Today’s post is a bit different, but as I was readying myself to go on this latest trip, I realized how seamlessly I seem to get everything together. That wasn’t meant to be a humblebrag, but particularly for those long haul international flights, when packing my carry on bag, I’m almost on autopilot.  I’ve take the stress out of the ‘what to pack,’ at least for that vital first leg and I want to share my list in the hopes that it alleviates some of your stress as your prepare to embark on your next adventure.  These essentials for a long haul flight ensure that I get to my destination feeling as fresh, well-rested and well-fed as possible, ready to hit the ground running, map in hand, set to explore.

First, what do I wear? Lettuce and I always joke that we each have a plane uniform, and for so many years when we traveled together, we’d both show up at our destination wearing the same semblance of striped shirt, skinny jeans and sneakers! I can’t say that my ‘uniform’ has varied much since I started traveling way back then, but I’ve updated it for comfort and, dare I admit, age.

When I was growing up, flying was a big deal. We didn’t do it often, so when we did, we always wore our Sunday church clothes. That mindset never left me, so while I don’t necessarily thing you have to look your best, I can’t bring myself to wear sloppy sweats or pajamas on a flight, no matter how long that flight may be.  That being said, 10+ hours is a long time to be stuck in jeans, particularly when your legs and body are prone to swelling from sitting, dehydration and altitude. I’ve recently come across these joggers and I’m in love! They’re comfy, pretty tidy looking and accommodate the aforementioned ‘airplane bod.’  Plus, I can easily slide on my compression socks underneath once we get in the air.

That brings me to my next item: compression socks. For no particular reason, I’m paranoid about blood clots when flying. They are a concern for so many people, so I’m always sure to pop and aspirin on my way to the airport and slide these on once we’re airborne. When I went to Vietnam last year, I could feel my legs pressing against these socks in a way that was almost uncomfortable, but when I landed, it was a relief to see that they did not resemble tree trunks, the way that they did when I returned from Nepal years ago, before I had the good sense to wear compression socks. Don’t fret about fashion- they’re actually quite cute!

Long sleeves are also my go- breathable, the kind perfect for layering.  Such is usually a happy medium that can withstand a slightly warm cabin, but also keep your warm if need be. Any jacket too bulky for suitcases usually makes its way into my carry on as well.

Sneakers or other comfy shoes are a must- easy to slide off and ideal for trekking from terminal to terminal.  I always admire those ladies that are flying in heels- I can’t even wear them on a good day!

Topping off my uniform is a big pashmina that can double as a wrap or a blanket. No matter the season, having a scarf in tow has saved me more than once.

Now, let’s dig into my bag!

This bag [1] happens to be a diaper bag! I know it’s odd, but more than one of my childless friends has come around to appreciate the utility of a diaper bag- it’s roomy, has lots of pockets and can withstand any spills or accidents. This one is huge inside like Mary Poppins’ bag, and can carry my laptop if I happen to have that along, which I more often than not, do.  My friend, also a wise woman when it comes to travel, has this one, which I think is also super cute.

neck pillow [2]:  Ditch the inflatable ones- they suck- and spring for one with the beanies in them.

eye mask [3]: I sprung for one a little more comfy than the plastic ones that they provide on the plane, but those work just as well, too. Anything to keep the light out!

Kindle/book [4]: To be honest, I’m more concerned with what movies are playing when I fly to read, but it’s nice to have an option to keep myself busy in the terminals.

glasses/contacts [5]

Headphones/iPod [6]: Yes, I still use my iPod. Sadly, it’s recently gone missing, but I like it over just using my phone to keep my battery from being drained on long flights.

chargers [7]: I always keep these with me in case I’m without my luggage for a bit.

breakfast [8]:  Breakfast on airplanes is usually not good (go away, soggy pastry!), and I hate starting my day off feeling gross from the inside. I usually pack a few snack bars just in case that’s the case, and will even pack a little baggie of cereal that is great for mixing with yogurt, if available, or just getting it with milk.

medicine [9]: Best to keep this stuff in your carry on should your luggage go wayward. Also, pack that aspirin- remember, blood clots!

face wipes/mask [10]: A quick way to make you feel 100x better- without having to even leave your seat!  If you are so inclined and not embarrassed to pull out one of those single use hydrating face masks- I encourage you to do it!

toothbrush: Morning breath doesn’t disappear when you’re on an airplane!

chocolate [11]:  I usually order myself the special meal because I find that they usually need to take a bit of extra care to prepare it. In my 7+ years of doing it, I’ve noticed that my special meal was only lackluster when compared to the main cabin’s meal only once-but since I get the diabetic one, it usually comes with no dessert. Chocolate, the good stuff, keeps good for when I’m getting cranky 6 hours in.  My faves are Vosges and Baci.  Local chocolate procured on vacation always fills my bag on the way back!

reusable water bottle [12]:  because, hydration!

pashmina [13]

purse (not pictured): yes, I keep my purse in my carry on. This way, if I arrive at the hotel early and need to just bell check my bag while I’m going to explore, I don’t need to take my whole bag. It’s easy to just grab and go!

That’s it! I hope this was helpful and wishing you safe travels, wherever they may take you!

A bit overdue, it’s time to tell you about my last little jaunt to Providence. It’s hard to believe in just a few short weeks we’ve traded our rakes for snow boots, but here we are, looking at Providence in all it’s fall glory.

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So many pictures can’t describe the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, but hopefully they make an impression.

After getting a glimpse of the eastern side of the country last summer, Mom couldn’t wait to go back and see more, and I was more than happy to oblige. Truth be told, we could have spent our whole twelve days there:  we left many a castle unseen, many a town unvisited, many a moor unexplored.  Another trip for another time, I suppose.

Three days is all we had, but we covered a lot of ground. Leaving Edinburgh bright and early, avoiding massive traffic and easing into my driving wheels, we set off.  

I planned this road trip to have us drive a few hours at a time, stopping for tea, views or walks, whatever the route offered us.  

Our end goal was the Isle of Skye and per the suggestions of this most fabulous and thorough blog, we took the northern route there and the southern route back. Since our final destination was Glasgow on the west, it worked.

It took us almost the full day to get from Edinburgh to our destination, Kyle of Lochalsh, our home base for our time exploring Skye.  You could do it straight through in a few hours, but we stopped for some tea, scones, castles and a little bit of tomfoolery.

Urquhart Castle, perfectly situated on Loch Ness (yup, that one) and the most glorious weather helped get fully into the spirit of the Highlands.

Of course just miles down the road was another one, more spectacularly situated. Unfortunately the weather took a turn and we hit it just at closing. However, if you make it there, Eileen Donan is surely worth a stop!

Beyond the castles, which seem to be everywhere, the area is dotted with the most charming one-street towns, each boasting a pub and more than a few B&Bs to call home.  

We tucked in for dinner at the Plockton Inn and set ourselves up for a good night’s sleep, ready for Skye the next day.

To be continued…