How to Get Through a Long Flight + A Carry-on Checklist for TCKs

There are lots of travel posts floating around the web, but most of those are from people who are traveling for fun. If you're a Third Culture Kid like me, or perhaps work away from your passport country, you know that traveling isn't always exciting and happy. You're dealing with difficult goodbyes, loss of everything you know, overwhelm, and if you're by yourself, possibly even loneliness. Long flights are tedious, but processing so much at the same time makes it even harder. So here is a TCK inspired checklist and a few tips for those long flights! 

ELECTRONICS

• Phone -- This is an obvious item, so of course, it's on the list. Here are some tricks to make your flight easier by using your phone.
  • Pull up your flight info and bookmark the page during the duration of your trip. I don't know how many times I've been asked to show the flight info on my phone, even if I had papers with me too. And in case you can't pull up wifi right away, it's good to have it ready to go. 
  • Make sure you have plenty of music downloaded. I personally find that using relaxing music is one of the only ways I can sleep on a plane. 
  • If you want to watch something you own, make sure it's downloaded before you begin traveling.
  • When the lights are off in the airplane on long flights, put your phone on night mode too. Jet lag is no fun, and cutting the blue light on your technology will help your brain with the adjustment. 
• Charging Cord -- You can't forget your charging cord for your phone! If you're on a long trip, your phone will die. It's that simple. Thankfully, most long international flights have charging ports, so take advantage of them! 
• Battery Pack -- For those moments when you don't have access to a charging port or electrical outlet, however, be sure to bring a battery pack. If you're on a long layover, most of the time you'll find charging places are few and far between, and mostly taken by other people. So be one step ahead and bring a battery pack to keep your phone charged up. Why is it so important to keep your phone charged? Not only will it help you communicate with your family and friends throughout the trip (which I've found to be super important after hard goodbyes), but it also has a lot of your flight info, music, access to maps or translators, and more. **Please check with the guidelines for your flight before taking a battery pack. A couple of years ago, you weren't allowed to carry them on the plane and they had to be in your suitcase, but about a year ago things completely changed and I had to take my battery pack out of my suitcase and into my backpack instead. Just be aware that sometimes rules change. 
• Adapter -- Bringing adapters for different countries' electrical outlets can be a huge lifesaver, as well as adapters for your tech to your battery pack and so on.
• Headphones -- While most airlines provide earbuds at your seat, I always prefer to bring my own headphones. Not only are they usually more comfortable, but I highly prefer sound-muffling ones. Maybe it's just me, but the noise on airplanes can really make me antsy, especially if I'm having a hard day emotionally. Remember though: Airlines vary on their rules with Bluetooth headphones, so be sure they are allowed if you're wanting to use bluetooth ones... or just bring a cord for when you're flying to avoid any potential problems. 
• Kindle -- If you don't own a Kindle, you can use your phone, but I really enjoy my Kindle because it is easier on the eyes and doesn't drain the battery. I always download plenty of books and reading material for flights (before the trip!), and even though I love reading real books, I highly prefer Kindle when flying. Here's why: 
  • It's lighter weight, and easier to fit in your bag. 
  • It won't get damaged like a book might during travel (protect the books!). 
  • You can have so much more reading for so much less space.
  • Planes are often dark for most of the flight, and sometimes you just can't really turn on the lights very well for yourself... Kindles are polite
  • They're easier on the eyes-- not only are they not glaring like a phone might be, but you won't be straining to read a book in low light either
  • The battery lasts forever. 

DOCUMENTS AND IMPORTANT ITEMS

• Passport -- This is a no-brainer. You need your passport. I like to keep it in a pocket that's zipped so I won't lose it, but that is also easily accessible. 
• ID -- Whether you have a driver's license, a residence card or something else-- you name it, it's good to have another piece of ID. 
• Important Documents -- If you're moving for a while, be sure to keep with you your important documents. Things like Birth certificates, medical records, health insurance, visas, social security card and so on. I like to keep them safe with me in my carry on, in case I need them during the trip, and so if my luggage is lost I'm not left without them. 
• Itinerary -- If you like to have things on paper for easier reference, print out your itinerary before traveling. It can be useful to have a copy of your flights, receipts of luggage payment and so on... especially if your baggage gets messed up or your flights end up changing. I recommend this if you're flying solo for the first time or you don't have a phone.
• Tickets -- This is obviously handed to you when you check-in at the airport, but be sure to keep your tickets in a safe place where you won't lose them. I usually like to keep them tucked in my passport so it's all together. 
• Wallet -- It's always good to keep a little cash on you so you have it if you need it, but if you're going to be changing currencies, make sure you don't have too much cash or you won't be able to use it as easily once you land. I usually keep $20 or less in cash. A debit card is also useful so that you can access your bank in various countries without worrying about the currency difference. 

CLOTHING AND TOILETRIES 

• Extra set of basic clothes -- If you have a backpack, it doesn't hurt to throw in a whole change of clothes, provided it is lightweight. A simple dress, a change of t-shirt, or even if it's just socks and other such basics. You never know if your flight is going to get delayed, altered, or your luggage might be lost or late. Being prepared helps take some of that stress off of you. 
• Hat -- I almost always carry some type of hat with me. It just makes life easier when you travel or land-- messy hair? No problem. Pop a hat on. 
• Scarf -- I rarely am cold on a plane, but if you're the kind of person who gets chilled easily, having a scarf can help with that. Or if you're traveling from a warm climate to a cold one, a scarf is an easy, lightweight way to add some more layers. I personally tend to use my scarf only in colder climates, and I use it more as a pillow or to cover my face a bit when sleeping on the plane. I like to take essential oils and drop them in the scarf too, so the smell won't bother anybody else but I can enjoy the benefits. 
• Glasses, Contact case, Solution, eye drops -- If you wear contacts, be sure to bring your glasses, contact case, and solution. Once you're on a long flight, taking out your contacts will help you sleep so much better, and your eyes won't get as dry. Even if you don't wear contacts, having moisturizing eye drops has always been a huge help to me. Planes are often very dry, and your eyes get tired easily. Also, if you happened to cry (goodbyes are hard!), then they can help soothe your eyes. If you get irritated easily by allergens, allergy eye drops can also be a lifesaver. Lastly, if you end up in an unexpected overnight layover having these things with you in your backpack is a lifesaver.
• Deodorant or Deo Water Wipes -- In Japan, we have Deo Water Wipes which are amazingly refreshing and cleansing, but if you can't get that, then just taking your deodorant is good too. I always like to freshen up during layovers and this is one way to feel better for the next part of your trip. 
• Toothbrush and Travel toothpaste -- Along with the deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush have always been important to me for freshening up. Just remember to take a travel-sized toothpaste tube.
• Chapstick -- Between airplanes, changing climates, and airport air, I always find I need chapstick handy. 
• Sunglasses -- If you land during the daytime and it's sunny, it's handy to have sunglasses available. I don't know how many times I've reached my destination just to be squinting nonstop on the drive from the airport.  Sunglasses also hide tired eyes, in case you want to do that. 
• Watch -- Most of the time, our phones change the time automatically, but in case you're traveling with a dead phone or you want to set your watch before you start traveling so you can start adjusting to your destination's time, a watch is a good thing to have. Trust me, airports have fewer clocks than you think. My phone broke one time during a trip, and I had to try to make it back on my flights without any way of keeping time. It was not fun. So do yourself a favor and just make sure you have a watch. 

GIRLS: 

• Hair ties and Bobby Pins -- While you don't want metal in your hair when going through security, having some hairpins and hair ties are really useful once you're on the plane or past security. I often get overheated running through airports, or just want my hair out of my face when flying, and having a scrunchie or hair tie is super useful. If you have short hair like me, though, you might need those extra bobby pins to keep things in place. 
• Makeup remover wipes -- Once I get on my long flight, I like to wash off any makeup I was wearing (though usually, it is very minimal), as well as any impurities from the air, etc. it just makes me feel more relaxed and refreshed. 
• Moisturizer -- After taking off makeup/cleansing my face, I always moisturize. In fact, sometimes I use my moisturizer multiple times throughout my long flight. I usually use a little oil or serum in a small bottle so it's ok for traveling, or you could just put your favorite cream into a smaller bottle. My skin is very dry, and traveling always makes it worse, so this is an important item in my carry on bag. 
• Basic Makeup Items -- I always carry a couple of basic makeup items so that when my flight is nearing the end, I can do a little touch-up. A little concealer, mascara, cream blush, and lipstick is usually all I carry. Sometimes I like to have a small facial mist in my bag too, as it can be quite refreshing. 
• Travel Perfume -- A sample size perfume or a small roller bottle are the best for long flights. Be sure not to spray or apply when on the plane, however, as you're in close quarters with a lot of other people, and often scents can become too strong in an airplane. Also, there may be people sensitive to a particular scent, so I usually just dab a little scent on in an airport bathroom when I freshen up with deo water wipes and brushing my teeth. 
• Button for Earrings/ straw for necklace -- This one is a little bit unusual, but I always like to carry a button in my makeup/toiletries bag. I'm an earring girl, but let's face it: earrings on a long flight are annoying. I usually take them out when I get on the plane and hook them through a button to keep them together in my little makeup bag. If you are more of a necklace lady and you want to take it off, slide your necklace through a straw before putting it in your bag so it doesn't get tangled up or knotted. 

GUYS:

• Comb -- A comb takes very little space but can be a great thing for a guy to remember. 
• Travel cologne -- I especially like little cologne tins for guys when traveling-- it's a solid cologne, so you don't have to even worry about liquids through security, and it usually is more subtle when putting it on and won't overpower those around you. It prevents the "I bathed in cologne" smell while still helping you appear put together and freshened up. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

• Gum -- I always take gum in my carry on. Not only do I tend to need it for taking off and landing since my ears hurt from the pressure, but I also like it for a quick breath freshener. I also have found gum to be a nice thing to have on hand if I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed during the trip. 
• Journal/Notebook -- Whether you are a person who journals or not, I think it's always smart to take a notebook with you. You never know when you might want to jot something down. I also think that it's often a good idea to have a way to get your thoughts out, especially if you're flying alone. And if you do journal, a long layover can be the perfect time to catch up. 
• Pens -- Obviously, if you are carrying paper or notebooks, you'll need a pen! I like to take pens and even highlighters. 
• Bible -- I have a small Bible that has been literally everywhere with me, and I think it's an incredibly important thing to have in your carryon with you. There are several reasons: 
  • I find the Bible to be a great comfort when I'm feeling sad or lonely, and it also is my go-to when I'm stressed out
  • If I want to talk to somebody about a Bible verse or a portion of scripture, or even just reference something myself, I like to be able to know I will always have access to do so. Sometimes, Bibles on the phone won't load properly midflight. 
  • If my luggage is lost or I have a long layover, I like to know I have a Bible on me. Again, I do use a Bible on my phone, but I like to have a physical copy as well. 
• Vitamins -- While you don't want (or need) to bring a ton of vitamins, I like to take some basic ones based on my needs. I personally like to have Vitamin C and magnesium with me. If you have a hard time sleeping, it could be helpful to have a vitamin for that.
• Basic Medicine -- If you take meds, be sure you have them with you. Time can get a little weird when traveling, so have a plan before you travel for when you need to take your meds. Basic medication based on your needs is also helpful... a few that might be good are pain relievers, Benadryl if you have allergies, Motion sickness medicines, or TUMS.
• Teabags or flavored water packets -- Tea is always good, especially for relaxing which you definitely want during long plane rides! Often there aren't very many types of tea offered, so bringing your own and asking for hot water remedies that problem. Especially if you want a hot drink without caffeine! One thing I love about bringing your own tea bags is that you can choose a tea that is homey to you, which helps with any homesickness you might experience during your trip. Flavored water packets or vitamin water packets can also be a good way to stay hydrated instead of choosing sodas or juices. 
• Neck Pillow -- If you want to sleep on the plane, a neck pillow really is a good investment. I like it even when I'm not sleeping just to provide a more relaxed position when sitting. Getting comfortable on the plane isn't always easy, but a neck pillow can help. I use it even to rest against a window, or I place it on my tray and sleep on it.
• Essential Oils -- For those of you who like natural alternatives, I always suggest taking an essential oil or two. I have asthma and can't use medicines, so I bring a blend specifically for breathing. I also like to bring a relaxing or anti-anxiety blend. Whether you get motion sickness, panicky in smaller spaces, stressed or anxious with all the travel details, or just need help going to sleep, having essential oils can help. I do suggest being thoughtful when using them though so the scent won't bother other people who may dislike or be allergic to an oil. To combat this, having essential oil inhalers can be incredibly useful, or putting a drop or two onto a scarf or diffuser necklace. This keeps the scent lighter, but still gives you the benefits of the oil.
• Comforting Items -- Long trips aren't easy and if you're going by yourself or had to say a lot of goodbyes, it can be even harder. I always bring a small self-care kit to help me through any mental or emotional struggles, but I think anyone can benefit from having some comforting items. It really depends on you when deciding what those are. It could be anything: a tin of silly putty, a special item from your family, photos, letters, a fidget cube, colored pencils, a specific tea, a relaxing music playlist, lotion, a favorite trinket, or earplugs or an eye mask to block out light or sounds.
• Water Bottle -- While they do give you drinks on airplanes, I always like to take a water bottle with me. It definitely needs to be empty when you go through security, but after that, you can fill it up at a water fountain. There's something about having your own water bottle that's just really nice, and you also don't have to pay for expensive airport drinks just because you're thirsty, especially during long layovers. 
• Kleenex -- Having a travel size pack of Kleenex is a must. They just come in handy all the time. 
• Band-aids or small first aid kit -- I like to take a couple of band-aids or a small first aid kit with me, just in case. It's not uncommon to get blisters while running through airports if you're not careful, and little mishaps can pop up at the most inopportune times. It helps to be prepared. 

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So there you have it! My carry-on checklist for long, maybe difficult flights. Living between countries and dealing with long trips, goodbyes, and losses are definitely not easy. But by taking a little extra care, you can make your flights a bit better. 

Do you have any tips or tricks for long flights? Share them in the comments below!