Luck favours the prepared nothing teaches you this than long haul travel when you’re stuck in a tin can and can’t nip to the shops. I am a strong believer in being prepared and having all the Long Haul Travel Essentials in one place. Every year I travel to Seoul, this yearly pilgrimage has made me into some sort of pro when it comes to packing for long haul flights.
Though not many people like long haul flights, I actually prefer them to short-haul flights as I get to do loads of things. I am only able to enjoy it because I almost always have Long Haul Travel Essentials with me whenever I travel. In this post, I am hoping to share all the items that make up the Long Haul Travel Essentials.
Travel Tips – Long Haul Travel Essentials
I remember my first solo long haul trip, a 10-hour flight from London to Lusaka, I was underprepared. The only things I had packed were the toiletries and warm clothes and nothing else. As much as I enjoy watching movies on the plane, it does get tiresome and you need something else to pass the time.
The items I have listed below, are those that I take on every long haul flight and makes the trip much more comfortable. There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable on a long haul flight and nothing you can do about it. I do hope that this post will be helpful on your next long haul adventure, pack these Long Haul Travel Essentials.
{1} Backpack
When it comes to cabin only luggage, I much prefer a backpack than a small suitcase unless I can take both. Backpacks are convenient and can pack a lot of items like laptops, snacks and change of clothes.
{2} Change of clothes
Whenever I travel on a flight longer than 5 years, I make sure to pack a change of clothes. I prefer to be comfortable on the flight so I always back either pyjamas or loungewear which is always more comfortable.
{3} Toiletries
No matter how long or short your flight is, toiletries are an essential parcel when travelling. Outside of simple makeup items, I make sure to pack cleansing products, lotions, lip care and hair care items.
{4} Travel blanket
I am someone is almost always cold and dislike being cold, travel blankets are the greatest invention after French toast. When it comes to buying the best travel blanket its best to choose something light but warm like a fleece blanket.
{5} Memory foam travel pillow
I never travel anywhere without my travel pillow, though airlines provide pillows unless, in economy premium or firsts, it’s not comfortable. I always carry my memory foam travel pillow which is comfortable and soothing.
{6} Comfortable shoes
One thing I refuse to do on planes is where house shoes but rather opt for wearing comfortable shoes. I always pack open-toed shoes or foam based shoes which are a must-have on long flights. Over the years I have tried various brands and yet to find a top favourite.
{7} Compression socks
I always scared of getting DVT on these long flights that I often travel on and prefer to buy compression socks. Over the years, I have found these to be one of the favourites that actually works for me.
Important documents
Passports, Visa, destination currency, printed boarding pass and hotel bookings, insurance, international travel cards, portable charger, WIFI, medication, entertainment and any necessary devices.
When it comes to what items to pack in your onboard long haul travel essentials bag, its best to keep it light. Its important to only pack items that you will actually need and use than packing just for the sake of it.
lifeofamumsylawyer says
Definitely a travel blanket as most airlines don’t provide them nowadays. Wish I was going on a long haul flight some time soon!
Wendy says
I’ve never done a long haul flight and the thought of taking the kids on such a big flight is terrifying! This is really useful though, a travel pillow would definitely be a must for me!xx
Miranda says
Long haul flights are my favourite kind but I must agree it would terrify me to take the kids unless I have a sound proof plan.
Lynne Harper says
being comfortable is so important when you travel so a change of clothes is such a fabulous idea
Miranda says
I couldn’t agree more, I mistakenly wore jeans on my first ever long haul flight and I paid it for it big time.
ChelseaMamma says
I much prefer long haul flights as there is more to keep you occupied. Great tips
Miranda says
True, I also get a good sleep on planes for some reason.
Annette, 3 Little Buttons says
These are great tips. I’d definitely consider getting a travel pillow – we missed having something like this on our Eurostar adventures. Being comfortable makes all the difference.
Miranda says
Being comfortable truly does make all the difference in the world.
mightymamabear2017 says
This is such a helpful list. I’d definitely second the memory foam travel pillow.
Miranda says
Memory foam travel pillows are everything, I never travel without mine.
Clare Minall says
Such a great and very detailed post. Every tips is really important. Been experiencing long haul flights all the time and this guide is what I really needed.
AlwaysCarryOn.com says
I think taking a charging pod/portable battery is a must for me – I go through the battery on my phone so quickly on a long haul flight when I’m watching downloaded films/TV shows x
Miranda says
I know what you mean, for me I often leave my phone alone on long flights but my tablet definitely runs out faster because I use it for movies.
Jenni says
We flew long haul to Tokyo in February, and I had most of that in my hand luggage except the pillow. I needed the extra space/ hands for my two kids and their hand luggage!
Miranda says
Gosh, I can only imagine having to travel with two kids, there luggage plus your own.
Helen says
The travel blanket is such a good idea and one I don’t think many would think of! It’s those little touches that make a real difference to a long haul flight experience 🙂
Miranda says
It definitely is the little things that make or break the trip, I am always cold on flights so a blanket of blanket scarfs are a must have.
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
I prefer a backpack too. I think it’s much easier to get into it when you need it!
Miranda says
Agreed,I find I can pack as much as I need to in them and not be too heavy.
Sonia cave says
These are all great, but after a holiday a few years ago where we didn’t realise our luggage followed later we also pack some insect repellent and sunscreen plus swimmers so we can get on with life even if our luggage is slower!
Miranda says
For me, hand luggage items definitely contain items that I can still use should my luggage go walkabouts. I agree with insect repellent is ideal.
franbackwithabump says
We’re looking at doing a long haul family holiday next year so these are great tips to bear in mind. A 4 year old on a long haul flight could be interesting though!!
Miranda says
Oh gosh, a 4 year in a tin can for long hours? Definitely would be interesting but with good planning it can work.
Jenny Kearney says
I would have to take my kindle, I would read so much!
Rebecca Smith says
A memory foam pillow is always on my list, I want to feel comfy if I am flying long haul!
Boo Roo and Tigger Too says
I would be so underprepared looking at your list. I was thinking a couple of books, some snacks and maybe a notebook.
Jess Howliston says
What a great list, I wouldn’t have though of half of these things! I have never been on a long haul flight but being comfortable would definitely be top of my list!