Everyone packs a passport, laptop, headphones, battery pack, hand sanitizer, Vitamin-C and more, but I want to tell you the MUST-HAVES to survive a 7-hour or more flight as well as being in a foreign country. So far I’ve been to 6 continents excluding Antarctica. I can see different patterns I’m using while traveling.

1. FOOD

Food is essential! Not all airlines serve the food you would like. I know for me, personally, I feel very bloated after eating airplane food.  You can take protein bars, pretzels, homemade or store bought sandwiches, crackers, fruit, candy, or cereal. As an athlete we eat about every 3 hours. Basically, pack any type of food you would want to eat during your long flight.

2. JOURNAL/BIBLE/DEVOTIONAL/BOOK

This is your quiet time with you and yourself on this long flight. Get in your own mental space and zone out for an hour or two. I typically like to read bible stories, jot them down, and then go back to them every couple of hours. This is my inspiration! Again, this works for me, but whatever you are inspired by through reading or writing is a great way to unwind and reflect. Envision your goals and execute!

3. CHANGE PURSE

It is EXTREMELY IMPERATIVE for you to walk with a change purse that can hold a different currency. When you travel to another country and they see you have another currency, they are tempted to overcharge you! No shade, but it’s natural. You should try to blend in as much as possible! Point of the matter is, don’t show the dollars, pounds, euros or any of it! You also don’t want to mix the currencies. It’s difficult to flip flop when you are shopping! Get you a change purse!

4. COMFY SLIDES

You want to be as comfy as possible when you are flying. You might travel with sneakers, but then want to change into slides after. I like my toes to breathe so I definitely have a change of slides in my carry on.

5. FITNESS HAND GRIP

Flying any flight can be cramped and constricting. I get up and walk around for about 2 minutes. I go to the back of the plane and stretch for about another 3 minutes. Finally, I go back to my seat and do hand exercises with the handgrip.  I want to feel as loose as possible because sitting in one place for too long isn’t comforting. I typically do this a few times on the flight!

6. EMPTY BOTTLE

You can fill your bottle with water, protein shakes, or energy boosters. Whatever you would like to fill it with is your choice. I always bring water in addition to the bottle because hydration is key on the plane. It’s easy to be dehydrated up there in the clouds.

Literally it doesn’t matter where I’m traveling too, I pack the night before into the morning I’m leaving. I know it sounds bizarre, but guys it works for me every time! I say it won’t happen again, but then it happens week after week after week. It’s a new year so let’s see if I can improve on packing! Does this happen to any of you? What essentials do you pack before traveling?

Lastly, I’d like to thank you guys for reading my blog! I really hope you enjoyed it. Please ask as many questions as you’d like or comment and don’t be a stranger!