One solution to the stress of trying to remember everything you might need while traveling in air, or even by car, is to keep a small travel bag, the size of a cosmetic or small toiletry bag, always packed. Anytime you travel, your "travel bag" will already be prepared and be ready to be thrown into your carry-on. Keep this bag stuffed with travel-sized items that cover a host of possible needs.
Hydration Protection
Flying can dry out your skin to the point of discomfort for several reasons. First, flying in and of itself has a dehydrating effect. Second, being exposed to overly air-conditioned places, which frequently happens during travel, also means being exposed to dry environments. Third, cheaper, harsher soaps are often a staple in bathrooms, leading to further discomfort. Carry a hotel-sized bottle of moisturizer in your travel bag and a tube of lip balm to prevent the discomfort of dried out skin. Some people even prefer misting sprays that spray out water and some moisturizers, but most people can meet their needs with simple lotion and lip balm.
Sensory Protection
Although you cannot control who boards your plane, you can easily pack items that will help you sleep when you need to, or at least tune out other distractions. Throw a pair of ear plugs into your travel bag and a thin sleeping mask. If you do have a noisy flight or feel the urge to pass out, both of these items will be appreciated.
Sanitation and Health Protection
Traveling introduces you to many germs, and you may not always have access to soap and water. Pack a miniature bottle of hand sanitizer or sanitary wipes for these occasions. Also, to fortify your immune system, pack a few multi-vitamins, a vitamin powder package, or even a preventative medicine like Cold-Eeze or Zicam. These can prevent a few symptoms from becoming a full-blown cold if you have them ready at the first sign of discomfort.
Medicinal Protection
If you are not prone to regular headaches, it may not occur to you to pack ibuprofen or aspirin. However, in the event of a headache or other bodily pain, having this on hand can save hours of pain. In addition to a pain medicine, a travel-sized bottle of an antacid can be great protection against a bad reaction to food. These two are basic precautions, but if you know you are sensitive in other areas such as immunity or digestion, consider putting two cold/flu pills or a couple of pills for worse cases of indigestion in your bag. These will tide your over until you can get to a pharmacy or grocer.
Miscellaneous "Necessities"
In this day and age of travel, the little ziplock bag is a necessity for going through security checks. Keep your lotion, lip balm, or other questionable products in a ziplock in your travel bag so that they can easily be taken out and displayed for security. Gum is also a recommendation not only to freshen breath but to have on hand to relieve pressure in the ears that may build up during flight. Other options purely for freshening breath could include a travel toothbrush and paste or mints. Some women with longer hair may also appreciate storing a hair holder into their travel bag for times when they may not think ahead to carry one, but find themselves wishing to tie back their locks during a flight or during a long day.
Traveling Made Easy
Some of the above suggestions may not be necessary for you, and you may wish to add others, but having a small travel bag- to keep tucked away but ready to be thrown into a larger carry-on during any type of travel- will save the hassle of constantly trying to remember all of the "little things" that ease the stress of traveling.
 |
