By Ellen Prinzi
Founder of Olio City, always on the go, and the frequent victim of middle seats.
Airports and long flights conjure up all kinds of bad juju for my body, skin, and overall mood. Flying always feels like playing roulette with delays, missed connections, long lines, and baggage snafus. I’m too cheap for first class, and startup budgets don’t afford me the luxury of business class. So while I’m dreaming of ditching coach, I always come prepared to help pass the time and make for a more enjoyable experience.
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
I’m a chapstick addict from way back in the day. I will try any and all brands. This sleeping lip mask is great for nightly use, or before a long flight. You can buy it in a mini-size for travel purposes that will fit easily inside your purse.
Photo: LANEIGE
Zicam Tablets
Vitamin C tabs are great, but these meltable zinc tablets are a step above. Zinc is a necessity for a healthy immune system, and a lack of zinc can make you more susceptible to disease and illness. Air travel makes you even more susceptible to catching something and I take this anytime I’m not feeling 100%. Keep it with you and pop at will next time your seatmate starts coughing.
An Actual Book
What I read last that I love: It Ends with Us: A Novel
I love my tablet for the ease of downloading books on a whim, and the lack of any environmental impact. Travel is the one time I yearn for a break from a screen, and the feel of a book in my hand. Grab one at an airport kiosk if you have time to kill, or plan ahead and buy a book you will want to keep
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
Nirvana White Dry Shampoo
Everyone’s hair is different, and dry shampoos aren’t created equally. The one my bestie swears by makes my hair feel sticky, and there is never a consensus on the best. Of the dozen I’ve tried, this one has been my go-to for the past year. My hair is thick and prone to being greasy after a day or two. This one always does the trick and smells amazing. Bonus: It comes in a travel size so I never have to leave the house without it.
Blue Q Zipper Pouches
I love this company! Blue Q makes a variety of bags, dish towels, and even socks, all with a high-quality meme or saying to fit your mood or make a statement. The best part: They are made from 95% post-consumer materials (yay Mother Earth!). Their zipper pouches are a lifesaver in my carry-on tote for easy access to all my loose goodies.
BioRepublic Skincare Lost Baggage Eye Pads
My vanity keeps me from putting the full-on zombie-like face mask during a daytime flight. Instead, I keep these with me when I fly for an eye pick me up before landing. They cost $5 a package and easily fit anywhere.
Download New Music or Spotify Playlist
I am always on the hunt to discover new artists and explore different genres. I’m guilty of having the same tired playlist as my only option once I’m 30,000 feet in the air. Curate a new Spotify playlist with suggestions from friends before take off.
Photo by sgcreative on Unsplash
Passport Holder
It really is the little things in life. This damn thing brings me so much joy and makes me feel sophisticated at the same time. I always have lost passport anxiety while traveling, and this handy holder makes it much easier to find in a crowded bag. The selection and styles at Anthropologie are my favorite.
Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Scrub with Pumice
Washing my hands on the plane or at the airport never makes me feel clean enough. This hand scrub is a life saver, it gets yucky plane germs off, and leaves my hand smooth and silky.
A Scarf
Regardless of the season, planes temps always seem to resemble the frozen tundra, and there is nothing that can ruin a flight like being freezing cold. I’m generally obsessed with everything at Aritzia, but their scarves are versatile gems. I don’t have room for bulky, blanket-like scarves, so these fit the bill—making for a cozy, stylish choice, regardless of the season.
Photo by 𝚂𝚒𝚘𝚛𝚊 𝙿𝚑𝚘𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚑𝚢 on Unsplash
