You can be a person who has experienced been to almost 60 countriesYou’d think my love of travel was genetic. As it turns out my dad’s experience of travel is completely different than mine. He is confident, reliable and curious. To my surprise, he has only been traveling for a few years. Just click here to learn more. taken his first-ever solo flight This year, it was a 4-hour trip from Birmingham, England to Athens in Greece to meet me on a cruise that we took together.
Though I would be meeting him for the second leg of this exciting trip, I couldn’t help but think of my own solo flight experiences and the things I’d wish I’d known before takeoff — many of which I’m sure my dad was also pondering. He was most concerned about safety and comfort. I assured him that these concerns could be resolved with the help of the proper gear and accessoriesAs well as forward planning to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
The fact that he had never flown alone before is mind-boggling, but I’m happy to have shared the key takeaways of my short- and longer-haul flights. travel essentials This would help him feel more relaxed, rested and ready for his well-deserved holiday.
iWalk Portable Charger Compact
Amazon
It’s easy to get tired when you are juggling documents, luggage, and navigating airports. A dying laptop or phone is the cherry on top, especially if it contains your boarding card and flight information. Let me tell you about my experience. My phone died after an eight-hour flight delay in South America. Despite setting an alarm, my phone did not wake me up when I needed to locate the new gate.
I recommended my dad bring this convenient two-pack of portable chargers So he would always have one with him in his carry-on for backup. These portable chargers, which are compatible with a variety of devices, are small and lightweight. They also let you know that your device is fully charged.
Psier Wireless Headphones
Amazon
It was easy to convince my dad to try out different travel gadgets. He always spends a few extra minutes perusing the options at tech stores when we are out and about. I knew that his in-flight music plan would be outdated, so I suggested to him that he bring a pair wireless headphones. The open-ear design allows you to hear the surroundings and not miss any important announcements by the flight crew.
Eberlestock Bando Belt Bag
Amazon
The best way for me to protect my belongings when I travel alone is to store them in a handy bag. My dad could also use a bag of this type. This Eberlestock travel bag is packed with pockets and compartments to securely tote passports, smartphones, wallets and cash. It’s small enough to fit in your seatback pocket, or to wear when you are sitting at your seat.
Because it is lightweight and close to the body, I do not have to worry about picking up my dad on European busy streets because he has a large bag. He can instead keep valuables neatly tucked away right on his hip or strapped to his chest, where no sticky hands can reach.
Wohlbege Duffel Bag
Amazon
The weekender bag is a simple design with lots of compartments and pockets for the Mary Poppins needs of an older man who always seems to have more random items, such as tissues, medications, and other gizmos, in his hand luggage. My dad needs to have his comforts; they are printed out extra copies of his boarding pass and trip itineraries — plus snacks and emergency medication, which I recently reminded him to pack in his carry-on bag and You can never have enough of your own? In his checked luggage
The side pockets are perfect for storing travel documents or other essential items, without having to dig through a heavy bag. This spacious main compartment allows you to avoid checking your luggage. You can use it as a bag for personal items and store it under the seat next to you.
Wrangler Smart Carry On With Cup Holder
Amazon
The generation before mine was all about the soft-shell rollaboards. Now he is slowly moving on to more durable, hard-sided options. I told him to upgrade to this Wrangler carry-on that has a convenient cupholder for his water bottle and airport coffee. I encouraged him to choose a vibrant color to make it easier to spot if he needed to gate-check it.
Apple AirTag 4-pack
Amazon
As I prepared my dad for his solo flight, i wanted to ensure that he would have an extra watch on his belongings in the event of airport mishaps. Apple AirTags are the answer. These useful gadgets track items in real-time, so that you can always be aware of where your bag, passport or other important belongings is. I was able to track my father as he passed through major checkpoints.
FunLake Inflatable Foot Hammock & Footrest
Amazon
On long flights in economy, I’m especially annoyed if I am stuck with people who seem to sleep like an angel and haven’t used the bathroom for more than 14 hours. I can do a sly hop, skip and jump to get over strangers who are sleeping, but my father isn’t as agile. Raising your feet while lowering the back of the seat is like pretending to be in a bed full of pillows. This was an amazing find, and it will also be great for my dad who says he has never slept during a flight.
HealTek Eye Massager Eye Mask
Amazon
This little catch is catching my dad’s attention because of its Bluetooth functionality (it can connect to your phone, play your music and you can also opt for the white noise machine built-in). I told him to get these so that he would not be disturbed by overhead lights on his flight. The massage feature is ideal for travelers with headaches. And you can use a separate cooling eye-mask to reduce puffiness under the eyes.
Asics Mens Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes
Amazon
Although the golden age of wearing a jacket and shoes to fly is still alive, my dad never wore a suit. He prioritizes comfort over style, and that’s the best way to prepare for a long flight. Asics Gel Venture 9 Running Shoes provide support for your feet when you are walking more than you normally would. Plus, they are easy to put on and take off when going through TSA security or when reaching your seat. These shoes can be used for a variety of activities during your trip. They are a great choice to add to your packing list.
It seemed cute to me that my dad would wear the same shoes as I do. It was only when I wore these shoes and a tracksuit that I received an upgrade on a flight. I then blessed my dad and sent him away with a brand new pair of Gel-Venture 9s.
Brill UVC Toothbrush Cover
Amazon
Everybody is susceptible to an upset stomach during flights. My father is no exception. This little item was my way of ensuring he would be prepared in the event he got sick or wanted to be extra cautious. The sanitizing container protects toothbrushes from germs found in toiletry bags or airplane sinks. I’m sure he will enjoy the UV-light nerdery while reviving himself mid-flight.
Jack & Rose Travel Clothes Steamer
Amazon
My dad is the most meticulous ironer I have ever known. A travel steamer would be a must-have for him. He will even iron a scrappy t-shirt before a night or day out. This portable steamer will save you from wrinkles after a flight. It is also great for international travelers, as it adapts automatically to the voltage of the destination.
Anyone who is going to be doing their laundry on a trip should also consider it. Because of the sweat, dirt and mud, I used the same-day service at my lodge when I was on a Botswana wildlife safari. Once the clothes were clean, I made sure to press them so that they looked crisp.
Biotherm Force Supreme Blue Serum
Amazon
Traveling becomes more enjoyable when you add good skincare to your toiletry kit. Although he isn’t concerned with his appearance from a vanity standpoint and is irritated by losing his hair, I think my dad believes that a cheap bar of soap and 1 glass of water daily are sufficient for skincare. He is always complaining about the bags under eyes. So I recommended that he travel with Biotherm’s sea mineral serum. After using the retinol and peptide-enriched formula, I’ve told my friend that he won’t look 67 but 47 when he steps off the plane.
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