We all have our little tricks and tips for getting through the day—but what about when that day requires tackling a whole lot of logistics in a short amount of time? How to get from A to B. trainIt is inevitable that mishaps will occur, and you may need to make quick decisions. It’s true that you can never keep enough tools on hand to make travel easier for your brain and body. Here are some of the newest additions to our editors’ playbooks.
You can make the transition to home more comfortable.
I always focus on the going and leaving of travel—the books I need to order days before heading to the airport, the Criterion Collection films to download just before take-off, the friends wherever I’m headed to furiously text in the final moments before the pilot commands me to go on airplane mode. The first time I leave, I am a hurricane. When I return home, my apartment is a mess. This year, I decided to break the cycle: in addition to packing on the WEEKEND prior to a trip (you’ve heard me!)I also clean my apartment and drag my partner to the laundry, even if there are enough socks and underwear for the trip. We will have clean sheets and good food ready quicker than delivery. I can finally rest. —Megan Spurrell. Associate director of articles
Magnesium butter is a must-have.
This isn’t a new or innovative habit, but my family and I have started to travel together. magnesium butter Wherever I go, I take my sleeping aids with me. I’m a restless sleeper in the best of times—and a sleepless one when jet-lagged—but I prefer not to ingest sleeping aids. I fell for an Instagram ad a few months back, which I confess is a common occurrence. The ad promised a deeper and longer REM cycle, as well as more restful sleep. I’ve used it since then and it has made a difference in my sleep. I rub it on the soles and calves of my feet. So much so that I’ve started traveling with it—I transfer it into one of these toiletry travel capsules—and even if it doesn’t dispel jet lag completely, it does wonders for both reassurance and that comforting feeling of bringing a piece of home with you. To take that further, I’ve also started carrying sachets of lion’s mane mushroom “tea”—another relaxation ritual that centers me when I return to my hotel room. —Arati Menon, global digital director
Don’t just pack snacks, pack meals.
This has changed my life. I know it sounds difficult, but this is a game changer for me. Yes, I think plane food can be appealing. It’s good, but as a passenger, you have no control over the timing that food comes out, what’s being served, and what you can eat based on certain dietary restrictions—and not all flight routes have meal service, of course. You’ll be so glad you packed a meal in advance. If cooking or preparing a tuna sandwich, rice bowl, PB&J, or anything else is truly unfeasible, just pick something up earlier that day from your favorite local spot, like a bagel sandwich or a falafel bowl—it’ll be reliably good, way better than anything you can find in the airport, and will probably save you lots of money. It will also make you feel more energetic and less grumpy when you arrive at the airport. —Emily AdlerAssociate Social Media Manager
You’re getting married? Invest in a garment case.
It was my first (and only!) wedding dress flight in 2025. 2025 was the first (and last!) time I had to travel with my wedding dress. I learned a lot about how to fly with tons of tulle. In this case, it’s best to contact your airline immediately to see what you can do. When I flew Delta, I was told I could take it as extra hand luggage on board (they did not charge me for this – which was wonderful) and asked the flight attendants if they would stow it near the cockpit in one of their closets. If the closet was full, a spokesperson told me, I would have to hold it on my lap for the entire flight—so I could also buy an extra seat for it if I wanted to be truly prepared. The bag fit perfectly in the front closet. I would recommend it to every bride-to-be who travels. Olivet wedding dress garment bag. I bought the brand. ivory Bridal Bag—embroidered with my wedding date—and it kept my dress safe, smooth, and so easy to carry all the way to Italy. —Hannah Chubb, senior commerce editor
Negotiate the price of your Airbnb stay.
It’s not a trick that works every time but it is worth trying when it does! Before booking an Airbnb, I always message the host to ask if they can offer a better rate. The hosts are usually accommodating. The worst thing I’ve heard was, “Hey Mercedes.” Sorry, I’m not able to do this. You’re in luck!” I normally say “Hi, lovely home!” You’re asking for a price that’s outside my budget. Could you be more flexible? We are looking at [insert number] The price of the night is expected to be lower than that of the day. [insert budget].” —Mercedes Bleth, global associate director, social media
Create your own inflight amenity kits.
You will be flying on some trips. nicest first-class cabins Some days, you’re stuck in economy class. This year, instead of buying a new in-flight kit, I decided to pack my own with travel-size toiletries and socks from business class flights. (My favorite is American Airlines Raven + Lily leather pouch, with skincare by Joanna Vargas). Aesop can make the middle seat a little more dignified. I have also added a light-weight cashmere scarf I am a fan this one Quince), to my inflight uniform. It’s chic, very packable and also doubles as blanket. —Hannah Towey, associate editor
Stock up on your local apps.
Consult your concierge about the best apps to download for your trip. Google Maps won’t help you in South Korea but the Naver App is reliable and solid. Uber isn’t the only option for ride-sharing in Southeast Asia. Try Gojek instead. —Alexandra Sanidad, research director
Pack an IKEA bag for souvenir overflow.
While traveling, I love to visit as many thrift and antique stores as possible. I have ceramics, candles, books, framed artwork, records and a particularly adorable pink pendant lamp, all carefully collected from my many international trips. Even though I am pretty good at packing a bag, it has its limits. This is where a has been a great help. Frakta bag from IKEA On my packing list, I’ve included a zipper (the zipper is important!). It’s cheaper to ship internationally than pay for an additional checked bag. I always keep fragile items in my carry on, but if you need to, you can line your Frakta bag with clothes. —Erika Owen, contributor
