Travelling again? Don't forget these essentials for the long-haul flight
For many of us, we're beginning to feel like the pandemic is behind us as we embrace travel once more. While we're thrilled to be heading away to far-off destinations once more, travel does come with some struggles – mostly related to flying.
If you're heading overseas, or even around Australia, you'll be faced with the old reality of folding yourself into a small seat for hours at a time as you try to keep yourself as relaxed and hydrated as possible.
We've pulled together our favourite products for travelling this season, especially on planes.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Digital Luggage Scale
Avoid the dance at airport check-in when you're asked to weigh your checked luggage and your carry on by checking it beforehand. This small, hand-held scale works easily – you simply strap your bag into it and lift it up, with the small attached belt working to weigh the bag in your hand. Simple!
COSANSYS Packing Cubes for Suitcases
For those who like to keep their clothes neat and organised, packing cubes are a must-have. If throwing all your clothes higgledy-piggledy into a suitcase is a bit too chaotic for you, you can keep it all straightened out with these cases from COSANSYS.
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
AirTags are the answer to airport anxiety. We've all had moments of sheer panic when we can't dig our passport out of our carry-on, and assume we've lost it forever. If you keep your passport in a wallet (as we recommend you should), then you can simply slip in an Apple AirTag to keep track of it at all times. They also come in very handy if you're moving around a lot on your holiday, and want to keep tabs on your belongings.
RFID Travel Passport Wallet and Family Passport Holder
This one is for the mums, who inevitably find themselves head of holiday admin each and every trip. Keep your passport, and the rest of your family's passports, all in one wallet with this travel case from RFID. It also comes with space for all the cards you might need, between your Australian card and any travel money cards, as well as a spot to keep the boarding passes.
YJQuen Travel Makeup Case
No one looks their best coming off a plane, so if you're the type that likes to touch up their makeup on the way out of the airport, this little makeup case is ideal. The top folds back to reveal a circular compartment, where you can stand your products up – perfect for easy access and avoiding the scramble through your bag for that one tube of lip balm.
Dettol Healthy Touch Instant Hand Sanitiser
We've come out of two years of lockdowns with an unhealthy obsession for hand sanitiser, and there's no way we'd travel without it now. These small bottles from Dettol are perfect for travel – you can slip one in your handbag, one in your carry-on, and a few spares in your suitcase, given they only cost $1.58 each.
Wet Ones Be Fresh Antibacterial Hand & Body Wipes
Similar to sanitiser, wipes are perfect for cleaning off your hands after a meal on the plane, or wiping down your seat before a squashed, uncomfortable nap. They're also essential if you're travelling with small kids. Grab this pack of 80 for just $5.40.
Formula 10.0.6 Soak Your Face Intensive Hydrating Full Face Sheet Mask
Flying will always make you feel a bit dehydrated, so why not pep your skin up in the final hour with this hydrating face mask? The Soak Your Face sheet mask is loaded with hyaluronic acid and mineral water, and will help to restore your skin in moments.
Batiste Volumising Dry Shampoo
If you're moving around a lot on your trip, or swimming every day, it can be hard to find time to give your hair the proper wash it needs. Pack your can of Batiste dry shampoo to make sure you're always ready to take on the travel day – whatever it might hold.
DAWNTREES Supportive Travel Neck Pillow
Neck pillows can be hit and miss, and expensive, especially if you wait until you're at the airport to get one. But this one from DAWNTREES offers superior support for the neck and shoulders with memory foam, and will make you the envy of the plane.
Korjo Kids Squinchy Travel Pillow
If the kids need something to cuddle on the flight, this cow neck pillow from Korjo Kids is the perfect companion. Soft, cuddly, and cute, he's perfect for squeezing, and also sleeping on.
BlueHills Premium Soft Travel Blanket
It can get cold on flights, so packing your own blanket is never a bad idea. This one from BlueHills is soft and fluffy, and will offer you warmth in an instant. It also comes with a small carry case, meaning it can be folded and stored neatly in your carry-on.
READ NEXT: 'I've travelled to nine countries in three months and I wouldn't have survived without these'