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My 3 Transatlantic Travel Essentials

This week we're heading back to the States! We'll check on our house, catch up with friends and get lots of family visitors. And, I'll admit it, bask in the cool air conditioning. (I'm a traitor to the environment, I know.)

While packing this week, I started thinking about my absolute essentials are for transatlantic air travel, and I was able to narrow it down to three vital items I always have close at hand.

1. Essential Oils, 2. Mints, 3. Noise-Canceling Headphones
1 - Essential Oil. I have a "breathe blend," but tea tree oil works well, too. If I notice the air is getting musty or my nose is getting plugged, a quick sniff or a drop on my wrists is a perfect refresher and pick-me-up. The smell is just so pleasant and crisp. Alice enjoys feeling more relaxed with a little lavender on her pulse points, as well.

2 - Mints. You won't believe how multifaceted a mint can be on a flight. Like the essential oil, it will banish the stale air, clear out sinuses and perk me up. But I'll also pop one to calm tummy troubles or nausea from turbulence or (gross) plane food. And it's useful as a sucking candy to pop ears on landing or takeoff (I'm not a fan of gum). Last, it's perfect to freshen your morning breath post-snooze. MVP of my carryon!

3 - Noise-Canceling Headphones. I'll be honest, I can't help but eavesdrop on a plane, especially when we're all boarding and the conversations are loud and stupid. So the headphones are essential to tune them out. I'll listen to a podcast or an audiobook, or, later, I'll use the white noise app to help me fall asleep. Nothing says "Do Not Disturb" like a pair of big headphones. I also have a few music playlists (calm or happy) ready, in case I'm feeling frustrated or grumpy about the flight.

Honorable mentions:
And, if you're traveling overnight, I recommend Melatonin a natural sleep aid. We get the small dosage from Trader Joe's and one (or two) will help me sleep on the plane or when I'm jet-legged at the hotel. They're so low-dosage my big kids (ages 9 and 12) can take one if they're struggling to fall asleep, too. (I usually travel with an Advil PM in case I need the big guns.)

I also like the Kindle app on my iPad, where I can download free magazines to skim or rent romance novels for free. I also use my Everbrite app to make lists, type out ideas for our destination or memories from the trip. I have a stylus so I can write (or draw) instead of type, too. 

And, last, I can't forget wet wipes (messy kids or face cleansing) and hand sanitizer. Plus, I go nowhere without reusable water bottles and plenty of snacks! The more bready/less salty, the better!

What's in your carry-on?



Related links:
So many more Carry-on posts!
My Packing Strategy -- in Three Phases
Last year's Podcast reviews

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