Hello from London, friends!
If you’ve been following along on Instagram, Wednesday night, Andrew and I boarded a flight and flew across the pond to our very favorite international city. We arrived on Thursday morning and have been exploring, eating and rediscovering beautiful London, England (an awesome travel agency helped me safely plan this fun trip!).
This year, SO MANY OF YOU asked me to break down my travels more specifically, so that’s what I’m over here trying to do. One of the big questions I kept receiving was “what do you pack in your carry-on bag” and then also, “what do you do on flights to entertain yourself”. So, that’s what I’m doing today 🙂 .
Let’s start with my carry-on bag…
…before I left on Wednesday, I snapped some pics of my bag and everything I had inside for our 10 hour flight from Dallas to London. Here’s what’s inside…
And here’s an even closer look…
#1: My Kindle– I loaded several new books on it for this trip. Reading is always my go-to activity when I’m on a flight! I have had this Kindle for years and years and absolutely love it! I read every single book on it…but on a flight, it’s even more amazing because it lights up, so I don’t have to worry with the pesky overhead light. My book will always be the right brightness for whatever situation I’m in.
#2: My Neck Pillow- Andrew and I told ourselves that we were going to focus, focus, focus on sleeping during this flight since we were flying overnight and wanted to wake up as rested as possible on Thursday morning. I like this one because it conforms easily to my neck.
#3: My earplugs- If I’m really trying to get sleep, I need to have it quiet. These are amazing!!! I’ve tried many different kinds of earplugs, but these are the best. They fit nicely but not too snug, and they really do block out most of the noise. When you open the box, there are different sizes of tips to add to the end of the plug, so you can customize (xs, s, m, l) to get the perfect fit.
#4: My cozy socks- If I’m going to sleep on the flight, I want to take off my shoes, but I want to put on some cozy, comfy socks to keep my feet warm and covered. I always bring two pairs (one for the flight there and then a fresh pair for the flight home). Cozy socks really help me get into “sleep” mode fast!
#5: My face mask- I like to sleep in the dark whether I’m home or on a flight. This face mask is great because it blocks out all the light but doesn’t rest right up against your eyes. This one is dark enough that you won’t even notice if the cabin lights come back on/are still on. I always take this on long flights.
#6: My MacBook– If my flight is domestic, I have plenty of time to connect to the WiFi and work! For longer international flights, I have it with me for when I land, but it’s also great because I can watch a downloaded movie on here as well. It’s light and easy to throw in my bag, so I always have it with me.
#7: My Airpods– Yes, yes, yes, yes! I never leave home without them! That being said, I also always bring earbuds that I can connect to the airplane’s movie system should my seat have one.
#8: Evian Spray: You guys have heard me talk about this for years, but it really does freshen up my face, wake me up an hydrate my skin on flights. It’s like magic water. I always have the small, travel-sized one in my bag for flights. You can even spray this right over makeup to freshen that up too. I love it!
#9: Face Wipes: I love to clean off my makeup on long flights and apply a little lotion so that I don’t wake up with caked on makeup. These just make me feel better when I’ve been flying, so I always keep them with me. Plus, if you have any spills or whatnot, they’re helpful for that too!
#10: Lotion: I always bring a lotion that I can apply to my face and my hands. Dry air makes my skin not happy, so I will apply and reapply liberally in-flight. I just save all of those sample/extra lotions I receive when I buy something (you know how they throw extra samples in) and use them for purposes like this.
#11: Travel Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Yes, yes, yes! I brush my teeth at least once if not twice in-flight. Literally nothing makes me feel better than freshly brushed teeth!
#12: A Scarf: Even if the flight is one hour, I bring a scarf in my bag. It’s the best blanket/shawl you’ll carry. I love it too because if you spill something on yourself/are a rumbled mess, you can throw that on as you de-plane and you feel pulled together.
#13: A little makeup: I don’t need much, but I will always keep a little lipstick and gloss in my bag with maybe some eyeliner just to help pull me together if I’ve been sleeping on the flight for a long time.
#14: My wallet: of course 🙂 .
The second question I was asked quite a bit about being on flights was: “What do you do on flights to entertain yourself?”. Honestly, I’m super boring and mostly just read. If I’m on a domestic flight with WiFi the entire time, I will open my MacBook and work as well, but on this flight to London, I read just a little and then slept most of the time. Andrew likes to watch shows and movies, but I normally do not. This question, unfortunately, does not have a very exciting answer 🙂 .
Well, that’s it for this Friday! I’m off to have a great weekend with Andrew! I hope you have a wonderful weekend too! I’ll see you back here on Monday! xx
Erika Slaughter says
Next time I fly, will you pack my carry on?
Lauren says
I hope you have a wonderful trip! We are planning a trip to Ireland and Scotland in April (I think I’ve read and re-read your posts about those trips a dozen times ?). I’d love to know what was required of you COVID-wise before your trip! Did you need negative tests? Proof of vaccines?
Mix and Match Mama says
You need to stay up to date with the country you’re traveling to prior to your departure! Our requirements changed several times leading up to our trip. I hope you have a great time!
Jennifer Goodwin says
So fun! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip. It seems like it’s been ages since you’ve been to your favorite city! I loved the pic on Instagram that you shared Thursday night. I asked where it was, then I just Googled the location you shared and was blown away. It’s beautiful! Have a wonderful time!
Elspeth says
What an incredible trip! Have the absolute set time! http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Abbey says
Can you talk about how you handle jet lag?? Sounds like you are doing a weekend trip? It takes me at least two days to recover from jet lag and enjoy an overseas trip…
Mix and Match Mama says
Just power through. Stay awake, don’t nap, go to sleep at the normal time…we always power through 🙂 .
Carly says
OMG So excited for your first European travel post in so long! Do you guys ever upgrade your seats for more comfort when flying? Points or dollars? Is it worth it?
Sheaffer Sims says
Love your Barrington pouches!
Cindy says
So ready to travel. Can you provide the guidelines you have in place for Virus protection as well the up to date guidelines of International Travel as it relates to Covid. We are vaxxed and boosted and want to travel but are unsure of the world in terms of travel.
In your carry on bag what hand sanitizer do you carry? As well when using the Lav. ( inquiring minds what to know), do you carry special sanitizing wipes etc.? I just wonder as last flight I took I intentionally “fasted” so as not to have use the lav…. Pre -In- post flight. I do travel to see my parents ( domestic)…. And my father has a Chronic condition so I try my best to stay safe for them.
Love your writing and your family is just precious. Have a wonderful time just the two of you.
As my husbands mentor in his early years at the hospital gave him the best advice….. travel with your wife and children and always next outing is just the two of you. Best investment. 39 years married. The Lord is so so good. Enjoy your day! Thank you.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! What great advice! I love that! Okay, I have a blazer the size of a pea, so yes, I visit frequently. We stayed up to date with all of the COVID procedures for the UK plus implemented a few on our own at home to help us be extra careful when traveling. I use whatever hand sanitizer is in my purse at the moment…typically something normal like Purell (not fancy)!
Gail says
I was wondering if you had to get a Covid test when you reached England and where did you do that? Enjoy London!
Mix and Match Mama says
We did in our hotel! You need to check the country you’re entering and the procedures you have in place, but we were able to do one once we landed in our hotel.
Lindsay D. says
Have the best time!! I love London!!
When you are home will you do a post on Covid protocols for arriving? Did you have to quarantine on arrival? Thanks!!
Caitlin C says
Thanks for sharing! I assume you check everything else but you don’t bring any extra change of clothes in your carry on? I use to not either until we got a crazy long delay and then flight cancelation coming back to the US from Italy. I was mortified after wearing the same pair of clothes for 40 hours straight… I can laugh about it now!
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t. For a while I did, but now, I just roll the dice.
Stacie says
Where are those plaid monogramed bags from? They’re the perfect size for organizing inside your bag!
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re Barrington Gifts! I love them!
Carly says
What do you do for motion sickness on flights? Flying nonstop to Hawaii this summer and I am SO nervous!
Mix and Match Mama says
Eat. Eating crackers always helps me. Nothing makes me more air sick than an empty stomach!! Typically, I don’t get sick, but on occasion…I do. Sigh.
Kari says
Neck pillow, cozy socks and a thin shaw/blanket were always my go-to’s. And def the face wipes! Great list!!! Hope you guys had a great trip!
Tracey says
Hi!
Where are your personalized toiletry bags from?
So cute!!
Thank you
Mix and Match Mama says
Barrington!!
Jen says
Where can i find the neck pillow and ear plugs?
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re linked in the post!
Kelly says
London!!! You are on my dream trip! Have the best time:).
Allison says
No food?! I always bring snacks from home in case I don’t like the options on the plane ☺️
Shelby Ratterman says
This may be a silly question, but I always thought liquids had to be in a ziplock when going through security. Have I been doing it wrong??? Haha!! Your pouches are way cuter than me ziplocks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Nah! I wouldn’t worry about that.
MelanieL says
Yay, I’m so excited about your trip, have the best time! I love this look into your carry-on/in-flight needs.
Leslie S says
Love your kindle cover! Can you drop a link?
Mix and Match Mama says
Let me look…it’s Amazon!
Elizabeth says
Do you fly coach, business or first class?
Mix and Match Mama says
It depends on the trip! We flew business coming over here!
Amber says
Beautiful travel bag! You are so brave to bring a bag with no zipper! My water bottles roll all over the plane if they aren’t locked up!
Taeryn Bémont Jurd says
I’m a long time reader and I live in London! It is absolutely freezing here at the moment (compared to what we are used to!) so I hope you guys are keeping warm! I’m sure you already know about it but don’t forget Selfridges for the best shopping. Mr Fog’s Gin Parlour is amazingly quaint even for a native Londoner and Din Tai Fung in Covent Garden for dumplings and a great atmosphere.
Joanne says
Have fun! I can not sleep on a plane… I am much too keyed up when travelling to relax. When I flew to Paris in high school we had an overnight flight as well and I did not sleep a wink. But I still somehow managed to stay up through dinner the first day and I think it actually helped me adjust to the time change really well. I most always read on planes too– or watch a movie.
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
Speaking of in-flight essentials, I’m super curious about your thoughts on flying first class vs coach and when it’s worth it? Sometimes quick flights seem like it’s not worth it to spring for first class (it looks like they barely get anything extra, aside from a little extra leg room). However, I have friends who swear by only flying 1st class on international flights or domestic that last over 3ish hours. What are your thoughts?? Are the amenities, snacks, etc. worth it in all situations, or only some? For example, am I missing out by not flying first class when traveling from the east coast to west coast?
Have the BEST weekend with your hubby!!! ❤❤
Mix and Match Mama says
A few years ago, Andrew decided to commit to only using our American Airlines credit card for every single purchase (instead of using any other sort of credit card) and paying it off monthly so that we could grow our status with AA (based in Dallas) and therefore fly First every time and fly for free most of the time. I think the most important thing is getting to your destination…but if you think you’d like to fly First more often and use a credit card that doesn’t offer you rewards you really love, I might consider switching to one that does!
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
That’s a great idea, thank you!! We use a CC that I pay off each week for the cash rewards. However, once we’re flying more again, I should look into that. ?
Amanda Rooney says
Yessss!!! London is our favorite international city!!! When we went in 2019, my husband was able to get tickets to tour Buckingham. It was incredible!! It’s the only place outside the US I would love to live in for a year or two!!
Karen Mitchell says
Who makes those cute plaid bags you have in your carry on? I’m guessing barrington but not sure Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Barrington Gifts!! I love them so much!!
Cathy says
Love your kindle case! Do you have a link? Thank you!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was a Christmas gift. I believe it’s from Etsy!
Jenna says
Haha I was wondering the same thing! That kindle case is so cute!
Carla says
Hello! Curious what you have found to be the best universal plug-in/charger to take with you on international trips?
Mix and Match Mama says
We bought ours years ago from Radio Shak!
Jill says
Question: Do you find you get motion sick on flights? I too suffer from motion sickness and while I am usually pretty good on planes (I like the front half of the plane for sure!) I have never sat down and read on a plane. I watch the movies but have always been nervous to read.
Thanks
Mix and Match Mama says
Sometimes, I get sick on a plane, but typically, I can avoid it. If I sit on the aisle, don’t get too hot, and my stomach isn’t empty, that helps. If I start to get sick, I try to eat (I always have crackers with me) and if that doesn’t help, I close my eyes. Let’s be real…sometimes, I get sick. Sigh. I just do what I can to hopefully avoid it though!
Victoria says
I live in London! What sort of things are you doing?
V&A is my favourite museum, followed by National Gallery and Tate Britain. The Wolesley or The Delaunay are both great for fancy brunch.
As you’re religious you might like evensong at Southwark or Westminster Cathedrals. Drinks in the American Bar or piano bar at the Savoy.
Always love a walk round Liberty,then Fortnam’s food hall.
Enjoy!
Erinn says
So nicely organized! Do you also carry your purse or pack that in your checked bags?
Mix and Match Mama says
I put my smaller cross body bags in my carry on!
Erinn says
I am also curious what goes into your rolling carry on? Thank you for all the inspiration!!