Traveling unlocks new parts of ourselves. In the Shondaland series Traveling Well, we’re inspiring new journeys and revealing how to make the most out of your next trip. Our collection of travel tales and inspirational guides will sweep you away and motivate you to discover new possibilities around the world.
Some days, the friendly skies just don’t seem so friendly. With more and more flights being delayed due to crew shortages and terminals that are more crowded than ever, the thought of getting from point A to point B might make you rethink planning a trip altogether. But there are silver linings and work-arounds. In the case of air travel, it comes in the form of comfort.
You may not be able to choose how far back the person in front of you reclines, how long you wait at your gate, or that your seatmate is laughing maniacally at whatever they’re streaming on their phone, but you can focus on what’s within your control.
From the time you roll your luggage out of your front door to the moment you hop off the plane at your destination, here are both traditional fixes and creative ones you’ve never thought of that can help you sit back, relax, and prepare for smooth traveling.
Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow & Neck Pillow
For those who have been blessed with the ability to sleep in public, this washable and adjustable creation will have you cozy in no time. This nifty, banana-shaped microfiber pillow straps to your airplane seat like a seat belt, allowing you to lean to the side while keeping you safe and snug. No worries about stuffing it into your bag; it deflates! Shout-out to all the middle-seaters. A red-eye has never seemed so appealing.
Thea Scarf
Did you put on those leggings without the pockets … again? Did you get to the front of the security line and have to dig through your bag … again?! Next trip, no worries. This chic, lightweight Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf is not only fashionable, but it has pockets. Yes. You read that right. It can hold your passport, wallet, glasses, tissues, earbuds, and even your phone. Who would have thought you can trust a scarf with your valuables more than your own hands?
Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder
Speaking of hands-free — your suitcase can now hold your coffee too. There is no better recipe for disaster than running to your gate with your phone, your water bottle, and a hot cup of joe in your hands. For all of you accident-prone flyers, look no further. This gadget slides right onto your suitcase handles and has two spots for cups, bottles, or mugs, and one long pocket in the back to drop your phone or ID. Three cheers for quick access!
Bellroy Classic Pouch
There are few things worse than neatly placing your earbuds in your bag only to take them out as a jumbled mess — especially on a travel day if you’re in a rush. Your tangled tech problems can be solved with one of these handy electronic-accessory cases. These durable, sustainably made pouches are water-resistant and can fit multiple cables, wires, and cords conveniently in one place. If you’re on a budget, there are more affordable alternatives as well. Say buh-bye to digging through the bottom of your backpack.
Blissy Sleep Mask
Here at Shondaland, we are not above an eye-mask moment — even on a plane. This slick silk eye mask is easy on the eyes in more ways than one. It comes in five calming colors and is uber-comfortable because it’s soft on the skin. It comes with a matching satchel for easy storage so you can keep your head in the clouds worry-free. (For a heavier mask, you can try these weighted eye masks from Etsy that are infused with calming lavender, or this Manta sleep mask that is basically blackout shades for your eyes.)
1L Wide Mouth Anti-Bottle
Have you ever had a clunky hydro flask that takes a while to finagle into your book bag? Are you a chronic water-bottle loser? Well, this anti-bottle has you covered. It’s a foldable, attachable, freezable, and convenient choice for travelers. The affordable and collapsible vessel is BPA-free (good for you) and reusable (good for the planet). Consider this alone: A water bottle is much harder to lose if you can fold it up and easily put it away after a long chug. Plus, you can throw it in the dishwasher when you get home. What’s not to love?
Who says you can’t get comfortable on a plane? This machine-washable blanket is not only unbelievably cute, but it’s also perfectly cozy for those late-night flights. It may look thin, but don’t be fooled. The recycled, synthetic insulation mimics down (but without the toxic fills or harming animals) by trapping warmth inside small pockets of air to preserve heat. This plush blanket comes in fun colors and prints, and even rolls up into a small, space-saving pouch. If you have to go full-out campout in the airport because of a delay, it gives … glamping. (Spoiler alert: You can even wear it as a cape. Yep.)
Tzumi PHONESpa
If you’re a germophobe, this is the item for you. After dropping your phone on the airport floor or touching who knows what, you can sanitize it on the go with this portable electronic spa. It’s lightweight, USB-powered, and deep, making it easy-peasy to also clean your makeup brushes, computer mouse, watch, AirPods, credit cards, keys, and even your toothbrush when you’re far from home. The gadget also has an aromatherapy feature and saves you from having to buy cleaning wipes for all of your accessories over and over.
Pure Enrichment MistAire
While we don’t recommend using it on the plane, this quiet, cordless humidifier is perfect for when you get to your destination — especially right after a stuffy flight. You can breathe easier with this USB or battery-operated mini machine as it moisturizes dry air in your hotel room, cabin, or vacation rental. It features a soft blue mood light for relaxation, different mist settings, and an auto shutoff function if you plan to sleep with it or head out for a day on the town.
Benton Aloe Soothing Mask Pack (10 Pack)
Airplane cabins will suck all the moisture out of your skin — it’s just a fact. These sheet masks, crafted with soothing aloe and camellia sinensis leaf water — aka green tea — soothes dry, dehydrated skin after hopping off a plane. In 10 to 20 minutes, you can bring your pores back to life (also, it just feels nice, okay?). If you don’t want to wait until you’re on the ground, feel free to use it in the air (who cares if you freak out your seatmate?). After using the mask, just pat excess essence into the skin. You can also try this solid moisturizing bar for zero mess.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Overhead Headphones
If you’re going to splurge on one thing from this list, splurge on this. Nothing is better than sinking into an audiobook after your trek to the airport or drowning out crying kids on an overnight flight or loud adults in a loud, busy terminal. These noise-canceling headphones are effective, comfy, and foldable so that they can fit in your personal bag. The battery life will blow you away at an impressive 30 hours per charge so you can last through a whole trip without a charge. Happy travels.
Mia Brabham is a staff writer at Shondaland. Follow her on Twitter at @hotmessmia.
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