My Travel Rules And Non-Negotiables

And my no flights before 11am rule.

I consider myself an avid traveler who has perfected my routine. From essentials I have to have on hand, to habits I am always implementing no matter what. These are my travel rules and non-negotiables when it comes to traveling.

My Travel Rules And Non-Negotiables

I Will Always Have A Carry-On

To clarify, I am not a carry-on only girl. I don’t believe that you win awards for carrying on for a 2 week vacation. I am a two-bag kind of girl (three if we’re counting the personal bag). Even if I’m checking a bag, I almost always have a carry-on as well. Or if I’m only checking a bag, my personal bag has a change of clothes and my toiletries inside.

I lost my luggage once (losing luggage is actually quite rare, but when it happens to you once, you learn fast) and I learned really quickly that having a spare outfit on hand is key. I also usually keep my toiletries on me as well instead of in my checked bag.

No flights before 11

I treat my flight routine like I did my college schedule. No classes, I mean flights, before 11. I am not, not a morning person, but I am not a 5am morning person. I am a 7:30 am morning person. If I have an early flight, I am not getting sleep. And not because of the early wake-up call. I will have stress dreams about the flight, period. And that means waking up well before said wake up call which always sucks. It is a rarity I will take an early flight and it usually ruins my entire day every single time.

Bring Snacks

It doesn’t matter how long or short the flight is, there is likely a snack in my bag of some sort. I do this for two reasons. One, I HATE throwing out food. So when I leave my apartment for a trip, I try to figure out what I can bring so I’m not throwing it out. Usually a yogurt granola situation, any fruit, etc. And I usually pack popcorn, which makes for a good snack and sometimes a protein bar. You just never know when you’ll be stuck on a plane, delayed and having a snack beyond the Biscoff cookie is essential.

Travel Comfy

I believe in comfort when traveling. I think you can also do it in a way that doesn’t look like you rolled out of bed and are in your pajamas. Which I do not condone when traveling. Put on real shoes, people! I am often in leggings with a cotton tee, my SKIMS bra, a sneaker and a sweatshirt and or light jacket. I try to wear my sweatshirt and jacket I’m wearing at my destination, so they’re not taking up space in my suitcase. This can still feel polished and put together.

And if I do wear jeans, they will be my most comfy, period and only for short flights. But there is something really gross to me about wearing a loose pant on a plane and having to use the bathroom. The floors of the airport and airplane are disgusting and I just don’t need my pants touching it if I can help it. And anyone who says “just hold your pants up” I’d like for you to go into an airplane bathroom and just watch where your loose pants are touching as you try to hike them up. No thank you.

Have A Plane Essentials Bag

While on a plane, I like to have the essentials I would need readily available. Think charger, chapstick, hand sanitizer, extra headphones etc. Everyone probably has their own essentials that may vary. While a lot of these items may be in my purse, or a toiletry bag as well, I like to still have these items (even if it means duplicates) in a small toiletry bag that’s easily accessible in my personal bag. I like efficiency and ease when I travel and I don’t want to be digging for things that may be in various places.

The Foot Sling Is Life Changing

If I’m traveling on a long flight (anything over 4 hours), I pack my foot sling. This has become a non-negotiable for me when I travel. It is truly the most life-changing plane product I have ever purchased. Forget a stupid neck pillow (I’ve yet to find any that actually works), but the foot sling? Game changer. Shop the foot sling →

I (Almost) Always Pack My Packable Duffle

This packable duffle is a key item I pack with me on almost all of my trips. It is destination-dependent. I probably won’t pack it for any domestic flights. But if I’m traveling abroad, it usually means I’m doing some shopping. Having this as an option to use as an extra bag has saved my butt dozens of times. Especially on group trips when everyone is buying something to bring home — we usually end up packing as a group effort. Since it’s not structured, it typically gets all the dirty laundry, so that the precious items can go in a real suitcase more safely. It frees up a ton of space, allowing you to bring home your new treasures.

Travel With Clean Hair

In an effort to reduce my number of hair washes, I always try to travel with clean hair. Especially on long haul flights. My hair can easily get very oily on a plane, anyone else have this issue? I’m convinced it’s the dirty a/c I have blasting on me at all times while flying. I just want to get as many days out of my hair before washing it while at my destination, so this is a rule I try to always implement.

I Still Mask On Planes

I have zero shame in this one. I know it’s a divisive topic, but get over it. I’m honestly sick of the disrespect of people going onto planes sick, coughing and being disgusting and not wearing a mask.

Planes are full of disgusting germs. And although the airlines like to tell us that they have HEPA filters making their planes safe, something about sitting inches from someone else’s face, I think, puts you at risk, no matter how great the filter is. And I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but everyone on planes is disgusting with their coughing and sneezing and not covering their mouths. It’s not even about COVID for me anymore, it’s simply that I don’t want to get sick before a trip.

I’ve even personally seen this work for me in real time. A family trip to Italy and I wore a mask the whole time while my brother-in-law didn’t. He ended up sick for more than half the trip, not getting to enjoy it. On a girls’ trip from Paris, we all landed back in NYC and both of them ended up getting the flu and were out for over a week. I was fine. This article shares how 96% of airplanes had COVID in their wastewater back in 2023. And who knows what else, from the common cold to the flu. I’d like to arrive healthy and know I’ve done what I can to reduce my chances of getting sick. It’s a small easy thing you can do to protect yourself, and also others, if you are having to fly while unwell.

Implement My Pre-Travel Home To-Do List

This post outlines the things I do before I leave my home for a trip. I do this every single time for a trip that’s over 2 days long. I like to leave my fridge cleaned out, trash taken out, and arrive home to a clean or at least super tidy house. You can check out the full list here.

Always Have A Water Bottle

There is always a water bottle tucked into my Dagne Dover Landon personal bag when I travel. I try to drink a full bottle of water before I get to TSA. And then refill it as soon as I get through to have on hand. Flying can really dehydrate you, and it’s nice to not have to buy a $7 water too. This water bottle is a favorite of mine.

Team Aisle Seat, Always

As someone who drank too much water before getting on their flight (see above), I am always using the bathroom on a plane. I like an aisle seat to give myself the option to get up with ease. I also feel less cramped in an aisle seat. I can’t really sleep on planes, so being by the window does nothing for me.

I Board Last, Almost Always

There’s no reason to be first on a plane unless you are worried about gate checking your bag. Which, honestly, is not a big deal. Waiting for luggage has never been an issue in my life, I don’t know why people make such a big deal out of it. Especially in these massive airports. Sometimes my luggage is coming off as I’m walking up to it and out I go. I like to be last on, so it’s less time sitting in an uncomfortable seat.

Delta Loyal

This is something that I think happened thanks to living in Atlanta for so long. As the Delta hub, it’s really the best option. But once you go Delta, you just can’t go back. I had to take a Frontier flight recently and was quickly reminded why I stick to Delta. Sometimes it’s not always an option, depending on where you’re headed. But if I can, I’m flying Delta, baby.

You’re Allowed To Stand Up When The Plane Lands

Hear me out. As an aisle sitter, I believe you are allowed to stand up when the plane lands. BUT, this comes with RULES. And the rules are as follows. You are to stand up directly in your row. You are not to touch your bag or even attempt to open up the overhead bins. You are simply allowed to stand there, right next to your seat. When the people in front of you have started to move off the plane, it is only then that you are allowed to reach for your bag. To the people who get up and start pulling suitcases down, and moving up to get off sooner, you are evil humans. Period.

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What are the things you must do when you travel? I’m always so curious about other people’s routines and habits when it comes to traveling.

PS Explore more travel tips, travel guides and more over on the blog →