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Packing for a red-eye flight is all about balancing comfort, practicality, and entertainment. With the right items in your carry-on, you can turn a long night in the sky into a surprisingly restful experience. With that in mind our Italy tour host, Kathryn, put together her personal recommendations of must-haves for surviving, and even thriving, on a red-eye flight.

Coop travel pillows

If there’s one item you don’t want to forget, it’s the Coop Sleep Goods AirJustable™ Travel Neck Pillow and The Original Travel & Camp Adjustable Pillow. Both of which are compact, adjustable, and insanely comfortable. Not only are they Kathryn’s favorite, but they are a team favorite as well.

Carly, our Inside Japan tour host, takes The Travel & Camp Adjustable Pillow with her on all trips and even uses it at home! “This is THE ONE thing that always comes with me and actually gets used. Whether I’m traveling light or checking a bag, it packs down small and provides just the right amount of support.”

Annie, Founder and CEO, recently traveled with the Travel Neck Pillow for her trip to Tuscany. Annie said, “It’s a game changer. I can adjust the cushion to my preference, and it even comes with a washable sleeve for hygiene. Big fan!”

Sleep mask

A good sleep mask is a game-changer for blocking out cabin lights and ensuring you can drift off. Kathryn loves this sleep mask because it leaves space around your eyes for comfort but keeps out all light. It’s also adjustable for the perfect fit.

Journal and pen

Because you never know when inspiration might strike! A journal is good for jotting down ideas, travel plans, and things to remember once you land. This pocket-sized journal is a great option.

Bluetooth Headphones

Tune out all the airplane noise with your favorite music or a calming podcast. Bluetooth headphones are perfect for wire-free comfort during long flights, and you can catch a few of our team members sporting their Bose headphones when they travel.

Old-School Headphones

Pack a pair of wired headphones to plug into the seat-back entertainment system for watching movies or TV shows with your in-flight meal. They’re also a handy backup if your Bluetooth headphones run out of battery.

USB Charger

Keep your devices powered up with a USB charger. You don’t want to get to your destination and discover that your phone is dead. Most airplanes now have a seat-back port that allows you to charge your phone during the flight. Make sure your charger is easy to reach because you don’t want to be digging around in your suitcase for it during an inopportune time.

Hand Sanitizer

This one’s a no-brainer. Flights can be germy, so keep a small hand sanitizer within reach. We recommend going for a travel-sized version for easy carrying. I love this spray hand sanitizer because it’s light and you don’t have to worry about it spilling.

Yoga Ball

If you tend to get antsy on long flights, pack a small yoga ball. Kathryn swears by this as a way to work out knots and keep circulation flowing. “It’s like a mini massage when I’m feeling stiff from sitting too long,” she says.

Packing smart for a red-eye flight can make all the difference between arriving exhausted and landing refreshed. With essentials like the Coop travel pillow, a sleep mask, and a few entertainment options, you can create a cozy, restful in-flight experience.

Travel with us around the world on one of our multi-day small group food tours. Check out our itineraries to Italy, Japan, Peru, and more! Join us as we visit tea farms in Japan, sip on limoncello in Italy, and savor ceviche in Peru.

If you’re traveling abroad and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our Custom Travel with booking service.

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