Jumping on a plane for a trip, whether the flight is an hour or four hours, is always exciting. You’re getting a little time off work (hopefully), a short reprieve from your regular life, and a chance to experience things, people, and places you may never have encountered before. Packing for trips, including the actual experience of traveling on a plane, can be a little overwhelming even if the trip isn’t too far away. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered! These are all the skincare, beauty, and style basics you need to stuff into your bag and carry on for your next reasonably local trip.

For The Flights

Any trip will begin and end with a flight, car, train, or bus trip. These packing guidelines for travel will work for whichever method of transport you’re using, but are particularly important to note if you’re taking a flight. The dry, recycled air and confined nature of even the most comfortable luxury plane charter means that your body and skin need to be looked after in a specific way and you may not have access to all your belongings while in the air.

1.    Beauty and Skincare

• It’s important to focus on hydration and protection before you fly and while you’re in the air. Increase your water intake before you head to the airport, for a start. Second, wear and pack an occlusive moisturizer that hydrates and helps your skin retain that hydration while exposed to the dry air in an aircraft.
• Pack a face mist that adds extra hydration with just a spritz, but not anything so dense or oily that’ll make your makeup run during the flight.
• Make sure you have a hydrating lip balm because lips are incredibly prone to dryness.
• Have a hand cream in your bag because your hands need some love too.
• Don’t wear a full face of makeup if you can avoid it. Instead, opt for a hydrating, tinted sunblock, a swipe of mascara, and a tinted lip balm to go over the hydrating one. As your skin dries out on the flight, your makeup will too, which could lead to unpleasant lines and flaking.

2.    Style

Even on a short-haul flight, it’s best to be as comfortable as possible. That said, comfort doesn’t have to mean forsaking style! These airport looks and spares will fit easily into your carry-on and keep you comfy and chic at the airport and on the plane.

• Layers are your best friend. You’ll likely get a little cold on the plane, even if you have access to temperature control like you do on a private aircraft. Bring a cardigan or a sweater even if you’re traveling to or from a warm destination. This can be tied over your shoulders or packed in your carry-on while not in use. Pack or wear something versatile in this case, as you’ll have it for the rest of the trip.
• Wear items that are made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen, hemp, cashmere) because they help your body regulate temperature better than synthetics. These will also serve you well in either warm or cooler climates.
• Choose garments that are not restricting and add an element of style over these comfy but clean and fresh clothes. You might wear leggings and trainers with a tee or sweater and add a blazer for warmth and style. All of these items are re-wearable and very versatile.
• Carry a tote, not a purse. A tote is going to allow you access to everything you need in flight and possibly be a spot to pack anything that doesn’t fit in your carry-on bag or stowed bag. Keep a spare top or tank, undies, and socks in your tote just in case.

For The Trip

Beauty and Skincare

You’re going on a short-haul trip, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the trip itself will be a short one. Packing full-size versions of all your beauty and skincare is a no-go if you’re flying, so here is a pared-back packing list instead.

• Either search for travel-sized items (lots of sets are available online, particularly over the festive season) or invest in sturdy empty travel bottles and decant your necessary items for the trip, leaving the full-sized ones at home. Include a brush, hair accessories, a straightener (you may be able to pick up a travel-sized one), heat protection cream, and a styling agent.
• Only pack the essentials, not your full routine. For skincare: cleanser, moisturizer, a serum. For makeup: foundation or tinted moisturizer, SPF, a tinted lip balm, mascara, one set of eyeshadow, eyeliner if needed, and a liquid blush. Don’t forget any medications or medicated products!

Style

It’s always best to pack as lightly as you can, just to make your own life a little easier and reduce the chance of any luggage getting lost or leaving an item behind somewhere.

• Pack a versatile collection of clothing, where each item can coordinate with every (or most) other item you’ve packed.
• Shoes: include one pair of comfortable walking shoes, one pair of boots or sandals depending on the climate, and one pair of “going out” shoes.
• Tops: Include one tee or tank for every two days, one sweater for every three days (if the weather demands), two nice shirts or blouses for dinners or events, and a jacket or coat as the weather demands.
• Bottoms: two pairs of jeans, two pairs of shorts if needed, one midi or mini skirt, and one chic pair of pants for dinners out.
• Undies: one pair for every day (bras can be worn for a day extra if you like) and two spares.
• Dresses: if you’re going somewhere warm and are a dress person, so much the better. One dress is a full outfit, but don’t forget a pair of cycle shorts to wear underneath in case of wind or lots of walking to prevent chafing. These can cancel out your skirt options.

You’re All Set!

These tips will help you to look and feel your best while not being totally overwhelmed by the amount of things you need to pack and keep track of. You can focus on having an exciting, enriching trip without worrying about anything else! Safe travels to you, wherever you’re going.