7 ‘Must Have’ Travel Accessories

Okay, so maybe “must have” is a bit of a stretch, but when you’re travelling – especially flying – for a long period of time, you want to do whatever to make you feel comfortable. So here are my top 7 travel accessories, that you can guarantee to find in my carry on!

1. Travel Collection

I am a meticulous organiser (I pride myself on it really!) and after months of waiting and pestering the Aspinal twitter page, the new travel collections had been stocked! I settled on this beautiful red leather set with my initials embossed in gold. It comes with the purse/document holder, passport cover and 2 luggage tags. The design is so chic, and not to mention highly efficient and I cannot wait to snugly pack it away in my carry-on, which brings me to the next thing.

2. Carry On Bag

Now this is completely up to you, for a while I used my Mulberry Bayswater, but I get conscious of over stuffing it and stretching it all out of shape, so I picked up this slightly more purse friendly version from Lulu Guinness. Okay, it’s slightly garish, and leopard print isn’t for everyone, but I love it all the same. It comes with an over the shoulder strap, or you can simply use the handles, it’s pretty durable and has a dry wipe surface, so I can tackle any disgustingness with ease!

3. Vitamins

Around November last year I found myself getting so sick, I think using public transport had finally taken a toll on me, and I needed a serious lifestyle overhaul. With the help of my GP, I managed to come up with a routine tailored for me, and *touch wood* I have had no problems since. It is worth remembering that everyone’s needs are different, so what works for me, might not work for you. But when you’re travelling there is one thing at the top of my list, and that is that I do not want to get sick. So I take:

Morning (With Breakfast)
2 x Prebiotics (Bimuno prebiotics offer a great selection, and even ones specially for travelling!)
2 x Probiotics (My favourites are Optibac!)

Midday (With Lunch)
1 x Non-Acidic Vitamin C capsule
1 x High Strength Zinc capsule

I also suffer from travel sickness, so wherever I go, carry a little supply for charcoal capsules with me for emergency’s – If you’ve never considered them, please read about some of the benefits! You would be amazed.

4. Freshen Up

Probably one of the most important things on a plane. When I flew to Vegas last year, it took around 11 hours to get there, and although the journey was super comfy and I slept through the majority of it I still had to make sure that I felt comfy myself. I usually pack wet wipes, a toothbrush & paste, emergency makeup, paracetamol, 4head and some moisturiser. I am also on the hunt for some of those masks that go under your eyes for my travels this year, I’ve heard they are fantastic at perking you up – and trust me, when you get off the plane at somewhere like Vegas, everyone looks so glam and amazing, and you do not want to look like a tired scruff.

5. Snacks

All I have to say on this matter is, Airline food! I don’t know one person who really likes it, and it’s not worth the calories in my opinion. So I’ve now gotten into the habit of making sure I have something that will be sustainable before the journey, and then I’ll pack a few little treats if I get peckish along the way. A firm favourite snack of mine are the Kallo dark chocolate rice cakes, and they won’t leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable for the remainder of your journey!

6. Keep Warm

I know that planes usually supply their own blankets for passengers, but I have been heavily invested in blanket scarves for a while now. These are such a great alternative, because you can wear it whilst walking around the airport, and when you’re ready for a nap you can just take it off and use it to keep you warm. It’s especially good for everyone else who is a bit like me, and prefers to use their own stuff, that smells like their own perfume and is extremely comforting if you’re not the greatest traveller in the world.

7. Entertainment

And finally, once I’ve had enough of sleeping, eating and watching films, I turn to my own entertainment. Essentials for me include my trusty Kindle, iPad, iPhone and if it’s going to be a long one, my Macbook Air. Truth be told, I get bored fairly quickly, so I need to be able to switch up on my technology to make sure I don’t chew Matt’s ear off whilst he is usually ever efficiently working.

So there it is, my top 7 travel essentials! Let me know what you just can’t leave behind, and I hope it helps those of you who are in a dilemma over what to pack.

Courtney x