Travel has become cheaper, faster and more accessible than it ever has been. When I was growing up it seemed that going to the airport for a holiday was a bigger deal than it is today.
It’s only been a couple of decades since I was a kid, but these days, for a lot of people, getting on a plane and travelling for 5-6 + hours isnt too much different to jumping in a taxi.
Having the ability to complain and whine about these modern conveniences is just a great example of a first world problem – but that doesnt mean long waits at terminals, plane delays or cancellations aren’t frustrating!
The below bits of kit I travel with, that are in no particular order, make sleep a bit easier, expected waits (and delays!) a little less frustrating and go a long way to making travel seem less like a drag.
Disclaimer: Some of the below items in this list are monetized, meaning I will get a small percentage if you click on the link and buy one. However, these are things I have used, and will continue to use even if I hadn’t started this blog.
What do these Gadgets and Items Cover?
Long travel days aren’t usually ruined by one big inconvenience, but by lots of small ones adding up over time.
The items below are things I regularly travel with to make airports, flights, and long waits more comfortable — whether that’s getting better sleep, passing time more easily, or simply arriving less drained than I would otherwise.
- Comfort and Sleep
- Entertainment and Time Killers
- Relaxation and Mental Reset
Note: As Smartphones, Tablets and Laptops are ubiquitous in our modern day, and most people don’t leave their homes without at least one, I have excluded them from the below list.
Comfort and Sleep
Long flights and airport layovers are often loud, bright, and uncomfortable, which makes proper rest surprisingly hard to come by. The items in this section help block out noise and light so you can switch off, sleep when possible, and arrive feeling a little more human.
Noise cancelling headphones
I know I said there was no order to this list, but noise cancelling headphones would be a contender for first place. The noise cancelling technology is absolutely amazing these days, compared to just a few years ago.
Just make sure you keep an eye on the time because you won’t be hearing many announcements if you’re listening to something. Perfect for drowning out the noise of snoring passengers and crying future adults.
I have been using the Sony XM4 since they came out and can’t speak highly enough of them. They come with a headphone jack that works on airplanes media systems too.
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Sleep Mask
I have tried at least a dozen sleep masks over the years. Usually purchased last minute from an airport shop or re-discovered in an old suitcase, and then rarely used. Too tight, too loose or just feel horrible on your face.
I have been using the Sleep Master Mask for sleep at home, airport, planes and trains ever since. If you don’t like the tight feel around your eyes, or the bit of elastic behind your head, this wrap around piece of silken heaven might just be what you need.
Ear Plugs
Like I mentioned about communal sleeping arrangements in my article on the UK’s unique Bothy, I prefer the foam type of ear plugs. Like the sleep mask, I use these wherever I’m sleeping too. With earplugs in, an eye mask on and a hoodie pulled over you remove a whole lot of noise and light, making it a bit easier to zone out or doze off.
A lot of people don’t like the feeling of earplugs, if not try the wax/putty types that form to the shape of your ear.
Entertainment and Time Killers
When delays drag on or flights stretch into long hours, boredom can become more exhausting than the journey itself. These items help pass the time more enjoyably, whether that’s switching off with a book, revisiting old games, or keeping your mind occupied during long waits.
Mobile Gaming Controller
My most recent purchase was a gaming controller for my smartphone, and has been amazing for killing time. Video games are something I never grew out of, and being able to go down memory road and replay Grand Theft Auto 3 on my trip to the UK made one of the longest flights in the world feel a little less long.
Kindle Reader
Sometimes you just can’t get into a book, so having a device that can hold thousands to choose from is always a great backup. I use the Amazon Paperwhite.
This ebook reader is my third attempt at finding one that I actually like using. It’s practical, not clunky, doesn’t strain the eyes and the battery life is ridiculously long. One minor downside is that it can be a little slow to respond when browsing the store sometimes, but still by far the best ebook reader I’ve used.
Practical Power and Backup
Modern travel relies heavily on devices, and running out of battery at the wrong moment can quickly turn inconvenient into frustrating. The items here are about reliability — keeping your essentials powered so you’re not hunting for outlets or stressing over low battery warnings.
Power Bank
I carry a 20,000 mAh around on my travels and my hikes. Holding enough power for up to 6 charges of your standard smartphone it’s more than enough to cover you on your travels. I find this size is perfect for hiking too, and I still had some charge left over after 5 days on a trek. That was running the GAIA gps app and taking photos and videos all day too.
Relaxation and Mental Reset
Travel can be stressful even when everything runs smoothly, and airports aren’t exactly designed for calm. These tools focus less on distraction and more on helping you slow down, relax, and make better use of time you’d otherwise spend waiting.
Meditation/Guided Breathing
Ever heard of Wim Hof? If not, check out this crazy Dutchmans method. I got into his breathing exercises at a yoga class once and got a little bit obsessed with guided breathing.
While his method may be a bit much to try on a plane or an airport without getting a few weird looks from passengers – or security, I have found other types of breathing techniques a good way to relax at a terminal or on plane, (re) start that meditation practice I’ve been failing to keep or just spend some time waiting in a healthy way.
If this sounds like something you may like, see the links below for some free youtube guides.
8. Youtube/Podcast Download Recommendations
I am regularly culling my youtube algorithm and podcast suggestions to cut out the…stuff in our modern world.
You are probably familiar with some of the below creators, authors and commentators, however here are some that are always at the top of my list covering a range of topics from self development, comedy and history to how to deal with modern life.
- Mark Manson
- Chris Williamson
- Fall of Civilizations Podcast
- Short History of…
- No Such thing as a fish
Pop these names into your podcast player next time you’re looking to be educated or entertained.
Find your Next European Hiking Getaway
Is exploring Europe and the United Kingdom on your radar – or bucket list? Then make sure to check out our Ultimate Guides section for education and inspiration on walking, hiking and travelling in Europe.
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Conclusion
Between work, travel and lifestyle I spend far too much time at airports, carrying the above items has saved me from many hours of mind numbing boredom, horrible half sleeps and just makes travel that little bit more comfortable. For more travel tips please make sure to see my article on managing jet lag.
