So, you're heading on—or thinking of traveling—but the idea of a long flight is making you nervous?

Don’t worry, I’ve been on plenty of long flights and have created the perfect survival guide to keep you feeling your best throughout the journey.

Hi, I’m Lisa, the founder of Womads, a woman-owned company specializing in leather shoes and accessories. 2025 is a big year for me—I recently quit my full-time job to focus on Womads full-time. Womads has always been about adventure, so I thought, what better way to start this new chapter than by spontaneously traveling? I’m not sure exactly where I’m headed, but I do know I’ll be starting in Belgium (If you want to follow along, I'll be updating my socials!)

Tips and Tricks for Long Travel Days and Airplane Flights 

Easy-to-Grab Essentials

One of my biggest tips is to bring along your on-the-go essentials, it can help so much with long airplane flights and travel days. What is considered an on-the-go essential can be different for everyone, but for me, I always need:

• Hand lotion and lip balm
• Eye drops (my eyes are sensitive, and the flights are SO dry)
• Zinc spray (I tend to get sick on flights, so this helps boost my immunity)
• Advil
• Tea bags

Other great ideas include hand sanitizer, chewing gum, and an essential oil roller! Bringing along items that help you feel refreshed and comfortable is key. To make it more convenient, I always bring a crossbody bag which is going to be my second tip! 

Womads Crossbody

I consider my Womads Crossbody bag to be like a little kangaroo pocket, keeping my essentials close. If you're someone who tends to leave your phone behind (trust me, I know a few people who do this), having a crossbody bag that stays with you is incredibly helpful.

It's easy to put your phone in and take it out. I also carry hand cream, sanitizer, lip balm—small things that make traveling more comfortable. Sometimes, I even toss in a snack to keep me from getting hangry especially during long lines and wait times. 

Backpack or Duffel Bag

A crossbody bag is perfect for small items, but a duffel bag or backpack is great for keeping bigger belongings close, so you don’t have to open your suitcase. A duffel bag or backpack is ideal because it hangs on your back or suitcase, leaving your hands free—so you don’t have to worry about it! It also fits under the seat in front of you to keep for easy access. 

A few things I keep in mine are my food, book, laptop, glasses case, and water bottle. I avoid putting anything in the seat pocket (if they even have one) because I can’t stand the possibility that those have never, and will never get cleaned. 

Plus, having a backpack means I don’t need to get up to grab something from the overhead compartments. This way, I can settle in comfortably with everything I need within arm’s reach.

Wear Womads Peep Toes or Oxfords

Easy-to-wear shoes are a total game-changer. Before you even get on the flight, there’s a lot of walking through security, customs, and to your gate. You’ll want shoes that are comfortable, or else your long travel days will feel a lot longer with blisters and foot paint—which is definitely not ideal. When I made Womads I made them with adventure in mind so if you’re looking for shoes designed for adventure take your pick of over 10 colors!

You’ll also want shoes that are easy to slip on and off (just watch how quickly I can toss my Womads off my feet!). This makes going through security a breeze. And don’t forget to pack a pair of socks to throw on during those moments so your bare feet aren’t touching the floor.

Lastly, remember that you’ll be wearing your shoes for the entire flight, so pick a pair that offers support. What I love about Womads—and one of my favorite features—is how lightweight and breathable they are, making them feel almost as comfortable as walking barefoot. But they still have a lightly padded insole, which adds just the right amount of support. Perfect for travel!

Compression Socks

Fun fact about me: I have poor circulation, and my legs get all jittery on flights. But I love to travel, so nothing’s going to stop me from hopping on a plane. That’s why I always bring compression socks with me. If your feet tend to get really cold, compression socks are my next travel tip for long flights. They are warm and cozy and feel amazing when you put them on. 

Staying comfy and cozy on a long flight will definitely help the time pass faster, plus it makes it way easier to sleep and relax during the flight.

Sleep-Proof Jewelry

I love jewelry—but not when I’m sleeping. I keep a small jewelry case in my carry-on so I can easily take off my jewelry and put it back on when I need to. I never check my jewelry—I can't stand the idea of not having it right when I land, or worse, losing it.

On the accessory front, I always have a large scarf with me to keep warm, especially if the flight is extra cold (which, let’s be honest, it usually is). For long flights, comfort is key, so I also like to keep a cozy sweater in my backpack or tie it around my waist. It’s perfect for when you get cold or just need that extra comfort.

Sleeping Mask

A sleeping mask will also be a total game changer for long airplane flights. It makes sleeping and relaxing on the plane so much easier. There are tons of masks to choose from but I always gravitate towards ones that block 100% of light and are contoured to protect your eyelashes. Even though my lashes aren’t very long, I’ve always found traditional eye masks irritating, so finding one with space for my lashes was perfect. It’s especially ideal if you have eyelash extensions or naturally long lashes. 

Noise-Canceling Headphones

One of my biggest tips is noise-canceling headphones. These made it into my travel essentials blog because they really are essential. Putting them on helps me block out noise and actually relax on a flight—whether that’s to sleep or listen to an audiobook or music. It also keeps me entertained when I can’t sleep and helps pass the time. If you find it hard to sleep on planes, headphones might be my number one tip for you! 

Pack Your Own Food

I can't stand the overpriced and unhealthy food at the airport. I always take extra time before heading out to pack my own snacks for the flight. I just love having my own food, and I make it fun! I even make myself wait until the plane takes off to dig in, so I have something to look forward to. (Am I weird?)

Just make sure to check with your airport to see if they allow outside food. If not, and you don’t want to spend a fortune on a mediocre and overpriced meal, try to eat something beforehand so you’re not starving! My airport, luckily, allows outside food, so I usually pack a sandwich, some fruit, chocolate or cookies, and sometimes even my own tea bags.

I’m a tea snob, so I really enjoy a good cup when I’m traveling. If I’m feeling extra prepared, I bring my own thermos and just ask Starbucks to fill it up with hot water! 

Entertainment

For long flights, it’s always a good idea to try to sleep, but it’s even better to be prepared in case you start struggling to fall asleep. Bringing something easy to travel with—like an e-reader, Nintendo Switch, book, or even an adult coloring book to help you pass the time. You can keep these in your backpack or duffel bag, so they’re easy to grab and put away when you’re done.

We’re Ready for Takeoff

Traveling is exciting and fun, and if you plan properly, the journey can be just as exciting as the destination!

For more travel tips or to follow along with my travels in the next few months, be sure to follow us on Instagram.