After spending nights at airports, flying for 32 hours and traveling to different countries around the world I have learned that there are certain items that are crucial to handling the airport like a boss.

• Portable Chargers- Truly genius inventions. These little gizmos were made for workaholics who are always plugged into their phones and travelers who don’t always have access to an outlet. I can be both. Either way they are great because they can charge pretty much anything with a USB port. Just remember to charge your portable charger the night before you head out!
• Aviators- If aviators ain’t your style, then whichever frames fit your face. Just have a good pair of sunglasses preferably polarized if you plan on being out by the water or in the snow. Don’t get the most expensive pair you can find because odds are you might lose them or sit on them during your travels.
• Reusable water bottle – One of the biggest reasons why people get jet-lag is due to dehydration. Let’s be honest who can afford being $6 water bottles at every airport (not me). So the best way to quench the thirst in the most affordable way is to bring your own reusable water bottle. Make sure it is empty as you go through security lines. Then hit up the closest water fountain for some agua purificada. Also this way you are also reducing waste: #GoGreen!
• Socks- At those high altitudes, your little feet will probably get swollen and cold. Keep the circulation going by wearing mid-ankle socks. As gross as it might sound, I like to take off my shoes when flying so I always keep a pair of clean sock slippers in my backpack to slip on during the flight. Extra socks also come in handy when you have to take off your shoes when going through security…avoid the foot fungus lingering in the area.
• Scarf – I’m going to be completely honest; I’m a hardcore sleep drooler. It’s not cute. So when it’s time to sleep and I am in the middle seat, it can get awkward 0-100 real quick. To  prevent public humiliation, I make a hood out of my scarf so that it covers my mouth when I sleep. It also keeps me warm.
• Neck pillow/pillow pet – Whether you have to sleep the terminal or on the long flight, you will need some sort of pillow. If you are worried about not having enough space to carry one, invest in an inflatable HoodiePillow.
• Face wash- If you have to travel overnight you will start to feel gross and groggy. Washing your face at the terminal bathroom is guaranteed to be the perfect pick-me-up after a 12-hour flight.
• Deodorant- No one likes a smelly neighbor on the plane. You don’t have to tote around your Victoria’s Secret perfume with you, but there is no question about always carrying a deodorant in your carry-on
• Advil – Headaches are no joke. Don’t let a headache inhibit your ability to have fun during your travels. Always keep a travel size container of Advil in your carry-on.
• Layers- You will never be able to control the temperature of the airport or airplane so the best way you can combat erratic temperatures is by wearing comfy layers. For example, my usual travel attire consists of a scarf, over-sized shirt, leggings, cardigan, socks, sports bra and boots. (Boys will probably have their own variation…)
• A Good Attitude – Things might go wrong. Your flight might be delayed. You might forget something. Either way just remember that you are at the terminal gate where your next adventure begins!

Fellow travelers, what can you simply not travel without? Let me know in the comments below!