charger. Don’t forget a way to charge your source of all things that keep you sane. Airports have outlets for you to charge at but we also take batteries that we can plug our devices into while on the long flights. If you’re relying on outlets, make sure you have converters if you need them.
• Camera. Some of the most amazing views are right outside your window.
• Most long flights have entertainment. Many provide it on the back of the seat in front of you. Movies, games, tv shows, and music. Some don’t. Our last Air Canada flight to Toronto from Barcelona didn’t have this. Instead you could use their Air Canada app to access everything. Heads up, if you are flying Air Canada you might want to download this ahead of time. They say you can download it on the plane before take off but I’ve never had luck with that.

Beyond the travel gear, things I like to do…or not do

• Don’t do time conversion. This also helps me reduce jet lag. At the risk of sound zen, be in the time zone you are in. I find constantly thinking of what time it is home is hard on the head and somehow makes you think that you should be tired. Of course be mindful if you’re calling home.
• Sleep if you can. When flying east, try to get an evening flight that lands in the morning and get some sleep. It won’t be a great sleep, but any is helpful. If you are going west stay awake. Get a morning flight, land at night. Sleep when you get home. Eye mask, neck pillow, and ear plugs. These help with sleep.
• Walk around a lot. Sitting for hours is just not good for you. Get up and move around a lot…if you can. Drinking lots of water will help with this. Giggle. If you can’t, then relive your childhood and swing your legs without a care.

I think that’s it. What are your favourite tansit tips?