Whether it’s a 45 minute flight or one that feels like it’ll never end, there are some things you’ll always need while travelling. After hundreds of flights I now know exactly what to bring in my bag, it’s somewhat catered to my own preferences but I think a lot of people would benefit from at least some of these items. Here is my personal list of items I always put in my bag when travelling.

• Passport

You’re probably thinking “well obviously” but you would be SURPRISED how many people forget it at least once. If you’re travelling soon put it away now and thank me later. It can happen to the best of us.

• Chewing Gum

Mint gum can be used for many things in an airport. It helps with my social anxiety in big crowds which inevitably occurs in every airport, it also helps depressurise your ears during take-off and landing. It’s also great when you’re just very bored waiting to board the plane, go through security or getting through passport control. I recommend mint because fruity gum can make you feel a bit ill after chewing the same flavour for 2 days (I speak from experience).

• Water

You’ll have to buy this after security but it’s good to stay hydrated throughout the stress induced process of travelling. Keeping your body hydrated can do a world of good for almost everything. Headache? drink some water. Feel a bit dizzy? drink some water. Bored? drink some water.

• Earphones

If there’s one thing you don’t want to forget it’s your earphones!!! The one time you do there will coincidentally be a screaming child in the seat in front of you. Things like Netflix and music can make the time go drastically faster. Travelling is great opportunity to catch up on TV shows you’ve always meant to watch or listen to a whole album you never got through.

• Neck Pillow

This one is mostly for long haul flights but for those of us who can’t afford the luxuries of first class, a neck pillow in economy can make a huge difference! If you’re able to sleep a few hours the flight will feel much more manageable.

• Book

A lot like earphones, a good book is essential. In our digital age we don’t often get the time to sit down and just focus on a book, not with our phones constantly pinging! A flight forces you to step away from the internet and focus on one thing. A book could be just that, besides, most of us probably have required reading of some sort whether that’s as a student or in a job.

• Scarf 

Airports constantly change temperature and it can be quite tedious to constantly be putting on and taking off a jacket. Sometimes we go from a warmer climate to cold bitter weather and I always think “how am I meant to dress for that!” the answer is a scarf! always bring a scarf. It can be used as a pillow, a blanket, a shall, etc. I like the big ones from Primark, they’re quite cheap and definitely won’t break the bank!

• Portable Charger

Even if you don’t think you’ll need it…bring it! Sometimes our phones can do weird things and drop battery quickly depending on what apps we use, it happened to me the other day when I was picking my brother up from the coach station. Portable chargers come in many shapes and sizes so they can fit into pretty much any bag. It’s worthwhile because a plug isn’t always assured and unfortunately most of us can’t function without our phones. It is actually important to stay in communication with people you trust when travelling, just to make sure everything goes okay.

• Lipbalm

My lips get especially dry when travelling. I’m not sure what it is but every time i’m on a plane my lips will crack and it can actually rip to the point of bleeding. I think it again could be the constantly changing temperatures and pressure in the sky. I recommend Carmex, it’s found in most supermarkets and drugstores and again is quite economical.

• Snack

I’m quite picky so I always make sure to bring something I know I’ll like. Airplane food is not always the nicest so it’s good to have something you know you can eat. Travelling can make you forget about meal times so it’s important to remember to keep your body energised with food. I usually take an energy bar and an apple or some peanuts.

I hope this list has helped you remember some of the things you need while travelling – if you have any more recommendations that can make the process a little more bearable please leave them in the comments below!