What To Buy Before You Fly

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Planning a trip to Paris? Thinking of flying to Thailand? Dreaming of traveling to Denmark?

Before you jet off on your next adventure, there are some essential items you should consider purchasing.

Whether you plan to fly across the country or to the other side of the world, buying these items before you head to the airport will pave the way for a smooth trip. And with a small upfront investment, several of these travel essentials will even save you money in the long run. Keep an eye out for my money saver tips in the list below.

For the Plane

Let’s start with some key items that will make your airport and inflight experience enjoyable and get your vacation off to a great start.

Carry-on Size Luggage

Every great trip starts with the right luggage.

Whenever possible, I prefer to take my luggage on the plane with me rather than checking my bag and risking it getting lost or damaged. In order to fit your bag in the overhead bin, your bag needs to be 9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches, or smaller.

I prefer soft-sided luggage as it has a bit more give, but hard-sided luggage that conforms to the carry-on dimensions will work too.

Make sure your bag has good wheels, and you’ll be ready to race through the airport if you need to hurry to catch a connecting flight.

While you will see thousands of bags in shades of black and grey, I prefer colorful luggage that easily stands out in a crowd!

Money Saver: Given that more and more airlines are charging for checked bags, you can save money by purchasing a suitcase that conforms to the checked baggage size limit. No one likes to start off their vacation with unexpected bag fees!

Packing Cubes

I’ll admit I’m still experimenting with packing cubes, but I know many world travelers who swear by them. Regardless of how long or short your trip may be, packing cubes can help you stay organized.

Store one day’s worth of clothes and toiletries in a packing cube to make one-night hotel stops more manageable. Or put all your socks in one packing cube, all your shirts in another, and so on.

Packing and unpacking at each hotel will be much quicker and your clothing will stay in ready-to-wear condition with these nifty packing cubes and an organization system that works for you.

Backpack

A lightweight, collapsible backpack serves two important purposes. During flight, your backpack functions as your personal item that can be easily stowed under the seat in front of you. You will have easy access to all your in-flight entertainment and comfort items that you have tucked into the backpack’s many functional compartments.

Once you hit the ground (gently!), your backpack can serve as your hands-free day bag.  Whether you are hiking through the mountains, strolling through museums, or exploring a bustling city, your day bag will ensure you have the basic necessities close at hand.

Toiletry Bottles

Don’t be the person holding up the security line because you didn’t heed the warning about limiting your liquids!

Remember, all liquids in your carry-on bags need to be 3.4 ounces or less, and all bottles should be stored in a quart-size see-through bag.

Purchase TSA approved sizes of bottles and fill them with your favorite hair care products and lotions before setting off for the airport. Remember to keep this bag at the top of your bag should you need to remove it when going through security.

Money Saver: While many brands of shampoo, hairspray, and other beauty products are sold in travel-size versions, don’t waste your money! These tiny bottles tend to come with big price tags that make them not a good value. Filling your own travel-size bottles from your large dispensers at home will save you a ton and ensure you have your favorite brands wherever you roam.

Airplane Footrest

This is one travel accessory I haven’t invested in…yet! Airplane footrests seem to be popping up in my social media feed lately so I think the universe is telling me I need one.

When traveling overseas, I always set out with good intentions of sleeping on the plane and arriving well-rested. Yet somehow quality sleep seems to elude me. I’m willing to make a modest investment in one of these airplane footrests if it will improve my chances of getting some quality in-flight shut-eye.

Hidden Pocket Scarf

Airplanes are notoriously chilly! Pack a little extra warmth with a stylish hidden pocket scarf.

Ball it up and it can serve as a soft spot to lay your head as you try to get comfortable in your less than comfy economy size seat. The hidden pocket also provides a safe place to secretly stow a few valuables or quick access to some must-have items.

Money Saver: Not just for high above the sky, a hidden pocket scarf is the perfect accessory for sightseeing after you land. Keep your passport, money, and other valuables close by in the hidden pocket and avoid the costly error of falling prey to pickpockets.

For Sightseeing

Now that you have landed safely at your destination, it’s time to see the sights! With these travel items already in your luggage, you will be ready for an amazing adventure.

Water Bottle

Long days on the beach or touring museums require adequate hydration. Tote around a lightweight refillable water bottle and you will not only keep dehydration at bay, you will also be a friend to the environment.

While you can’t take a full bottle through airport security, get your fill of H2O once you are safely on the other side and throughout your journey.

Money Saver: Save tons of money by NOT purchasing one-use water bottles during your trip. If you are galavanting across Europe, take advantage of the numerous fountains spewing potable water in piazzas in many of the most popular touristy towns. Go ahead and fill up your water bottle several times a day, and you will easily meet the recommended daily allowance of this vital fluid.

Cross Body Purse

This one is just for the ladies.

Leave the bulky oversized purse at home.

Instead, opt for a stylish cross-body purse, and you will have all the necessities at your fingertips as you explore a new city.

The cross body style spreads your purse’s weight more evenly to keep you feeling your best during a long day on your feet. Having your purse, and your valuables, safely resting on your front side will also allow you to more confidently navigate busy public transportation and hectic tourist spots.

Money Saver: Keeping your money and other valuables safely stowed means a lower stress level and less likelihood that you will be targeted by thieves who prey on tourists. Keep your hard-earned travel money for overpriced tourist attractions that you want to check off your bucket list!

Earbuds

This travel accessory ranges from insanely cheap to excessively expensive. From wireless options to high-end models to the cheapest dollar store variety. Whichever type of earbud you choose, having a comfortable pair for both sightseeing and downtime is super important.

Zone out to your favorite tunes when you just need to relax after a long day navigating an unfamiliar place. Or download a walking tour as you stroll through the ancient ruins in Rome.

Having your favorite brand of earbuds will bring all your favorite vacation sounds right to your ears.

Money Saver: Many attractions charge extra for audio guides, but if you download free walking tours ahead of time and have your earbuds ready, you’ll save money and learn a lot. I highly recommend the Rick Steves Audio Europe app for its high-quality walking tours of many signature European destinations.

Portable Charger

Don’t be caught with a dead cellphone!

With a lightweight, portable phone charger you will always have a way to stay connected.

While vacation is often about unplugging from daily responsibilities, there is peace of mind when you have the ability to connect to others and navigate unfamiliar territory.

A portable phone charger ensures you can stay as connected as you would like.

For International Travel

When your travels take you overseas there are a few additional accessories that become necessities.

Passport

When flying over international waters, a passport is required to get the green light. Be sure to apply for your passport well in advance of your trip as it could take 6 weeks or more to arrive.

Consider investing in a stylish passport cover to make sure your passport stands out and never gets left behind.

Money Belt

I learned this one from my favorite expert travel guide, Rick Steves.

A money belt that tucks your valuables UNDER your clothes is a smart idea used by many savvy travelers. While violent crime is not a common occurrence for travelers in most sought after destinations, pickpocketing is all too common in touristy towns.

Rest easy that petty thieves won’t be able to get your money or ID when you are sporting a money belt.

Don’t have a money belt? I’ve found that a runner’s belt works great too!

Money Saver: Any time you can protect your valuables when traveling abroad means you are coming out ahead financially.

Electrical Adapters

Ensure all your gadgets have the juice they need to function even when you are on foreign soil.

Invest in a few electrical adapters for the countries you plan to visit, and your electronics will be good to go.

While many hotels will help you out in a pinch, if you have multiple devices to charge its best to bring a handful of these inexpensive travel accessories to ensure your batteries are always charged and ready for action.

International Plan For Your Smartphone

Now that your electronics are charged, make sure you have access to data that won’t break the bank. Call your cellular provider before you leave town, and make sure you understand the international data options available as well as how to configure the settings on each device to conserve data.

Each carrier offers unique international plans so I won’t try to cover them all here. It is best to study the options available and estimate your data usage while overseas. then talk to a well-informed representative with your cellular plan and select the option that works best for you and your upcoming travels.

Money Saver: Forget this one pre-travel step and you could be looking at a very expensive bill long after the vacation euphoria has subsided. Understanding the options and limitations of your international plan will help you stay connected during your travels without breaking the bank.

Now that you have the essentials are covered, its time for take-off!

Bon Voyage!

What other items do you make sure you have before you fly? Comment below to share your favorite flight accessories.

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

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