Long Haul Travel Essentials for Comfort & Style

My flight to Japan is now only a few days away. Words can’t express how excited I am. I think about Japan 90% of the time, and my daily commute is spent learning essential phrases in Japanese, like “Shashin o tottemo ii desu ka” (“Can I take a picture?” – I plan on hunting for cool people in Harajuku!).

The flight is a little over 11 hours, which isn’t too bad really (our trip back from Burma lasted over 35 hours). As long as you’re prepared and relaxed that should be over before you get too uncomfortable. The problem is that I usually forget to dress appropriately. This time, I’m going to:

  • Wear comfortable trousers. I’ve made the mistake of wearing skinny jeans on a long flight and it made me feel circulation in my legs was restricted. Not good for 10+ hours!
  • Bring a bottle of water. Flying can get you (and your skin) really dehydrated, so it’s important to drink plenty of water. On an overnight flight it’s not always easy to get as much water as you need, so it’s best to bring your own.
  • Wear warm layers. No matter what your destination is, planes always get cold. Cashmere jumpers and big scarves that double as pillows are the best!
  • Bring sleeping gear: earplugs and eye masks – because you never know when you’re going to be sitting next to someone who needs the light on all night, a row behind the family with a crying baby.
  • Eat healthy. I am always tempted into buying unhealthy snacks before I fly: crips, chocolate, or sweets. There’s something about flying that makes me want to indulge, but I think snacking on apples and carrots would make me feel much fresher when I land.
  • Use a backpack. I don’t do this enough – and I often end up overwhelmed with having to carry a handbag, a jacket, some airport buys and my passport and ticket!
I’ve gathered a little inspiration for future trips and fellow travelers below! One fun colourful outfit and one chic, laid-back luxe outfit.
Cute travel essentials
Cute Travel Essentials

 

Uniqlo (Japanese!) is great for affordable cashmere, and Smythson make the ultimate travel accessories: currency wallets (four compartments for your money!), travel wallets, passport covers and elegant luggage tags. I’m in love with Nike’s Thea trainers but still trying to justify buying another pair of shoes – they would be perfect for running around the airport!
Chic Long Haul Travel Accessories
Chic long haul travel

 

Charlotte Olympia‘s kitty flats have been on my wish lists for years. They make a boring outfit chic and interesting, and they look like they would be comfortable enough to travel in. Easy to slip out of when you get to your seat. I also think this Longchamp backpack is just gorgeous, and Kate Spade’s travel accessories are the cutest (“anything to declare?”, says the wallet).

Hopefully I’ll have the time to post some updates and let you know how the flight went. Keep an eye on my Instagram feed for some daily shots of Japan!

What are your tips for surviving long flights?

Do you follow a skincare routine? or do you just sit back and enjoy the on-flight entertainment?

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8 Comments
  • london_unattached
    March 13, 2016

    My tip is to pay the extra to book the seat you like – especially if you are travelling economy! Good points here too

    • City Cookie
      March 14, 2016

      Yes, and try to get an emergency exit seat for extra legroom but avoid being too close to the toilets!

  • Becky Louise
    March 13, 2016

    This is brilliant. I travel a lot so these are really useful tips, thank you 😀 i also suggest wearing layers so you can wear loads if its cold then shove them in your bag if its gets warm

    Love the Owlet
    theowletblog.blogspot.com

    • City Cookie
      March 14, 2016

      Thanks Becky! I’m so glad you found this useful. Agree – better to have too many layers than not enough! x

  • rosie alittlelusciousness
    March 14, 2016

    If you’re going to Kyoto have a look at my blog as I’ve just written about my trip (and all the food) there earlier this year.
    Rosie xx
    http://www.alittlelusciousness.com

    • City Cookie
      March 15, 2016

      Thanks Rosie! I’ll definitely check out your blog as I need all the recommendations I can get. xx

  • Kelly
    March 15, 2016

    A great pair of headphones really is key!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

  • Fox Socks
    March 27, 2016

    Very cute collections, I hope you have/had an amazing time

    Aso, Charlotte Olympia kitty flats – I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent wishing I owned a pair of those bad boys

    Charlotte x

    Fox Socks