With Spring making its slow arrival and summer vacations right around the corner, we are excited to start planning our next trip. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or someone looking to build their own flying rhythm, we are sharing some of the travel items we never fly without!

A / B / C / D / E

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones:

Noise cancelling headphones are an investment, but one that you won’t regret. We prefer over-the-ear headphones for long haul flights. Headphones that sit on your ears can give you a headache after hours of use, or pinch your ears. Alternately, earbuds tend to fall out when you are sleeping. Over the ear headphones never hurt, and stay in place whether you are sleeping or watching a movie. They are of course bulkier to travel with, but you won’t have issues making room for them as they can make flying experience much more enjoyable. There are many brands and types on the market, but in our experience the Bose QuietComfort 35 are the best.

TIP: If you're purchasing wireless, but plan to watch the airline's in-flight entertainment, be sure to also purchase an audio cable accessory to connect your wireless headphones to the video console of your seat.

Neck Pillow:

We’ve used several travel pillows over the years — Memory foam pillows are too tall and end up being too stiff. Blow up style pillows, while easier to pack, are uncomfortable. The tried and true that has worked the best for us is a simple microbead travel neck pillow. Microbead pillows conform best to the neck, providing both the right amount of support and comfort.

TIP: Be sure to choose one with a snap. The snap helps to keep the pillow in position while sleeping, and also to attach it to your bag for hands-free transport.

Compression Socks:

It's important to stay really hydrated while flying, which can help relieve water retention after hours of sitting. Along with hydration though, compression socks also help keep swelling down and blood circulating best when you're seated in a cramped position. That assumes you don't fly first class everywhere you go! If you do, GREAT! But for those of us who typically fly economy, compression socks can be a lifesaver to keep your legs and ankles from swelling.

This brand is great!

Face Wipes, Face Mask, & Hydrating Eye Gels:

Towards the end of a long haul flight, freshening up with a clean face can be such a relief. We always keep a small packet of face wipes readily available. The air in an airplane can be really drying for your skin, so after you clean your face, use either hydrating eye gels or a sheet face mask to give some quick moisture to your skin. It can also help you feel a little more awake and refreshed after spending hours sitting in a confined space. Yes, the sheet mask can be a bit creepy if you're sitting next to someone you don't know, so maybe opt for the eye gels in that scenario!

Our favorite face wipes, face masks, and eye gels.

A Good Book:

We know life is very busy and getting in reading time can be difficult which is why we love sneaking in a few chapters of a good book while we are in the air. Packing a physical book can be bulky and difficult which is why we love utilizing an e-reader like Kindle. You can either purchase a Kindle or you can use the free app for your smartphone. We also love utilizing our local library’s program to borrow free e-books. Our favorite recent reads are “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab, and “Inheritance” by Dani Shapiro.

Take Heart. Take Flight

-Travel Patterns Team