Tag Archives: frequent flyers

Whether you’re flying domestic or international, you’ll want to make the time you spend in your seat as comfortable as possible, especially if you’re in economy class. Keep these in-flight travel essentials always packed in a small bag with your luggage; that way, they’re ready to go when you are. Buying ahead will save you money on any last-minute purchases at the airport and reduce the stress of not traveling prepared.

Personal Comfort on Board

Inflatable Neck Pillow
If you’re like most travelers, you really don’t want to add bulk to your carry-on items, that is why you should try out an inflatable pillow. Inflatable pillows weigh less and are compact, so they easily fit into the bag you carry on board. Select a good quality inflatable neck pillow that is covered in a soft, flocked material for comfort. Another advantage of an inflatable pillow over one that is not is that it is adjustable. For example, if you inflate your pillow before reaching cruising altitude, you can deflate it a bit once you reach altitude to get just the right amount of firmness.

The air on board is dry and dehydrates your lips, skin, and can make you thirsty too. As a matter of fact, frequent flyers recommend you drink at least one cup of water for every hour you’re in the air.

Travel Water Bottle

Getting that water can be a challenge and expensive if you buy water at the airport after you have cleared security. The solution is to bring your own reusable and collapsible water bottle. It’s a money saver at the airport and it’s good for the environment. Fill it up at a hydration station before boarding and then ask a flight attendant to refill it. This one has a convenient carabiner clip too.

Lip Balm

Lips, for both men and women, as well as children, dry out quicker while flying. Make sure you keep a lip balm in your flight essentials bag. I prefer a balm over a lip gloss because it tends to seal in moisture and is more emollient. The SPF factor doesn’t matter, but if you get a balm that has one, you can use it while outside as well to protect your lips from harmful sun rays.

Hand or Face Lotion

Skin drys out quickly in the dry cabin air. Using a moisturizer on all exposed skin can help you have a comfortable flight. Advice concerning size; select a tube or plastic bottle that is less than 3 ounces to stay within the TSA carry-on regulations. Advice on fragrance; select a formula that is fragrance-free if you can. If you’re applying it a few times during the flight your seatmates will appreciate that they don’t have to smell your favorite scent. You’ll want to apply lotion to your neck and face too, again a reason to avoid a potentially irritating fragrance.

Hand Sanitizer

You particularly want to stay healthy when traveling whether it’s for business or pleasure, and you want to help keep your family healthy too. One way to be less vulnerable to germs is to use a hand sanitizer frequently. Choose wipes, they can’t spill and are easy to carry. You can use wipes on surfaces, not just to wipe your hands. The germiest places on a plane are the armrests, seat buckles, and tray tables. If you do choose a bottle select one that is less than 3 ounces and we suggest selecting an alcohol-free formula because it is less drying.

Gum

Chewing gum is a tried and true way to counteract the effects of cabin pressure changes and ear-popping pain. The choice here is to select a refreshing flavor so you can freshen your breath after eating and again just before landing and deplaning your flight. It’ll help you feel refreshed at your destination too. Small packets are great for travel and stay fresh longer.

Entertainment and Tech Travel Essentials

You should plan on being self-sufficient when it comes to entertainment on your flight. Your flight may not offer seat-back screens and only access to their app to get entertainment. Plan ahead.

External Battery for Your Electronic Devices

Bring your own power, even if your devices are fully charged you may want additional power. While many airlines are offering USB charging ports near your seat, not all are yet plus you can’t always count on them to work. On my most recent flight, my power port was broken. Make sure you pack your backup power source in your carry-on bag.

Headphones

Enjoying quiet or listening to a podcast, music, or watching a movie is better with your own headphones. Over the head or on-ear versions can offer more options and more comfort than ear-buds. Look for noise-canceling features that can help you rest while flying.

Tablet

Reading a book or watching a movie on your small phone screen is not ideal. Consider investing in a tablet for your entertainment pleasure. Compare an e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite and the Fire Tablet, that you can download TV shows and movies too.

Snacks

Consider bringing small and lightweight snacks to enjoy during your flight. Most likely you can purchase snacks on board but they can be pricey. And to add injury to insult if you’re seated towards the back of the aircraft they may run out of the item you want by the time they reach you. Protein bars, granola, and chips are choices that you can enjoy at your destination if you elect not to eat them on the plane.

The bottom line on Inflight travel essentials

Think ahead about what you will need to make your time while on a plane most comfortable. Next, act on your particular comfort needs, whether it’s packing a sweater for warmth or packing your favorite entertainment or snacks. Arriving at your destination relaxed and happy because your flight was pleasant is worth the effort now.

1. Rethink Your Travel Dates and or Times

The holidays themselves or their eves are usually the cheapest days to fly. At first, it may not be appealing but overpaying and facing delays due to a surge in travelers isn’t appealing either. Adjust your schedule to avoid the most traveled itineraries – Wednesday to Sunday for Thanksgiving, and for this year Thursday to Sunday for both Christmas and New Year’s to land cheaper airfares and fewer travelers.

2. Don’t Check Luggage, Ship Ahead via a Ground Carrier

All domestic airlines, except for one, now charge for checked baggage. Checking luggage round trip for a family of 4 can increase your airfare by $200 or more. Instead, ship the contents of your checked luggage ahead (allow 5-7 days depending on destination). Even if it is to a hotel call the hotel on how to best address your carton to hold for your arrival. Shipping via a ground delivery service can cost a lot less than checking bags. Bonus – no lost luggage or fighting long lines at baggage claim. See the various checked baggage fees airlines charge, here.

At first it may not be appealing but overpaying and facing delays due to a surge in travelers isn’t appealing either. Adjust your schedule to avoid the most traveled itineraries – Wednesday to Sunday for Thanksgiving, and for this year Thursday to Sunday for both Christmas and New Year’s to land cheaper airfares and fewer travelers.

3. Track Your Airfare BEFORE You Buy

If you’re planning a trip and have a few weeks or months before purchasing your flight you can save money by adding price alerts to track fluctuations in the price of your flight.

GOOGLE FLIGHTS Google allows you to preview the lowest price on flights and suggests the best days to fly by showing you a map view
In this photo, you can see the varied prices from LAX to JFK throughout November and December

As the price changes, you will receive daily or weekly updates to your email.

google-flight-price-alert to help save on airfare

In this example, the price went down $25 from when we initially did our search.

Instructions on How to Track Airfares using Google Flights

2. KAYAK PRICE TRACKER With Kayak, you’re allowed to select multiple flights on one page and set up alerts.

3. AireFareWatchDog provides limited deeply discounted flight price alerts. Unlike Google Flights and Kayak, Airewarewatchdog emails you daily with unbelievably low priced fares to wherever you want to travel. However, we have found that most of these flights depart during the week so it’s perfect for anyone with flexible travel dates and is planning a trip well in advance.

Track Your Airfare, Even After You Buy

If your flight’s fare drops below what you paid for it check with your airline to see if they will compensate you somehow. Most airlines and online travel agencies will give you a rebate — usually in travel credits or vouchers — if your flight’s price drops below what you paid. Just be wary of fees: Some airlines charge “re-booking” fees between $50 and $175 for domestic flights and up to $250 for international flights. Alaska Airlines and Jet Blue do not charge to refund price drops; Southwest never charges a ticket-change fee and will credit you the full difference in fare.

10 Tips to Prevent Lost Luggage

Every year two million bags are lost, damaged, delayed, or pilfered, according to “mishandled baggage” reports made by the largest U.S. airlines to the Department of Transportation. The good news is that airlines are doing better in getting your bags to arrive with you by using new technology like RFID readers. Here’s what you can you to help prevent lost luggage.

1. Arrive Early If you check a bag within 30 minutes of your departure time, it may not actually make it onto your plane. Follow the guidelines of the airline regarding the timing for checking luggage. Typically that means one hour ahead of time for domestic flights. International flights may require more time.

2. Keep the Receipt the Ticketing Agent gives You for Your Luggage. This is your Luggage ID number. Do not lose it or throw it out until you have your bag and checked the contents, only then should you discard it.

3. Use More Than One Luggage Tag Per Bag The key is to ID your bag in multiple places—outside as well as inside. Luggage tags get torn off during the handling process so having more than one on each bag you check will help prevent a lost bag. Use the paper tags provided by the airline carrier in addition to your own. Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number you can be reached while traveling. One frequent flyer puts his destination address and dates he’ll be there in case the bag needs to be delivered to him. Bag tags with wire attachment loops can withstand a great amount of stress.

privacy luggage tag with steel wire attachment loop

4. Let Your Personality Shine Whether you buy a colorful handle wrap or just add a few stripes of bright duct tape, make sure your bag is different from the other bags. It signals you’re a savvy traveler who cares about your bag. Another option is to purchase a bag that’s not black (like the overwhelming majority), making it easier to spot in a roomful of luggage.

Luggage handle wraps helps identify your luggage

Luggage handle wraps help identify your luggage

5. Remove all Old Stickers Remove all old barcodes, tags, or destination stickers from previous trips. Leaving them on doesn’t mean your luggage won’t go where you’re going, but why make it more difficult for baggage handlers,

6. Place Your Itinerary Inside Your Luggage Pack a copy of your itinerary inside your bag so that airline workers will know where to route your bag in case they find it and cannot get in touch with you. Tape it to the inside of your bag or place it in an envelope marked itinerary.

7. Take Photos of Your Bags and Gear Photograph or video the contents of your bag as you pack. Just lay everything out on the bed and take a few photos with your camera or phone. Not only will that help to identify your bag if it goes missing, but it will also help with claims forms if your suitcase is never found. Take photos of the bag exterior too.

8. Remove Extras Before checking your bag, take off any removable straps; this will decrease the likelihood of it getting snagged along the way of the baggage conveyor system. Make sure retractable handles are also depressed all the way. Make sure zipper pulls are locked down with luggage lock.

9. Watch Your Bag Get Placed on the Conveyor Belt Finally, don’t check your bag with the curbside baggage checker; go inside to the main counter to decrease the chances of a mix-up, plus you can see it go onto the conveyor belt. Now, most airlines have check-in kiosks inside where you tag and drop off your luggage with an airline employee.

10. Go to Baggage Claim Quickly There’s always the possibility that your bag could be stolen off the baggage carousel. One baggage thief stole smaller bags and quickly placed them inside a larger empty one to walk out with. Another took multiple bags and placed them on a bag cart to help hide while he pushed them out. This is another reason you want your bag to look different from all the other black bags on the carousel and be there to claim it the moment it comes off the belt.

11. Travel Non-stop or With Longer Layovers If you can manage it financially flying nonstop to your destination is the best option. If you choose a flight with a layover, consider one that has an adequate layover time for both you and your luggage to make the next flight. For US domestic consider 60 to 90 minutes and at least two hours for an international one.

12. Use a GPS Tracker Consider placing an apple air tag or android tile in your luggage as a secondary tracking system to the barcode system the airline uses. Be sure to do some research and understands how the trackers work using phone networks and bluetooth. It’s newer technology and it’s improving all the time.

If your luggage is lost, delayed, damaged, or stolen while in an airline’s possession

Immediately File a Claim If your bag is lost, stolen,, or damaged, be sure to file a complaint immediately with the airline’s baggage department. This must be done before you leave the airport. If you still can’t get satisfaction, or feel the need to report the airline, contact the Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division.

Ask for Any Bag Fees Back According to DOT rules, airlines must refund any bag fees paid if your bags are permanently lost. Even if they are recovered and delivered to you late it can’t hurt to ask for reimbursement as compensation for the inconvenience of not having your bag.

Check Your Travel Insurance If you’re traveling internationally travel insurance can be very affordable if you compare it to the total cost of the trip. Understanding the differences between trip insurance and travel insurance is important. Seasoned travelers typically buy travel insurance and use a travel rewards credit card which can offer coverage of lost luggage as one of their perks.

Final Thoughts on Preventing Lost Luggage

Always pack medication and essential toiletries or electronics in your carry-on. If you’re traveling with a companion, place half of your clothes in their bag and visa-versa. That way if one bag is lost or delayed, you will still have some clothes to wear from the other bag. On a personal note, we recently did this and both of us had clothing while it took the airline 3 days to get us the missing bag.

Finally, if you’re wondering where lost bags go after they die, here’s your answer: UnclaimedBaggage.com!

Don’t pack valuables or breakables in checked luggage

The airlines really do an efficient job handling luggage and have handling protocols and training in place. However, sometimes, employees may handle luggage badly despite the airline’s best efforts. Newer styles of hard sided luggage can be more protective and resistant to mishandling and the baggage transport system than the soft-sided styles. If you’re still using soft-sided luggage with exposed zippers and pockets, which can get caught in the baggage system, look at upgrading to a bag with a non-fabric exterior that has no exposed pockets or zippers as a first-line defense against rough baggage handling, pilfering, and the baggage transport system and of course protecting your contents. Most importantly, no matter the style of luggage you use, pack it as if you’ll never see it. Avoid putting valuables or breakables in your checked bag rather than opting to place them in your carry-on bag instead.

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Trip or Travel Insurance for lost luggage

These clever items frequent flyers pack offer multiple uses and/or can save you money. Savvy and frequent travelers pack all or some of these essentials. Be prepared for any situation. Buying these travel gadgets at your destination can be difficult, more expensive, or simply not available, so do what frequent travelers do.

Gear Frequent Flyers and Frequent Travelers Pack

If you can, keep these items stored at home with your luggage so you don’t forget to pack them. If you can’t do that, keep a list taped to your luggage to remind yourself to pack the items frequent flyers pack, too.

Portable Power Supply You never know when your phone or other devices will need power when you’re away from your hotel, keep it in your bag, always. This device can charge 2 devices at once like your phone and tablet.

This portable battery charges two devices at once

Portable Travel Safe A very important item frequent flyers pack is something to protect their passport, money and other valuables, including medicines, is a safe that only they can access. Hotel safes out of necessity must have a “backdoor” way of access so they are not 100% secure from others. This safe which packs flat is designed to be only accessible by you. Available in several sizes, this one also protects your laptop. Our son recently took this with him on a study abroad program to secure his laptop and passport. He locked it to his bed frame.

A steel wire-reinforced cut-resistant bag protects gear from theft
and the bag locksd to a fixture to prevent theft.

Power Strip Outlet shortage at the airport? A multi-socket power strip helps share the juice from a single public outlet. Forgot your charging iPod in your hotel room? Frequent travelers know that by plugging all of your electronics into the same place, you’ll be less likely to leave one behind. Many rooms aboard only have one or two power outlets, so this solves who gets to charge their phone first. One catch: abroad, you’ll need to use an adapter to make sure the strip can be plugged in.

Small and lightweight power strip, easy to pack for travel

Bandana The list of obvious uses for a bandana is a longhand towel, lens cleaner, eye mask, hair tie, headband, scarf, cooling device (when dampened)—but this versatile carry-on can also work in a pinch as a pillow when you tie it around a bundled-up sweater, as a sling for a sprained arm, and even as a hobo pouch to tote your belongings. Look for an over-sized one for maximum flexibility.

A bandana is a lens cleaner, eye mask, hair tie, headband, scarf, cooling device (when dampened)—but this versatile carry-on can also work in a pinch as a pillow when you tie it around a bundled-up sweater

Duct Tape From bandaging up exploded luggage to removing lint from clothing, duct tape earns its all-purpose reputation. Carry a small roll(about $5) with you to patch tears in shoes, bags, or clothing; baby-proof your hotel room by covering outlets and securing drawers shut; hold together a well-worn guidebook when the spine gives out; for marking your luggage so it will stand out in a sea of black bags on the baggage carousel. Frequent travelers keep a roll of duct tape in their bag so they never forget it.

This duct tape is great in emergencies during travel, hiking and camping. Tears without scissors.
Repair shoes, bags and mark belongings.

Travel Mug with Lid To prevent damage, transport sunglasses or delicate souvenirs in an empty travel mug with a wide mouth—just make sure it has a secure top. During your trip, the mug can be an eco-friendly to-go cup or a great decoy for stashing valuables in your hotel room, assuming you didn’t invest in a travel safe.

The mug can be an eco-friendly to-go cup or a great decoy for stashing valuables in your hotel room, assuming you didn’t invest in a travel safe.

Moist Towelettes They aren’t just for babies! Not only can you sanitize your hands and kill germs on tray tables, doorknobs, tabletops, and other public places, you can also use them as a refreshing face cloth after a day spent in transit. The alcohol in many wet wipes helps remove ink stains in a pinch, too. For guaranteed stain protection, pack a few.

For pocket, wallet, car, cell phone case, your smallest bag. Wipe down airline trays, restaurant tables and hands.No -mess germ-kill anytime you need it. Perfect for sharing

Inflatable Pillow You cannot only use the pillow on a plane but it can also make a long bus or train trip more comfortable too. If your room doesn’t have enough pillows put the inflatable one under the bed pillow for more support or use it to elevate your feet after a long day of sightseeing.

Use the pillow on a plane or to make a long bus or train trip more comfortable too

Safety Pins The safety pin: a multi-functional travel tool. Clasp the zippers of your day pack together to deter thieves; use in place of a missing button, zipper pull, or to mend other wardrobe malfunctions; tack kids’ pant legs up when hiking through mucky terrain; even prevent static cling in a dress or skirt by slipping the safety pin into the seam of your slip (the metal has properties to repel static.)

Clasp the zippers of your day pack together to deter thieves; use in place of a missing button, zipper pull, or to mend other wardrobe malfunctions;

Anti-Theft Tote Bag Many shops abroad charge extra for single-use plastic bags, so BYO bag with an expandable tote. Bring one that’s tough enough to toss around as a carry-on and handle farmers’ market, picnic, and beach items, too. Important- look for locking zippers to keep pickpockets out.

Pack a tote bag that you can carry crossbody, and that has a zippered top.

Anti-Theft Daypack One of the most useful items frequent flyers pack is a bag that can double as your carry-on bag. Select from fashion styles or adventure styles. Many designs are gender-neutral. Anti-theft features included locking zippers, anti-slash material at vulnerable design points and allow you to wear the pack on your back with peace of mind knowing the hands of thieves and pickpockets will be kept out.

Travelon anti-theft backpack for frequent travelers

Fits a laptop, multiple compartments with locking zippers to keep pickpockets out. The side pocket holds a water bottle

All-weather jacket with a hood Avoid packing a cumbersome umbrella that you could easily lose. Make sure the jacket is lightweight and generous in size so you can layer it over a T-shirt and sweater.

Pack a lightweight jacket with a hood, not an umbrella you could lose

Luggage Scale Protect yourself from overweight fees, especially after you’ve stuffed a few souvenirs into your bag for the way home. Of course, if you weigh your luggage at home and don’t add anything to it, you don’t need this.

Hang the handle of your bag on the hook. Lift up and read the weight of your bag.
Avoid overweight fees or, worse, having to open your bag and remove items at the airport.

Bonus Advice from What Frequent Travelers Pack

A few bonus tips to consider when packing for your destination are climate and selecting clothes that you can layer and mix and match. I pack several T-shirts I can wear under a lightweight sweater and then top with a jacket that has a hood. Additionally, another tip from frequent flyers is to limit your travel wardrobe to three colors that you can mix or match.

Frequent Flyers Register for TSA Precheck and Global Entry

Frequent flyers join both TSA Precheck and Global Entry because they know the trusted traveler programs save time for frequent travelers. TSA Precheck and Global Entry both provide a fast track through security. Anything that saves time and stress is always a huge benefit for frequent flyers.

Frequent Flyers Sign Up for All Airline Loyalty Programs

Frequent flyers always join the airline’s loyalty programs so they can fly free in their leisure time. More importantly, they can use those miles to earn free upgrades on flights. It’s always good to arrive at the airport early so you can talk to the airline personnel at the gate. Sometimes a smile helps put your name at the top of the gate agent’s list so you can get an upgrade when it becomes available. Some airlines have now taken the management of upgrades out of the gate agents hands by creating a digital list based on flyer seniority.

Airlines love their loyal passengers and the benefits of traveling as part of a loyalty program include getting the best seats, free food, free drinks, and ongoing attention throughout the flight. Flight attendants know via the passenger manifest who the frequent flyers are so that they can make sure they take of them

Frequent Flyers are Nice to Flight Attendants

It’s amazing how far being nice can take you while traveling. Flight attendants have challenging and stressful jobs. However, if you’re very nice from the moment you enter the airplane, you might be bumped to an empty first-class seat or be offered a free drink when the flight attendant comes through with the cart. Bonuses oftentimes go to the nicest, most loyal passengers.

Frequent Flyers Gain Access to Airport Lounges

There are several credit cards that give you airport lounge access. Those cards include the Platinum Card from American Express, the Diners Club Premier, United MileagePlus Club Card by Chase, and Citi Prestige Card by Citi. Oftentimes, frequent flyers can buy a day pass to an airline club to gain access. Frequent flyers are never afraid to walk into an airport lounge to ask about a day pass. The cost of a pass is off-set by the free food and drink offered in the lounge.

Frequent Flyers Have Copies of Passports, Credit Cards, and

Airline Tickets on Their Phones

In case any of your belongings are stolen or lost, you need to have a backup copy of everything so you can get home again, especially your passport, credit cards, and airline tickets. This is a smart tip that frequent flyers do automatically because they don’t want to be stranded half-way around the world without a passport or ID. Having copies will help you sort everything out much faster and may save you any delays in your return flight home. If you don’t have a physical copy, take a cell phone photo of all your travel documents.

Frequent Flyers Choose Aisle Seats

Frequent flyers love having a little bit of power in their row on the airplane and the aisle seat provides the freedom that a middle seat or window seat does not allow. No matter where you’re sitting on the plane, an aisle seat is always a reward unless it’s in the very last row of the airplane and the seat does not recline.

Frequent Flyers Use Online Tools

One of the best online tools for finding the best seat on an airplane is SeatGuru.com. It’s a valuable tool that shows the limitations in reclining seats, lack of windows, proximity to lavatories, and the amount of room for personal items. The site is FREE! It was created to help frequent travelers choose the best airline seats and in-flight amenities.

AwardWallet helps you track and monitor your reward programs and itineraries so you’re notified when your balances change and before your points expire. Frequent flyers love this popular online tool. The cost for a one-year membership for AwardWallet Plus is only $30.

AwardMapper is also a great tool that provides a map to help you search for hotels based on your membership loyalty program. It’s also FREE!

Frequent Flyers Own a Travel Pillow, Blanket and Earphones

For health safety, frequent flyers always bring their own small travel pillow, travel blanket, and earphones on every trip. Being comfortable on every flight is a priority. By using their own travel items, frequent flyers ensure that they’re not going to be exposed to excessive bacteria or germs from other passengers. Learn this tip from the expert frequent flyers so you can be healthy during your entire trip.

Frequent Flyers Invest in Anti-theft Gear and RFID Blocking Gear

When you’re sleeping on an airplane, you want to safeguard your valuables in the overhead bin. The best way to do that is to invest in an anti-theft backpack with locking zippers or locking compartments.

The Anti-Theft Urban Backpack with RFID Protection featured below is a favorite for travelers because it has slash-resistant body panels and straps, locking compartments, and RFID blocking slots and pockets for identity theft protection.

Anti-theft travel gear will frustrate a thief because it takes longer to open. If they see a backpack with locking zippers or locking compartments, thieves will move on to the guy who has his wallet sticking out of his pocket instead.

Due to RFID scanners being used to steal your identity, it’s also smart to invest in backpacks, handbags, or wallets with RFID blocking material, pockets, or slots. Protect your identity by turning anything into RFID protection with RFID sleeves.

Frequent Flyers use Hands-Free Travel Gear

To make everything easier in the airport, frequent flyers know that hands-free travel gear will save you time and trouble. Instead of juggling extra carry-on items and a handbag or backpack, consider reducing it to only a backpack and a hidden neck pouch or a crossbody handbag for easy access to your passport or ID.

The Anti-Theft Classic Light Convertible Crossbody Handbag and Waist Pack will make traveling easier and safer because it provides security, organization, and peace of mind. The bag is compact, but also big enough for all of your basics. It has slash-proof body panels and straps, locking compartments, and RFID blocking slots to protect your credit cards and passport.

Frequent Flyers use a Packable Hotel Safe Lock

“Trust No One” may be an old motto, but that’s true when it comes to hotel safes. You don’t know how many people have access to your hotel safe when you’re on day trips away from the hotel. The Milockie Hotel Safe Lock is very popular among frequent flyers. The Milockie Hotel Safe Lock is a visual deterrent and it physically prevents the safe from being opened by hotel staff or anyone else who has access to a master key or master code to the safe.

Frequent Flyers Ask for Two Snacks

Be the passenger who smiles throughout the flight. When the flight attendant offers you a single cookie package OR a package of peanuts or pretzels, politely ask, “Could I have both, please?” They will probably give it to you if you’re nice and friendly. The same is true if you ask for a can of soda instead of a single cup plus a cup of water. Ask politely, and always smile!

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The 8 most purchased must-pack over-the-counter travel medications you should pack. It never fails if you’re going to get sick while away from home, it’ll happen at night when the stores are closed or somewhere when you’re a distance from a town with a drug store, and the worst scenario is it happens in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language. So be prepared to alleviate your symptoms or cure your ills by always packing a few key medications in travel sizes.

Best Tip for Storing Travel Medications

I personally keep them in my toiletry bag and never take them out, so they are always on hand for my next trip. The trick to not packing your whole medicine chest or liquids is to look for travel-sized packages of tablets, as they are light and take up minimal space in your luggage. Make sure you check the expiration date on the individual packages of your travel medications each time you go.

Should You Contact Your Doctor Before Travel?

If you’re going to a more exotic destination, visit a travel clinic first. The clinic doctor can help with vaccines and prescription travel medications. Contact your physician if you need to travel with prescriptions or medical devices. Take photos with your phone or photocopies of your prescription bottles and scripts in case of loss while you’re traveling. Having your exact dose, physician’s name and contact information available can help facilitate getting replacements in another location.

Our Top 8 Picks for Over the Counter Medications Smart Travelers Keep Handy

Anti Diarrheal and Heartburn Medication

Stomach Upsets and gastrointestinal issues are the number one sicknesses travelers fall victim to. Diarrhea is usually caused by contaminated food or water or by bacteria that your system is not used to. Rich foods, strange water, and spices are enough to cause problems for even the heartiest of travelers. Whatever the cause, you want relief as soon as you feel bad. Select tablets or capsules, as these forms won’t leak and make a mess inside your bags. Tablets and capsules are also lightweight, which is another advantage over the liquid form of relief.
Pack: Imodium or Nexium.

2. Pain and Fever Medication

These medicines can help with achy feet, sore muscles, headaches brought on by high altitude or jet lag, and so much more. One of the most typical complaints of travelers is general aches and pain caused by walking. You can easily log a lot more miles walking in urban settings in a day than you do at home. Too much walking can cause achy feet, a sore back, and overusing of muscles. Make sure you select a medication that doesn’t interfere with any other medications you’re taking. If you’re unsure as t which type of pain reliever is best for you a quick call or email to your doctor will clarify your choice.
Pack Advil or Tylenol

3. Over the Counter Motion Sickness Medicine

Feeling motion sickness in a car, bus, train, or cruise ship is absolutely awful. Nausea and dizziness can make the journey unbearable for you and your companions, especially if you’re prone to vomiting during your bouts of motion sickness.
Counter the effects with motion relief medicines Pack: Dramamine or Bonine.

4. Over the Counter Mild Laxative

Here we go with more tummy ailments. Sometimes, when you’re on the go, it is tough “to go.” Different foods, water, and getting used to any time changes can have an unpleasant effect on your digestive system. We recommend looking for products that are tablets or capsules that can’t accidentally spill into your luggage. When looking for a travel laxative, look for a mild formula, one you may have already tried. You don’t want any uncomfortable surprises.
Pack Miralax

5. Over the Counter Antihistamine

Allergies can spring up in a new climate; don’t suffer the misery of a stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes, or sneezing. Different locations, even just a couple of hours away from home, can be a new micro-climate. A new micro-climate or location can encourage different grasses, flora, and other allergy-triggering plants to create a miserable experience for you. And don’t think that an urban or city location is exempt from triggering allergies.
Pack Claritin or Zyrtec

6. Over the Counter Cough Drops and Suppressant

You’re at an increased risk of getting sick while traveling. Usually, it’s only a cold or related symptoms. Those symptoms can be irritating to you and your companions. Cough suppressants can help soothe your throat so you don’t cough as much, and a suppressant does, well, what the name implies. Pack Halls or Cough Relief Soft Gels

7. Over the Counter Decongestant

One of the worst feelings is a stuffy nose, a runny nose, or a sinus pressure headache, especially when flying when the changes in altitude can cause discomfort and even pain. Look for non-drowsy formulas. Benadryl can cause drowsiness, so be careful when using it. We like to opt for non-drowsy formulas. Pack: Sudafed or Mucinex

8. Over the Counter Sleep Aid

These can come in handy to help overcome jet lag, noisy sleeping conditions, and uncomfortable sleeping conditions while en route. Frequent flyers keep a sleep aid handy in their carry-on for longer overnight flights. Read the packaging so you don’t inadvertently find yourself groggy upon arrival at your destination. You certainly don’t want to drive in a sleepy state. Consider using eyeshades and earplugs to also assist in getting the rest you want.
Pack Unisom or Melatonin

Travel confidently by thinking ahead and having solutions in your bag for any minor inconveniences and symptoms that travel may throw your way. Over-the-counter travel medications can help you feel better, sleep well, and get the most out of your travels.

Bonus Tip:

Keep your small bottles of travel medications (pills or soft gels only) with your toiletry bag. That way, you’ll remember to bring them with you and the comfort they can provide. If you’re a mom of a young child, store and bring any medicines they may need in the same fashion. Lastly, keep other medication information here, too.