Travel asks a lot of the senses. Bright airports, rumbling highways, dry cabin air and unfamiliar rooms all add up, even on a trip you have been looking forward to. A small kit of familiar comforts will not change any of that, but it can make each part of the journey a little softer. Many frequent travelers keep one packed all summer so it is ready to grab.
For resting anywhere
- An eye mask. Useful on planes, in the back seat and in hotel rooms where the curtains never quite close.
- Earplugs or headphones. Foam earplugs weigh almost nothing. Noise-canceling headphones cost more, and many travelers find them worth it.
- A light scarf or wrap. Planes, restaurants and hotel lobbies are often chilly in summer. A wrap doubles as a pillow or a blanket.
- A neck pillow, if you sleep sitting up. Try it at home first to be sure it suits you.
For staying comfortable
- A refillable water bottle. On a flight, carry it empty through security and fill it at a fountain on the other side.
- Lip balm with SPF and a small moisturizer, since cabin air can feel very dry.
- Travel-size sunscreen for the moments between car and destination.
- Tissues, hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer.
- A few snacks you know you like, so a delayed meal is not a crisis.
Liquid limits for carry-on bags can change, so check the current rules at tsa.gov before you pack toiletries for a flight.
For calm moments in between
- A paperback, or an e-reader loaded before you leave home.
- Downloaded music, podcasts or a guided relaxation recording, in case there is no signal.
- A small notebook for lists, thoughts and the details you want to remember from the trip.
- A familiar scent just for you, such as a lavender sachet tucked into your bag. Skip anything strong in shared spaces like planes and buses, where others may be sensitive.
For the road trip
Driving brings its own list. A windshield sunshade keeps the car cooler during stops, and a small cooler with water and cold snacks means fewer detours. Plan regular breaks to get out, stretch and walk around for a few minutes. Remember that a parked car in a Georgia summer gets very hot very fast. Do not leave sunscreen, essential oils, medications or electronics sitting in it, and never leave a child or a pet in a parked car, even briefly.
Keep any medications with you, in your carry-on or the front of the car rather than in checked luggage or the trunk, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about traveling with them.
Once your kit is assembled, keep it stocked. Replace what you use when you get home, and it will be waiting for the next trip, one less thing to think about on the morning you leave.