We asked a flight attendant to share her travel essentials — all under $25

Available in 32 colors and combinations, these socks can relieve swelling and discomfort during the flight by stimulating blood circulation. “There are so many senior flight attendants with varicose veins who wear compression socks,” Emily noted, adding, “I also love the Brand Medi Qtto of nighttime compression socks from Japan.”

Why pack cubes? “It’s good to stay organized when you’re constantly packing and unpacking, and you can keep dirty items separate from clean ones,” Emily explained. This quartet features compression zippers, which create a vacuum-sealing effect that will allow you to use every square inch of luggage space.

Emily’s motto? “Safety first, always!” You can install this lock on any inward opening door in seconds: just place the metal part on the door lock, close the door and attach the red part to the metal part. Now no one will be able to enter from outside and you will be able to enjoy your hotel or Airbnb with much more peace of mind.

“I obviously don’t use them when I’m working, but buy one you love for traveling,” Emily said. “You never know when you’ll need it It is off the plane (delays and cancellations happen all the time – you’ll be glad you had a pillow). “Made from comfortable and supportive memory foam, this best-seller can be compressed to half its size and packed into a small carry bag to save space.

If you are the type of person who likes to shop when traveling, it is advisable to carry a bag for all your products. “I always have one folded in the outside pocket of my suitcase,” Emily said. “Many places (domestic and international) charge baggage fees. Just keep your bag with you in case you go to the grocery store or farmers market.” These versatile bags come in a number of fun colors, and you’ll probably find lots of uses for them when you get back from your trip.

A direct reflection from Emily: “I don’t think this is a miracle product for preventing colds in the way it’s been advertised, but it really keeps the inside of the nasal cavity lubricated so I don’t feel like a dry corpse after long-haul flights.” NASA used to include this in their space medical kit, so if it’s good enough for astronauts, imagine how effective it can be for airplane passengers.

“Staying hydrated is difficult, but very important for your health,” emphasized Emily. “You get so, so dehydrated on planes. Give yourself some extra electrolytes! I love the sugar-free Gatorade packets you just added to the water. The little pop of flavor helps me drink more water, too.” This pack comes in one of the brand’s most popular – and tastiest – flavors: orange.

“You don’t need a travel blanket, but bring layers,” Emily advised. “A cozy sweater or hoodie, anything. Just don’t show up empty-handed in shorts and a t-shirt. Even if you’re going to Hawaii, you’re not in Hawaii yet. As my mom always said, if you fall on a snowy mountain, you’ll be glad you brought a sweater.” The terry lining makes this zip-up hoodie super comfortable, and its pockets give you a place to keep warm and raise your cold hands.

“Airplanes make a lot of noise – it’s important to protect/conserve your hearing,” said our high-flying expert. Awake! These super soft plugs help with noise reduction, but that’s not all. Because they are designed to protect against sudden increases in cabin pressure, if you put them on before takeoff, they can help alleviate the painful pressure many people feel when flying.

By Emily: “It goes without saying – you never know what type of plug/voltage you’ll be dealing with.” This highly rated accessory has four types of plugs that work in more than 150 countries, as well as several USB ports and an AC outlet. You can charge up to six devices at a time!

“Every time I didn’t have [a swimsuit] with me, I’ve always regretted it – namely, I was stuck somewhere with a nice pool and no swimwear,” said Emily. There’s a reason this stylish suit is so popular – it’s simple, soft and durable, and features a a little flattering ruching and compression for extra support.

“I get it. Your airport fashion game is important, but you never know when you’ll have to run through the airport and you can’t predict how much your feet will swell from the altitude,” Emily said. “Have something cozy besides your cute shoes to wear.” Before the flight, you can easily enter and exit these comfortable moments of security; After landing, their lightweight soles will keep your feet happy on walking tours and more.

“A good snack on the road goes a long way and prevents you from raising prices at the airport,” said Emily. “And gum or Starburst (anything chewable) to help your ears pop. My personal favorites are GoMacro Bars and ginger for chewing.” Gin-Gins tick these boxes and help curb nausea and motion sickness.

Emily’s final choice? “Last but not least: basic first aid. Even if you don’t use it, you’ll be glad you have it!” With 100 pieces, this kit has everything you need (and more) to take care of cuts, unexpected scrapes and more. It includes bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes and a CPR mask, just to name a few items. Be sure to click the coupon on the page to get the full savings.