actually useful travel items

It took plenty of trial and error and more than a few pointless purchases to figure out what actually earns a place in my suitcase. Every item in my packing rotation now is there for a reason. It makes travel more organised, more efficient, and a lot more comfortable. These are my tried-and-tested packing MVPs:

The Perfect Travel Bag

I’ve done the rounds when it comes to finding a good handbag for a flight. It has to be big enough to fit a lot in, but not so big that it gets charged as hand luggage. Pockets are essential, especially for easy access to passports and phones. There is nothing worse than digging around for something while standing in the aisle of a plane. Because I travel for work, I also need something big enough to fit my laptop and charger, with space for a water bottle, a small zip pouch for my toothbrush and toiletries, and of course, room for an airport Pret. This Loeffler Randall Tote ticks all the boxes, with my favourite features being the zip closure and the exterior back panel that slides neatly onto my suitcase handle.

The Best Electric Toothbrush

Could I just use a little travel-size toothbrush? Maybe. But I’ve always been an electric toothbrush kind of gal. My mouth just doesn’t feel as clean without one, so I upgraded to a SURI Toothbrush last year, and it’s perfectly suited for travel in every way. Gone are the days of lugging around heavy, clunky charging cables just to have a good toothbrush. This comes with me on flights with no fuss; it’s lightweight, so it goes straight into my handbag or hand luggage without taking up too much space, which, let’s be real, is essential when travelling.

Tell me, is there a better feeling than brushing your teeth on a flight? It’s my signal to wind down and wake up. I especially love the morning brush, because morning breath on a flight is not the one. My fav feature is easily the travel case with built-in UV-C light, it sanitises the brush head by killing 99.9 percent of bacteria in one minute! Absolutely essential on a flight where the air is being recycled the entire time! Thank god I no longer have to wrap my toothbrush head in tissue because that was embarrassing and quite frankly gross.

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A flight pillow that actually works.

A good neck pillow, especially if you’re flying economy (like I mostly do), is essential for getting any kind of decent rest or sleep on a flight. I’ve tried and lost my fair share over the years. So many are too bulky, too hard, or too soft. There’s a reason Heathrow Lost Property probably has at least three of mine. They just don’t cut it.

But I think I’ve finally found the one. Enter TRTL.

Unlike traditional pillow shapes, this works as a scarf and pillow combined. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left a flight in agony from my head wobbling all over the shop. It’s the worst, and honestly, it can mess up the first few days of a trip. Somehow, this is ergonomically designed to prevent neck pain and support whichever side your head usually falls to.

IMO, the best thing about this pillow is that it folds up and comes with a handy little carry bag with a carabiner clip, so you can attach it to your bag or hand luggage. It’s also machine-washable, which might be the best part. I get major ick thinking about the bacteria on old-style travel pillows.

Anyway, 10/10 recommend.

Hypercloris Acid

I’m fairly minimal when it comes to skincare in the sky. Do I love watching the girls do their entire routine? Yes. Will I be doing it? probs not. I’m a rock up to the airport with no makeup kinda gal, skincare done at home. One thing that has become a non-negotiable is hyperclorous acid. This may sound weird and intense, but this is not an active acid; it is a naturally occurring substance produced by the body to fight bacteria and inflammation. It can be used on the face, body, and hands and does not disrupt the skin barrier or microbiome, which is essential when on a flight, where the skin barrier is already compromised by dry air. The best thing about this is that it is cheap and easy to get; it is often advertised as baby cleansing water. It comes in giant bottles or little handy airport-friendly sizes for your bag. I mist it a couple of times on the flight (not too much, as it can be drying) alongside a moisturising mist. My favs are this Caudalie Beauty Elixer (it’s spenny but gorgeous) or this INKEY list hydro spray which is more budget friendly.

A Phone Strap

This isn’t just useful for travel, but it had to make this list. One thing about me is I always misplace my phone I am notoriously bad at popping it down and forgetting to pick it back up. In my house, this is a daily occurrence and doesn’t cause too much drama, but on a flight or on a trip, it’s a recipe for disaster. A phone strap is a lifesaver when I am out and about on work trips, taking photos, but I don’t want to hold my phone or have to go searching for it multiple times when it’s back in the bag. From a safety perspective, it’s also very handy that the thick fabric strap makes this hard to break, and it’s great for keeping your phone on your person to avoid pickpockets. At the moment, I am using an ugly utility strap, but I plan to upgrade to this Ateljé cord, which is so chic!

If you want to see what else earns a place at 35,000 feet, then don’t forget to subscribe for part 2!

Cal x