Comfort Kit
Focus on in-flight ease by packing a comfort kit. Though most of the time travelers reach their destinations with no stress, occasionally passengers must endure minor irritations, such as a person occupying the seat next to them who snores, a loud engine or a cold plane. Ideal for loud noises and those who want to sleep, a pair of foam earplugs are invaluable. There are other options for your kit as well: eye masks to cut down on glare from a nearby reading lamp; a light pair of socks to keep your feet comfy when you kick off your shoes for a snooze; a small, inflatable neck and lumbar pads to contend with uncomfortable seats. For passengers on long international flights, a travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrush, facial wipes and even an extra T-shirt and underwear can make that flight to Bhutan a little easier to handle.
Essentials
Stow in your backpack what you will immediately need. If carrying any medication, whether a prophylaxis for malaria or a prescription of amoxicillin, keep a copy of the original prescription inside as well. Have prescriptions translated if flying to remote areas or places where English is not largely spoken. Also, though keeping your passport inside your pack is an obvious choice, don't forget to also stow your yellow book, detailing inoculation information, if traveling to areas where certain vaccinations are required. Though keeping money-related items inside your pack is another obvious choice, don't make the mistake of placing everything inside your pack. Spread cash, travelers checks and credit cards equally, so if your pack is lost or stolen you still have something left. Lastly, flights are often delayed, and layovers are sometimes tediously long. A right of passage for all travelers, you can endure such times by packing food that will sustain you until you've reached your destination.
Pack Light
Avoid the hassle and bring everything on board with you. Rather than stow a heap of luggage in the underside of the plane that you may have to pay extra for, leave all but the essentials at home and bask in the freedom of traveling light. These days, even many remote areas of the world stock basic amenities so anything else that may be needed can be purchased on the road. Learning to pack everything in one backpack will take some discipline, but once you have mastered this art, you will greatly streamline your travels. Traveling with just a backpack means a lighter load, less stress, and check-in and arrivals are easy as pie.
