Happy TRAVEL TUESDAY, friends!
I hope you’re in the traveling mood because today, I have an extra fun little travel post for us.
You guys know I’m not an expert at anything in life, but I am a pretty darn good traveler.
I started thinking back to last year and if I counted correctly, I *think* I took 52 flights in 2025.
I took some that were long (Dallas to Sydney, Australia!).
I took some that were short (Dallas to Lubbock, TX!).
I took some on double decker jets and some on prop planes.
I took some in first class and some on the very last row of the aircraft.
I took many flights by myself, many with Andrew and the kids, I took flights with coworkers and flights with friends, and on several flights, I had three dogs in tow too.
I took flights during the day, overnight, on week days and weekends and in the rain, in the snow, in the wind, and on sunny days too.
And when I stopped and thought about it, there were some items that no matter the flight, I always packed to take with me.
These aren’t super original or groundbreaking or anything like that, but I really love reading little details like this on other people’s blogs/Instagrams, so I thought I’d share mine too.
Hopefully, you enjoy random little tidbits like this as well 🙂 .
Here we go…
Starting with…
I read on board all 52 flights last year (and based on the 396 week streak I have on my Kindle, I’ve read on every flight I’ve taken over the last 7 years!).
As many of you know, I was super hesitant and reluctant to buy a Kindle. In fact, there are probably blog posts here where I said foolish things like “I will never read on a Kindle, I only read using real books”. Silly me. I had no idea how ridiculous I was being. YOU ladies convinced me to try the Kindle, and I bought a Paperwhite and never looked back.
Here’s why there is always a Kindle in my bag when I board a flight:
1: I can bring as many books along with me as I like. I just counted and my Kindle currently has 33 books downloaded. THIRTY-THREE! I bring a Kindle so that I can bring as many books as I want with me on the plane and yet only carry around a few ounces of weight. Paperwhites are super light weight and if I finish a book on board, I can immediately open another and start reading.
2: The light, the light, the light, THE LIGHT is my favorite feature on a Kindle. No matter what lighting I’m in, the Kindle automatically adjusts. I can be sitting in the bright, blaring sun or the pitchback dark and my Kindle automatically has the right light for my eyes to easily and clearly see the page.
3: Reading on board is my favorite way to spend a flight. I get cozy in my seat, the ambient noise from the plane kind of lulls me into the perfect space for digging into a good book. Sheaffer and I still laugh and laugh every time we get on a flight together because all I want to do is read and all she wants to do is not read 😉 .
Or headphones or whatever you (or me!) need to have to listen to music, TV or a movie while on board the flight. Sometimes, I pop my AirPods in just to turn on white noise to drown out noisy seatmates and/or to help me sleep.
AirPods have this magical way of making your flight more private. Am I crazy? Even if I’m squished between two strangers, if I have my AirPods in, I’m kind of in my own space.
Bonus, being on a flight is one of my favorite ways to catch up on movies or shows, so needless to say, headphones are a must!
Right this second, Apple is my friend because all of my devices use the same cord (my Kindle, AirPods, phone and MacBook). I know at any minute, they’ll come out with the newest edition that requires some other random cord, but right this minute, I just need the one.
I always, always, always have a cord in my carryon bag because if there are delays, cancelled flights, etc, you need to easily be able to charge that device. I just twist it up and pop it in before every flight.
I don’t have a iPad, but I do use an iPhone and MacBook and bring them both of every flight. I try and stay off my phone while on board to save the battery of it, but I almost always pull out my MacBook. It’s crazy how much work I can get done without the phone ringing/people texting me/family coming into my office. I can get twice as much done on a flight as I can at my desk. Plus, I can use my MacBook to watch those movies and shows or check my flight status, etc on board too.
It’s the largest item that goes into my bag, but I never flew without it in 2025.
I always pop a Baggie into my bag with any necessary supplements and/or medications. It’s never the same mix, but it often includes things like LMNT salts, creatine, Vitamin C, maybe some Advil or Tylenol, and if I’m going on a prop plane, I’ll bring Dramamine or even Zofran. I also always keep Benadryl in my bag too.
I don’t bring allllll of my supplements when I travel (I give myself a few days off from them), but a handful of items are always included just in case I need them…plus, I put Kleenex in that bag too. Being on the plane always makes me need a tissue.
It does not matter what time of year it is, I roll up a big giant scarf and tuck it into my bag. Scarves are a MUST for me because they do a multitude of things.
If I’m cold, I can wrap myself up in one.
If I spill coffee on me, I can use it to cover up my outfit a bit.
And I always love to snuggle with one as a blanket.
I typically roll up a big gauzy scarf because they roll up the smallest and yet expand to the largest size on board.
I’m telling you, once you add a scarf to your bag, you won’t go back.
Some lessons you learn the hard way and over the years, I’ve learned that it’s always important to have an emergency snack on a flight. I always put at least one (if not two) protein bars in my carry on bag. Every time. Flight delays, circling the airport, sitting on the runway…there are so many reasons you might be stuck on board longer than anticipated and no one likes to be hungry.
Just this last August, we were flying from Lubbock to Dallas (which is only about 45 minutes) and because of weather, we ended up circling the airport and then having to fly to another town to wait it out. This other airport was tiny with only a vending machine…for all 200ish people on board. I was so happy to have had that darn protein bar with me.
Pack a snack. You will NEVER regret it.
Sometimes these are separate items, sometimes, I can find one to do both things. I want my hands clean and not dry. Being in the air can get germy and dry, and I don’t like to sit in that for any length of time. A small bottle of each (or both) are musts for me in the air.
Of course, on longer flights, I bring way more, but these are the 8 MUST BRINGS for every single flight.
Of course, I want to know what your “must brings” are too!
Please, please comment and share!
I have a few other travel posts you might enjoy today too that are similar to this one including:
WHAT I KEEP IN MY CARRY ON BAG and WHAT MY KIDS PACK IN THEIRS
INSIDE MY CARRY ON BAG: BOCA RATON
HOW I STAY HEALTHY WHEN I TRAVEL
13 KEYS FOR MANAGING JET LAG
18 KEYS TO PREPPING FOR A TRIP
TRAVELING WITH DOGS
TRAVELING WITH KIDS
So, that’s our Travel Tuesday! Guess what though? It’s also my FEBRUARY BOOK REVIEW today too!
I’m reviewing FIVE books today. It’s a mix of fiction and nonfiction, so a little something for everyone.
Books + Travel
My favorite topics 🙂 .
I’ll see you tomorrow. xx
Natasha says
I fly about six times a year and my refillable water bottle and lip balm are non negotiables for me.
Jeanie H says
I have a question for you as a travel agent and hope you can answer. We have flown on most of the major carriers (United, American, Frontier, Southwest, Delta and Virgin Atlantic) and have never been able to travel with more than two dogs. Most airlines will only allow so many dogs even in the cabin and it’s not many. We travel with one small dog and almost always (obviously not Southwest) in first class. We have literally NEVER been allowed to get our dog out of the travel bag on the plane. Is that normal? I have noticed in your pictures that your dogs are often sitting beside their person on the plane. In our experience, they don’t allow that and I’m wondering if it is certain carriers that do allow it.
Mix and Match Mama says
We have flown with our dogs on American, and they allow three dogs on board a flight. We have almost always had flight attendants ask us to bring them out, show them, etc. Since I almost exclusively fly on American, maybe they’re just more laid back about dogs? I see pups out on their flights frequently.
Jeanie H says
Good to know! American would be our least traveled carrier although our daughter frequently flies it with her service dog and loves it but he is a big Australian Shepherd. Thanks for the info!
Elspeth Mizner says
I always he’s these items on hand, plus an empty water bottle to fill up! Hydration is key for me!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Janette says
I have been to 95 countries (it will be 100 by the end of this year), and I always tell people to bring three things: a book, a snack, and a flexible positive attitude.
Mix and Match Mama says
GREAT ADVICE!
Shannon says
Have you ever done a post on getting over the fear of flying? I know you’re not a psychologist 😂, but I would love to hear your perspective on why you are ok with flying over the Atlantic for hours. It terrifies me!
I’d love to hear why you’re at peace with flying and how you just hop on a plane all the time and go with no fear. I hate flying, but I do it. I’m always a bit envious how much you fly and not seem to think a thing about it. ☺️
Mix and Match Mama says
Clearly not someone who should be giving any sort of mental health advice, ha! Nope, not ever. That being said, I really think I love flying because I’ve made it an experience. You know how I love “savoring different routines” in life, well this is one I really savor. Not that I have any sage advice, but I’m going to jot this down as a blog post idea. Maybe I’ll have at least one nugget you can take with you on your next flight?
Kay says
I am so glad someone asked this question! I have a terrible fear of flying. It’s hard! I basically don’t fly, but my three teens LOVE LOVE LOVE travel and and I feel like I’m letting them down. In the past, when I had to fly more!, I did hypnotherapy and it TRULY WORKED. The issue is, if you then don’t fly for a while, the fear can come back? So you sort of have to keep up with hypnotherapy. I’ve also heard you can take classes with pilots! And that works for some people. I believe the basis of fear of flying is control, sigh. Anyway, love your tips and would also be so interested in any advice you have about enjoying/normalizing flying!
And in the past, my go to item to have on board was a face mist (i.e. rosewater)! Sounds strange, but it keeps your skin from drying and makes you feel a little more awake 🙂
Shannon says
Thank you! That would be awesome! 😘
Melissa S says
Look into Dial a Pilot. I travel often for business and for pleasure, but somewhere along the way I developed a fear of flying. I especially hate turbulence. Anyway, I found Dial a Pilot two years ago and it has made a world of difference. Watch the videos, listen to the podcasts, schedule a call (or more) with the pilots – it really helps. There is also a Dial a Pilot community that is amazing and will track flights and encourage you through your flights if you are having a hard time. I highly recommend this service!
Kay says
Thank you so much, Melissa! I am going to look into this and truly appreciate your advice. Love this little community!
sheaffer says
You were all “So what are you going to read?”. And I was like “I guess the flight manual.”.
Mix and Match Mama says
I am STILL laughing about that!
Beth H says
Wow, 52 is amazing! You may have shared this before, but do you always use the same carry-on bag? Would you please provide a link if you have one? Thank you!
❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t. I always just use a big tote bag…they vary.
Beth H says
Ok! Thanks for answering✈️
Leslie S says
I like the Cal Pak bags bc I can have a change of clothes separately in case my checked bag gets lost. They have knock off versions on Amazon as well that my kids use and love.
Bonnie Butler says
I like to bring cash, preferably in dollar bills, for tipping sweet airport personnel.
Melody Byrd says
Great tips!! Love the scarf tip….way easier than taking a throw blanket! 🙂 Can you link some scarves you have for plane travel? Also, do you have a link for that cute blue snap envelope pouch?
Mix and Match Mama says
I linked one in today’s post! It’s giant and cotton and easy to wash. The blue snap pouch came from inside my Goyard tote.
Paula Hobbs says
My mother and father in law gifted me a paperwhite kindle for Christmas and it was by far my most favorite gift!! What did we even do before them???
Mix and Match Mama says
We carried around way too many heavy books and read in the dark!
Laci Murray says
My kindle and airpods are a MUST for flying!
Jill Klein says
Do you happen to have a link ( amazon if possible) to a good scarf? Praying for your Nantucket home!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! This is the one I linked in the post: https://amzn.to/4tRZaaK
Lindi says
My tip is never to get on a prop plane!! 😂
Blake says
Most essential? My kids’ tablets and headphones 😂 They only get them when we travel and it makes it enjoyable for everyone.
I always bring water- usually my refillable bottle, but sometimes just a bottle from the airport.
Are you a window or isle girl?
Susan P Fitzpatrick says
I need one of those scarves! Great post! I was thinking another good topic for your blog would be what you don’t bring when you travel.
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh, I love that! Writing it down, Susan! Thank YOU!
Angie says
I couldn’t live without my Kindle Paperwhite either, it’s literally one of my favorite things I own! I ALWAYS always always travel with peppermint oil. It is so good if you ate anything that made you feel off or if anyone traveling with you is feeling nauseous for any reason. My daughter just went to Italy with a college group, and the turbulence was unlike anything they had experienced. They were passing that bottle of peppermint up and down 3 rows of kids so they could smell it, one told her that bottle saved her life, ha! Game changer for travel.
Dani R. says
I have 2 flown all over the world but have 2 littles (ages 5 and 2) so my list look slightly different: coloring books, a snack-usually a special treat that they don’t get often-WIPES, odd toys that they haven’t seen in a while, a blanket or stuffy. Then my husband and I always pack our AirPods and an extra dose of patience 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
Wipes! I flew with wipes for at least a decade. They are the #1 thing you need when you have kiddos.
Holly says
Empty Nalgene water bottle to fill up after security / before the flight, Bose noise cancelling headphones (makes the world of difference for me having over the ear headphones on the plane), and an empty gallon size Ziplock bag (started this with babies and still comes in handy more times than not, often just to collect trash).
My friend brings small dollar gift cards for the crew when boarding to someplace like Dunkin / Starbucks and swears by it for making the flight more enjoyable for everyone.
Beth G says
My new must take on an airplane is the AirFly adapter that you can plug into the plane monitor and bluetooth it to your AirPod’s or headphones. It is great because you can watch the airplane monitor for movies or TV and still have the noise canceling function of your AirPod’s or headphones. So much better than using the earbuds they provide without noise canceling.
You can also use it on gym equipment.
This is of course for those of us like Sheaffer who don’t read on airplanes:)
Carly says
Valium and my rosary beads…flying makes me so anxious but boy oh boy do I love to travel. I bring most of what you have plus my summmer fridays jetlag cream. My favorite travel scarf as of lately is Zestt organics travel scarft/blanket. I think you’ll love!
Elizabeth L says
Love this! You are a seasoned pro. I’ve never heard of bringing a scarf, but I really like that idea. I always bring a blanket because I am a freeze baby / i love having my own blanket at hotels and airbnbs, and also if im traveling with my kids and they need it for any reason its a good thing to have, but it can be annoying to lug around! My go tos are always – a snack, a kindle, headphones, socks, sanitizer, jewelry and makeup always go on my carry on as well, and also sunglasses (or regular glasses if wearing contacts at the time). I hate getting to a warm and sunny destination only to be blinded by the sun. I whip those sunglasses out immediately!
Carolyn Becker says
Readers-my eyes are old:(
Debbie K. says
Thank you for this post Shay!! I’m traveling to Ireland in June…my 1st time out of the country and only my 3rd flight ever. The other 2 flights were each only about 2 hours. I’ve been thinking about this next plane ride and here you are helping me know what to bring. I have everything you listed, so I’ll be ready come June!
Mix and Match Mama says
I hope you have the very best trip!! xx
Amy T says
The leg room on the 2nd to last photo is non existent! As a tall woman I would not have fit, I can’t imagine what it would be like for Andrew or Smith!
Mix and Match Mama says
That was on one of those little prop planes that take us to Nantucket. They’re tiny!
Martha says
Since not all planes have a charging source at each seat I always have my fully charged external power bank with me when I travel. The one I use has enough power for two full iphone recharges.
Kristen says
This is perfect timing! Just booked my daughter’s senior trip with her 4 friends to Hawaii with Clare today! So excited to have mix and match travel handle all the details to make this a trip they will always remember! I’ll definitely be showing them this post too!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay! Thank YOU for allowing us to work with your daughter and her friends. We are so happy to create this very special trip for them!
Karen in VA says
Having worked at Dulles International Airport for 10 years, I always carry a small bottle of antibacterial soap. It’s always in my purse. I never use regular bathroom soap!
Stacey says
Thank you Shay! Tip from a dear friend who is a flight attendant: I always have a travel size pack of wipes for wiping down headrest and tray table! I’m traveling with 30 students next month to Europe and always always use your blogs for sharing travel tips, this one is another winner, thank you!! Maybe a post from your teens about how to pack/travel?
Mix and Match Mama says
Jotting that down!
Jaren Dubois says
Yes to all of these!! I also recently brought some little flat slippers easy to store in my carry on for those overnight flights. I can get up easily and it have to worry about putting on my tennis shoes.
Shannon says
We bring masks! We wear them on the plane during peak cold/ flu season or if we are headed to a tournament or event and don’t want to risk someone getting sick on the way there! We just use disposable surgical masks
Maile Gershwin says
Try Nozin! I love it! It’s basically a moisturizing sanitizer for your nose – before all those pesky germs get in there. It’s very easy to use, little q-tip applicators or ampules that help kill germs before they get you. I swear it’s been a life saver for us, especially during COVID.
https://www.nozin.com/product/nozin-nasal-sanitizer-popswab-ampules-10-ct/
Hilary says
Hey! We are headed to Germany later this year to visit and then travel around with family. For a travel Tuesday post, could you do some helpful items that you pack for overseas. Like a dual voltage hairdryer, a favorite travel adapter, money belt, or things specific to traveling overseas that are helpful? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
yes!!!