So you read my article on the “5 Things I Never Do On An Airplane.” It included some of tips and pointers to help be healthy on the plane and things to avoid. Now it’s time to tell you the 5 things I always do on an airplane. These are some of my go-to tricks to help travel be easier and more relaxed.
I find that having a game plan before I get on the plane is the best way to travel.
5 Things I Always Do On An Airplane
1. Pre-packed snacks
Yes, the best thing is pre-packed granola bars and snacks! I love bringing along some of my favorite munchies to have and I always have enough to replace a meal.
2. Pre-downloaded movies
I love having a rolodex of movies to choose from before getting on the plane, especially the long hauls. I download some of my favorite movies and stock up for the ride.
3. Keep my shoes on
Always, always keep my shoes on. Or I pack an extra pair of socks to wear exclusively on the plane and have a baggy for them afterwards.
4. Order ginger ale
I don’t ever drink soda, except on the plane, and only ginger ale. Maybe this is a childhood thing, but it’s one of my personal favorite things to do and brings me back to the good ol’ days.
5. Talk to the person next to me
I always have made it a point to ask the person next to me if they’re traveling to or from somewhere, what their name is, and how their day is going. Trust me, I don’t want to keep a conversation the whole flight, but you also never know who you’re sitting next to and what their story is. (My dad taught me this one).
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Bon travels Xx!
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
