Travel Essentials for 2026
My Top Travel Essentials for Long-Haul Flights
As a hotel reviewer and travel writer, I spend a lot of time in the air, hopping between hotels, scouting out the best places to stay, and writing about them. And after years of perfecting my packing routine, I’ve nailed down the travel essentials that I won’t board a flight without. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, some practical, some indulgent, but they all make long-haul travel or any travel for that matter that little bit easier.
BRAND NEW! LUMENATE NOVA IS A GAME-CHANGER WHEN IT COMES TO BRAIN CHATTER, SLEEP AND CREATIVITY
Lumenate Nova
My latest find is Nova by Lumenate. The Lumenate Nova is a brilliant evolution in wellness tech, masterfully shifting the "stroboscopic" experience from a smartphone flashlight to a sleek, hands-free wearable mask. By using precisely timed LED flickering to induce neural entrainment, it gently guides your brain into a deeply meditative, semi-psychedelic state that feels like a shortcut to mental clarity. Its portable, lightweight design means you can dive into a session whether you're on a long flight or just decompressing in bed, and when paired with noise-cancelling headphones, the immersion becomes absolute, quieting "brain chatter" and unlocking a kaleidoscopic flow of creativity (unique to each person, so if you want a friend to try they have a ‘guest mode’ - clever!). Whether you’re using it to reset your nervous system for a better night’s sleep or to explore new perspectives on your mental health, the Nova feels less like a gadget and more like a "genius" portal to your own inner world.
Lumenate Nova - easy and quick to charge and it comes with a travel bag
Share the experience
Although I’ve not yet tried, you can also connect up to 5 Novas, all synced to a single phone via the "Group Session" feature in the app. The ultimate way to share the Lumenate experience with friends and family.
https://lumenate.co/lumenate-nova/
Kloris -
Sleep, Recovery and Calmer Days - was founded by three friends, Kim, Matt and Pedram, who were so frustrated by the lack of something effective and natural that they had to create it themselves!
Kloris Discovery Set
The KLORIS Discovery Set is another absolute gem for anyone who values a calm, regulated nervous system, especially during the high-stress environment of travel. The combination of the high-strength balm and CBD patches is a total masterstroke for long-haul flights (especially trans-Atlantic, which can be a little bumpy as I was reminded on my recent trip to New York); while the balm works beautifully when dabbed on temples and wrists to provide an immediate sensory "reset," the patches offer a steady, 24-hour release of CBD that keeps you grounded from takeoff to touchdown. For those who experience the physical and mental spikes of flight anxiety, this duo (especially when topped up with the tincture) makes turbulence-induced jolts feel significantly less alarming, shifting the body out of "fight or flight" mode and into a state of quiet composure.
Kloris Discovery Set
What makes this set particularly standout is its efficacy for the ADHD brain. Because CBD can help regulate hyperactivity and quiet the "inner noise" that often accompanies neurodivergence, the Discovery Set serves as a portable support kit for focus and emotional regulation. The patches are a specific favourite for travel because they are "set and forget" - perfect for avoiding the executive function fatigue of remembering doses while navigating terminals. It’s a sophisticated, science-backed that ensures your internal environment stays serene, no matter how chaotic the external world gets. An absolutely essential for long or short haul travel.
Here are my other travel essentials and recommendations for 2026 and beyond!
1. Jet Candy
Jet lag is the enemy of the frequent flyer, and I swear by Jet Candy—a homeopathic remedy that helps with time zone transitions. It’s small, natural, and effective, meaning I arrive feeling fresh rather than foggy.
2. Spacemasks
For those restless in-flight naps, Spacemasks are a game-changer. These self-heating eye masks ease tension, block out light, and transport you to another level of relaxation—ideal when you’re trying to grab a bit of sleep at 35,000 feet.
3. Aesop Ginger Flight Therapy
A tiny roll-on that works wonders when you’re feeling a little groggy mid-flight. The ginger, lavender, and geranium blend is refreshing, calming, and helps with nausea and travel fatigue.
4. A Silk Eye Mask & Cashmere Socks
Nothing says ‘in-flight comfort’ like silk and cashmere. A slip silk eye mask is non-irritating and blocks out the world, while cashmere socks keep your feet cosy and prevent that awful dry-air chill.
5. 100 Acres Pillow Mist
A spritz of this beautifully scented pillow mist (packed with lavender, rosemary, and peppermint) helps create a sense of calm—perfect if you struggle to sleep on planes. I also use it in hotel rooms to make them feel a little more like home.
6. A Refillable Water Bottle
Flights are incredibly dehydrating, so I always carry a lightweight, insulated water bottle. I fill it up before boarding to avoid those tiny plastic cups and make sure I’m drinking enough throughout the flight.
7. Byredo Hand Cream & Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
Cabin air wreaks havoc on your skin. Byredo’s Hand Cream is a treat for dry hands (and smells divine), while Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask is an in-flight hydration hero that keeps my skin from looking dull and tired when I land.
8. A Good Book & Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Essential for zoning out. A well-chosen book helps pass the hours, and noise-cancelling headphones mean I can actually enjoy my audiobook or playlist without the hum of the engines (or the chatter of fellow passengers).
9. A Cashmere Wrap
Doubles as a blanket, scarf, or extra layer when the plane’s temperature drops. A versatile, lightweight wrap is always in my carry-on.
These are my must-haves for surviving long-haul travel with a little comfort and style. What’s in your hand luggage? Let me know your go-to travel essentials!
10. Micheline Arcier
I never travel without Harmonie Aromatherapie Dream Drops from Micheline Arcier (£19). If you’re having trouble sleeping or relaxing put a few drops onto pulse points and chest, inhale deeply and drift off into a magical slumber.
Use LULULOVESMA for a 15% discount on the whole range.
