How to upgrade your flying experience…
If there’s one thing I know how to do well, it’s long-haul flights! I actually really enjoy a long flight, even the 30+ flights to New Zealand I do quite regularly I enjoy. I think because I can shut off, have some time away from the internet without feeling guilty and read uninterrupted for hours at a time!
That being said, I’m not a minimalist in any areas of my life and certainly not when it comes to flying either. I have quite the list of essentials, and all of them make flying in economy feel like first class.
What To Wear
I try and find some balance between extra cosy and feeling good, because as much as I love being comfortable, ya girl does not look good in joggies!
I find a nice pair of soft trousers are ideal for travelling, along with a loose fitting top, a sports bra and a super comfy jumper. Sometimes I’ll bring more of a loungewear outfit for changing in to, so I have a travelling outfit for in the airport/arriving, which is always a good idea!
The loungewear section of ASOS is always a shout, and I have this pair of comfies for travelling to New Zealand in.
I always, always pack a blanket scarf with me too – since you can wear them on the ground, and fashion them in to an extra blanket or pillow when you’re in the air.
As for shoes, slip-ons are good for getting through security and kicking off when you’re on the plane. I always take my shoes off as soon as I’m board and put on some flight socks or the White Company Cashmere Socks. Extra comfy and so warm!
Keeping Busy
Be prepared! Even a four hour flight can feel loooooong if you don’t have some entertainment! I pack my Kindle with a good selection of super gripping reads before I go. Usually at the airport I’ll scan the book selection at WH Smith and then connect to wifi and download anything that sounds good to my Kindle, since carting around five or six books is going to get heavy!
I also make sure to download my favourite playlists on Spotify whilst I’m at home. I’m usually more of a music person than podcasts but I think I’ll line up a podcast or two for my next flight!
I also have the B&O Play H8i headphones which are noise-cancelling so perfect for flights, I’m never without them.
Other Tips
A sleep mask is always a good idea, I have a very cute Slip Sleep Mask and I love it! So luxe.
I also really recommend getting some melatonin if you’re in the US anytime soon, it’s a dream come true for jetlag and sleeping on long haul flights too!
Beauty Essentials
Probably the most important, if you ask me! I always take quite a few products with me when I fly, and I keep a box of minis at home just for this reason.
I always pack face wipes because they’re great for freshening up, and ideal since I don’t tend to wear makeup when I travel and usually some form of sheet mask. Not so great for the other passengers, but I swear by these for keeping my skin hydrated when I travel! The Origins sheet masks are my favourites at the moment, but I also love these Sarah Chapman masks too.
A good face moisturiser is also always a good idea – I love the Origins Drink Up Overnight Mask, or the Aesop Barrier Cream. I just smooth a thick layer on clean skin and leave it to work it’s magic.
If I have a sample of anything else, like a serum or a good face oil, I’ll throw that in too but I usually feel like a good overnight mask type product is enough.
Other absolute essentials for me are eye drops/spray, hand sanitiser, hand cream and lip balm because planes dehydrate me like nothin’ else (and they’re also a bit grim too, so hand san is always a good idea!). Perfume and deodorant are also going to come in handy – you’ll thank yourself later!
I recently discovered these IGK Swipe Up Dry Shampoo Wipes too, which are going to be a dream come true for travelling! I’ve packed a few in to another non-liquid makeup bag, along with a mini hairbrush, a mirror and some hair ties and hair pins. So prepared!
I also like to keep a concealer and a brow pencil or gel on hand, for when I arrive. It’s low maintenance but definitely peps me up a little bit.
I hate being without when it comes to travelling, so if I can carry it, it’s in keeping with the liquid restrictions and I really think I’ll need it, I’ll just pack it. An extra jumper, a fresh set of clothes, my evening skincare routine… anything to make the travelling bearable!
