I Recently Returned from Europe—These Must-Haves Made the Long Journey Feel Shorter.

      March 21, 2025

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      I often envy those who can sleep anywhere, anytime. For me, it's a challenge to drift off unless I'm in my own bed, making long overnight flights feel like a form of torture. Before a recent trip to Europe, I was really dreading the nine-hour flight both ways. To make the experience more bearable, I decided to gather all the essentials needed for long flights. I'm pleased to say that, with the right gadgets and accessories, I was able to catch some sleep on the plane, the hours flew by quicker than I anticipated, and I arrived at my destination feeling fairly good – quite a feat for me! Below, I’m sharing the must-have items for long flights that helped make my time in the air much more enjoyable.

      12 Long-Flight Essentials for Your Next Adventure

      Maybe it's just me, but the complimentary headphones provided on airplanes never fit my ears properly. I prefer to use my personal headphones (without worrying about tangled cords), but sadly, airplane seat-back screens haven’t yet embraced Bluetooth technology. This handy adapter fixes that issue; it plugs into the headphone jack and connects to your wireless headphones via Bluetooth, allowing you to enjoy your in-flight movie without cords.

      As mentioned earlier, I struggle with sleeping on airplanes. My head constantly tilts to one side, making it difficult to find comfort (or to move my neck the next day). However, this travel pillow has changed the game for me. The memory foam molds perfectly to my face, and the adjustable strap helps keep my chin in place while I doze off. It even includes straps to attach to your seat’s headrest, preventing you from leaning forward while sleeping (don’t worry, the pillow cover is washable when you get home). After the flight, it rolls up neatly for easy storage in its little bag.

      My Kindle is another essential I always carry when I travel, right alongside my phone and passport. It’s much more convenient than a physical book, and I can read without bothering my neighbors by turning on the overhead light. Plus, a single charge can last me several weeks, so I usually don’t have to think about recharging it during my trip.

      Consider compression socks non-glamorous but crucial long-flight essentials that work surprisingly well. They provide gentle pressure on your legs to enhance circulation, which is vital when you're stuck in a cramped airplane seat for hours. If you’ve ever disembarked a flight with uncomfortable, swollen legs, it’s time to invest in a pair for your next journey.

      For my personal item, I prefer a simple black tote bag that is spacious but lacks many pockets or compartments. Instead of throwing everything inside haphazardly, I use a tote bag insert for better organization. It features numerous pockets of different sizes, so I can keep everything from hand sanitizer to my Kindle in designated spots for easy access.

      When I sleep, I prefer complete darkness (I admit I can be high-maintenance!), but I dislike having pressure on my eyes. Unlike regular eye masks, this one is designed with contours that fit around your eyes, blocking out all light while avoiding pressure on your eyelids or lashes. Additionally, the silky fabric is breathable, ensuring comfort even during extended wear.

      While this zippered pouch is technically designed for holding office supplies like pens and highlighters, I find it perfect for keeping small items organized in my bag when I travel. I utilize the larger zippered compartment for snacks, Liquid I.V. packets, and medications. The other side has a mesh pocket for phone and Kindle charging cables, along with elastic loops that are ideal for holding lip balm or a travel toothbrush.

      After dealing with multiple water bottle leaks mid-flight, I now rely solely on my Owala. The lockable lid is genuinely leakproof, allowing me to toss it into my personal item without concerns. Moreover, when the lid is shut, the drinking spout is fully covered, safeguarding it from germs on the plane. I fill it up at the airport right before boarding to ensure I stay hydrated throughout the flight.

      When it comes to hydration, plain water can sometimes fall short, especially in the dry air of airplanes. I always bring at least one pack of Liquid I.V. to mix with my water during the flight. The golden cherry flavor is my favorite and helps me feel much more hydrated.

      After experiencing numerous flights, I’ve finally nailed the airport outfit. I know precisely what I’ll wear when I travel because it’s incredibly comfortable and consistently works for me. A key piece of my travel attire is a pair of joggers. Their stretchy, high-waisted design is supremely comfortable, and the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric is perfect for dealing with fluctuating temperatures on planes. Plus, they