Packing is hard...

Packing is hard...

Fitting your whole life into one suitcase and one carry on is a lot for TSA to ask of you. Even though I put up a good fight my suitcases are always overweight. In honor of my third trip to Israel this summer and my self discovery journey beginning in 10 days (WOW.. feels so real) I thought I would let you know my top ten essentials to have with me while traveling! (If your interested of course...)

This was a hard decision because you cant expect me to go without stuffed sloth for two and a half months. That's just cruel...

Let's see what made the list:

1. Headphones

Okay, I know this sounds cliché ,but so be it. If you are stuck on a plane for 10+ hours you need to listen to something other than the old man snoring away next to you. If you are stuck on a plane for 8+ hours you need to distract yourself from the small demon child reenacting what you imagine is a horror movie going on behind you in the next row. If you are TRAPPED on a plane for 6+ hours you need to pretend you are on a deserted tropical paradise where you are alone with a sexy bartender with a man bun for eternity (my dream... I can sense you are judging me.) and smelling the fresh scent of the ocean waters instead of smelling the feet of the inconsiderate person who decided to take off their shoes and grace us with their presence. Moral of the story: NEVER forget your headphones. In fact, bring two pairs because your ears will definitely start to hurt and that is when you can switch from your overhead headphones to your bougie airpods (I know you have a pair lol)

2. Snacks

I know this is probably self explainable ,but it is definitely one of the most important. Airplanes are not known for the spectacular dining experience they provide. Airplane food can be detected extremely easily. Look for: UIM (unidentifiable mush) , white plastic containers, lunchbox style canned water and a piece of meat that either looks like chicken or one of the items of James Corden's Spill Your Guts ( let's hope it's the first option). Although some airlines have beat the stereotype , we can not always depend on airline food to be tasty, Snacks help keep you energized and happy on your travel journey. Even though we try to avoid them , carbs actually help prevent jet lag and give you short term energy. Make sure to start your flight with some of your favorite trail mix or a granola bar!

Food recommendation: Nature Valley Granola Bars , Cliff Bars (Chocolate Brownie is delicious!) and for health lovers: RX Bars

3.Wipes

This can go in so many different directions ,but all of them are pretty helpful. Wipes are so underrated except by germaphobes like Howie Mandel. If you think about it, planes are actually pretty gross... as we speak there probably close to 5,000 planes flying to exotic and peaceful destinations we wish we were headed to. (my fomo increases as the days go by). Even though they get cleaned every once in a while it's definitely not enough so use some wet ones to wipe down your arm rest and tray table. This not only makes you feel cleaner ,but also prevents illness. The last thing you want to be on your amazing trip is stuck in the room with a sinus infection. Traveling can make you feel sweaty and tired. To make sure you are fresh faced and less smelly when you arrive to your destination bring some baby wipes along!

4.Eye Mask

This is my ride or die when it comes to long haul flights. I just sit back , relax and block out the haters ( until I get hit by a drink cart and remember that I'm on a plane for 10 more hours). Eye masks are great because they not only help you sleep by providing a dark space instead of the harsh lighting ,but they also help distract you from your surroundings and help your relax. Some people may get paranoid by not seeing what's around them ,but if you aren't one of those people I definitely recommend buying an eye mask! If you want to try one out at a low cost, I got mine for 1$ at Primark! They also have a variety to choose from ranging from gel eye masks to your old reliable plane jane. (see what I did there?)

5. Neck Pillow

This might seem obvious ,but it is definitely a must. Neck pillows are the closest thing us economy folk will get to a reclining bed in the sky. The variety is endless including pattern, style and level of comfort. Neck pillows can go from five dollars upwards of one hundred dollars. Avoid buying neck pillows at the airport and instead invest in an inflatable neck pillow from amazon! This is a space saver and still provides some support for your neck and back while sitting in those uncomfortable seats. Don't worry... you wont have to blow it up yourself! So sit back , relax and enjoy some in flight entertainment or close your eyes and try to get some beauty sleep!

Tip: I got my neck pillow for 16.99$ on amazon! It is made by a company called Metene and it is extremely comfortable! It is made with a plush and velvety material which is super soft on the skin. It also comes with a matching eye mask and a tiny carry case that is can easily fit in your carry on! To blow it up you repeatedly press the round button on the pillow and voilà !

6. Books

I have to say... I am not a huge fan of reading books. Incidentally, my mom happens to be a writer and has showed me the greatest tool of all time. Audio books! Put down your heavy hard cover and pick up a pair of headphones! Available whenever and wherever you go, audio books make the perfect travel companion. There are many apps to choose from ,but personally I prefer Chirp! If your on a budget like me then you will love it too! With a plethora of books and genres to choose from you can always find books on sale starting from just 0.99 cents! I just recently finished my first audio book and couldn't stop listening! Books are also downloadable and can be listened to on airplane mode. If audio books aren't your thing try listening to podcasts to pass the time away!

Recommendation: If your a hopeless romantic like me and want to be whisked away check out Delaney Diamond's The Blind Date! It was sexy , romantic and extremely well narrated!

7. Carabiners

I'm sure you haven't seen this on a packing list before... CARABINERS! The total underdog when it comes to packing. Unless your going camping most of the time these will not make it into your luggage ,but they totally should! These handy dandy tools can just hold about anything! I like to attach them to my bag to hold my headphone case , water bottle , scrunchies/hair ties and even shoes. These tiny clips help take the load off your hands so you can enjoy traveling without constantly ripping apart your suitcase looking for those one pair of shoes or those sunglasses that would go great with this outfit.

Tip: Pick up a pack of ten for just 10$ on amazon!

8. Reusable Water Bottle

This might be the most important. If your traveling to a desert location like me you will need to drink a lot of water. Buying a reusable bottle to bring with you can save time , money and the environment! It is understandable that not all countries have safe drinking water ,but for those who do it is easy to just use the sink for some refreshing cold water. When you are out and about it can be tempting to by an ice cold water from the market ,but if you have and insulated water bottle you can save up to 10-20$ a day just by drinking fresh and local water. If we all used reusable bottles in this world there would be less trash in our oceans and healthier animals on our earth.

Tip: If you bring a reusable bottle on the plane you can ask the stewardess to fill it up instead of waiting for the dreaded drink cart to make it's way through the aisle!

9. Sweatshirt

This is pretty self explanatory , but a necessity! The air on you typical airplane is cold and extremely dry so make sure to bring a sweatshirt or a scarf with you to stay toasty and comfortable on your flight!

Tip: Sweatshirt or jacket too bulky? Wrap and tie the arms around your waist to leave more space in your carry on for other items!

10. Notebook

Whether I'm flying two hours or ten, I like to have options to entertain myself. Heading to a new and exciting destination can make me feel inspired! I like to have a journal and pens with me just in case I suddenly come up with the next million dollar idea or (more realistically) want to doodle (lol).

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog!

Stay wild fellow travelers!

xoxo -Becca