Carry-On Essentials

1. A BIG BLACK BAG:

A big black bag is the perfect carry-on receptacle to bring on flights. The colour will go with basically anything you wear, and the size will ensure that you have enough room for all your carry-on needs! The bag pictured above is the Large Le Pliage tote bag from Longchamp, but basically any big black bag will do. The one that I have is from Zara, but it is no longer being sold.

2. NALGENE ON THE FLY WATER BOTTLE:

Keeping yourself from getting dehydrated is very important whilst travelling. This Nalgene water bottle is leakproof and has a push-button opening with a metal bar to secure it. The spout is about the size of a quarter, so you will be less likely to spill compared to a bottle with a jar-like lid, and will be able to drink more easily compared to a bottle with a built-in straw. Nalgene bottles are also BPA free.
Tip: Don't forget to bring your bottle empty to the airport, and then fill it once you pass security!

3. BOSE QUIETCOMFORT 15 ACOUSTIC NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES:

These Bose headphones are quite expensive ($299.00!) but basically any noise canceling headphones will do. Bringing headphones that cancel out noise is not only great for hearing electronic devices over the noise of the engine, but also for use while trying to sleep!

4. LEPOW MOONSTONE 6000 EXTERNAL BATTERY CHARGER:

Battery chargers are extremely convenient to travel with. This amazing little device has enough juice to give full battery to around three iPhone 5's on one charge! It has a dual output mode which means that you can charge the Moonstone whilst charging your phone at the same time, or charge two separate devices at once.

5. TRAVELMATE MEMORY FOAM NECK PILLOW:

Using a neck pillow whilst travelling makes sleeping 10x easier. This Travelmate pillow is made of memory foam which will make for an amazing sleep, while still being lightweight enough to carry around.

6. ELECTRONICS:

Whatever electronics you feel like bringing abroad, should be brought in your carry-on. You don't want to risk the damage or loss of your checked luggage with them in there!
Load your favourite books, movies, and music onto your device to keep yourself entertained before, during, and after your flight.

7. SNACKS:

This is pretty self-explanatory...I don't think I've ever met a single person who loves paying $15 for a one saltine cracker when on a plane. Pack yourself something that isn't messy, loud, or smelly to keep your sustenance during your trip. My favourite snack is Dried Mangoes...sometimes I'll bring along a bagel or a couple granola bars if I'm feeling especially peckish.

8. MELATONIN:

Especially for long haul flights, I find taking a Melatonin tablet really helps me function during my trip. Melatonin helps regulate sleep and wake cycles which is great for helping you fall asleep on red-eyes (or just generally long flights). However, it doesn't make you drowsy, so if you end up not wanting to sleep, you won't be stuck in a lethargic rut for the rest of your trip!

9. IBUPROFEN (PAINKILLERS):

This is by no means a necessity for everyone, but I often get headaches from dehydration, exhaustion, and travel in general. I find it very handy to throw a couple tablets into my purse in case I get a headache, and then I don't have to worry about being trapped on a plane with the sound of loud turbines in my ears!

10. AIRBORNE EFFERVESCENCE TABLETS:

I remember being very little at the time that my mother introduced this awesome product to me. The Airborne Effervescent Tablets help support your immune system by providing you with a healthy array of vitamins, minerals, and herbs. Due to the constant air circulation on planes, you can be exposed to an air-born virus that someone else on the plane has...However, among other things, these dissolvable tablets include high levels of Vitamin C, which is incredibly helpful for keeping illness at bay.

11. BATH & BODYWORKS SHEA-INFUSED LOUNGE SOCKS:

I always get cold on planes. so these socks are perfect for keeping my feet warm and comfortable. When you're flying, your hands and feet swell due to the altitude, so getting our of our ever-constricting shoes will be a huge relief. During the flight i will take my shoes off and put these fuzzy guys on. They're infused with shea butter, which makes them super soft and soothing.

12. MAGELLEN'S GOODNIGHT SLEEP MASK:

On long flights, sleeping on the plane will be ideal. A sleep mask is helpful because depending on when your flight is, you might be trying to sleep while it's bright outside...or you might just want to look like you don't want to be talked to by the people around you! I love this sleep mask because it has raised eye pieces so that the mask isn't putting pressure on your eyes and the nose piece helps to block out light that might normally sneak in  from the gap between your nose and cheeks.

13. COBALT 5 COOL PEPPERMINT GUM:

There are multiple reasons for why I like to bring gum on a flight...but here are my top two:
1. It freshens your breathe when you can't brush your teeth, and...
2. It helps to keep your ears from popping during take off/landing. Airplane cabins are pressurized during flight but operate at lower pressures at cruising altitude than they do on the ground. As the plane ascends or descends the action of chewing equalizes the pressure in your inner ear!

<3 Noelle