Essential Gear for Stress-Free Long-Haul Travel: My 18-Hour Flights Twice a Year avec Layovers

Relax, get comfy, and stay amused with these travel writer-recommended choices starting at just $8.

As a travel writer hailing from Australia and residing in the United States, I have gained an intimate understanding of the intricacies involved. long-haul travel . Regardless of whether I'm traveling to explore a new location or returning home to see my family, my regular 18-hour flights with stopovers have turned me into an experienced pro at enhancing comfort and boosting productivity during trips.

Although the idea of enduring a potentially full day in economy class might appear intimidating, I have refined my packing technique to near-perfection, making sure every article justifies its spot in my reliable suitcase. July Carry-on Pro Luggage . From innovative travel tech gadgets to essential self-care products I've put together my favorite choices to assist you in getting ready for your upcoming extended journey that will keep you at ease, structured, and rejuvenated throughout your journeys .

Related: I Make MyLiving by Reviewing Clothing, and Here Are 10 Must-Have Amazon Essentials Available in All Colors

Therabody Theragun Mini

$149

Buy on Amazon

The finest investment I've made for my extended trips is undoubtedly the Therabody Theragun Mini. Compared to the larger Pro model—which I also have—the Mini is ideal for traveling due to its lightweight design at just one pound and compact size of only 5.5 inches. On flights, I always hesitated using my bulkier device because of noise concerns, but with the quiet and small form factor of the Mini, I can use it without disturbing fellow passengers seated next to me in coach class.

I especially appreciate how useful the Mini is during layovers when I use the Therabody app to guide me through targeted travel-specific massage routines. In just about five minutes, it helps alleviate flight-induced discomfort and stiffness, leaving me feeling much more refreshed upon landing. Though there are countless glowing five-star testimonials, what resonates with me the most is learning that top athletes like Simone Biles and members of the U.S. gymnastics team rely on it for recovery even at elite competition levels.

Charmast Mobile Charger Featuring Integrated Cables

$30

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Extended wait times require different ways to stay entertained. If you depend on gadgets such as smartphones, headphones, e-readers, tablets, and more to browse online content, enjoy music, dive into reading, or catch up on TV series and movies, having an accessible power bank becomes essential. Personally, I prefer multi-functional options similar to the Charmast Portable Charger, equipped with integrated cords designed for multiple device types, allowing simultaneous charging of up to six devices. It’s reassuring knowing you have backup power since airport electrical sockets tend to fill up fast.

Stainless Steel LifeStraw Drinking Bottle

$50

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There isn’t a specific guideline for how much water you should consume when flying, but the Aerospace Medical Association Recommends consuming 8 ounces of water every hour during flights. Previously, especially when having a layover in areas where using tap water was cautioned against, I would remain dehydrated out of fear of becoming ill before my next segment of travel. For an 18-hour journey, honestly, I usually do not meet the suggested 1.125 gallons of water intake. However, after transitioning to the LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle, I've found myself hydrating more than usual.

Every bottle includes interchangeable filters designed to shield you from bacteria, microplastics, and parasites. This ensures that regardless of your location worldwide or the origin of the water—whether it’s drawn from streams or cascading off waterfalls—you can feel secure knowing you’re protected. Pro Tip: If you're traveling by air, make sure to carefully loosen the cap before taking a drink—otherwise, the water might burst out all over because of the pressure changes (believe me, I learned this the hard way).

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

$38

Buy on shop.lululemon.com

I consider a belt bag another essential, especially when navigating through the airport and Customs lines. As a dual passport holder, I worry about keeping multiple documents and IDs safe, which is why I never travel without my Fabletics Belt Bag With the concealed zipper pocket positioned near my torso, I am able to concentrate on my environment and my other belongings. The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag features a comparable design that offers this convenience. won over Travel + Leisure editors Thanks to its slim design and roominess, this luggage allows quick access to items like your earphones, mobile power bank, treats, money, and more during stopovers. Once you reach where you’re going, it serves as an ideal compact companion for both undiscovered locales and well-known urban areas.

Apadi RFID-Blocking Travel Document Holder

$24

Buy on Amazon

Once I gained dual citizenship in the United States and Australia (and had an additional passport to manage), I swiftly realized that my worn-out wallet wouldn't suffice anymore. To mark this new chapter, a kind friend presented me with a fresh one. customized dual passport holder From The Daily Edited, I got one designed for an Apple AirTag, and it has turned into an essential item for ensuring my documents remain both safe and readily available.

If you're planning a trip with several passports or travel documents, consider adding the Apadi Travel Document Organizer to your shopping list on Amazon. This organizer provides safe storage spaces for all necessary items, includes an area designed to hold an AirTag conveniently, and features RFID-blocking technology for added security and reassurance.

APL TechLoom Traveler Slip-On Sneakers

$250

Buy on Nordstrom

The perfect pair of shoes can make all the difference during travel. Even though I never walk around planes without footwear, I prefer keeping things simple, which is why these ultralight slip-on shoes work well for me. Everyone knows how crucial efficiency is at airport security checkpoints, and problems related to shoes aren’t only inconvenient for other travelers but can lead to unnecessary stress and discomfort. Years back, I experienced this firsthand when my complicated shoelaces caused such distress that I accidentally dropped and broke my laptop. Since then, I’ve consistently worn my appropriately titled APL sneakers. Traveler Shoes that exemplify functionality, fashion, and comfort for traveling and discovering new places.

Fyy Travel Cable Organizer

$8

Buy on Amazon

Next to a damaged laptop, I've experienced the destruction of a hard drive due to a leaky water bottle. Since then, although additional spills have occurred, my technology remains protected because of this cable organizer featuring a double-layered waterproof casing. I keep it inside my carry-on bag, making it simple for me to retrieve my headphones, portable charger, and various gadgets whenever I want entertainment during stopovers. Additionally, consolidating all these essentials ensures I avoid being that passenger who disrupts others by rummaging around their overhead compartment mid-flight searching for an essential cord. The organizer provides ample room for every piece, preventing those annoyingly tangled cables we all dread encountering.

Bevledge Window Organization Station

$20

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Going’s annual Travel Survey Report for 2024 It was discovered that 53% of travelers favor the window seats, 46% enjoy sitting at the aisles, and unexpectedly, only 1% willingly choose the middle seats. Personally, I align with those who prefer the window seat, and whenever fortune favors me with one, this handy gadget enhances my experience significantly. The Bevledge fastens onto the window side and offers ample space for two beverages, along with enough room for my phone, AirPods, glasses, and various small items—even when the sunshade is pulled down. This contraption lets me utilize my laptop safely, preventing spills from drinks or sacrificing valuable legroom; plus, it folds neatly into a compact size for easy storage. Although I haven’t encountered problems using it, several customers mention that it does not function well on certain aircraft models. all planes.

Automet Two-piece Sweatsuit

$40

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I realize I'm not alone when it comes to feeling chilly during flights; however, did you know that aircraft cabins typically maintain temperatures between 71 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit? Although these temperatures seem adequate, they feel colder since passengers remain seated without much movement. It amazes me how some people can comfortably fly with jeans, yet such attire isn’t for me. You’ll usually spot me wearing a cozy sweat suit similar to ones available from popular online retailer Automet.

Although comfort is the sole criterion for choosing pants on my list, picking a suitable sweater demands greater thoughtfulness for extended trips and stopovers. It needs to include a hood for additional coziness as well as noise reduction and shielding against ambient light (since wearing an eye mask isn't usually part of my routine). Additionally, having a front pocket proves invaluable for safely storing items such as my phone or wallet—especially useful during naps, movements through airports, or rushing to catch a flight.

Dancour Big Nylon Cosmetics Pouch

$19

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So far, it should be evident that when taking long flights with layovers, organizing is my main focus, and to achieve this, I prefer using smaller bags and pouches inside my bigger ones. The brand I usually choose is Stoney Clover Lane Due to their durability, ample space, and easy-to-clean design from the external nylon coating, these bags are ideal. I use multiple pouches in various colors to categorize items such as skincare products, medications, and travel necessities like disposable wipes, hand sanitizers, and hair ties. However, if the $70-plus price point doesn’t appeal to you, consider getting a similarly fashionable and roomy option from Amazon: the Dancour Large Nylon Toiletry Bag.

Ursa Major Essential Facial Cleansing Towelettes

$24

Buy on Amazon

Traveling for extended periods often results in greasy, perspiration-prone skin, particularly during layovers. Rather than enduring this unease, I ensure I pack facial wipes to revitalize myself throughout different stages of my journey. The multi-purpose variant by Ursa Major not only clears out impurities from your pores but also energizes your complexion, calms inflammation and redness, and replenishes hydration—essentially providing an entire skincare regimen within a single portable wipe. These wipes can be used aboard the aircraft, inside the terminal, or even once you reach your accommodation.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask along with Moisturizer

$49

Buy on summerfridays.com

$49

Buy on Sephora

A study Measuring skin capacitance (which reflects moisture levels from the outer layer of our skin down to the deeper layers), studies have shown that during prolonged flights, dehydration is particularly noticeable on the face and arms, with cheek areas experiencing an astounding reduction of up to 37%. In addition to staying hydrated internally through drinking water, applying hydration topically becomes essential. The Summer Friday’s Jet Lag Mask lives up to its title perfectly. This versatile cream accompanies me wherever I go because it suits sensitive skin well and can function effectively both as a moisturizer, eye cream, hand lotion, and facial mask when needed.

Through experimentation, I've discovered that simplicity works best when traveling; thus, my regimen includes just the Jet Lag mask from the brand. Lip Butter Balm , and Blue Lizard’s Mineral Sunscreen , which includes hyaluronic acid. I also continue to use PanOxyl’s Nighttime Acne Spot Patches convenient for any blemishes and enjoy applying Glow's Vitamin C Hydrating Eye Patches before landing.

Snow Peak Stretch Pillow

$55

Buy on snowpeak.com

I've always been uncomfortable using conventional travel pillows because they feel constricting. To steer clear of neck wraps, I tried out Snow Peak’s inflatable Stretch Pillow, which has significantly improved my experience during mostly overnight trips. One thing I appreciate about this pillow is having complete control over how firm it feels. Additionally, it includes a small repair kit—so should anything happen inflight, I’m not stuck without a pillow. Please forgive past experiences where I inadvertently forgot unwelcoming neck pillows on planes; however, with my new Stretch Pillow, I never leave home without it since it conveniently fits into my carry-on when deflated.

The Absorption Company Restoration Supplement PackETS

$72

Buy on absorbmore.com

I typically don’t take daily supplements, but during lengthy intercontinental flights, my body appreciates an additional boost. I really enjoy using products from The Absorption Company since they offer flexibility; you can use a packet whenever necessary rather than adhering strictly to a routine. Simply mix the powder with water, and almost instantly, I feel rejuvenated and better adjusted, regardless of the timezone. What I appreciate most about this product is Calm and Replenish packets before my flights and during layovers, while I make reservations. Energy and Sleep options To assist me in adapting to new time zones upon arrival.

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