Your Carry-On Essentials for Healthy Holiday Travel

You’d think holiday travel would be somewhat enjoyable since it’s the last step before the celebrating begins. As we all know, it isn’t. You may have no control over an overpacked flight grid, but putting a little thought into your own self-care will minimize as much of the frazzle as you can. We’ve thought through a few unexpected carry-on items that will ensure you arrive healthy, refreshed, and ready to enjoy the season.

• Vitamin C Powder
• Hand Sanitizer
• Vicks® Sinex™ SEVERE Decongestant (with powerful Vicks Vapors)
• Empty Water Bottle (2 for a Long Haul)
• Ginger Chews

Pack some healthy snacks and drinks like slices of citrus and packets of Vitamin C powder to keep your immunity up, and ginger chews to combat nausea if you’re prone to it while traveling. Stay hydrated by packing empty water bottles that you can fill up after you get through security and drink on the plane.

If you’ve ever traveled while getting over a cold — who put the holidays in the middle of cold season? — you’ll know that changing cabin pressure can make sinus congestion and pain unbearable. Keeping a tiny bottle of Vicks® Sinex™ SEVERE Nasal Spray in your carry-on can save the day by delivering free breathing fast. It’s small enough to be TSA-approved but strong enough to keep even the worst sinus pain at bay. It starts working instantly with two or three sprays in each nostril — but not more often than every 10-12 hours — to help relieve painful sinus pressure and congestion during takeoff and landing.

Pro Tip: Pack your water bottle with lemon slices and mint leaves for a flavor infusion once you fill it up post-security.

• Eye Mask
• Scarf
• Ear Plugs
• Meditation App

Comfort is key, especially for long-haul flights. If you can only pack one extra item, make it a big scarf that can double as a blanket. It will be about 100 percent cozier than the free blankets you can get onboard (that is, if you can snag one). An eye mask and ear plugs are small additions that also make a big difference; keep a set in a zipper baggie that’s ready to go. Guided meditation apps or podcasts can also be a great way to help you relax or fall asleep on a long, full flight—and most are free to try.

Pro Tip: Your scarf won’t count as an extra item if you’re wearing it when you board, which can save valuable space in your carry-on.

• Downloads, Downloads, Downloads!
• Travel Charger

Entertainment is key for every traveler’s brain, but the in-flight selection rarely gets five stars. The night before your trip, set up your device to download a few books, TV shows, movies or podcasts overnight so you’re digitally stocked and ready to go by morning.

Pro Tip: Your phone will likely become your entertainment center and your command hub for e-tickets, status alerts, and rebookings. Pack a fully charged external battery, people.

Ready to start packing? See the full line of Vicks® Sinex™ SEVERE sinus products to find one that’s right for your carry-on.

^{This post is sponsored by Vicks® Sinex™ SEVERE and was created by the Apartment Therapy Creative Studio.
Thank you for supporting the brands that make Apartment Therapy possible.}