I have a hidden secret I have only shared a few times here on the blog, and today I am going to use this hidden gem of mine to help you mama’s out!!! In my previous career I was a Flight Attendant – yep – for 20 years I traveled those “not so friendly skies” and learned a lot in the journey.
As I get ready to hop on a plane tomorrow with my family to go to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, I thought it was time for me to share the digs on some of my known secrets of making flying a little more enjoyable.
A Dependable Suitcase is a MUST
First and foremost, if you want to travel easier on your own or with kids you MUST have a reliable and sturdy suitcase. Travelpro suitcases are the Flight Attendants best friend and I have had mine for over 15 years and it is still going strong. This is my favorite one – you can seriously pack so much in it! I went to a Convention earlier this summer and was gone just over a week and managed to pack all I needed in this suitcase – including outfits for each day, a computer, books, a formal gown, shoes, purse, exercise clothes and more. Do yourself a favor and get a good suitcase. Plus, it fits in the overhead – no checked baggage fees!
Water Bottles for ALL
Our family brings our own water bottles, empty through security and fills up at the drinking fountain. We are a frugal family and buying expensive bottles of water at the airport just doesn’t fit in with our desire to spend our vacation money. I love this bottle, my all time favorite because it is padded with silicone and is glass, so I can add my Lemon essential oil to it without any issues. The flip top lid seals well and I love the handle, so you can attach it on the outside of your bag too.
Snacks
Lots of snacks, especially when traveling with little ones. Bring way more snacks than you think you will need. My snack of choice…almonds and individual bars (love these for me and the Zbars for my four year old – I buy them on subscribe and save from Amazon). I also find the individual applesauce perfect for little hands. I also will throw in some fresh fruit if I have time.
Oils
I LOVE my small travel pack of oils, these stay in my purse at all times and I love that I have just enough of several varieties to meet almost any need that might arise. Main staples like Lavender (skin support & relaxation), Lemon (for my water), Peppermint (for refreshment) DiGize (for tummy troubles) Joy (for uplifting my mood) Peace and Calming (because who doesn’t need some Peace and Calming on an airplane?) Frankincense (for my immune system) Stress Away (for the lady with the crying baby in front of you) and more. I am prepared for almost everything that could happen, small, compact and ready to go.
Thieves Spray and Hand Sanitizer
MUST have for everyone traveling – I even offer it to my seat mates. Admit it, when you are on an airplane, you are breathing in everyone else’s funk for a long period of time! I will be spraying the arms on my seat, plastic folding tray, and more – UGH!! Between the Thieves spray, which I actually use to spray directly in my mouth and the waterless hand sanitizer, I feel very well covered and prepared. My husband who travels for a living 3 days a week, is never without his Thieves spray. Perfect for supporting your immune system when you need it most.
Ear Plugs
I never leave home without ear plugs. I hate the loud noise of the airplane cabin so always have these simple foam earplugs with me – we get them by the bag! Economical and I love that they are individually wrapped too. I use them when I’m traveling for sleeping at night too, as I am getting older it is harder for me to adjust to strange places, and having the ear plugs helps me drift off to a good night sleep.
NingXia Red and NingXia Nitro
My body needs to have some immune support when I am on the airplane. With the dry cabin air that is recirculated in and out of 147 peoples noses….. ugh!! I love that NingXia Red will keep my energy level and it’s full of antioxidants and essential oils to give my body an extra boost to fight off anything that may enter it “uninvited”!
NingXia Nitro gives me that extra boost of energy, I down that little shot just before I need to get my game on – like deplaning with a four year old or waiting for our luggage and I am running after a four year old in the terminal. Or after an 8 hour flight…. we all need a boost of energy with out the crash!!
Pack Activities
Now this one only applies if I am traveling with my kids. If I am on my own, I typically read, listen to some music or take a nap. {Yep, those ear plugs are great!!} But with my four year along, it means bringing books, some paper, colored pencils (hate crayons on the airplane and so do flight attendants – they can make a real mess!) Oh, and don’t ever think that Play-doh is a good idea on an airplane – NOT! I try to keep things simple and easy….. I tend to play I Spy games, look out the window with my little guy and look at books.
What is your favorite travel tip you can pass along?
