10 of my Essential Flying Tips

As much as I love traveling, I really dislike flying. There may have been some naive moments in my early childhood in which I enjoyed it, but that sentiment has long ceased to exist. As reguarly as I fly, I would not be able to afford to see some amazing places in this world were it not for the bare minimum airlines. Here are my tips to survive economy and budget flights as comfortably as possible and save some money.

1. Tea Bags: If you are prone to GI issues and you are a frequent flyer, you may notice you feel worse during travel. That is attributed to elevation, airport/airplane food, being out of your routine, changing time-zones, among other factors. Coffee is not a good idea as it increases motility and bloating and, if you are attempting to sleep through the torture, the caffeine will not help. Bringing along your favorite tea bags is great because even the airlines that do not even give you a free cup of water can give you hot water. This also assists in my everlasting attempts to stay warm in flight. If you really want to be extra, slice up some fresh ginger and throw that in your tea, which helps with any nausea and indigestion. 
2. Water: I am a total hypocrite for putting this on the list because I do not do this regularly (okay, I do not drink at all). I am chronically dehydrated, so when I do drink a lot of water (or how much I am supposed to drink) my bladder panics and cannot contain itself (see what I did there) and I really like to avoid the gross airplane bathrooms. However, I do know that this is very important due to the extra dry environment and I am sure I would feel way better if I did this. Also, don't forget to bring a pain reliever with you in case you need it, unless you want to pay $10 for a tiny bottle of acetaminophen at the airport.
3. Shawl or big sweater & Socks: I am always cold, but flights are actually freezing and not just a personal perception. Flights are supposed to keep the temperature low as the combination of heat and the elevation puts some people at risk for fainting. I do not want anyone to faint, but is that really that big of a deal that we need to freeze? Nothing laying them on the floor won't fix, right? Bringing either a shawl or a sweater that I can use as a blanket makes all the difference. Removing your shoes and putting on a pair of fluffy socks also is very effective. I do not fly without having both. 
4. Snacks: I try to avoid eating heavy meals when I travel. It helps me feel lighter, less sluggish, and less uncomfortable. As cabin-pressure drops, bloating worsens and airport and airline food is rarely organic and is so over-priced. The best flying snacks are sugar-stabilizing and with protein. I usually pack Lara bars, which are date-based. It is a myth that dates spike blood sugar levels. They are actually a low-glycemic index food and packed with minerals. Dates also help to relax you and can help you rest better. I also pack other dried fruits like apricots, prunes, and figs. It is important that your dried fruits are organic due to the heavy pesticide residue found on inorganic thin-skinned fruits along with preservatives like sulfur dioxide. Some other snacks I usually bring with me are fresh fruit (yes, technically you are not supposed to bring produce to other countries, but no one's checking if you have some tangerines in your bag--I do it all the time), unsalted mixed nuts, and protein-bars. The protein bar that I have been taking most with me are the organic nut butter Cliff bars. Don't forget the gum!
5. Sanitizer and hygiene wet wipes: One of many reasons that I do not enjoy flying is that it's also a pretty germ-infested experience. As a nurse, I really do not mind touching anything, but I do require that I can swiftly wash my hands and resume back to my clean state. Maybe I am slightly insane, but needing to put my bag on the floor, under the seat where thousands of dirty, bathroom-frequented shoes and feet touch, just irks me. I don't even want to think about the airplane seat or the seat-belt. I may be alone on this, but I always feel the need to immediately shower after traveling. Do not underestimate how much feeling clean can influence your comfort. Make sure to read the ingredients on the wipes to make sure there are no harsh chemicals or irritants. 
6. Chapstick and shea-based hand cream: Okay, so you have sanitized your hands. You're just going to sit there in a dry plane with dry hands now?
7. Hydrating face mask/facial moisturizer: I do not wear makeup when flying, I only moisturize. Actually, I do not do much of anything in the first leg of a 06:00AM flight. I do not smile, speak, or make eye contact (although, I try very hard to acknowledge the air hosts). I layer up, put my eye shades on, sit like a statue, and try to not freeze to death. I may possibly be the most miserable person on every early flight. However, I transform during my layover, or near the end of a long flight. Gradually, the empty shell of me begins to refill with color. I wash my face or use a cleansing cloth. I then reapply a facial moisturizer and possibly a bit of makeup to being to look alive. I fix my scarf and spray some perfume from the Duty Free and begin to function as a pleasant human being. One of my best friends routinely uses hydrating sheet masks in-flight and loves it. I have not done that yet, but I have used one at home. I would recommend ORGAID. There are no preservatives and the masks are made of organic ingredients formulated by a doctor. Your skin after feels smooth and lush. Yes, these are $6 each, but if you're flying economy, you deserve it. Don't forget a small bag to temporarily use as a trash bag.
8. Eye shades: I do not suffer from insomnia, but I do need total silence and darkness. (Can you tell that I do not have children and have the bed to myself?) Sleeping upright in a bright, frigid, and noisy aircraft when you have been on the road since 02:15AM after having only two hours of sleep after a 13 hours shift brings back greatly unpleasant memories. Eye shades have carried me a bit towards the dream of being able to sleep through a flight. Is this sleep incredibly shallow? Yes. But, I am able to fall asleep faster and for that I will hold on to my breathable silk eye shades forever. You can find pure cotton or silk ones on Amazon for less than $10. 
9. Crossbody bag: Don't be that traveler always rifling through your bag, desperately searching for your passport 5 times during your travel. Crossbodies are the ideal bags for traveling. It keeps your hands free, sits at hip level, zips up, and you can swing it in front to keep an eye on it during your trip. I keep trying to find another perfect travel crossbody, but I just keep buying the same "Jet Set Large Saffiano Leather" Michael Kors one in every color. Seriously, this bag is so durable and has kept its shape for years. I have it in black chevron, luggage, and stone. I am not one for buying the same thing in different colors, so please let me know if you have other crossbody suggestions!
10. A pen: Surprisingly, many travelers forget to keep a pen in their bag. You will definitely need that for any international flight for the customs form. Pro tip: Memorize your passport number and expiration date!

I am not putting neck pillows on this list. In my experience, I don't enjoy carrying that extra piece around, even if it's attached to my luggage. For me, in the end it's just too cumbersome and it actually annoys me when it's around my neck. I still bring it along with me on long flights or overnight flights, but I am not a fan. I am always looking for a solution for head/neck support to sleep on flights. If you know one, let me know!

What are your essential travel tips?

-Anila