The Travel Essentials I Actually Use for Long-Haul Flights
These Items Make International Travel So Much Easier!
When people say they “hate packing,” what they usually mean is that packing feels stressful and overwhelming. Whether you’re a last-minute packer like me or someone who starts weeks in advance, having the right travel essentials can remove a lot of unnecessary friction.
These are the items I rely on again and again for international trips—especially long-haul flights to Europe. Think of this list as a way to subtract small sources of stress, so your energy is saved for the experience itself rather than the logistics.
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Packing cubes
Packing cubes are the unsung heroes of calm travel. They keep your suitcase organized, make packing and unpacking faster, and help prevent the inevitable chaos that can happen during longer trips. They’re especially useful for separating outfits, layers, or categories—like clothes, workout gear, and sleepwear—without needing to unpack everything.
We used a full packing cube set on a recent trip, and what I loved most was that it didn’t just include cubes. The set also came with a shoe bag, a laundry bag, and a hanging toiletry bag, which made staying organized throughout the trip incredibly easy. I ended up buying a set for each member of our family, and it was a total game changer for keeping everyone’s belongings streamlined and accessible.
If you’re packing bulky items—sweaters, jackets, or scarves—vacuum seal bags can make a surprising difference. They significantly reduce volume, freeing up space without forcing you into a larger or heavier suitcase. They’re especially useful for longer trips or travel across multiple climates, when layers are unavoidable.
We used these on a recent international family trip that began in southern Portugal, where it was warm and sunny, and ended in the Austrian Alps. Being able to compress jackets and sweaters made packing far more manageable—and saved us from needing an extra bag.
Hardshell carry-on luggage
A well-made hardshell carry-on protects your belongings, holds its shape, and stands up better to overhead bins, uneven surfaces, and tight connections. Even if you plan to check a bag, having a reliable carry-on ensures your essentials stay with you if plans change.
I rarely check a bag and we have used these Amazon Basics carry-ons across the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. They’ve been dragged over cobblestone streets in Portugal and hauled down train-station steps in Germany, and handled countless transfers without issue.
Hallstatt, Austria
So many people ask how our family managed to travel across Europe with just carry-on luggage—and this is exactly how. Here we are in Hallstatt, waiting for the train after taking the ferry over from the village, everything we needed packed into our carry-ons.
Individually wrapped hand sanitizer wipes are one of those small items that end up getting used far more often than you expect. Keeping a few in your purse, some in your backpack, and extras in your luggage makes it easy to restock as you go. They’re useful for wiping down tray tables and armrests, cleaning sticky hands, or handling those in-between moments when soap and water aren’t accessible. Simple, lightweight, and absolutely worth packing.
Earbuds with a cord
Many international flights provide entertainment systems that still require wired headphones. Bringing your own ensures you’re not stuck without sound, or forced to use uncomfortable airline-issued ones. It’s a small thing that makes long flights noticeably more comfortable.
iPad case with keyboard
I originally considered an Apple keyboard case, but the price felt hard to justify. Instead, I found a well-reviewed alternative that turned out to be an excellent choice. I didn’t want to bring my full laptop on our last overseas trip, and this ended up being the perfect middle ground.
The case is high quality, easy to use, and convenient for travel, making it simple to write, answer emails, or get work done without the added weight of a laptop. It worked exactly as I hoped and has since become a staple in my travel setup.
Not only was this useful on the flight, but it worked great as a mini-laptop when I needed to log into meetings and complete assignments for my doctoral program.
Noise-canceling headphones
If you choose only one comfort upgrade, let it be these. Noise-canceling headphones reduce engine noise, chatter, and distractions—making it easier to sleep, focus, or simply feel less overstimulated during long travel days.
I’ve used these extensively on flights, and they do an excellent job of blocking out everything from crying babies to snoring passengers—creating a much calmer travel experience. I also use them regularly at home when I need to concentrate on work, which speaks to how effective and versatile they are beyond travel.
They are pricey, but they are the one item I cannot live without.
Neck pillow
Sleeping on planes is rarely luxurious, but a well-designed neck pillow can make a meaningful difference. The key is choosing one that supports your neck without pushing your head forward. Better rest in the air often translates to an easier first day once you land.
A simple pillow like this works well for me. I can usually sleep sitting upright as long as my head isn’t dropping forward and jolting me awake, and this design provides just enough support to prevent that.
EU power adapter
European outlets are different from U.S. outlets, and realizing that after you land is unnecessarily stressful. A simple EU power adapter ensures you can charge your devices immediately—especially helpful after overnight flights when your phone battery is already depleted. This is the adapter we’ve used on our last few trips, and it’s worked reliably every time.
A final note….
Travel essentials aren’t about being “extra” or over-prepared. They’re about removing friction so your nervous system isn’t working overtime before you even arrive. Small choices—what you pack, how you organize, what you carry on—add up to a noticeably calmer experience.
If you’re new to international travel, start here. You don’t need everything at once. Each of these items is simply one less thing to worry about.
