Hi friends! I’m in London! I arrived around 10AM… it’s currently a little after 1:30PM here and all I want to do is take a shower. But first: this post.
This year alone, I’ve taken three international trips… and each of which has required an overnight international flight. First, my trip to Barcelona and Madrid in March. Then, in May, my trip to Seoul and Shanghai. And now, London, Edinburgh, and Paris for the holidays.
And, honestly, I now feel pretty confident about my packing abilities. Especially when it comes to what to bring on an overnight international flight.
What I’m Wearing:
Sweater: Ann Taylor / Pants: Ann Taylor / Shoes: Aerosoles, c/o / Sunglasses: LOFT
Weekender: Sole Society (I also like this one) / Earrings: BaubleBar
Rings: BaubleBar, similar / Nail Polish: Essie, c/o
I’ve written posts before about what to bring for international trips. To this day, I swear by this converter (it was actually the first thing I unpacked upon my arrival in London!). And I always recommend bringing a great camera with you (I brought this one this time… with this lens). But all of that can go in your overhead compartment on the flight, in your carry on.
A carry on which should have at least 2-3 days of clothes in it… just in case your checked bag gets lost! It should also contain all of your must-haves (jewelry, any toiletries or medications you need on a daily basis) as well as anything else you might need in a 2-3 day time span.
I actually typically only use a carry on bag (with this trip being an exception because I’m here for so long), but I still managed to pack about a week’s worth of clothes in my lil go bag.
What to Bring on an Overnight International Flight:
When it comes to what to bring on an overnight international flight, on the plane itself, you only need a few things: a well-packed travel kit, some comfy clothes, and – and y’all will make fun of me but I swear it is life-changing – a cashmere travel set.
I know. I sound absurd. But really: it’s amazing. I received one as a gift-with-purchase a few years ago, and then another as a gift from my mom a few years after that. I ended up losing both (whoops) and I’ve since bought one from Amazon (this one‘s pretty similar). Each and every trip I take starts out with my friends mocking me for my cashmere travel set. And then, the moment we board that plane and I put on the socks, cozy up in the blanket, and slip on the eye mask, that mockery turns to pure jealousy. It’s seriously so clutch.
In addition to the cashmere travel set, I always carry a little travel kit with me. This travel kit is basically my what to bring on an overnight international flight must-have. My kit contains [mini] necessities like face wash, moisturizer, eye cream, a comb, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. Lately, I’ve also started packing this eye balm, makeup removing wipes, and a hydrating face mask (I like this one – each mask comes with face wash and a serum!).
Sure, you might look like a crazed lunatic with a sheet mask on at 30,000 feet, but you’ll look refreshed AF upon arrival. And that’s really what matters, right?
In terms of travel clothes, I recommend wearing what you find comfortable (I wore these yesterday). I’m also a big fan of compression socks. My mom turned me onto compression socks a few years ago and they’re great for overnight international flights. They keep your feet from swelling up. And they help with blood flow (necessary when you’re sitting for 6+ hours!).
Oh and umm… before I forget: don’t forget your passport. That one’s kind of important. Safe travels, friends!