Latest news with #packingessentials
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Travel + Leisure
08-08-2025
- Travel + Leisure
9 Europe Packing Mistakes I Never Make as a Travel Writer—Thanks to the ‘Just in Case' Items I Always Bring
After years of traveling through Europe, from Airbnbs in Budapest to boutique hotels in Mykonos, I've learned the hard way that you can't count on the basics throughout your journey. I've landed on a dead phone battery with no outlet in sight, dealt with hotel safes that wouldn't lock, and sat through 10-hour flights with broken in-flight entertainment. Even things as simple as having a working iron in the room have failed me at the worst times. Now, I pack with a 'just in case' mindset. Whether I'm headed to a major city or a relaxed beach town, I always bring a few travel M.V.P.s that save me when things don't go as planned—like a portable charger, universal adapter, travel-size toiletry bottles, and a compact steamer. These small essentials go a long way in keeping my trip smooth, no matter where I'm headed. Below, I rounded up the smart swaps I recommend for Europe trips and beyond, with prices starting at just $7. On long flights or layovers, you can't always count on working outlets, especially if you're stuck in an older aircraft or an airport with limited charging stations (I've been there). A portable charger is essential for keeping your phone, headphones, and tablet powered up mid-flight and throughout your trip. Bonus: You'll use it daily while sightseeing or navigating with maps. Hotel shampoo and conditioner are hit or miss—and if you're staying in an Airbnb, there may be nothing provided at all. Bringing your own travel-size products ensures your skin and hair stay happy while abroad. These TSA-friendly bottles are easy to refill, leak-proof, and lightweight, so you can pack your go-to shampoo, body wash, and lotion with zero stress. Outlet shapes vary widely across Europe, and most U.S. plugs won't fit—so bringing a universal travel adapter is nonnegotiable. It'll allow you to plug in your devices in countries across Europe (and beyond), and this one includes built-in USB ports so you can charge multiple items at once. But here's the catch: newer iPhones and other Apple products now use a USB-C charging cable, while many hotel or airport USB ports abroad still only accept USB-A. That's where a tiny Type-A to Type-C converter comes in handy—it lets you plug your newer cables into older ports, just in case. Hotel safes can be unreliable or, in some cases, nonexistent—especially in older or budget accommodations. A portable safe adds peace of mind for passports, cash, or jewelry. Some models lock to a fixture like a bed frame or closet rod, making them a discreet and secure alternative when you're out exploring. European hotels often don't provide steamers or irons, and when they do, they're usually bulky or outdated. A compact steamer fits easily in your carry-on and keeps linen dresses, button-downs, and pants wrinkle-free. These two models heat up fast and are lightweight enough to use on the go. In-flight screens are notorious for glitching or worse, not working at all. And don't count on the Wi-Fi, especially during international flights. An Amazon Fire tablet with pre-downloaded books, shows, or movies can make the difference between a long, boring flight and a relaxing one. Also, if the wifi isn't working or isn't available in your accommodation, bringing a portable hotspot can ensure you can stay connected Many European hotels have tiny bathrooms with barely enough counter space for a toothbrush. A hanging toiletry bag keeps your products organized and off the sink, while a sink cover creates a clean surface to spread out makeup or skincare. Both are game changers if you're traveling with multiple people or staying somewhere tight. Crying babies, chatty seatmates, or engine noise can make sleeping on planes nearly impossible. Reusable earplugs block sound without being uncomfortable, and they're also great for nights in hostels or noisy city hotels. These two options include cases and multiple size tips for the perfect fit. Even the most seasoned travelers can fall victim to lost luggage or misplaced passports—and relying on airline apps often isn't enough. That's where Apple AirTags come in. I always tuck one in my checked bag so I can track it in real time (yes, even when the airline says they 'don't know where it is'), and I keep another in a passport holder so I always know where my most important item is—whether I'm out exploring or rushing through the airport. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Yahoo
11 things you should never travel without if you're over 50, according to a flight attendant
Travelling for the August long weekend? From comfy shoes to a water bottle, these travel essentials are flight attendant-approved. Got an August long weekend trip or summer vacation planned? If you're flying, there are certain travel essentials you'll want to have on hand for a comfortable experience. It's always good to be prepared — and who has more experience with what to pack than someone who spends thousands of hours a year in the sky? Pam Huynh is a flight attendant with Air Canada, with nine years of experience in the travel industry. We asked Huynh for her list of packing essentials, with special attention to items people over the age of 50 should always have on hand when flying, whether in their carry-on or checked luggage. Keep scrolling to see what she recommends, and to shop her picks. Comfortable shoes Comfortable footwear is a must when travelling, especially if you're someone who likes to take their shoes off on the plane. The best option? Slip-ons. 'Because people don't have a lot of legroom, I find they try to bend over to tie their shoes,' Huynh says. 'Slip-on shoes are so much easier.' She also adds that depending on your destination and what airport(s) you go through, you might have to remove your shoes for security. That makes slip-ons and even smarter choice. If you're someone who requires a bit more support and cushioning, Huynh recommends Sketchers for their arch support. Pillows Huynh says she would "definitely" recommend bringing along a neck pillow when flying, especially for those who struggle with neck or back pain — or if you just find flights bother your body. 'If you're trying to save space, the blow-up ones are great, but I prefer the comfy ones that you can button around your luggage," she says. 'Especially if you're in the middle of a three seater — you need the extra support." Huynh also recommends that travellers bring other things to help with comfort, such as a back pillow or seat cushion, especially for longer flights. 'People keep saying that the airplane seat cushions have gotten thinner and thinner, the materials less comfy,' she says. 'You want to be as comfortable as you are in your home.' Something to keep you warm Temperatures can fluctuate on planes, which can be particularly uncomfortable for travellers who may be more sensitive to temperature changes. With this in mind, Huynh recommends travelling with something versatile you can cozy up in, such as a blanket scarf. 'if you don't want to bring a blanket, I see a lot of people bringing blanket scarves,' she says. 'I think it's a really good idea.' Another option she recommends? A lightweight cardigan. Read more travel articles on : I've flown to 5 continents — 6 travel essentials I always pack in my carry-on suitcase Travelling for the August long weekend? 7 best foods to bring on a plane — and the ones you should avoid, according to a dietitian I've flown to 5 continents — 6 travel essentials I always pack in my carry-on suitcase 'It doesn't matter if you're going to a hot destination, 100 per cent you want a sweater for the plane,' she says, noting that the cabin can get quite cold. Handheld fan Speaking of fluctuating temperatures, if you're someone who tends to overheat — or if you're just travelling somewhere hot — a pocket-sized fan is a great essential to have on hand. 'I like a handheld fan, those rechargeable ones,' says Huynh. 'I carry those around too.' She also says that most planes now have a compatible charger, so you can make sure you don't run out of juice. Pill case It's a good idea to bring along painkillers and other basic travel medication with you, especially if you're someone who has chronic pain. Whether you're travelling with Advil and Tums, or you're bringing along prescription medication, Huynh says a pill case can be very handy to have. 'You definitely want to bring your pills in your carry on, and those pill cases are very handy,' she says. Just make sure you have (or know) the instructions for how to take any medication you're bringing along with you. She also recommends labelling the pills - nwhich can also be helpful when going through security. Earbuds While earphones for a flight may be a given, Huynh specifically recommends travelling with a pair that has an audio jack, which she says many travellers often forget about. 'A lot of people either only have AirPods or bluetooth headphones with USB-C output,' she says. 'Not all airplanes have that. So if you want to watch movies or listen to music on the screen in front of your chair, you need earphones with an audio jack.' Compression socks Leg swelling, caused by fluid buildup, is common for older adults and can be exacerbated by sitting too long. While getting up and moving around can help, that's not always doable on a plane. You can also consider compression socks or stockings, which can help to improve blood flow and decrease pain and swelling in the legs. "A lot of people don't realize how much they're needed," says Huynh. "They're worth it." "If you're going on a flight for more than five hours, I would totally recommend it," she says. Water bottle It might seem obvious, but it's an important one. As adults age, drinking enough water is crucial — according to the U.S. National Council On Aging, dehydration is common among older adults. A reusable water bottle, then, is "100 per cent" a must-have when travelling says Huynh. Choosing a plastic version over a stainless steel bottle can also be easier for transporting, as it will be a lot lighter when full. "If you're bringing a water bottle, bring it empty and you can always refill it at the airport," she notes. Foldable backpack Huynh says she likes to bring along a foldable backpack for additional storage when she travels — which can be especially useful if you find it difficult to carry a single heavy bag. Huynh recommnds "one of those 20 litre-30 litre backpacks that folds into a bag," she says. "It packs up really small, in case I need to bring it anywhere. It's nice that it's compact." A foldable backpack can be a great item to have on hand if you find yourself needing some extra space in your luggage. It's also handy for using as you travel around in your destination. Sunscreen Sun protection is important at any age, but you'll definitely want to make sure you have some when you're 35,000 feet up in the air and sitting in a window seat. "Most people going on vacation, they're most likely not going anywhere cold," says Huynh. "Even then, the sun's always shining." She notes that if you are bringing sunscreen with you, make sure it fits within the limits of allowed liquids in your carry on luggage, or you'll have to keep it in your checked bag.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Yahoo
11 things you should never travel without if you're over 50, according to a flight attendant
Travelling for the August long weekend? From comfy shoes to a water bottle, these travel essentials are flight attendant-approved. Got an August long weekend trip or summer vacation planned? If you're flying, there are certain travel essentials you'll want to have on hand for a comfortable experience. It's always good to be prepared — and who has more experience with what to pack than someone who spends thousands of hours a year in the sky? Pam Huynh is a flight attendant with Air Canada, with nine years of experience in the travel industry. We asked Huynh for her list of packing essentials, with special attention to items people over the age of 50 should always have on hand when flying, whether in their carry-on or checked luggage. Keep scrolling to see what she recommends, and to shop her picks. Comfortable shoes Comfortable footwear is a must when travelling, especially if you're someone who likes to take their shoes off on the plane. The best option? Slip-ons. 'Because people don't have a lot of legroom, I find they try to bend over to tie their shoes,' Huynh says. 'Slip-on shoes are so much easier.' She also adds that depending on your destination and what airport(s) you go through, you might have to remove your shoes for security. That makes slip-ons and even smarter choice. If you're someone who requires a bit more support and cushioning, Huynh recommends Sketchers for their arch support. Pillows Huynh says she would "definitely" recommend bringing along a neck pillow when flying, especially for those who struggle with neck or back pain — or if you just find flights bother your body. 'If you're trying to save space, the blow-up ones are great, but I prefer the comfy ones that you can button around your luggage," she says. 'Especially if you're in the middle of a three seater — you need the extra support." Huynh also recommends that travellers bring other things to help with comfort, such as a back pillow or seat cushion, especially for longer flights. 'People keep saying that the airplane seat cushions have gotten thinner and thinner, the materials less comfy,' she says. 'You want to be as comfortable as you are in your home.' Something to keep you warm Temperatures can fluctuate on planes, which can be particularly uncomfortable for travellers who may be more sensitive to temperature changes. With this in mind, Huynh recommends travelling with something versatile you can cozy up in, such as a blanket scarf. 'if you don't want to bring a blanket, I see a lot of people bringing blanket scarves,' she says. 'I think it's a really good idea.' Another option she recommends? A lightweight cardigan. Read more travel articles on : I've flown to 5 continents — 6 travel essentials I always pack in my carry-on suitcase Travelling for the August long weekend? 7 best foods to bring on a plane — and the ones you should avoid, according to a dietitian I've flown to 5 continents — 6 travel essentials I always pack in my carry-on suitcase 'It doesn't matter if you're going to a hot destination, 100 per cent you want a sweater for the plane,' she says, noting that the cabin can get quite cold. Handheld fan Speaking of fluctuating temperatures, if you're someone who tends to overheat — or if you're just travelling somewhere hot — a pocket-sized fan is a great essential to have on hand. 'I like a handheld fan, those rechargeable ones,' says Huynh. 'I carry those around too.' She also says that most planes now have a compatible charger, so you can make sure you don't run out of juice. Pill case It's a good idea to bring along painkillers and other basic travel medication with you, especially if you're someone who has chronic pain. Whether you're travelling with Advil and Tums, or you're bringing along prescription medication, Huynh says a pill case can be very handy to have. 'You definitely want to bring your pills in your carry on, and those pill cases are very handy,' she says. Just make sure you have (or know) the instructions for how to take any medication you're bringing along with you. She also recommends labelling the pills - nwhich can also be helpful when going through security. Earbuds While earphones for a flight may be a given, Huynh specifically recommends travelling with a pair that has an audio jack, which she says many travellers often forget about. 'A lot of people either only have AirPods or bluetooth headphones with USB-C output,' she says. 'Not all airplanes have that. So if you want to watch movies or listen to music on the screen in front of your chair, you need earphones with an audio jack.' Compression socks Leg swelling, caused by fluid buildup, is common for older adults and can be exacerbated by sitting too long. While getting up and moving around can help, that's not always doable on a plane. You can also consider compression socks or stockings, which can help to improve blood flow and decrease pain and swelling in the legs. "A lot of people don't realize how much they're needed," says Huynh. "They're worth it." "If you're going on a flight for more than five hours, I would totally recommend it," she says. Water bottle It might seem obvious, but it's an important one. As adults age, drinking enough water is crucial — according to the U.S. National Council On Aging, dehydration is common among older adults. A reusable water bottle, then, is "100 per cent" a must-have when travelling says Huynh. Choosing a plastic version over a stainless steel bottle can also be easier for transporting, as it will be a lot lighter when full. "If you're bringing a water bottle, bring it empty and you can always refill it at the airport," she notes. Foldable backpack Huynh says she likes to bring along a foldable backpack for additional storage when she travels — which can be especially useful if you find it difficult to carry a single heavy bag. Huynh recommnds "one of those 20 litre-30 litre backpacks that folds into a bag," she says. "It packs up really small, in case I need to bring it anywhere. It's nice that it's compact." A foldable backpack can be a great item to have on hand if you find yourself needing some extra space in your luggage. It's also handy for using as you travel around in your destination. Sunscreen Sun protection is important at any age, but you'll definitely want to make sure you have some when you're 35,000 feet up in the air and sitting in a window seat. "Most people going on vacation, they're most likely not going anywhere cold," says Huynh. "Even then, the sun's always shining." She notes that if you are bringing sunscreen with you, make sure it fits within the limits of allowed liquids in your carry on luggage, or you'll have to keep it in your checked bag.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Essential college dorm items for comfort, storage, and style
Moving into a college dorm is an exciting milestone, but figuring out what to bring can feel overwhelming. From late night study sessions to shared bathrooms and limited storage, dorm life comes with its own unique set of challenges. I've moved three kids into college, and I put together this college dorm essentials guide to help you pack smart and settle in with ease. Whether you're a freshman or a returning student, these must-haves will help make your space more comfortable, functional, and truly your own. Here's what to pack to make college life a little easier. Furniture Bed Bath Organization and Household
