Guru's 5 Travel Hacks for all Things Essential Carry On Items

First things first, how to pack. I always carry two bags with me on a flight. A larger backpack to store above me in the luggage compartment (holds my big camera, computer, extra items I had to take out of my checked luggage. Because guess what? It was more than likely overweight). And a small handbag/purse to get me through the flight with these essential items:

5. External Battery Charger

-If you travel often, the best thing you can invest in is an external charger. Seriously, I cannot tell you how many times this has saved my life. Planes are now getting built in chargers in their seats, but it's still not guaranteed. And when you're waiting for your flight, we've all seen it, the huddle around the charging station and the one plug on the wall. There just aren't enough outlets for everyone's devices. Face it, we have a problem as a society having too many devices. But, if we're going to have them we might as well plan ahead and be our own walking charging station.

-An added bonus to having the charger when traveling internationally is you may not have the correct adaptor in your layover city; with a fully charged external charger, you won't need to worry.

4. Entertainment

-Headphones, not just one, but two. I always bring two pairs of headphones with me when I fly. My big, noise canceling, Beats, and my Apple ear buds. When you're flying for 9-12 hours and you're wearing headphones basically the entire time, your ears will thank you for giving them variety. I usually wear the Beats when I'm watching movies and the ear buds for music when I'm sleeping.

-Having your iPad fully loaded with books/magazines/movies/tv shows may become more important in the near future, as airlines are considering phasing out the tv screens on the backs of seats because guess what all passengers are doing? They're on their phones and tablets.

3. Socks/Scarf/Extra Clothes

-When flying, it's all about layers. There is not a weather forecast app for your specific plane, although not a bad idea, to predict the temperature and conditions of your upcoming flight. I've been on every type of plane, burning hot with no air, freezing cold where you can't turn down the A/C and you can see your breath. I run cold and most of my flights have been on the cooler side. I've learned to adapt to this by bringing warm fuzzy socks (you don't want to keep your shoes on during the flight, it's the first thing I do when I take my seat; shoes off). And a scarf is always a great idea, it can be multi-functional; pillow, cover your eyes, extra blanket, etc.

-Although I am a big believer in the positive thinking method of, "My luggage will never get lost", unfortunately sometimes it does. It's an inevitable fate for travelers. You hope it never happens but when it does you certainly want to be prepared. You don't want to pack a lot to weigh down your carry on, except the bare essentials; underwear, extra shirt, socks. If your luggage doesn't make it, you can always wash what you're wearing in the sink of the hotel and hang dry it for the following day. Having fresh, clean clothes to put on after travel is HUGE. You don't want to be without them.

2. Hygiene

-No one likes the smelly guy. What's worse than a crying baby on a flight? Yep, the smelly guy. You can't run from a foul stench, it engulfs your senses and takes hold. So don't be that person. Having deodorant handy to swipe on midway through the flight is a life saver. And a spritz of perfume (after you get off the flight, don't be that person either who turns your flight into a coughing fit)

Insider Tip: Roll-on perfumes are easy to carry for travel and the best for not making a scene when putting your smell good self together.

-I don't know about you, but my entire being feels about 10,000 times better after I brush my teeth. I could bathe in mud and if I can brush my teeth after, I will feel clean (ish).

Insider tip: Just detach the head of your electric toothbrush for a small, convenient, travel size toothbrush. And don't forget the travel size toothpaste (which you can refill with your normal size one so you don't have to keep buying new ones).

-Hand sanitizer. Don't need to explain this one. Loads of humans trapped in a small space for a long period of time...one word: germs.

-I'm a gum addict. I've improved over the years, I used to have to have a piece in my mouth at all waking hours. But, you can still guarantee I almost always have some on hand. While flying, it's crucial. Not only for the bad breath situation but to aid in ear popping. Chewing gum during the flight, especially during take-off and landing, connects the ear to the nose and mouth. The tubes don't always open on their own; they respond slowly to changes in pressure. Swallowing encourages them to open, and chewing gum generates saliva, which you then swallow.

1. Empty Water Bottle/Snacks

-The number one best tip for flying, no matter the length or distance: STAY HYDRATED. Flying drys out your skin and dehydrates you. Loading up on the H2O will even help you fight jet lag (recommended 8 oz per hour). And if you are hitting up the free wine on the international flight or enjoying the booze, congratulations, extra water for you.

Consuming so much water does have the negative effect of making you have to visit the water closet more often. But this also is not really a negative, because the more active you can be during the long flight, the better your body will feel walking off.

-The best way to stay hydrated? When you leave the house/hotel have a full water bottle, this ensures that you have to drink that bottle before going through security. Once you're through security with your empty bottle, fill it up and chug-a-lug. Once on the plane, a stewardess will come around frequently during the flight offering cups of waters, never turn down the opportunity. They also leave some in the back for self-service, don't be shy, you won't regret it.

-Airplane food. Ugh. What can I say, I'm not a fan. But I don't blame anyone here, it can't be easy trying to serve a delicious meal in conditions based on low pressure, plastic containers, freezing and reheating. They're trying, and sometimes you get lucky. I can usually get through about a quarter of each meal. Enter snacks. Fruit, nuts, trail mix, bars, it's always good just to have something in your bag to snack on to get you to your destination.

I never view flying as a prime time to dine. I leave those experiences for the places on land.

Being prepared for your flight can be one of the most crucial steps in setting your vacation off in the right direction. As my father taught me, "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail." Happy prepared traveling my friends.

xo

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