How to Travel in Style and Comfort: 3 Things to Know

How to Travel in Style and Comfort: 3 Things to Know

Have you ever met a friend or family member at the airport, expecting them immediately to launch into a description of their fantastic holiday? And all they can talk about is how uncomfortable their flight was? Worse – are you this traveler?

Traveling in comfort comes from three sources I think: money, planning, and mindset . This applies whether you are undertaking a long-haul or international flight, a bus tour or even a trip in your family car.

How do you rack up on these elements? Perhaps you have some special tricks of your own?

TRAVEL COMFORT GUARANTEE #1: MONEY

western Woman begging for money in vietnam doing yoga

But no matter how much you spend, if you plan poorly or have a bad attitude there’s no guarantee that your travels will be fun.

Some people can’t afford to or choose not to, spend exorbitant amounts on travel. How do they make sure that their trips and travels are comfortable?

How to have an Amazing Trip on Small Budgets

TRAVEL COMFORT GUARANTEE #2: PLANNING

Thinking ahead can make all the difference. Here are some tips to add comfort to your travels:

Choosing your flight

The distances between City A and City B may remain the same, but the time taken to get there can be very different. For example, you can travel from Dallas/Fort Worth to Sydney, Australia in less than 17 hours – this is the longest non-stop flight in the world now. Or it can take more than 50 hours, depending on stopovers along the way.

If you are going to have long stopovers, research the transit airports. In some, you can get a day pass into the nearest city for shopping and sightseeing. Or there are facilities for you to have a shower while you wait.

Ultimate Guide to Layover Flights

Pack a good book or download an e-book so that you are not bored while you wait. If you like window shopping, browsing the duty-free sections can be fantastic. Or try some of the local cuisines in the airport restaurants.

Fretting and complaining won’t shorten the time, but it will make you miserable – and certainly irritate your fellow travelers.

Choosing your seat

Boy pointing to space without window in a flight

Know that 60% of travelers ask for window seats, so you might have to book this online in advance and you may have to pay extra for it. If you want to stretch your legs or want to get up often, then the aisle seat is for you.

Booking Cheap Flights Secrets

There might be better legroom (“pitch” is the fancy airline term for this) next to emergency exits and in the front, but you will have to forego having bags under your seat and there is often no seat pocket in front of you to stash some of your goods. For international flights, some of these rows also don’t have individual TVs.

Some airlines have certain rows with up the 5 inches more “pitch”. If you are very tall, it may be worth paying extra to get a seat in one of these rows.

Seats to Avoid

Try to avoid seats that are against the bulkhead as you will not be able to recline the seat. This is true for bus travel too. We so often fight like children to sit in the back row, and then find that we will have to be upright all the way.

Leg rest space for a tall man in a plane

Dressing for comfort

Gone are the days when travel was an excuse for showing off how fashionable you were! Today, you can look good but also be comfortable. Wearing layers lets you adjust easily to changes in weather at places of departure and destination and along the way.

Choose trousers for travel with elasticized tops and some stretch in the material . Big and loose is much more comfortable than tight! This is true for children too. Sometimes letting them travel in pajamas is the best bet.

Fabric choice is important. You might be surprised by the new fabrics that are all comfortable for traveling .

Packing correctly

Dog sitting on a peron in a plane

Wear as much of your carry-on luggage as you can. You can take off your lightweight jacket or waterproof travel boots once you’re in your seat. Or your warm scarf can become your travel blanket . I saw a jacket that rolled up into its own collar and became a neck pillow!

Please remember to check the airline rules about what you can carry on board with you. There are rules about medication , liquids , and other prohibited items on flights .

Planning for Jet Lag and Flight Sickness

Jet lag trouble every traveler but jetlag can be dealt with easily .

On the other hand, if you suffer from motion sickness, you can try 3 steps scientifically proven ways to prevent air-sickness .

Air Travel Comfort Items and Accessories

Here are some items to carry with you:

Travel pillow

This may be the number 1 must-have. Travel pillows come in all shapes, sizes, and colors . Their priority is keeping your head upright and your neck stable.

One of the main reasons for travel discomfort is sleeping at the wrong angle and waking up with a stiff and sore neck and head.

We tend to think of neck pillows only for flying, but they are just as important for road travel. Children will also be much less cranky if they sleep more comfortably, and there are lots of fun versions for kiddies.

Best Inflatable Travel Pillows for Flights

Avoid arguments about whether it’s too hot or too cold by supplying everyone with a light blanket. Select one that has good wicking properties so you won’t feel sweaty. Perhaps wear a Peshtemal that can be used as a blanket.

Best Travel Blanket

Good earphones or earplugs and an eye mask

Shut out the noise, light, and distraction around you. You can shut down completely. Or you can listen to your own music or the in-flight music and movies with no crackle. Masks can push against your eyelids. Choose one that sits away from your eyes slightly and has built-in eye cavities.

Our choice for Travel Earphones

Inflatable footrest

Inflatable footrest for planes

Having your feet raised slightly is good for circulation and prevents swelling in your feet and legs.

Laptop stand

This is a clever idea if you plan to do some work or catch up with your Facebook contacts on your trip. The tray table is just at the wrong level and angle to allow you to work comfortably – and this is much worse if the passenger in front of you reclines the seat! A laptop stand lifts the screen a few inches and can be packed easily into the laptop bag.

Best Selling Portable Laptop Stand

Face spritz

Skin can react badly to the air-conditioned conditions in planes, buses, and cars. A facial mist removes dust and provides much-needed moisturizer.

Travel Size Face Spray

If you want to step off the longest flight looking bright-eyed and cheerful, pack some eye lubricant drops. As an additional luxury, you can add a few eye pads – I’ve tried some infused with cucumber extract. The trick is to cover your eyes for the last fifteen minutes of the trip. So, pack up your goods a bit earlier, then sit back and relax as everyone around you starts scrambling.

Browse Eye Drops Online

TRAVEL COMFORT GUARANTEE #3: MINDSET

Dog and kid fighting over window seat

I sometimes wonder about this. If you want to have home comforts 24/7, the best place to get them is at home. If you want to experience the rest of the world, perhaps there are some compromises to make?

Maybe we’ve been too influenced by sayings such as, “ The journey matters as much as the destination .” While this may be true for life, for short journeys we may sometimes decide to put up with some things we don’t like.

Alternatively, we may decide that the journey is part of the whole experience, and decide to make it a pleasant one.

The reality is that you are likely to experience some discomfort along the way.

Travel Discomforts?

  • Your flight may be delayed because of the weather, or because someone’s bag is lost.
  • You may be sitting next to someone who smells, talks too much or encroaches on your space.
  • The cabin temperature may be too hot or too cold. The cabin crew may not respond to your requests within seconds. You may hate the food. So what? That’s life . It’s up to you to decide whether any of this will ruin your trip!

If you have planned for comfort as much as you can, and your expectation is that, on balance, things will be good rather bad, you may be surprised by how comfortable your travel experience turns out to be.

So, how you arrive at your destination is pretty much up to you. You can be full of complaints, or you can be the traveler who is enthusiastic and ready to talk about all the awesome things you have seen and done!

Happy travels. Please share your tips for comfortable travel.

Written By Kate Mark

comfort way travel

Kate is a mid-lifer who quit a growing corporate career to reawaken her passions and her lifelong dream of traveling the world.

Related Posts

Connect Your Devices Anywhere in the World With a Travel Dock

Connect Your Devices Anywhere in the World With a Travel Dock

These Are the Best Travel Wallet for Your Next Trip

These Are the Best Travel Wallet for Your Next Trip

Look Perfect With the Best Home & Travel Makeup Mirror

Look Perfect With the Best Home & Travel Makeup Mirror

All You Need to Know About Travel Pillows for Comfortable Trip

All You Need to Know About Travel Pillows for Comfortable Trip

Enjoy the Breeze Wherever You Are With Travel Personal Fan

Enjoy the Breeze Wherever You Are With Travel Personal Fan

The Best Inflatable Travel Pillows for Long Flights

The Best Inflatable Travel Pillows for Long Flights

Comfort Way Travels

comfort way travel

Call Us: +91-6239304082,9463885265 BOOK YOUR RIDE WITH US

comfort way travel

The Affordable Way To Keep You Connected To Life

Reducing distances, increasing convenience.

comfort way travel

Best Price Guaranteed

A more recently with desktop softy like aldus page maker.

comfort way travel

24/7 Customer Care

comfort way travel

Home Pickups

comfort way travel

Easy Bookings

blog-07

TOYOTA INNOVA

6 seater a/c.

blog-07

INNOVA CRYSTA

7 seater a/c.

blog-07

SWIFT DESIRE

blog-07

TATA WINGER

blog-07

TOYOTA ETIOS

4 seater a/c.

blog-07

MAHINDRA XYLO

blog-07

TEMPO TRAVELLER

12 seater a/c.

blog-07

17 Seater A/C

blog-07

TOUR PACKAGES

comfort way travel

CHANDIGARH TO MANALI

comfort way travel

CHANDIGARH TO JAMMU

comfort way travel

CHANDIGARH TO SHIMLA

Incredible destinations at incredible deals.

Search for will uncover many web sites variables onto of passages of lorem ipsum available but the majority the words all predefined humour to met chunks recently with desktop. predefined humour to met chunks recently with desktop.

Tour Packages

  • Chandigarh to Manali
  • Chandigarh to Manikaran
  • Chandigarh to Amritsar
  • Chandigarh to Leh Ladakh
  • Chandigarh to Sangla
  • Chandigarh to Kaza
  • Chandigarh to Kalpa
  • Chandigarh to Chamunda
  • Amritsar to Dharamshala
  • Amritsar to Dalhousie
  • Amritsar to Mcleodganj
  • 10A, PrimeCab, San Andreno, United States.
  • [email protected]
  • +91-62393-04082,9463885265
  • Sec 70, Mohali, Punjab

© Copyrights 2018 Comfort Way Travels . All Rights Reserved.

Website Site By Peer infotech

logo of Timeless Travel Steps

Comfort Travel: The Bliss of Travelling

In the bustling chaos of our lives, we often yearn for moments of respite, for an escape that nurtures our souls and rekindles our joy. Over the years, I have developed a profound love for comfort travel along with a little luxury and it has enriched my journeys , adding the bliss to travelling.

After the rigours of everyday life, the allure of escaping into a world of comfort, where every need is catered to, holds an irresistible appeal. Comfort travel has become an intrinsic part of my life, in its ability to transform a mere trip into a blissful escape, offering a range of conveniences, and experiences. 

Georgina comfort travel Timeless Travel Steps

What is “Comfort Travel” and the “Bliss of Travelling” Mean?

“Comfort travel” means going on a trip in a way that feels really cosy and nice. It’s all about making sure you feel comfortable and relaxed while you’re travelling. You might stay in comfortable hotels, travel in a comfy way, and have things like good food and nice seats to enjoy during your journey. It’s like having a soothing and easy travel experience where you can feel happy and at ease the whole time.

The “bliss of travelling” means feeling super happy when you go to new places and try new things. It’s like a burst of joy that comes from exploring new destinations, taking a break from your usual routine, and making friends with different people and places. It’s all about discovering cool things, having exciting adventures, and learning from different cultures and places.

When you combine comfort travel and the bliss of travelling, you create a holistic experience that’s both relaxing and joyful whilst embracing all that the real world offers. Comfort travel focuses on making your journey comfortable and stress-free, ensuring you have a smooth and pleasant time while exploring new places. On the other hand, the bliss of travelling emphasises the happiness and excitement that come from discovering new things and experiencing new cultures . When these two concepts come together, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds: you can explore new destinations in a relaxed and cosy manner, which enhances your overall happiness and satisfaction. The comfort enhances the bliss by allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the joys of exploration without the usual worries or discomfort that might come with travel. This combination creates a well-rounded and fulfilling travel experience where you feel refreshed, inspired and truly content.

Comfort Travel | Timelss Travel Steps

Comfort Travel: A Travel Lifestyle

What if I told you that you may already be embracing comfort travel as a lifestyle, effortlessly weaving relaxation and bliss into your journeys? 

Pause for a moment and reflect on your recent travels. Have you found yourself seeking solace in luxurious accommodations that cocooned you in comfort? Have you reveled in the convenience and ease of seamless transportation, where every detail was meticulously planned to ensure your peace of mind? If so, you are already on the path of embracing comfort travel as a lifestyle and enjoying the bliss of travelling.

Travelling in comfort is not just a fleeting desire for extravagant experiences; it is a mindset, a deliberate choice to prioritise your own well-being and satisfaction during your journeys. It is about recognising that the joy of travel lies not only in the destinations we explore but also in the way we nurture ourselves throughout the process.

By embracing comfort travel as a lifestyle, you unconsciously cultivate an environment of tranquility, where each trip becomes an opportunity for self-care and rejuvenation. It’s the extra hours spent researching the coziest boutique hotels, the indulgence in local cuisines that tantalize your taste buds, and the moments of serenity you create amidst the chaos of exploration.

However, the comfort travel lifestyle extends beyond the physical aspects; it permeates your choices, habits, and intentions. It’s about mindfully selecting experiences that align with your desire for relaxation and joy. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through a picturesque park, a captivating spa retreat, or a cultural immersion that opens your heart to new perspectives, the comfort travel lifestyle allows you to savour the moments that truly matter.

Comfort Travel | Timeless Travel Steps

Comfort Travel Is A Unique Lifestyle

It is important to acknowledge that comfort travel is a unique lifestyle. By this, I mean that the comfort travel lifestyle is unique to each individual. What brings you contentment and tranquility may differ from someone else’s definition of comfort. It could be the joy of discovering secluded beaches, embarking on soul-enriching nature hikes, or delving into the cultural tapestry of vibrant cities. The beauty lies in understanding and embracing what brings you the utmost comfort and tailoring your journeys accordingly.

So, you may already be embracing comfort travel as a lifestyleñ€”a lifestyle that creates moments of bliss and fulfillment along the way.

Read along to find out what comfort travel in travelling means and what it encompasses.

Comfort Travel | Timeless Travel Steps

The Concept of “Comfort Travel” and Physical Comforts

Comfort travel can encompass various aspects of physical comforts, including transportation, accommodations, amenities, and services, all tailored to enhance the overall comfort and satisfaction of the traveller.

Transportation

Travelling in comfort involves selecting transportation options that prioritise passengers’ pleasant enjoyment. This can include choosing airlines with spacious seating and ample legroom, opting for business or first-class travel, or selecting trains or buses with comfortable seating arrangements. The goal is to provide a pleasant and enjoyable journey from the beginning to the end.

Accommodations

Comfort travel extends to accommodations that offer a relaxing and comfortable environment for travellers. This can involve staying in hotels or resorts that provide plush bedding, spacious rooms, soundproofing, and amenities like fitness centers, swimming pools, or spas. Comfort-oriented accommodations aim to create a home-away-from-home experience, ensuring a restful stay.

Amenities and Services

This unique lifestyle of prioritising comfort while travelling encompasses a range of amenities and services that enhance the overall travel experience. This can include access to high-speed internet, in-room entertainment options, 24-hour room service, laundry facilities, and complimentary toiletries. These amenities and services aim to provide convenience, relaxation, and the necessary comforts during the traveller’s stay.

Quality Culinary Experiences

Comfort travel often includes access to quality dining options and culinary experiences. This can involve on-site restaurants with a variety of menu choices, including options for dietary restrictions or preferences. It may also involve opportunities for food and wine tastings, cooking classes, or local culinary tours that allow travellers to indulge in exceptional gastronomic experiences.

Fine Dining Comfort Travel | Timeless Travel Steps

A Personalised Service

A comfortable journey emphasises attentive and personalised customer service. Staff members are trained to cater to the needs and preferences of the traveller, providing assistance, information, and resolving any issues promptly. Excellent customer service adds to the overall comfort and satisfaction of the travel experience.

Accessibility Needs of Travellers

Comfort travel takes into account the accessibility needs of travellers. It includes features such as wheelchair accessibility, elevators, ramps, and accommodations that accommodate specific mobility requirements. Ensuring accessibility allows all travellers to experience a comfortable and inclusive journey.

An Elevated Experience Overall

Whether it’s flying in business or first class, staying in luxurious hotels or resorts, or embarking on cruises with well-appointed cabins, a blissful travel experience seeks to provide an elevated level of comfort and relaxation.

By focusing on these aspects, comfort travel aims to create a travel experience that is tailored to enhance the overall comfort, convenience, and satisfaction of the traveller. The combination of these elements contributes to a memorable and enjoyable journey.

Comfort Travel | Timeless Travel Steps

The Concept of “Comfort Travel” Goes Beyond Physical Comfort

When we talk about the concept of comfort travel, it indeed extends beyond physical comforts. While physical comfort plays a significant role, comfort travel also encompasses other elements that contribute to a pleasant and enjoyable travel experience. Here are some ways in which the concept of comfort travel goes beyond physical comforts:

Convenience and Efficiency

Comfort travel focuses on providing convenience and efficiency throughout the journey. It involves minimising travel-related stress and inconvenience. This can include streamlined booking processes, easy access to transportation, well-planned itineraries, and helpful customer service. The goal is to minimise any potential hassles and ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience.

Personalised Service

Most times, a comfortable journey emphasises personalised service to cater to the specific needs and preferences of travellers. This can include attentive staff, concierge services, and tailored recommendations or assistance. Personalised service adds an extra level of care and attention, enhancing the overall comfort and satisfaction of the traveller.

Comfort Travel and Emotional Well-Being

The concept of comfort travel recognises the importance of emotional well-being during travel. It may involve creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere, fostering a sense of relaxation and tranquility, and providing opportunities for stress relief. This can be achieved through amenities like spa services, wellness programs, or mindfulness activities that promote emotional well-being.

Cultural Immersion

Comfort travel can also include elements of cultural immersion , allowing travellers to engage with and learn about the local culture and traditions. This can involve guided tours, cultural experiences, interactions with locals, or visits to historical sites and landmarks. By offering opportunities for cultural exploration, your journey enhances the richness and depth of the travel experience.

Comfort Travel | Timeless Travel Steps

Safety and Security

Comfort travel encompasses a focus on safety and security to ensure travellers feel protected and at ease during their journeys. This can involve measures such as reliable transportation, secure accommodations, and access to emergency assistance. By prioritising safety, it allows travellers to relax and enjoy their experiences without unnecessary worries.

Comfort Travel is a Holistic Experience

By considering these aspects, comfort travel aims to provide a comprehensive and holistic experience that goes beyond physical comforts alone. It seeks to create a travel environment where travellers can feel supported, at ease, and emotionally fulfilled throughout their journeys.

comfort way travel

Package Holidays

Comfort travel and package holidays often intersect, providing travellers with convenient and enjoyable experiences. Package holidays, which typically include pre-arranged flights, accommodations, and sometimes additional services, can be a gateway to comfort travel. Here’s how comfort travel and package holidays complement each other:

Convenience and Ease

Package holidays are designed to offer convenience and ease for travellers. By bundling together transportation and accommodations, package holidays save you the hassle of arranging each component separately. This streamlines the planning process and allows you to focus on enjoying your trip.

The convenience factor aligns with the principles of comfort travel, where minimising stress and maximising relaxation are prioritised.

Tailored Comfort

Package holidays often provide options for travellers to customise their experience. You can choose accommodations that meet your comfort preferences, whether it’s a luxurious resort, a cozy boutique hotel, or an all-inclusive property. Additionally, package holidays may offer add-on services like airport transfers, spa treatments, or guided tours, enhancing the overall comfort and convenience of your trip.

comfort travel the bliss of travelling | Timeless Travel Steps

Value for Money

Package holidays often offer competitive pricing and value for money. By bundling services together, travel providers can negotiate better deals with airlines and hotels, passing on the savings to the customers. This allows travellers to enjoy a comfortable experience at a more affordable price compared to booking individual components separately.

Peace of Mind

Package holidays provide a sense of security and peace of mind. When booking through reputable travel companies, you can rely on their expertise and knowledge to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. In case of any issues or emergencies, you have a dedicated support system to assist you. This peace of mind aligns with the desire for a worry-free and comfortable travel experience.

Variety of Destinations

Package holidays offer a wide range of destinations to choose from, catering to different preferences and interests. Whether you seek a beach-side retreat, a cultural immersion, or an adventure-filled getaway, package holidays provide options that align with your comfort travel desires. You can select a destination that offers the amenities and experiences that contribute to your overall comfort and well-being.

Recommended read: The 10 Benefits of a Package Holiday You’ll Love

Just so you know


It’s important to note that not all package holidays are synonymous with comfort travel, as the level of comfort can vary based on the package and provider. If you would like to book a package holiday, it is best to research and select reputable travel companies that prioritise comfort and customer satisfaction. Try Sandals for couples only retreat and Easy Jet Holidays that cater for a range of clientele and offer a plethora of activities to do at destinations including beach getaways.

Recommended read: The EasyJet Holidays Promises

comfort way travel

Package Holidays and Comfort Travel

In summary, package holidays can be an avenue to embrace comfort travel. They offer convenience, tailored comfort, value for money, peace of mind, and a variety of destinationsñ€”all contributing to a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. By choosing the right package and focusing on your comfort preferences, you can embark on a lifestyle of comfort travel.

comfort travel the bliss of travelling | Timeless Travel Steps

Here are some related articles to Comfort Travel which You May Like to Read Also

  • Off-Seasonal Travel: Why You’ll Love It!
  • Slow Travel Guide: Mastering Meaningful Travel Experiences
  • Eco-friendly Comfort Travel: My Boomer Lifestyle Journey
  • Seamless Travel Tips for An Enriching Journey
  • How to Create a Travel Itinerary: 10 Secrets to a Balanced Travel Journey
  • Best City Guides by Timeless Travel Steps
  • One to Five Day Travel Itineraries for Asia and Europe

Comfort travel revolves around creating a travel experience that focuses on providing convenience, relaxation, and a high level of comfort for the traveller. It aims to remove the common stressors associated with travel, allowing individuals to fully immerse themselves in the joy of exploring new destinations and creating lasting memories.

As I reflect on my experiences, it becomes clear that comfort travel is not just a style of explorationñ€”it’s a mindset, a philosophy that celebrates the inherent value of self-care and personal fulfillment. By prioritising our own comfort and well-being during our travels, we create a solid foundation for transformative and memorable experiences.

Therefore, the comfort travel lifestyle is not a luxury reserved for a select fewñ€”it is a mindset accessible to all who seek moments of serenity and fulfillment.

Happy and Safe Travels Always, Wherever Travel Takes You xx

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

Italy: A Complete One-Stop Resource for Travellers

Scotland: The Ultimate Travel Guide to an Enchanting Land

The Best of England, UK

The Ultimate Guide to Japan, Asia

The Ultimate Guide to the Rhythms of S eville

Guide to the Best Things to do in Budapest, Hungary

Best City Guides

Guide to Itineraries

How to Create a Travel Itinerary that Works for You

Guide to English Heritage Sites in the UK

Stay Connected with Timeless Travel Steps for the latest in our Travel News

Type your email


*Privacy Policy

Pin to Pinterest

COMFORT TRAVEL pin Timeless Travel Steps

RECOMMENDED

' src=

Introducing Georgina, the insightful Content Creator behind Timeless Travel Steps. A champion of off-season journeys and cultural immersion for the mature traveller, Georgina has explored 4 continents and over 30 countries. Her blog offers practical tips and personal insights into responsible, comfort-oriented travel along with slow travel destinations. Accompanied by classical, country, and jazz tunes, Georgina's solo adventures and time with her adult children, A & M, enrich her unique travel narrative. Join her for inspiring, immersive global explorations.

Similar Posts

10 Benefits Why You Will Love a Package Holiday

10 Benefits Why You Will Love a Package Holiday

Get ready for Summer! A package holiday synonymous to an All-in-One holiday or an All-Inclusive holiday is one way of vacationing. The concept was pioneered by Gerard Blitz, a Belgian…

Tips for Seamless Travel Journeys

Tips for Seamless Travel Journeys

Travelling is a wonderful opportunity to broaden our horizons, connect with people from different walks of life, and create lifelong memories. However, to truly make the most of your travel experience, it’s crucial to be prepared and equipped with the right knowledge and strategies. Even if you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as a family, these travel tips will help you navigate the intricacies of exploring new destinations.

5 Reasons Why Planning is Important in Travel

5 Reasons Why Planning is Important in Travel

UPDATED: FEB ’23. 5 simple, sensible and practical reasons to WHY planning is important in travel for a stress free vacation and your well-being.

Travel Checklist: 25 Top Tips for a Stress-free Vacation

Travel Checklist: 25 Top Tips for a Stress-free Vacation

The Ultimate Travel Checklist for a Good Travel Journey Travel checklist is an absolute “must” for me! In my last blog post, 5 Reasons Why Travel Planning is Important, I…

EasyJet Holidays and Why I Love Them

EasyJet Holidays and Why I Love Them

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of booking multiple vacations with EasyJet Holidays. I must say, I’m incredibly pleased with the consistently high-quality service they provide. From the seamless online booking process to the fantastic holiday packages they offer, every aspect of my vacation planning and experience has been top-notch.

One particular memory that stands out is my trip to Spain. EasyJet Holidays’ exclusivity at Terminal 2 of Barcelona El Prat Airport truly impressed me. The dedicated check-in area, expedited security clearance, and the overall efficiency made the start of my return journey exceptionally smooth.

Join Our Members at Timeless Travel Steps

Join Our Members at Timeless Travel Steps

Join Our growing members at Timeless Travel Steps Be the First to receive Fresh News on Travel Guides and What’s Where in London along with travel destinations around the world…

Discover more from Timeless Travel Steps

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Wander With Jo

20 Travel Comfort Essentials Every Wanderer MUST Pack

Exploring our beautiful world is liberating and exhilarating. No doubt, travel is one of my biggest passions and I never miss a chance to pack my bags and hop on a flight.

However…

Those long haul flights.. wait times at the airport.. 24 hour bus rides (Yes! I have done those too).. can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being.

That doesn’t mean you stop traveling. It only means you travel smarter. This is where travel comfort products come into the picture.

It is ultra important to carry that ONE item which makes you feel comfortable and helps you relax during those long commutes. So if you don’t have a travel comfort essential in your suitcase yet, here are 20 ideas from avid travelers to help make your travels more comfortable.

Must-Have Travel Comfort Essentials

Travel Comfort Essentials

Dr. Cacinda Maloney from PointsandTravel

Ooloom face blanket

My Ooloom face blanket is something I never leave home without on a long haul flight! What is a face blanket?  Well, it is really just a sleeping mask, but face blanket does make it sound better! My face blanket is of a plush owl design and it is great for blocking out ambient light and letting me have a good rest while traveling on a plane. I invested in a slightly pricier one that sits away from my eye sockets, and it is larger and softer than the typical eye mask. Also with this deep eye cavity mask, I don’t have the material pushing on my eyelids, so that my eyes are unobstructed during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. At least, somehow it makes me feel like I get better sleep and helps me block out the rest of the plane activity!

My Travel Comfort Pick – Kip-Kit 🙂 

kip kit

A good night’s rest is essential to get us through the next day without being grouchy, especially when you are on the move. Hence, my choice for the ultimate travel comfort essential is Kip-Kit.

This new innovative device will completely change the way you travel, whether it is by bus, train or plane. It is also fab to whip out at those endless waits to board your chosen means of travel. Kip- Kit has developed the almost perfect travel aid that takes comfort levels to a new high, and helps me reach my destinations without the inevitable sore neck (Thank god).

The new Kip-Kit travel aid, gives just the right support to my chin, by maintaining the correct posture while sitting. This not only reduces stress on the muscles of the neck and keeps the head upright, it also allows the body to relax and subsequently even sleep peacefully. As a person who suffers from cervical, this is indeed a god-sent for me.

The compact design, helps to fold and unfold Kip-Kit in a jiffy, and also eliminates the use of the travel pillow. Yay for my new travel companion – Kip-Kit!

Kip-Kit is due to launch a crowdfunding campaign soon, so make sure you sign up on the  Kip-Kit website  to be the first to know when you can get your hands on one. Your body will thank you.

Kirstie from  Venga, Vale, Vamos

j-pillow

I never took a liking to travel pillows until I tried the J-Pillow. It may look a little funny, and I’ve definitely had a few people approach me to ask what it was, but I’ve found it to be an incredibly comfortable pillow for sleeping on planes, trains, and buses. Shaped like a J (hence the name), it provides head or chin support, depending on how you rotate it. No more jolting awake when your head drops or waking from a nap with neck pain! I’ve also used it as a regular pillow, and being able to fold the “legs” on top of each other makes for a cozy way to curl up on an airport floor or in a tent. I used it for about eighteen months of constant travel (until I sadly left it behind in a hostel), and it never wore out, so the quality is great as well. I’ve gotten so much more rest while on the go thanks to my J-Pillow!

Jub from TikiTouringKiwi

travel hat scarf

Every time I’m about to board a plane, train, or bus the one thing I always dig out of my checked bag is my HAT SCARF. A dig through the Facebook leads me back to 2008 when the hat scarf and I were united in a Tui (my favourite beer) promotion at the rugby, best freebie ever. It’s essential as I only travel with a hoody so the scarf wraps my whole head up nice and snug when the crank the a/c on the bus. It’s also essential for long transport as I can tie the scarf section to my seat if I have to sleep sitting up without the window seat. This prevents the dreaded head nod and me drooling on my neighbor.

Ruben Arribas and Rachel Pregunta from Gamintraveler

sonopillow

We travel light and simple but one thing we don’t travel without is our Sonopillow – one of the new discoveries we had a few months ago. Sonopillow allows you to travel well and pretty much sleep everywhere as it takes into account your position in sleeping and your back – helps so much with my backpains, too. The Sonopillow founder and CEO, Zach, is a real traveler, and discovered the itch once when he had a long flight delayed and pretty much had to sleep in the airport. It’s very amazing how travelers know how to make the best things for travelers!

Rohan from Travels of a Bookpacker

merino wool socks

I always travel with a pair of Icebreaker merino wool socks in my bag. Socks are an essential on any journey, especially if you have poor circulation like me. And merino wool is the perfect material for travel and comfort. It is light-weight, quick-dry, super cosy and doesn’t hold odour! The wool is warm but also breathable, making them comfortable to wear in most temperatures.

Merino wool is made from a special type of sheep mostly found in New Zealand. Ice breaker do a great range of merino everything and their socks are brilliant for hiking, travelling or cosying up on a long journey!

James from Portugalist

noise cancelling headphones

Birkensocks are the epitome of travel comfort! Just to clarify I am talking about Birkensocks, which is a slight variation to the ever popular Birkenstocks. So, what is the difference? As the name suggests, Birkensocks is a combination of socks and Birkenstocks. And before I sense the disgust about how uncool it looks can I just tell you that comfort 100% wins out over looking fresh.

For a week in Iceland as we drove around Birkensocks were my choice of footwear, except when hiking of course, (however I think I even did a couple of really short strolls in them and they worked a treat). Why you might ask would I wear such a type of footwear? Well for one it was cold and two, when you are living out of a tiny camper being able to slip shoes on and off with no laces, is the ants pants. For these reasons alone I love Birkensocks and know once you try them you will too.

Sudipto De from Salt&Sandals

chumbak eye patch

The human sleep cycle is very much dependent upon the number of hours of darkness it experiences. This all goes for a toss while traveling on long haul flights as the airlines only switch off the lights after their service is over. An eye blanket plays the perfect role of helping you sleep by cutting off your visual stimulation.

This eye blanket from Chumbak is my favourite because of its twin vivid colours of baby pink and patterned green on the other side. The lining of the eye blanket is also very comfortable with it’s soft lining which is soothing to the eyes.

Alana Tagliabue from Family Bites Travel

Fashion woman's accessories with film camera, vintage concept, top view, flat lay isolated on white background

As I travel ‘solo’ with three small kids, there is little room left for my comfort items. One item though is non-negotiable, every trip there is a large shawl or wrap in my carry-on bag.

We mostly fly budget airlines, so that means BYO blanket but I cannot justify the bulk. I despise being cold, and for some reason, the ambient temperature on a plane is always -10470 degrees. So, a shawl is a perfect solution. Warmth and will not add weight or bulk to your luggage.

A shawl has versatility; I have used mine as a breastfeeding cover, as a cover-up item (eg.visitng temples), as a sarong, as a sheet and even used it once as a towel! I have so many shawls and collect a new one in most places we visit and will choose one with an intricate design. I do this on purpose; so I can hide stains and marks. After a flight, I inevitably covered in crud. I can easily rearrange my shawl then Wallah I instantly look less dishevelled.

Mia Herman from Travel With Mia

Inflatable Footrest - Travel with Mia - Travel Comfort Essentials

The Inflatable Travel Footrest by Go is my “go-to” item. It’s easy to carry and it doesn’t take up much space since it’s inflatable. Use it as a footrest by placing it under the seat in front of you and stretching out with your feet up. If you’re worried about having enough room for your bag and the footrest, place the footrest under the seat and the bag underneath your legs. If you want to switch things up during the flight, you can use the footrest in a few different ways. Place it on the armrest between you and the window for something to lean on, use it as a pillow, or even as a table for your tablet or book. The possibilities are endless and it’s only $15.99!

Janine from FillMyPassport

fraggle rock puppets

I am an anxious traveller. Can’t sugar coat it. I just deal with it the only ways I can in order to arrive to my chosen destination with all my hair, unbitten nails, and my wits. In order to keep my attacks at bay, I have tried medication, homeopathic methods, deep breathing, meditation, prayer, you name it. But one thing that does somehow work every time while others work on occasion, is the art of puppetry and not just with any puppets, but the characters from Fraggle Rock.

Meet my puppet BFFs Mokey and Wembley. These two characters are my favourites. They have travelled with me all over the world, seen all the landmarks, UNESCO heritage sites, and been in helicopters, jet boats, and fine-dining establishments. I have lost count of how many hotel rooms they have graced.

Somehow when they are brought to life in my presence, the comforting voice acting brings my anxiety to a halt and makes for a remedy to stop the attacks at the knees before they reach my head. I don’t know why the imaginative personalities of puppets have this effect on my traveller’s psyche, but instead of questioning the method and its success rate, I roll with it and bring the Fraggles everywhere, incorporating them into the adventure. They work. They are a piece of my childhood memories, and they just are the most comforting item for an anxious girl to pack along with her camera.

Megsy and Tommo from FoodFunTravel

Dream Essentials eye mask

There is one thing that has been in our backpacks for the last 4 years of travel – and that is our Dream Essentials Eye Masks. We couldn’t imagine going anywhere without it. Sleeping in tents, on buses, in rooms that seem to have forgotten the importance of curtains
.we always have our trusty eye masks. It’s a funny thing, people always ask us what the most important thing in our backpack is and we always reply “eye mask and ear plugs”. If you can’t get a good night sleep on the floor of an airport, waiting for your early morning flight
then how will you ever survive travel! We prefer the Dream Essentials masks as 1. they provide good coverage and really keep the light out 2. They are well made and don’t leave any marks on bed sheets like many lesser quality products. We love our eye masks!

Skye Gilkeson from TheFitTraveller

down sweater hoodie

I’ve had my Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie for a couple of years now and I don’t know how I have ever lived without it, let alone travelled without it. I first took it out on to the streets of Paris to ease the Autumn chill, paring it with jeans, tights and boots to remain traveller chic, since then it’s travelled with me to ski fields, up hiking trails , through rain showers, snow storms, all while keeping me cosy, dry and warm. The best thing though is that it appears to be quite bulky as a puffy jacket, but rolls up easily into my carry on or suitcase. It is often pulled out to be used as a pillow or doona on a plane too and to clean it I can throw it in a washing machine and even the dryer (with a couple of tennis balls) and it’s a good as new. Patagonia products are made with a lifetime guarantee so this has to be one of the travel accessories I will ever own and I will continue to carry it around the world with me.

Natasha from The World Pursuit

travel towel

My travel comfort essential is a Youphoria Travel Towel. I never travel without a towel meant for traveling. Travel towels are lightweight, small, and heavy duty towels that are great for traveling because they dry fast and are very thin. Most of these towels are comfortable, anti-microbial, and easy to travel around with. They are perfect for backpackers who need to shower then dry themselves and have a dry towel the next morning to fit into their backpack. I personally have traveled all across Europe and Africa with one of these towels and refuse to ever get a new one!

Tim Kroeger from Universal Traveller

rainbow-sarong

I always try to travel as light as possible. However, one item I can not travel without is a Sarong. It is super light and really diverse. You can use it for example as beach towel or towel to dry yourself, as a blanket for example on a flight or in one of the super air conditioned buses in Asia, to wrap fragile items in your backpack or suitcase, as a picnic blanket, as a headscarf, or as a scarf when you want to enter a temple. You see, a Sarong is really small and light and at the same time helpful in so many situations
 and the best, it costs almost nothing when you buy it in Asia. I paid for mine never more than 4 USD.

Gemma and Craig from Two Scots Abroad

Stac Pollaidh Ullapool _ North Coast 500 Guide

After 17 months travelling around 16 countries, there is one item that I can’t travel without – a baseball cap. This cheap yet worthy accessory hides a multitude of sins such as ugly sleeping faces pulled on planes, trains and buses as well as terrible next day hair. My hair is normally very styled (I know, not your typical backpacker’s look) and is guilty of ‘the flop’ without some love. The flop makes me look like a greasy mess so a baseball cap is my saviour, helping me appear to look sharp when underneath my barnet is actually a two-day mess. It also helps keep the sun out of my eyes which I think is its intended use. I like my MotoGP Rossi hat, it’s a good conversation starter.

Inma Gregorio from A World to Travel

ear plugs silicone

As the light sleeper I am, I could not live without my ‘Aqua Ears’ soft silicone ear plugs. Whether it is a music festival, a long-haul flight or a noisy dorm; I use them almost daily when traveling unless I am sleeping in upscale hotels with almost no noise pollution. The silicone ones squish into the ears just right to keep out the sound and believe me, I tried a few other but none are as comfy as these. You can find them in almost every drugstore or pharmacy and they usually come in a little box to keep them clean and away from the mess that backpacks are.

Olga Maria from Latinas Who Travel  

first-aid-medical emergency

As I’m constantly on the road for my work (as a travel and lifestyle blogger), or just to fulfill my passion for traveling, I want to feel as comfortable as possible, especially when on longer flights or trips. For my comfort, I cannot travel without two essential kits. One is my sewing kit which has invisible tape and a stain stick for all of my fashion needs, plus any wardrobe emergencies. It has truly saved my life when my dress or pants have torn, a button has come off or something has happened in the middle of a trip. The other kit, which is always in my carry-on or purse, is a small first-aid kit (with bandages, alcohol pads, painkillers, etc.) because you never know when you will need to deal with a boo-boo. I am always running around, since I have a big sense of adventure and love to explore places usually off the beaten path. Both of these kits have allowed me to enjoy myself worry-free!

Natalia from MyTripHack

long t-shirt_dress

I really wish I could always carry with me my pyjama, home clothes and bathrobe, however this kind of stuff takes space and doesn’t really enter in the category of travel essentials. Still, I always find it challenging to dress jeans right after taking bath or constantly sleep in leggings, thus I do prefer to carry one item that is comfortable, not skinny and can serve several purposes. This is my version of multipurpose “home” dress. The shoulders and knees are covered which makes it a decent piece in many countries in Asia. It’s also light and takes the same space in the bag as a long t-shirt.

So, what’s your travel comfort item you simply MUST carry? Tell me in comments below. 

  • Recent Posts

Jo

  • Things to do in Corbett National Park, Uttrakhand - March 16, 2024
  • Choosing the Best eSIM Plans for Travel Abroad - March 15, 2024
  • Ultimate Guide to Birding in the Gambia - March 3, 2024

Related Posts

Surfing in Bali

6 Tips to Being a Fit Traveler

Jamrock Bar Railay Beach Krabi

How I Flew to 3 Countries for Just $115 Using AirAsia ASEAN Pass

full moon party haad rin beach

Safety Tips to Ensure you have an Epic Full Moon Party Experience

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Start typing and press enter to search

Everyday Health Logo

8 Smart Hacks for Healthier, More Comfortable Travel

Here’s how health pros better cope with jet lag, long-haul flights, traveler’s constipation (yes, it’s a thing), and more.

Karla Walsh

Travel can open our eyes to unique and memorable experiences. As of January 2023, 52 percent of Americans surveyed for a U.S. Travel Association survey say they’re planning to travel for leisure in the next six months.

And both travel and time off work (and our day-to-day routines) tend to be good for well-being. One study from earlier this year found that people who were able to travel frequently reported better mental, physical, and emotional health than those who stayed closer to home.

But let’s be real. From flight and train delays to travel-related tummy troubles to jumping time zones, seeing the world isn’t all glamor and awe-inspiring all the time.

“It’s hard on our physical bodies,” says Akil Palanisamy, MD , an integrative medicine doctor in San Francisco and the author of  The T.I.G.E.R. Protocol: An Integrative, 5-Step Program to Treat and Heal Your Autoimmunity .

“Prolonged immobility can lead to aches and pains,” he says. Think of how much time you spend sitting on long-haul flights and waiting for other transportation. Sitting for long stretches can increase risk of blood clots, which is a serious medical problem, research shows.

”The change of time zones can disrupt our circadian rhythm and impair sleep; and dehydration is a risk, especially if you travel by air,” Dr. Palanisamy adds.

Unexpected hiccups during the journey (such as lost bags or traffic) can amplify stress levels . And our digestion doesn’t always dig adventure. Diarrhea, constipation , and indigestion are all more likely to occur when you’re abroad compared with at home, other research finds.

Rather than let all of this keep you home or ruin your trip, follow these expert-backed tips for smarter, healthier travel.

1. Move When You Have the Chance To

Traveling by car, plane, or bus leaves few options for steps or movement. So, make the most of your time and space between stops, says Haley Perlus, PhD , a sport and performance psychologist based in Denver.

“I bypass any moving walkways, escalators, or elevators in favor of walking. Taking every opportunity to move and be active while traveling is so helpful when I’m trying to adjust to time changes, not go stir-crazy waiting at the gate, and keep an overall healthy lifestyle,” she explains.

Once she reaches her destination, Dr. Perlus keeps her sneakers handy. It’s okay to take a break from your usual workouts while on vacation (and can be a good thing to mix up your routine if you do typically follow a rigorous exercise schedule). But do make time for some movement, she says. “I try to find ways to integrate physical activity every day of a trip.”

No that doesn’t mean you need to spend hours of vacation time in a hotel gym (unless that sparks joy for you; do you!). Perlus prefers to wake up 10 minutes earlier to do a quick bodyweight workout in her hotel room or finding a local trail to hike.

How to Treat Jet Lag

 alt=

Next up video playing in 10 seconds

2. slip on a pair of compression socks.

During those hours on the road, Palanisamy swears by knee-high compression socks.

Research suggests these tall, fairly tight socks (which are available online from many retailers for around $20 per pair) can reduce leg swelling and also decrease the risk of blood clots, which can happen if you do not move for a long period of time, he says.

3. Skip Salty and Fizzy Snacks and Drinks to Help With Bloating

Carbonated beverages and salty, shelf-stable snacks are convenient and tend to be more readily available when you’re traveling than, say, fresh fruit or carrot sticks. But Perlus recommends paying attention to your noshing. “Salty snacks and carbonated beverages can cause uncomfortable bloating , which is no way to begin a vacation,” Perlus says.

Instead, pack a reusable bottle to refill throughout vacation to make it easier to drink water. And when it comes to snack, look for ones with protein. “Protein helps keep me full, stabilizes blood sugar, and reduces food cravings,” Perlus says. She prefers options like Greek yogurt, grass-fed beef jerky, nuts, and pumpkin seeds.

4. Pack a Few (High Fiber) Snacks

And just in case you can’t find those go-to grab-and-go options, pack some snacks to have on hand, says Lauren Manaker RD, LD , owner of Nutrition Now Counseling in Charleston, South Carolina. Airport and gas station snack options can be limited, particularly if you’re traveling late at night or early in the morning.

Manaker says she totes along plenty of prunes. Research suggests that high-fiber dried plums (each ÂŒ cup serving delivers 3 grams, per the  U.S. Department of Agriculture ) may even be more effective than fiber powders at relieving constipation. “They’re shelf-stable, they don't take up a ton of space in luggage, and they help support healthy bowel movements,” she says.

Manaker also likes to carry Kind Breakfast Cereal Bars and That’s It Kick Coffee Energy Bars , both of which deliver 6 (or more) grams of fiber and a big energy boost in a small package.

5. Bring a Travel Pillow and Eye Mask

You never know if there will be high-quality blinds or curtains in your hotel room or rental property, which is why Palanisamy deems an eye mask crucial. “By limiting light exposure when I’m sleeping, I’m better able to fight jet lag ,” he says. Light exposure is part of what cues the body’s natural circadian rhythms to stay on track, so being able to block out light when you want to (such as when you want to sleep) can help your body adjust to different time zones.

While in transit, he calls a travel pillow like Infinity Travel Pillow a game-changer. Prior to using it, “I was never able to rest much on planes,” he says. “This pillow allows me to relax easily.”

It wraps around his entire neck, so Palanisamy can sleep in any position. Regular neck travel pillows are beneficial as well, he says — ”whatever can help you get some rest during the trip.”

6. Seek Out Morning Sun

Palanisamy says getting out into the sun in the morning during and after travel can help you better manage jet lag . Exposure to sunlight (opposite of blocking it out) signals to the brain and body that it’s morning and time to be awake.

Within an hour of waking up, Palanisamy tries to get outside to chase some sunlight exposure, per the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

“This has a very positive effect on resetting the body’s circadian rhythm,” he explains. That exposure helps trigger bodily processes that help you feel energized during the daytime hours and boost production of melatonin (the hormone that signals to our bodies it’s time to sleep) about 12 hours later.

7. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule Upon Arrival

It can be very tempting to climb under the covers once you finally see a cozy bed at your destination. But Perlus says try to start sleeping according to your typical schedule (per the time on the clock at your destination) right away.

Maintaining daily routines, such as reading or mediating first thing upon waking or right before sleeping, can help. Eating meals and snacks the same times as you typically do can help your body adjust to a new time zone, too.

8. Sip Water Early and Often

Even mild cases of dehydration can cause all sorts of unpleasantries, as well as potentially dangerous complications. It can affect body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, energy levels, headaches, cramps, and more, according to Cedars-Sinai . “Dehydration is a risk because air travel specifically is often very drying for our skin,” Palanisamy says.

No matter where or how you travel, start and end each day with a glass of water, and bookend each alcoholic drink with a glass, he says.

How to Make a Long-Haul Flight More Comfortable

By Jessica Poitevien

Image may contain Human Person Animal Bird Transportation Vehicle Aircraft and Airplane

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Even for the most experienced travelers, the actual process of getting to your destination is hardly ever the fun part. Unforeseen inconveniences aside—think flight delays and last-minute cancellations—there are certainly travelers who enjoy the aviation experience (myself included), and have fine-tuned the art of packing for a strenuous long-haul flight.

For the seasoned explorer with rusty travel skills or the newbie headed to their first far-flung destination, we’ve asked those frequent travelers to share their best tips, tricks, and gear to get through—and maybe even enjoy—a long-haul flight. 

Below, what to pack to make that next overnight or all-day flight more comfortable.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Wear comfortable clothing

This may seem like a no-brainer, but whether you’re traveling in a lie-flat first class seat or barely reclining in economy , a pleasant flight starts with feeling comfortable. While you might be able to handle tighter, more restrictive clothing for a short period of time, consider looser loungewear during a long-haul flight.

“I wear clothes that are comfortable but not sloppy,” says Katie Hammel, an avid traveler and content marketing director at Scott’s Cheap Flights . “My husband recently bought me, as an anniversary gift, a set of cashmere joggers and hoodie from Nadaam . [They] are luxuriously soft and so comfortable, but still look put together.”

Take the coziness up a notch by removing your shoes, but pack a pair of easy-to-slip-on sandals or slippers for when you want to use the restroom or wander the aisles. Stretching and moving on such a long flight is key to avoiding swelling and discomfort in the legs. Throwing on a pair of compression socks can also reduce swelling and alleviate the pins-and-needles sensation.

Image may contain: Clothing, Sleeve, Apparel, Human, Person, Suit, Coat, Overcoat, Long Sleeve, Dress, Pants, and Standing

Shop more loungewear sets here .

comfort way travel

Shop more compression socks here .

comfort way travel

Pack the right gear

Hammel describes two products as her “holy grail” for enduring long-haul flights: the Travelrest Ultimate inflatable travel pillow and a leg sling . This Travelrest pillow does more than its C-shaped counterparts, allowing for flexibility in the firmness and positioning of the elongated pillow. Amazon’s Bcozzy double support neck pillow is also a top-seller among travelers thanks to its variety of configurations.

Hammel initially had concerns that her favorite portable footrest would annoy her fellow passengers. After more than two dozen flights, though, she has yet to receive any complaints.

“It just makes the ride so much more comfortable as it allows you to have your legs in a wider variety of positions,” she says.

Other common causes of discomfort during any flight, but especially longer ones, are cold temperatures and stuffiness. Lavina Dsouza , a UK–based business analyst and journalist who often flies to Asia, always packs a blanket and hand warmers , as well 4Head roll-on menthol sticks to help with headaches and congestion.

Image may contain: Cushion, Pillow, Headrest, Clothing, Cap, Baseball Cap, Hat, and Apparel

Sleep strategically

Sleeping is one of the simplest ways to make a long-haul flight go by quickly, but there’s a method to ensure you don’t totally disrupt your sleep patterns and succumb to jet lag . If you’ll be arriving at your destination during the day, get as much sleep as possible during the flight, so you can hit the ground running and adopt a normal bedtime in your destination. If you’re touching down at night, resist snoozing too much so you’ll be sleepy enough to hit the hay at a decent hour in your new time zone. Food and travel writer Binita Sah goes as far as to coordinate her meals with regular mealtimes in her destination—in fact, most airlines already schedule their food service with this idea in mind.

Of course, sleeping on a plane is sometimes easier said than done, but there are ways to put the odds in your favor. “I love Spacemasks for when you need something uplifting to help you get some sleep as they’re eye masks with aromatherapy scents,” says Sah.

Meditation apps like Headspace or MyNoise are also useful for playing relaxing music or nature sounds that can help you fall asleep.

Prepare entertainment in advance

“I create an itinerary so that I spend the flight time being creative and productive,” says Christopher Paul Jones , who runs a phobia clinic. “Reframe how you see the flight. See it as some uninterrupted you-time, or self care time.”

Plan to download and catch up on your favorite TV series , movies , or podcasts ; finally tackle that task you’ve been putting off; or dive into a good book .

Although airlines often offer a flimsy set of headphones to use with the in-seat TVs, noise-canceling headphones —like this popular pair from Bose —can also double as earplugs for sleeping. If you prefer something smaller, be sure to pack this tiny transmitter that connects the in-seat TV to your AirPods or any other Bluetooth-enabled earbuds.

Image may contain: Electronics, Headphones, and Headset

Stay hydrated

The low humidity levels inside an airplane cabin make dehydration a common problem for passengers, so “bring your own water bottle and make it a large one,” says Henley Vazquez, co-founder of tech-forward travel agency Fora . “You don’t want to rely on flight attendants to bring you water, and you want to stay hydrated.” Some frequent fliers abstain from drinking alcohol and caffeine leading up to a flight to avoid extra dehydration, too.

For Suzanne Aston, lead singer of the Aston Band , it’s especially important to hop off the plane feeling hydrated and ready to head to her next gig, so she goes the extra mile by wearing a HumidiFlyer mask . “It traps exhaled moisture from your breath and allows you to breathe in your own recycled humidity and not the dried, shared air of the plane,” she says, explaining that this mask prevents her throat from drying out and leaves her feeling more refreshed. (To note, the HumidiFlyer is not an anti-viral mask .)

comfort way travel

Practice self care

The importance of hydration applies to your skin as well. “The dry air in the cabin is particularly harsh on your skin, stripping the moisture barrier of its oils,” says Giacomo Piva, travel industry analyst and cofounder of luggage storage network Radical Storage . “Carry and apply moisturizer at regular intervals throughout the flight, especially for your hands
[and] you’ll reach your destination with plump skin and less irritation.”

Piva even encourages travelers to treat the flight like their own personal spa, using a thick face mask for extra moisture, along with their favorite beauty products .

comfort way travel

Refresh before getting off the plane

With lost luggage becoming an increasingly common issue, it’s always a good idea to pack a few outfits in your carry-on just in case. But this advice also serves another purpose.

“It makes a big difference when you land to be able to change into something fresh and put yourself together,” says Vazquez. Packing a small toiletry bag with some basics—like a toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, perfume, and eye drops—goes a long way toward starting your trip on the right foot.

comfort way travel

  • EN - English
  • PT - Portuguese
  • ES - Spanish
  • How it works
  • Become a Host
  • Download the app

Top Destinations

  • United States
  • United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

  • Non-Profit School
  • Permaculture project
  • Eco Village
  • Holistic Center
  • Guest House
  • How Worldpackers works

comfort way travel

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

  • Using Worldpackers
  • Work exchange
  • Social impact

Plan your trip

  • Women traveling
  • Budget travel
  • Solo travel
  • Language learning
  • Travel tips
  • Get inspired
  • Digital nomads
  • Travel jobs
  • Personal development
  • Responsible travel
  • Connect with nature

Top destinations

  • South America
  • Central America
  • North America
  • More destinations
  • WP Life WP Life
  • Exclusive discounts Discounts
  • Personal Development

9 ways to step out of your comfort zone while traveling

Your comfort zone is the thief of personal progress and will keep you from experiencing your travels to the fullest. Here are nine pointers to help you step out of your comfort zone on your next trip!

comfort way travel

Rachael Let's Grow There

Apr 01, 2023

Solo traveler stepping out of comfort zone

There has likely been a time where you've heard someone say, "I can't do that. That's definitely out of my comfort zone ."  To a dedicated world traveler, this response doesn't exist. In fact, living outside their comfort zone is where travelers thrive! 

The act of leaving your comfy bed, abandoning your daily routine, crossing an unfamiliar border, and immersing yourself in a new culture are all part of leaving that restrictive comfort zone that we call home. 

A comfort zone is defined as "a place or situation where one feels safe, at ease, and without stress." It's that familiar bubble that we keep ourselves in to avoid any unexpected challenges life may throw at us.

We know ourselves better than anyone, so we gravitate to activities and routines we know work best in our lives. Existing solely in this bubble puts a protective shield around ourselves that prevents us from growing, learning, and developing new skills. 

Stepping out of our comfort zones is something we've all experienced before, whether it be on a larger or smaller scale. When you land a new job, you have little to no knowledge of what it will be like, but you have to dive in anyway. You gradually learn the skills you need to complete your duties as time goes on, and eventually your job becomes second nature to you. 

With traveling, getting out of that comfort zone is a lot less gradual. You are thrust into a completely new environment where the locals speak a foreign language and enjoy a diverse culture and way of life.

The problem with staying in your comfort zone when you travel is that you will see little to no personal growth once your time to explore comes to a close. That's the goal of travel, right? Opening yourself up to new challenges and learning experiences so that your mind is a little more open and your heart a little more full. 

World travel is an eye-opening and beautiful adventure that has the ability to trigger dramatic growth within us. However, if you're stuck in your comfort zone on your trip, you won't get to experience this growth very much at all. In fact, your comfort zone is the thief of personal progress and will keep you from experiencing your new destination to the fullest. 

So, just how do you escape the dreaded clutches of the comfort zone while traveling? Here are nine pointers to help you pop that bubble you've been so comfy in. Take this guide to heart and let it help you break out of your comfort zone on your next trip!

Lone explorer, Iceland

A traveler's guide to stepping out of your comfort zone

1. add an activity to your itinerary each day that challenges you or even scares you a little bit .

Have you always wanted to try bungee jumping or learn how to salsa dance, but never had the guts to try? First, book your activity of choice well in advance so there is less chance of you backing out before you leave for your trip! When there's a lot more riding on your decision, like paying in advance, you're more likely to stick to the plan you've created for yourself.‹

Next, research that activity and talk to others who have done it themselves. There are tons of great online resources like blog posts and videos where travelers offer their unique perspective on an experience that you'll want to soak up before you go. Even though the goal is to get out of your comfort zone , it can be reassuring to know what you're getting yourself into beforehand from a real, unbiased source. 

2. Turn all your activities into a learning experience

Whether you're taste-testing the local delicacies or volunteering at an animal shelter abroad, there's always something to learn. 

Not only are you learning more about yourself as you break out of your comfort zone , you're learning how the world works and how to expand your influence in a new culture.  Think of ways you can leave a positive impact on your next adventure, however big or small, so you'll be more motivated to learn a new skill or accomplish something you've never done before.

Doing a work exchange with Worldpackers is a great way to turn your activities into a learning experience while traveling. Worldpackers offers opportunities to travel exchanging your skills for accommodation. Offer your skills to a local community through social impact programs , hone your hospitality and management expertise while working as a receptionist at a  hostel , or expand your digital skill-base by working with hostels , NGOs , ecovillages and thousands of other Worldpackers hosts in 150+ countries.

It's important to approach each country, city, or experience with the right mindset. Travel has the power to make you more open minded , makes you better and your attitude and willingness to push yourself throughout your trip will influence how receptive you are to new adventures, ideas, and even meeting new people along the way! 

A positive, open mind will help give you the courage you need to leave your comfort zone in the dust . 

Roaming Iceland

3. Say "yes" to things way more often

Before trying something new, we tend to hyper-focus on the pros and cons of our decisions. Even when the odds are in our favor and the pros greatly outweigh the cons, we might let one or two "what ifs" keep us from experiencing something new. 

Instead of weighing the options and worrying about if you'll like it or not, consider this — you're here. Everything is new to you already. You might as well get your money's worth and make the most of it. You worked hard for this trip to happen, and now you've got to work hard to create valuable memories that require becoming a yes-man or woman!

Of course, you don't have to say yes to absolutely everything, but it's a fantastic step in the right direction towards banishing your comfort zone and spicing up your travels. 

4. Try new things with others

If you're planning to travel solo and are hoping to leave your comfort zone behind , it can be hard to trust yourself to seize all the new opportunities that may come your way. 

Instead of going at it alone, choose a travel companion or plan to explore your destination with a group. Everyone is braver when they have a trusty companion by their side to make decisions with them and go along for the ride!

You might also like:   TOP 5 Reasons why you should volunteer abroad  and  Top reasons why volunteering is important for personal development

Hikers, Carpathian Mountains

5. Learn to recognize when you start to make excuses

Stepping out of your comfort zone is a lot harder when you have someone (usually yourself) pumping the brakes on every little thing. 

Excuses, excuses! That little voice inside your head that always seems to come up with a clever way to opt out of experiences you might be dreading needs to go. Again, we know ourselves better than anyone, and it can be easy to fall into the same old patterns and routines that bring us comfort. Learn to call your own B.S. and take the leap. 

With smart planning, mindful preparation, and a little soul-searching, you can travel excuse-free. Some common excuses we may use that prevent us from living our lives to the fullest include: 

  • I'm too tired
  • I don't have enough time
  • I don't have the money
  • I have no idea what I'm doing
  • I'm too shy
  • I don't know what I want to do 
  • I can't do this by myself
  • I've never done that before (and never will)

You'll learn to catch yourself making these excuses in time, and it will force you to start problem-solving and coming up with solutions instead. For example, if your excuse is that you don't have the money to travel, staying with Worldpackers hosts to save on accommodation can cut your travel costs up to 60%!

6. Find a balance between making snap decisions and taking time to think them through

There's a time for spontaneity and there's a time for careful planning. If you're looking to get out of your comfort zone on your travels , it's important to identify the weight of your decisions. If you've never been kayaking and the opportunity presents itself, go for it! This is an example of a snap decision worth making. 

However, if you've never slept in a hostel before and would like to make a few new friends, this decision might require a bit more thought. Do you enjoy your privacy or are you fine with sharing a room and bathroom with others? Have you come to terms with the fact that strangers might steal something you really need, like your phone charger? 

Saying a quick "yes" to everything, no matter how inconsequential it may seem in the moment, could become regrets instead of fond memories. Be sure to think things through when necessary so that you're taking a smart step towards defeating your comfort zone .

Ready for take-off

7. Determine your fears and devise a plan to overcome them

Fear is the main reason most people stay in their comfort zone, and it's the same reason some may never break out of it. Don't seal your fate just yet! 

Fear can be a very daunting, scary thing, but sometimes those fears are amplified by our brain's fight or flight mode. It's human nature to want to protect ourselves from the unknown, and we tend to pull our security blankets even tighter around us when we simply think about conquering our biggest fears. 

Consider making a handy list of all your fears and under each one, include a few activities that will help you overcome it. If you're afraid of heights, instead of jumping the gun and boldly booking a skydiving excursion, head to top of a famous landmark, such as the Empire State building, and look down at the world. Scared of the ocean? Try sailing in a boat with a glass bottom, or take surfing lessons! Subduing your fears and escaping your comfort zone is all about baby steps.

8. Travel as your more confident, more adventurous alter-ego

It might sound a little weird to become someone else while you're traveling, but hear me out. If you know you aren't usually a very brave person, the saying "fake it 'til you make it" starts to make a whole lot of sense! 

Take some time to reflect on your true nature, and ask yourself things like, "What would the extroverted version of me say to befriend this stranger? Would the adventurer in me opt to go snorkeling with turtles or stay in the hotel to watch a show about sea life on Netflix? Would brave me believe in my skills and try teaching English abroad?" 

You're normally Clark Kent, but when you travel the world, you suddenly become Superman. By living our lives as the person we'd like to one day become, we step that much closer to actually becoming them. This is how we grow and how we will eventually be able to kick our comfort zones to the curb!

Mountain backpacker

9. Don't take life so seriously. Have fun!

Having a good sense of humor is one of the most vital characteristics we can possess as travelers. It keeps us from moping when a situation goes wrong, it helps us laugh at our mistakes instead of dwelling on our failures, and it keeps us on the road when we feel like giving up and going back home. 

Life is life. It rarely goes exactly according to plan, it throws us curveballs when we least expect them, and it doesn't wait for us to catch up. 

Practice going along with the ebb and flow of life instead of swimming against the current. The world is a fascinating, beautiful place and is meant to be experienced, so let yourself experience it! 

Some roadblocks may lead to exciting adventures you wouldn't have found unless you tried. One miscalculated oversight will make for an interesting story to tell your friends and family later on.  Remember that you were built for life's many journeys, and that you can do hard things. 

The sooner you realize this, the closer you'll be to waving goodbye to your comfort zone as you sail into the sunset. 

"A ship in a harbor is safe, but that isn't what ships are for." â€” John A. Shedd

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Rachael Grow

Let's Grow There

Over the past five years I have worn many hats as a creative freelancer and have been able to pursue adventures across the globe. To me, travel is more than checking a box or sitting on the perfect beach all day. Travel is about self-discovery, keeping an open mind, and learning through culture immersion. In 2017 I was chosen by one of my favorite travel bloggers, The Blonde Abroad, to attend her first ever blogging retreat in Bali with a handful of other inspiring bloggers. It was truly a dream that taught me so much more than I could imagine. Fast-forward to 2019 when I was given the role of one of the lead English writer for Worldpackers. My in-depth articles touched on subjects like volunteer work, overcoming post-travel blues, outdoorsy tips, and boldly adventuring. Inner growth is my jam.

Be part of the Worldpackers Community

Already have an account, are you a host, leave your comment here.

Write here your questions and greetings to the author

comfort way travel

Jan 17, 2023

when the odds are in our favor and the pros greatly outweigh the cons, we might let one or two "what ifs" keep us from experiencing something

More about this topic

comfort way travel

How traveling makes you more open-minded

comfort way travel

Why you should travel to gain global competence for today's job market

comfort way travel

How to find your passion during your travels abroad

How do worldpackers trips work.

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

Forever Lost In Travel

10 Long-Haul Flight Tips For Maximum Comfort

Disclosure: Advertising and affiliate services, including Amazon Associates, help the cost of running my blog. Clicking ads or making purchases through affiliate links may, at no additional cost to you, earn me a small commission. I appreciate your support .

airport terminal

I don’t think many people out there actually look forward to flying. I mean, other than the fact it’s a way to get to the place you really want to see. If I had one superpower it would be to blink and be somewhere in no time at all. But unfortunately that’s not something we can do, so flying it is . Which is why I want to share my long-haul flight tips for a more comfortable flight.

As a Brit who now lives in Canada, long haul flights are kind of my jam. And while I still don’t particularly like flying, I am getting more used to it and finding more ways to make the time fly quicker (pun totally intended). So read on for my top travel tips for surviving long flights.

Top 10 Long-Haul Flight Tips

British Airways planes

Spending a long time on a flight means being prepared. As well as figuring out which essentials to bring with you , it’s also about comfort. Planning in advance for maximum comfort is a must when you’re traveling so far . And while many people have their own long-haul flight tips, these are the ones that have worked best for me.

Check in as early as possible

plane window seat

When the 24 hour mark hits, GO GO GO!!!! Your future comfort could depend on your strategically planned seat selection. Me?? I love a good aisle seat.

Getting to stretch your legs a bit on a long flight is invaluable. So aisle seats are the best for easy access to get out. They avoid having to wake up complete strangers who seem to have the ability to sleep like they’re dead.

Even if you don’t want to pay for seat selection at time of booking you can still look at the airplane layout. Scope out the seats you might want for when check in opens and select the seats at the 24 hour mark without the additional cost.

Pack light and choose your bag wisely

boarding pass - planning for your next long-haul flight

Most people’s biggest travel problem – chronic overpacking! Guilty! But one thing I have stopped doing in recent years is using those little wheeled suitcases for carry on.

More often than not you’ll see a dozen people in the aisle as the plane doors are closing, all looking for somewhere to stow their bags. Not me though. I travel with a backpack now. Using packing cubes and compression bags , I can fit more in my backpack easily.

Without the concern of whether there will be room in the overhead, I no longer feel the need to rush forward when the gate opens . Put your backpack in the overhead compartment if there’s space, but it will also fit comfortably under the seat.

Bring noise-cancelling headphones

noise canceling headphones

Do you like listening to people snoring at 35,000 feet? Me neither. Invest in some nice noise cancelling headphones for a really relaxing flight. I think most of us sit on a plane wishing we could be anywhere else. But that’s hard to do when you hear everything going on around you .

Watching movies on the small screens with the cheap plastic headphones is no better. With your own headphones you can plug them into your computer or phone and watch pre-downloaded Netflix shows.

You don’t need to spend a fortune for noise-cancelling headphones either. Check out these ones on Amazon for a budget version of the more expensive brands .

Bring something to read

flight essentials: bring a book or puzzles

Sure it might be easy to sit back and watch movie after movie. But staring at a screen about 6 inches from your face for 10 hours might not be the best for you. Mix it up a bit and read a book.

I often find I don’t have time to read anymore when I’m busy working, but come vacation time you can bet my bag is full of literary delights to escape with . Get started on your poolside reading early.

Can’t be bothered with a full book? Bring a magazine, crossword book or even a game to play with your travel companion. Just something else to do to avoid constant screen time.

Drink plenty of water

bring a reusable water bottle on your next flight

One of the best long-haul flight tips for your health! Don’t be tempted by sodas and alcohol. Keep a clear head and a comfortable tummy . Both are famous for dehydrating you more which is not good on a long flight.

As a bit of a Diet Coke fan, I still try to steer clear of it on flights. The fizzy carbonated drinks give you more gas. The gas then builds up due to the decrease of cabin pressure of the high altitude. As a result you’ll be more uncomfortable and bloated, and sometimes nauseous.

Drink water instead, it is much better for you and will make you feel way more comfortable on your long flight. Click here for top ways to stay healthy while traveling in winter .

Bonus Tip: Take a reusable water bottle with you and fill it up after security.

Be nice to the people around you

plane seats

Don’t rush to your seat hitting everyone with your giant bags. Resist the urge to fight over the arm rest and instead say Hi to your neighbor. They’ll be next to you for the next 8+ hours, do you really want to get off on the wrong foot?

Everyone is flying for different reasons. Visiting someone, or leaving someone behind. Some might even be terrified of flying. I know I’ve often been more than a little emotional on a long flight leaving home, compounded by my poor judgement in selecting Marley & Me or Toy Story 3 as in flight movies.

So being extra nice to someone takes little to no effort. Who knows, maybe you’ll even have a great conversation with your seat neighbor . If they’re from the place you’re going to visit they might even have some great travel tips for you.

Get up and walk around

get some exercise and stretch on your next long-haul flight

Stretch your legs and get your circulation going. Sitting for long periods of time is not good for you, especially when you need to aid digestion of any snacks and drinks you’ve had. Take a walk at least once an hour if you can. Or at least do some stretches in your seat .

On my last Air China flight to Vietnam they showed an exercise video mid-flight. Everyone followed along to the small space yoga/tai chi video showing how to stretch at your seat with the limited space you have. It was actually really helpful, made me feel much better and of course it was fun.

Bring healthy snacks

healthy snacks for flights

Don’t sit and eat junk food for the whole flight. Your body will not thank you for it -neither will your neighbor. On long flights especially, it can be easy to eat out of boredom.

But I always feel so sick after eating a bunch of junk food I can’t walk off. So one of my top long-haul flight tips: ditch the salty chips and sweets. They will dehydrate you more. Instead, bring more healthy in-flight snacks .

Veggies and dip are perfect: Hummus with celery, snap peas, carrots and cucumber will help keep you hydrated. Or some fruit (even if it’s dried fruit). Pack a good old fashioned sandwich with any healthy filling you want and avoid the heavy salted in-flight meals.

Flight Safety Tip: leave the mixed nuts at home in case anyone on your flight has an allergy .

Wear loose comfy clothing

pack the essentials on your next long haul flight

You’re not going to a fashion show, so wear what makes you feel comfortable. Layers are great for flights as the temperature onboard can be different from the airport or outside. Notoriously feeling cold on flights, I like to wear a sweater and bring a hoodie in case I need an extra layer.

Sweat pants or loose workout pants are great because they stretch which means you won’t have the discomfort of wearing jeans sitting down for 10 hours.

Wear shoes that are easy to take off in case you need to de-shoe for security. Running shoes/sneakers are the best as often you don’t always have to take them off . Plus you can loosen them on the flight. Just don’t be the one to put your bare feet up between someone’s headrests.

Bonus Tip: Take a change of clothes if you have a connecting flight. My last journey was 20 hours end to end so a change of clothes made me feel like a new person.

Pack the health and beauty essentials

long haul flight tips: pack a toothbrush

The cold air on planes can seriously dry out your skin. Therefore before you fly, remove all your makeup and moisturize, moisturize, MOISTURIZE !

Sample size or travel size moisturizers are perfect for flying and unscented is best in case those around you have allergies. Repeat throughout the flight, and your skin will thank you later.

Also remember to pack a travel toothbrush and travel size toothpaste in your hand luggage. If you’re on an epically long flight (or worse, connecting flights), brushing your teeth can feel amazing.

Bonus Travel Tip : Hold onto those mini dental hygiene packs you sometimes find in hotels, or the samples you sometimes get from the dentist. They’re just the right size to go in your zip lock bag of liquids.

Flying high with the best travel tips

If these tips don’t get you ready for that international flight I don’t know what will. Being prepared is key, making sure you have everything you might need without over-packing. Be smart with your travel choices and you’ll go far (last long haul flight joke I promise).

On my next big trip my ultimate goal is to do one major long haul trip with carry on baggage only. The packing cubes and packing compression bags are the way forward I think. That and not bringing 5 pairs of shoes everywhere I go.

But no matter how much you choose to pack, remember some of these essential long-haul flight tips and your journey will be a lot more comfortable.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What are your favorite long-haul flight tips for surviving long plane journeys?

long-haul flight tips for a more comfortable plane ride

Share this:

  • Share on Tumblr

comfort way travel

13 thoughts on “10 Long-Haul Flight Tips For Maximum Comfort”

I love this post! And, I do a lot of the things you mention, though I probably could get up and walk more and drink more water for sure. I bring my eReader with me everywhere, so great for trying to not overpack, but the darn computer and camera always do me in, lol!

Surprisingly, I like flights unless I do not have a cold and cough because the ear pain can be extremely painful. Moreover, I love the smell of the airports and the plane. But yes, any flight journey of more than 2 hours does take a toll on my body.

Living in Sydney Australia I’m no stranger to long haul flights & I like your suggestions. I always choose an aisle seat so I can get up and move around & wear compression stockings as this helps to reduce the swelling in my ankles which can last for a couple of days. Thanks for sharing!

love this, so relatable! As an IBS sufferer, flying makes me feel so bloated and lethargic! I neeever drink alcohol either, and always bring my own food, as I’m practically allergic to most things an airline will serve me! Good tips on the noise cancelling headphones, its the screaming children for me!

I love all of your tips. I live in the UK but I am from US. So having to take long flights is a common thing for me. Yes I agree to always get an aisle seat. I had to fly on a military flight for a deployment and I couldn’t pick my seat. I had to sit in the middle and it was the worse experience bc the guy next to me was sleep the entire flight overseas. I have to move around and get my blood circulating or my legs will go numb. Also, I like your tips for moisturizing and drinking water. Great post.

This is exactly how I feel about flying! I don’t like it, many times I’m even anxious about it, but I have to tolerate it to get where I want. Can we teleport already!? I did the mistake of not checking in early before and I was stuck with the seats that the airline assigned me when I bought the tickets. So I ended up separated from my bf, both stuck in the window seat (one in front of the other) because there were no adjacent free seats left. I didn’t leave my seat for the entire night (Doha-Kuala Lumpur) 🙁 So great tips, I’ll remember them!

I agree that a long-haul flight is something you better be well prepared for. Travelling with a backpack only is a great idea but for me not so easy to follow all the time. I always take a good travel pillow because I think that sleeping is the best way how to spend time on long-haul flights. Thanks for your great tips!

These are all great tips! I am so with you on the aisle seat after being trapped once haha!

So many essential tips! Such a good point about staying hydrated and saying no to dehydrating drinks, too. I always feel more rested after a long flight if I’ve drank lots of water the entire time and stayed away from junk food.

Super helpful tips. I do a lot of them, too, when IÂŽm on a long flight.

This was really helpful, thank you. After two years I’ve forgotten about a lot of these! I’m actually cautiously looking forward to flying again, several hours with a book and nothing else to do sounds delightful 😀

These are super helpful tips! I always bring water but forget to drink it and end up with a major headache by the end of the flight. Also a great idea to get up and stretch your legs, something else I rarely end up doing.

Love that you included be nice to people around you. Especially these days!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

The 18 Best Men's Travel Pants of 2024, Tested by Style Editors

Wear them wherever the journey takes you.

best travel pants for men

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

The best men’s travel pants should absolutely come with some stretch, courtesy of spandex or elastane, to maximize your mobility on the go. Also, men’s travel pants need to come with performance feats like moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and breathability to keep your legs comfortable throughout your journey. Lastly, men’s travel pants need to be versatile to not only endure outdoor terrains but also adapt to commuting in the city.

The Performance Chino

Best Chino Travel Pants

Everlane the performance chino.

ABC Classic-Fit Pant

Best overall travel pants

Lululemon abc classic-fit pant.

Ripstop Pant

Best everyday travel pants

Vuori ripstop pant.

Rainier Lightweight Comfort Travel Tech Chino

Best affordable travel pants

Unionbay rainier lightweight comfort travel tech chino.

Midway Travel Cargo Jogger

best cargo travel pants

Wilson midway travel cargo jogger.

Radius Flex Pants

Best rugged Travel Pants

Mack weldon radius flex pants.

All Day Every Day Pant

most versatile travel pants

Public rec all day every day pant.

Commuter Pant Classic

Best formal travel pants

Rhone commuter pant classic.

Flex ROC Pants

best outdoor travel pants

Columbia flex roc pants.

Skyline Traveler Pant

Best Athletic Travel Pants

Patagonia skyline traveler pant.

Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products

After thorough hands-on testing, our editors have reviewed the 18 best men's travel pants below, including notes on their specs, performance, comfort, and any cons we found. When showing up in sweatpants or joggers won’t do, and wearing chinos or jeans on a long trek leaves your lower half feeling suffocated, these best men's travel pants will save the day.

This slim-fit travel trouser has all the hallmarks of your go-to office chinos but with twice the functionality and comfiness factors. Really, a chino that moves like a jogger but looks like a pair of grown-up pants is no wonder Everlane's hero item. And this was in fact handpicked to be tested by our Fashion Director Ted Stafford and then fitted on Bullet Train action star Andrew Koji . Why? Because it will move you from the tarmac to the resort without losing a second of relaxation, courtesy of the spandex four-way stretch that we found was so movement-friendly that we were able to squat and even jog a bit in them with ease. Coupled with a business-casual veneer, these chinos won us over with a versatility that's perfect for traveling, working in the office, or going about your everyday life in a chino style.

After testing it out by wearing these chinos to the office and to travel by flight, our favorite part of Everlane's performance chinos is its sweat-wicking and quick-drying capabilities. I even wore them on hot summer days to stroll under the sun, and the fabric was able to keep my legs feeling cool and dry. Lastly, although the fit leans slim, it hasn’t stifled or smothered the beefy thighs of our testers.

What Do Experts Say? " Everlane’s chino is comfortable to wear for all-day work, parties, or formal events. Plus, it is made from four-way stretchable fabric that prevents it from wear and tear. It is also considered to be a technical pant option because of its sweat-wicking and quick-drying features ," says Susan Gagnon, designer at Costumes Heaven .

Having thoroughly tested Lululemon's ABC pants, we found them to be the comfiest pants to stay classy in our everyday life. Really, its comfort is second to none: with sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric, amplified four-way stretch, wrinkle resistance, and a comfortable ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) design, the athleisure brand has managed to infuse its activewear innovation into a classic pant style geared toward everyday life.

Even though they’re partially made with polyester (which isn’t a breathable or stretchy fabric), the main material, called Elastomultiester, comes to save the day. In my experience wearing these, the fabric breathes and wicks away sweat like a beast, and the four-way stretch has made them my go-to pants for commuting to work in the summer. My favorite part is also how light and soft the fabric feels, which is why I always make sure to pack a pair of ABCs for when I’m flying away for a few days.

Read More: Lululemon ABC Pants Review

In fact, I was able to wear these pants multiple days in a row after owning them since 2020, and their stretchy performance has never let me down once. My favorite part about these pants is the anti-ball-crushing tech which I tested out to be a gusset at the crotch and thigh areas that helps relieve tension while walking. Style-wise, while the ABC looks more casual than regular chinos since it's made without cotton, meaning no-brainer versatility as summer pants, spring pants, khaki pants, travel pants, office pants, casual pants... You get the gist.

All in all, Lululemon's ABC pants are what guys have always hoped to find in their everyday slacks, giving you unrestrictive movement and all-day comfort without compromising on an elevated style.

Read More: Best Lululemon Men's Pants

Since launching in 2013, Vuori has been producing versatile pants that you can wear practically anywhere. Case in point: their elastic waist Ripstop pant, which features a modern slim cut and super soft fabric that's perfect for working from home, or trekking to the airport.

Created using Vuori’s Dura Terra ripstop fabric that features a two-way stretch, we found in our testing that these lightweight travel pants with a 33-inch inseam are issued with a gusset for extra roominess too. Their modern and straight-fit cut has let me dress them up or down as I pleased. We also found it to be quite breathable and work well as summer pants.

These pants also have the same tapered style that our testers love, but offer more room to move around despite being a slim fit. The cotton and elastane fabric is lightweight and breathable, and has helped our testers remain comfortable even while being in hot weather for hours. However, the real star is the brand's DuraTerraℱ tech in the fabric: a material for active guys that can be sported all day long, for all sorts of activities, thanks to its two-way stretch flexibility, durability, strength, and stain resistance. Hence, our testers have even worn these Vuori pants to hike and bike besides just commuting and running errands.

Not only is this one of the best summer pants we’ve ever tested, but it’s also one of the most versatile and rugged travel pants we’ve tried. Our gear editor, John Thompson, even sported these as hiking pants to the great outdoors to test them and came back singing more than a few praises. Firstly, they’re made of nylon, and one thing about nylon is that it’s going to perform: really, the lightweight activewear fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and has a light natural stretch that is now enhanced with 6% of spandex in these pants. Basically, these pants have ventilation and quick-drying in spades.

Let’s talk more about that stretch: our testers found that the fabric thoroughly and easily moved with our legs in our hiking and commuting tests. It's safe to say we love them both on and off the trail, as everyday pants or tough outdoor pants.

Also, a note on how they wear as summer pants: even when the sun is blazing, our legs never felt searing or humid in these slacks. And since the fabric is also treated with UPF 50 protection against sunlight, we wear them outdoors to travel in by default.

Sure, cargo pants fell out of fashion in the last couple of years, but with the emergence of the gorpcore trend embracing all things utilitarian, it’s safe to say they’re back—and looking better than ever.

These cargo pants combine style and functionality seamlessly, courtesy of their performance build. Crafted in a unique knit material, they offer unmatched stretch and mobility for any occasion, making them as comfortable as sports pants but as stylish as casual wear. We also love how they are able to retain their shape wear after wear, wash after wash. The neat built-in UV protection also has let our testers enjoy activities out in the sun worry-free all day long. One tester says he loves how these have stretch and flexibility for hours to keep up with the movement, and how the elastic waistband has always let him ensure a perfect, comfortable fit.

Lastly, with these pants, you can say goodbye to damp discomfort thanks to their quick-drying capabilities that keep moisture at bay, allowing you to stay dry and fresh throughout your pursuits. The fit is roomy above the knees and tailored below, which is versatile for working out and going out.

The brand that specializes in creating functional basics made good with these pants crafted from a high-tech fabric that’s built to brave the elements. The blend of tough polyester and spandex renders the fabric extra rugged and even weather-resistant, to the extent that in our testing, one wearer found it to be water-repellent on rainy days and stain-resistant during accidental coffee spills.

However, according to him, the best part about these travel pants by Mack Weldon isn't just how resilient it is, but also how convenient and comfortable it is too. The back-ribbed ankle cuffs, welt zip pockets, and belt loops in front of and behind the elastic waistband are neat additions, allowing him to get a personalized fit. The spandex stretch in the fabric also optimizes flexibility and mobility, allowing us to move freely and comfortably in any situation; the natural quick-drying property has also kept our wearer fresh and dry even during intense activities in our testing.

While as joggers, these aren't as soft or lounging-friendly as your usual go-tos, we do love Mack Weldon's intelligent design like the stealth zip pockets that offer secure storage while maintaining a streamlined look.

These sweatpants-like travel pants are one of our testers' perennial favorites: according to him, not only do they boast the comfort and softness of sweatpants, but they also are and look versatile for just about everything from flights to working out.

With an elastic drawstring waistband to snug them up just right, and a trouser-like silhouette, we felt that Public Rec's travel pant is as comfortable as your favorite collegiate sweats, yet look like dress pants or office pants for work, thanks to a slim silhouette. You won't be embarrassed to sport these in public. This stylish alternative to the normal sweatpant blows the most comfortable jeans out of the water, and sports tapered legs to help show off your sneakers too.

Our testing also shows that they're truly the all-powerful trousers since they're made with a unique blend of nylon and spandex that feels like a second skin but also offer a natural combo of four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, and breathability. Our testers found that these pants feel like your favorite pair of soft, cozy sweatpants but look like your Monday office bottoms and work like your go-to workout pants. Using a drawstring instead of a button, you can wear this from your office to the gym to the bar—no changing needed.

Personally, I've worn these Public Rec pants for a long travel day that included multiple flights and layovers, from NYC to Denver. Needlessly to say, that was the most comfortable travel day I have ever had, thanks to these pants.

You can tell just by the look of Rhone's commuter pants that they’re comfortable, but let us confirm that for you. Rhone hits the nail on the head with these wrinkle-resistant commuter bottoms that are made from the brand’s premium Flex-Knit fabric. While the fabric is polyester, the material here is reworked to be stretchy and breathable.

The Flex-Knit fabric has the 4-way stretch and recovery of a Stretch Armstrong action figure, and there’s a gusset inserted into the seam to keep your below-the-belt boys breathing easy, all delivered in a timeless silhouette that you’ll keep in your outfit rotation for years to come. Best of all, the brand offers these pants in a ton of color options, both staples you can get year-round and limited-time seasonal colorways.

Designed for today’s ever-connected professional, the pants also boast a media pouch for your phone and a security zipper pocket for your cardholder. In our testers, one wearer also can’t get enough of how sleek it looks with a polo shirt or how comfortable it fits even on the go. However, the only qualm is that the waistband isn't as stretchy and flexible as we'd like it to be.

Columbia’s Flex ROC Pants in a regular fit look just as relaxed in town as they do on a hiking trail. Add to the mix the brand’s Omni-Shade sun protection and multi-purpose pockets and you’re good to go pretty much anywhere.

One tester took these hiking pants to test them in the backcountry and mountains and came back singing more than a few praises: according to him, these are made of naturally breathable, soft, and moisture-wicking cotton. Then, there’s the stretch plus a comfy regular fit that gave him enough room and mobility.

Off-the-trail-wise, we’ve worn them as everyday pants before even in the office, and no one has batted an eye. We also love their utility features like the multi-functional pockets and a zip-up security pocket that keep our essentials and valuables safe and readily accessible.

The Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pant is equipped for the office, trail and travel. Made from a nylon-spandex blend, this pair offers four-way stretch for extra mobility, and a water-repellent shell to keep rain at bay. Our testers compared the feeling of these pants to that of cozy loungewear, but also stylish enough to wear in the city. We also appreciate the zippered thigh pocket to stash any valuables such as credit cards or keys that could get lost in transit.

Alo Yoga Day and Night Pant

Day and Night Pant

Alo’s athleisure are comfortable and stylish enough to wear to most errands and casual outings. Take the Day and Night pant. It has a closer fit for a dressier vibe, and there's a hint of stretch for that feels like a breeze to move in. Plus, the performance woven fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking and designed to resist wrinkles.

Our testers have worn these pants from the plane to dinner and still felt fresh. Even on warmer days, these pants don’t cause you to break a sweat, which is a testament to its breathability. The price is higher than most travel pants, but this pair has enough durability to last quite some time without any signs of fading or piling, based on our testing. Another bonus: it’s a fresh take on the classic, four-pocket pant style, which also comes in longer inseams for taller guys.

Banana Republic Brushed Traveler Cargo Pant

Brushed Traveler Cargo Pant

Cargo pants have made a comeback in recent years with options that feel more refined and sleek. Banana Republic’s version does just that, merging style and functionality. We found this pair ideal for extensive days on the road. For maximum comfort, this slim pair is constructed with adjustable slider tabs at the waist to customize the fit. Despite the tailored cut, there’s an incredible amount of stretch for ease of movement.

Our favorite aspect of these pants is the ultra-soft feel of the fabric, which we wanted to keep on for days. We also love the ample amount of pocket space including at the front, back and at the lower sides. It feels super airy and moves seamlessly through the airport, so you don’t experience any heaviness that most baggy cargos can bear. The Brushed Traveler Cargo is thick enough to keep you warm, especially when you’re sitting in the chilly airplane cabin for hours.

Bonobos Extra Stretch Travel Jeans

Extra Stretch Travel Jeans

Just as you'd expect from Bonobos, the brand offers one of the most comfortable jeans on the market, available in every wash you could imagine, with fits that range from tailored to straight. These Extra Stretch Travel Jeans often happen to be a favorite by athletes and active guys who refuse to be tamed by heavy denim fabric.

According to our tester, these jeans in ultra-stretchy cotton merge the performance capabilities of the Bonobos name while maintaining the classic look of a staple pair of denim, making them a superb choice for stylish guys on the move. For instance, ever thought of going for a light jog in jeans? That seems implausible, but not impossible with these extra stretchy jeans that almost feel like sweatpants according to our tester.

Tyler Sellers , a fitness coach and professional athlete, is stoked by Bonobos' versatile offerings. "They produce high-quality clothing in more sizes than most other manufacturers... Bonobos offers all cuts, sizes, and materials on a single product page so you can quickly choose whatever you believe will work best for you," he says. That is also to say you’ll love the fit, four-way stretch, and classic look of these travel jeans, so make room in your closet to stock up on a few pairs.

What Do Experts Say? " What I love about Bonobos is how they cater to any body shape. Their original stretch chino is not only a well-constructed item, but is at a budget price point as well. When shopping this piece keep in mind what fit will work best for your body shape. Larger thighs? Athletic fit is the option for you. Carry a little more weight around your midsection? Stick with the straight fit ," says personal wardrobe stylist Grace Thomas .

Ben Sherman 24/7 Motion Stretch Slim Chino

24/7 Motion Stretch Slim Chino

Old-school chinos were reliable business casual staples but didn't provide much comfort. A suite of forward-thinking labels—Ben Sherman among them—have updated the chino with athleisure-friendly features: stretchy waistbands and water- and wrinkle-resistant fabrics that hold up in all types of conditions without sacrificing style.

Having worn Ben Sherman’s chinos to travel in April and May 2023, I was impressed by how lightweight and smooth the fabric is. While it’s not traditional chino material, I like its nylon blend that is stretchy enough for a squat and sweat-wicking. I also found that while the fit is slim, it is not restricting, and all in all looks great enough for everyday wear as well as the office. At this price, it’s a bang for your buck.

Ben Sherman's chinos are a favorite among stylists, and it's easy to see why: they're made with the ideal bit of stretch, tapered to look sharp, and enhanced with a cotton-nylon blend that provides all-day-long softness. "What I love about Ben Sherman's Chino are their fit, cut, stretch, and a wide variety of colors," says celebrity stylist Lisa Marie Cameron who recommends going for the brand's unique colors to give you an elevated flare, or opting for classics that are easy to pair with your daily wear. "You can't go wrong choosing Ben Sherman's chinos because they are suitable for any occasion. From work to meetings, to date night, to weddings, and everything in between," she highlights. "All it takes is your favorite color, adding your own touch of style and you're ready to tackle the day with whatever you have planned."

Madewell Athletic Slim Jeans

Athletic Slim Jeans

After you’ve nailed your comfort on the fit, the next step is to go after other kinds of comfort—softness, stretch, and coolness—in spades. These Madewell athletic fit jeans are our editor’s tried-and-true favorite: they feel incredibly soft, have more room in the seat and thigh areas for beefy quads but look tapered from the knees down, and move like joggers when worn on the go but still look tailored and elevated; they’re also built with moisture-wicking temperature-regulating tech to keep your legs dry.

Overall, Madewell developed their COOLMAX denim blend to be far more breathable, flexible, and comfortable than regular 100% cotton denim. All three of these properties make them ideal travel pants. You get the look and function of a good pair of jeans that feel as comfortable as track pants.

Brooks Brothers Stretch Advantage ChinoÂź Pants

Stretch Advantage ChinoÂź Pants

Despite being one of the oldest menswear brands, Brooks Brothers' Advantage ChinoÂź pants have the most modern design we've ever tested, from spandex stretch to cotton twill softness to a wrinkle-resistant fabric to five different fits that cater to just about every guy. Marcos Martinez , a lifestyle influencer, verifies how these pants meet all the demands in chinos. "The chinos should have a flexible waistband to give comfort and breathing room around the waist. The material should be mostly cotton twill and part spandex for flexibility," says Martinez.

If you're concerned that a legacy menswear label like Brooks Brothers decided to go for a more modern, performance-minded fabric with stretch for its chinos, we found that not only did they give us a perfect fit right off the shelf, but they also felt incredibly comfortable and have managed to stay crisp for almost a year—far better than chinos made with full. The touch of stretch and flexibility especially helped our tester wear them to travel or commute throughout the day, and the overall elegant look kept us looking sharp. Plus, with enough fits and sizes for anything from extra slim to extra large, whatever your body type is, rest assured that Brooks Brothers' chinos have you covered.

L.L.Bean Venture Stretch Five-Pocket Pants

Venture Stretch Five-Pocket Pants

A pair ideal for anyone who spends an equal amount of time at the office as they do in the great outdoors—and travels tons to get there. These stretchy and hard-wearing L.L.Beans can repel water yet still offer ample smartness for business days.

Roark Layover 2.0 Pants

Layover 2.0 Pants

Roark’s travel pants are constructed from a blended stretch canvas and feature a ventilated back yoke-mesh panel. Then there are all the compartments: two large zipped front pockets with inner storage sleeves, two buttoned back pockets, and a super-handy stash pouch at the rear for your phone.

How to Choose the Best Men's Travel Pants

commerce breaker

Comfort, mobility, and a nice fit are key elements to be on the lookout for when finding the best men's travel pants.

Fabric: The whole point of travel pants is that they should look like regular chinos or slacks while feeling like athletic pants when you're wearing them. They should be lightweight, flexible, and breathable. That means you want to look for a fabric blend that has some stretch in it and at least half polyester or Tencel fiber in the mix. Some brands will put cotton or wool in the mix to keep the business look and shape. The one thing to avoid is when brands go overboard with the stretch. If there is more than 10% elastin or spandex in the mix, your pants are going to look too casual and won't hold a proper shape.

Performance: Features like quick-drying and moisture-wicking are essential for comfort, keeping your legs cool and dry throughout your traveling. Wrinkle resistance in travel pants also helps you maintain a neat appearance without ironing. If you're traveling to a sunny destination, consider travel pants with built-in UV protection to shield your skin from harmful rays. And if you're packing travel pants, make sure the ones you get are lightweight.

Stretch: Travel pants are known for their ability to move with our legs and cater to our movement, so stretch is essential—whether it's a natural stretch or courtesy of a few percentages of elastane, spandex, or lycra.

Fit: Good travel pants should have a business-casual look. You want them to fit like a pair of cotton chinos or wool slacks. This means whatever style of fit you wear in those pants, you want the same fit in your travel pants. There may be a compulsion to go slimmer since it's a stretch pant. If you wear a straight-leg chino, do get slim-fit travel pants. If you wear slim-fit jeans, don't get skinny-fit travel jeans. Stick to your go-to fit.

Look: A lot of brands have gotten into the travel pants game in the past few years which means there is a lot of variety in looks out there. It's important to remember that your travel pants are a replacement for regular pants and should look the part. Stick to traditional colors like Navy, Black, Gray, Olive, and Khaki. You want them to be versatile and understated. Avoid the aqua blues and dusty oranges.

Pockets: While travel pants should look like normal pants, their functionality for ease on the go is key. Since you'll likely carry your travel and everyday essentials with you while you wear travel pants, you want to make sure you have enough deep pockets because you need to carry stuff on the go and don't want to worry about anything falling out when you sit down. Travel pants with hidden or zippered pockets for added security are also worth the buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

line

What are the best overall travel pants?

For catching flights, commuting, running everyday errands, or going to the office—all while looking good—the best men's travel pants overall are Lululemen's ABC Pant . It has a four-way stretch, feels soft, is made with breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying fabric, comes with a gusset that relieves tension from your crutch while walking, and dons the classic chino style. You can probably squeeze in a few workouts or hikes in them too.

What Types of Pants Make the Best Travel Pants?

Jeans designed with stretch and moisture-wicking properties provide comfort without sacrificing the classic style and are perfect for urban exploration and casual outings. Classic chinos updated with stretch and quick-drying features are ideal for a polished look while on the move or for formal occasions. Joggers and sweatpants made with soft and breathable materials are suitable for long flights or casual activities. Cargo pants that are lightweight give you easy access to essentials while you're traveling. Hiking pants also make great travel pants since they're bound for outdoor adventures.

What are the best travel pants for men to wear on an airplane?

The best men's travel pants for men to wear on an airplane combine comfort, style, and functionality. Joggers and sweatpants, for instance, offer stretch and lounging-like comfort to provide ease of movement during long flights. Jeans made from stretch denim and moisture-wicking properties provide a sharp look while ensuring comfort during your flights. Chinos made with stretch and breathable materials are also good for long flights and staying polished. Lounge pants are soft, breathable, and often come in a relaxed fit that'll provide extended comfort.

What is the best material for travel pants? While cotton is a solid choice since it's naturally breathable and stretchy and even moisture-wicking, the best men's travel pants will incorporate activewear materials. Nylon is a popular choice for travel pants due to its durability, natural breathability, and quick-drying properties. Similar to nylon, polyester is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and lightweight, but needs to be made with stretch. Denim designed with moisture-wicking and stretch is also foolproof if you're looking for jeans as travel pants. Ideally, the best men's travel pants will come in blended fabrics that combine the best qualities of different materials.

Headshot of Christian Gollayan

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

Headshot of Ted Stafford

Ted Stafford is the Fashion Director of Men’s Health. He oversees all style and fashion content for the brand, and also styles their fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men’s Health he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein

preview for Men's Health US Section - All Sections & Videos

.css-1fpt53b{height:1.25rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1fpt53b{overflow:unset;line-height:1.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1fpt53b{line-height:1.25rem;}}.css-1fpt53b:before{background-color:#D2232E;color:#fff;margin-right:0.625rem;width:1.25rem;height:1.25rem;content:'';display:block;} Men's Wardrobe Essentials

amazon cole haan spring sale

Found: V-Neck T-Shirts That Look and Feel Amazing

a collage of a man's torso and chest

The Best Athletic Shorts for All Types of Wear

best sweatpants for men

Cool Sweatpants? Our 15 Picks Prove They Exist

best socks for men

Reliable Socks for Every Style and Occasion

best compression shorts for men

13 Most Comfortable Compression Shorts for Men

best no show socks for men

15 No-Show Socks That Actually Stay on

best undershirts for men

21 Useful But Still Stylish Undershirts You Need

best slip ons for men

14 Sleek Slip-On Shoes for Every Guy’s Budget

best work pants

Rugged Work Pants That Are Built to Last

best joggers for men

You'll Be Proud to Wear This Jogger in Public

best jeans for men

The Best Jeans for Your Budget and Style

Don't Leave Home Without the Best Travel Accessories

comfort way travel

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Packing for a trip gets infinitely less stressful when you’ve got a trusted arsenal of travel accessories. In fact, you may even look forward to putting your travel accessory kit back after a trip, knowing that it will be there waiting in all of its organized glory when you embark on your next journey. Finding the perfect travel accessories is another story—but we’re here to help. 

Part of a successful vacation is feeling comfortable, no matter where you may find yourself. That can be hard when you have limited space for the essentials, let alone the items that will make you feel right at home, no matter which hotel room you find yourself in. Luckily, the travel-sized accessory market is enormous. So big that even beginning to look for some permanent fixtures for your accessory kit is an arduous task. So, go into these recommendations knowing that our goal is to set you up with a foolproof set of items that will really come in handy.

From the best travel blanket and the most comfortable pillow to noise-canceling headphones and a chic passport wallet, we touched on every essential you could reach for.

  • What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best travel pillow, trtl travel pillow.

Easy to pack

Lightweight

Machine washable

Wearing it takes some getting used to

Not great for tall people

The Trtl Travel Pillow is a frequent traveler favorite for a reason. This travel pillow is applauded for its excellent design, but putting it on does take some getting used to. Unlike other travel pillows, you can’t slip it around your neck and go. A Velcro patch allows you to wear this more like a scarf, with the plastic inner structure keeping your neck and chin propped up. While our tester dealt with some confusion trying out the travel pillow for the first time—for example, it was unclear that the pillow is only meant for the left side of your face—she was impressed by the comfort. The fleece cover is machine-washable, something our tester loved, and the entire thing weighs mere ounces.

Best Charger

Anker store powercore 10000 pd redux.

Sleek design

Quick charging power

Single USB charging port

This charger from Anker may be small, but it packs a lot of power. You’ll get more than one charge out of this device for some of your tech. More specifically, it’ll charge an iPhone XS and Galaxy S10 twice and an iPad mini 5 once. The overall design is much sleeker than some competitors, with a matte black finish and a simple LED indicator light to tell you when your device is fully charged. For smaller devices, the charger uses something called trickle-charging mode. This delivers smaller bursts of power for smaller devices without damage.

Best Blanket

Travelrest travel blanket.

Inexpensive

Full coverage

Cozy, plush material

A bit bulky

If there’s one thing that could make a long, frigid flight a little cozier, it’s a blanket that doubles as a full-body sweater. The Wrap 4-in-1 Travel Blanket from Travelrest also acts as a pillow when stuffed into its travel case, lumbar support, or use its carrying case as an additional space for storing travel essentials. The best part is that it’s easy to wear as a full-body blanket—you won’t have to wiggle in and out of it or disturb your seatmates in the process.

Best Umbrella

Repel windproof travel umbrella.

Small footprint

Small coverage area

If there’s one thing that will set apart a travel umbrella from the rest, it’s whether or not it’s windproof. This is a feature you didn’t know you needed until you really need it. This travel umbrella from Repel is not only small enough to toss into any carry-on bag, but it’s coated in Teflon and designed with resin-reinforced fiberglass ribs to keep the structure sound through the strongest of gusts. Our tester found that this umbrella withstood strong winds and dried quickly, and the thoughtful design makes it easy to open and close.

Best Hand Sanitizer

Dr. bronner's organic hand sanitizer spray.

Great scent

Made with organic ingredients

Smell is too strong for some

If the sharp smell of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is something you can’t stand in an open-air environment, chances are you’ll be kicking yourself for spraying it mid-flight. That’s where this delightfully scented hand sanitizer from Dr. Bronner’s comes into play. The lavender spray goes a long way and comes in packs of two or six bottles. In fact, it smells so good it could double as an air freshener. Plus, it ditches the harsh chemicals that dry out your hands while still maintaining the power to kill as many germs as the more industrial hand sanitizers.

Best Passport Wallet

Leatherology deluxe passport cover.

Courtesy of Leatherology

Personalization options

17 color options

Full grain leather

Not a lot of space in pockets

Leatherology makes high-quality, affordably priced leather goods, and their passport covers do not disappoint. This case has two pockets, one of which is for your passport, and four credit card slots. While there are plenty of pockets, some reviewers note they are a bit small, making removing and replacing cards difficult. There are 17 colors to choose from, including options with RFID-blocking or premium leather, which cost a bit extra. The 11 standard colors cost $70, and all use soft, full-grain leather, and the passport wallet can be customized with debossing or handpainted leather for an additional fee.

Best Compression Socks

Physix gear sport compression socks.

Bold design

Compression socks can be tricky: Find a pair that’s too tight, and you’ll keep yourself up the entire flight. But wear a too loose pair, and you’ll miss out on all of the benefits (less swelling, sore muscle relief, and better blood circulation). These compression socks from Physix Gear Sport use a stretchy yet durable Lycra fabric that hugs your leg. Because they’re so breathable, you won’t be trapped with a claustrophobic feeling mid-flight. Our tester noted that the socks reduced swelling even after a short wear without leaving marks. Though, like many compression socks, they can be a bit difficult to get on.

Best Tote Bag

Baggu cloud bag.

Limited color options

There are countless situations in which you would be thanking yourself for tossing a tote bag into your suitcase. That tote bag should be Baggu’s Cloud Bag, which looks fantastic and would pass as an everyday bag and is highly durable, thanks to recycled heavyweight nylon. You can fit an entire change of clothing, a laptop, all your travel accessories, and more (probably) inside it. Plus, it packs down into its own travel pouch and comes in four different colors.

Best Packing Cubes

Calpak packing cubes 5-piece set.

Great storage space

Great color options

Material could be more durable

Packing cubes are what separate the seasoned traveler from the newbies. Investing in a solid set can help you add multiple outfits' worth of space back into your luggage. This five-piece packing cube set from Calpak comes in 12 colors and prints. Each set includes a 17-inch cube, a 15-inch cube, two 12-inch cubes, and a 13-inch cube. For those who value organization above all, there's also a spot where you can drop in a hand-written organizing label.

Best Toiletry Bag

Bagsmart hanging toiletry bag.

Double handle for easy carrying

Design isn’t the most sleek

There are all kinds of toiletry bags but find one that hangs, and you’ll be thanking yourself for years of vacations to come. This bag from Bagsmart can be easily hung from a shower or a bathroom hook, meaning you don’t have to overload the sink space with all your toiletries. Available in five colors, each bag has five units for storage: two zippered pouch units and two larger storage units with zippered pouches and slots for smaller items. The primary units are designed to keep bottles upright.

Best Noise-Canceling Headphones

Bose quietcomfort 35 ii headphones.

Different noise cancelation levels

Great design

Long battery life

These Bose headphones have three levels of noise cancellation power built into them. You can choose if you want to completely tune out, eavesdrop on the conversation behind you, or hold (at least part of a conversation) while still wearing them. They’re easily packed thanks to a compact travel case and can run for 20 hours off a single charge.

What to Look for When Buying Travel Accessories

Before filling your travel accessory wishlist, think about the luggage you commonly use. If you’re a carry-on bag traveler, you will inevitably have less space to work with. Do you often check a bag when you fly? Buy some packing cubes and make even more space for your travel essentials.

Stress Triggers

Before making your list of necessary travel essentials, ask yourself: What stresses me most about traveling? What do I miss the most when I’m on the road? Let this gut check lead the way for your shopping list. If the fear of oversleeping is a big stressor, for example, then a reliable travel alarm clock could be essential. Just remember: Packing too many things can be just as stressful as not packing enough.

Some travel essentials will be an investment, like noise-canceling headphones, and others, like a TSA-approved lock, won’t be. Make sure and prioritize the items you’ll get the most use of, and weigh your shopping list accordingly.

Accessories vary between travelers, but comfort will be a priority on long-haul flights. A good pair of noise-canceling headphones, compression socks, and a travel pillow or blanket will go a long way.

Good travel accessories depend on your trip, but generally, a power bank, luggage lock, hand sanitizer, and travel pillow are good for every vacation.

If you expect to use an accessory during a flight (like a blanket, headphones, or neck pillow), put it in your item underneath the seat for easy access. Accessories like power banks, compression socks, or hand sanitizer are also best kept in a carry-on.

Erika Owen is a frequent traveler with her own dependable stable of travel essentials (noise-canceling headphones, a travel pillow, a tech charger, hand sanitizer, and two tote bags). More than six hours of research went into this story, particularly around suggesting a range of travel essentials that will prove to be the most useful while traveling. She also has reviewed the Trtl Pillow and Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks on this list.

The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Samsonite Luggage Items of 2024

The 12 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 10 Best Anti-Theft Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Packing Cubes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 10 Best Places to Buy Luggage of 2024

The 8 Best Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 10 Best Travel Tote Bags of 2024

The 10 Best Travel Blankets of 2024

The 8 Best Travel Golf Bags, Tested and Reviewed

The Best Travel Camera Cases and Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The Best Mini Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Tested: The 11 Best Weekender Bags

Comroll Travel Pillow Review

The 10 Best Travel Makeup Bags

The 10 Best Travel Adapters of 2024

Packing Light Travel

Create a travel comfort pack for easy access to self-care essentials

by Anne Betts | Feb 20, 2021 | Health, Safety and Comfort , home featured , Packing Light Travel Gear | 2 comments

create-a-travel-comfort-pack

Updated February 20, 2021

Create a travel comfort pack to house those small items that come in handy to enhance personal hygiene and comfort while on the move.

For example, there have been times when a travel pack of three-ply tissues has been the most important item in my day bag. Without going into too much detail, those times have usually involved an upset stomach and a public toilet. While on the subject of public toilets, in many countries soap isn’t provided so travelling with soap leaves makes sense for those occasions when cleaning with water needs a helping hand. Throw a bottle of hand sanitizer into the mix, along with a few other items such as lip balm and facial wipes, and a sizeable collection of useful travel products begins to take shape.

Create a travel comfort pack

You likely have a small pouch or zippered cosmetics case that could serve as a container for your travel comfort pack. It needs to be large enough to carry what you need, and small enough to fit inside your day bag or in-flight personal bag. The idea is to have your comfort items organized, protected, and readily accessible and not have them left to roam within the cavernous expanse of a bag.

My comfort pack is a small packing cube 6.5 by 4.5 by 2.5 inches (16.5 by 11.5 by 6 centimetres). Empty, it weighs just one ounce (29 grams). The clamshell lid with dual zipper pulls allows for easy access. The webbing handle means it is easily carried or hung on a hook in a public washroom. There’s no need to place it on a surface of questionable cleanliness.

travel-comfort-pack-packed

The comfort pack resides in my day bag with a small first-aid kit, on an almost permanent basis. Both readily transfer to my pocket shopping bag ( ChicoBag Vita ) when pressed into service as a beach bag, or to carry to a bike pannier on cycling trips. This way, I just need to remember to transfer two pouches instead of several individual items.

If you don’t have a suitable packing organizer that could serve as a travel comfort pack, check out the online marketplace Etsy for possibilities.

Contents of a travel comfort pack

Here are some ideas on what to include in a travel comfort pack.

what-to-include-in-a-travel-comfort-pack

  • 50-leaf pack of pocket hand wash leaves (Sea to Summit)
  • 6 towel tablets ( TowTabs / Wysi Wipes /dollar store towel tabs)
  • travel pack of 3-ply tissues to double as emergency toilet paper
  • hand sanitizer
  • biodegradable sanitizing wipes (EO)
  • moisturizing lotion ( Nature’s Aid Moisturizing Skin Gel )
  • lip balm ( Nature’s Aid )
  • wooden toothpicks and interdental toothpicks ( Gum )
  • panty liners ( Natracare )
  • cotton buds ( Organyc )
  • cotton balls ( Organyc )
  • tiny jar of Boroleum for air travel and dry environments.

Do you have a similar travel aid? If so, what does it contain?

If you found this post useful, you might be interested in the following related posts:

  • No soap? No problem travelling with soap leaves
  • Travel with tablet towels: a multipurpose essential every traveller should pack
  • Organizing a 3-1-1 bag for toiletries and cosmetics
  • Are you travelling with expired toiletries?
  • Save money for where it counts: cruise dollar store aisles for travel products
  • Get inspired. Shop Etsy for unique travel products

Pin it for later?

create-a-travel-comfort-pack

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you use them to buy something, you don’t pay more, but this website earns a small commission, which helps pay the costs of maintaining the site. So, thank you.

Jean Marshall

I really am enjoying your site. I am going to S. Africa with your friend Anne in September. She, of course put me on to your site. I was wondering which toiletry bag you use/recommend? I just ordered one through EBags but did consider one from LL Bean but any other suggestions will help. I already got the Motherlode Weekender and a Travelon Daypack. Thanks for all your great information.

Anne Betts

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  • Cruise dollar store aisles for travel products - Packing Light Travel - […] Create a travel comfort pack […]
  • Are you travelling with expired toiletries? - Packing Light Travel - […] Create a travel comfort pack for easy access to self-care essentials […]

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

CommentLuv badge

Search this site

Welcome to Packing Light Travel. I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. For information on the site, please see the About page.

Book: The Ernie Diaries

the-ernie-diaries-motorcycle-adventure-1973

Packing Light

how-to-pack-light

Join the mailing list for updates, and access to the Resource Library.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Connect on instagram.

comfort way travel

If you find this information useful, subscribe to the newsletter and free access to packing lists, checklists, and other tools in Packing Light Travel's Resource Library.

Your email address will never be shared. Guaranteed.

Pin It on Pinterest

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Four friends walking to an airport terminal

18 Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane

'  data-srcset=

The Editors

We are the editors of SmarterTravel! Together we have appeared in countless travel publications including ABC News, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. We dedicate our days to creating and producing expert travel content, including packing tips, general travel advice, destination inspiration, and helpful videos. Follow us across social media on YouTube , Pinterest , Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter or drop us a line to say hi at [email protected]!

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Dressing appropriately for air travel means knowing what will keep you comfortable on the plane—and given the cramped seats and various temperature changes on flights, this isn’t always easy.

What to Wear While Flying: Always Wear These Things on the Plane

The following items provide plenty of comfort plus a touch of style, making them the best clothes for flying. Be the best dressed in the cabin with our guide to in-flight apparel.

Layers, Layers, Layers

HappyLuxe bamboo scarf

Air travel is often an assemblage of disparate micro-climates, from the sweat-inducing sunny tarmac to the arctic air-conditioned cabin during flight. Fight that discomfort with plenty of layers like a washable travel scarf/wrap/blanket hybrid that’s a large enough to snuggle underneath when it’s particularly chilly.

Pashminas, shawls, wraps, cardigans, sweatshirts, vests, and light jackets are perfect. You can even fold or roll soft items, like cotton jackets, and use them as makeshift pillows during flight. Plus, the more layers you pile on your body, the less you need to pack in your luggage. Roll items and stuff them in your carry-on bag or personal item if you’re too warm.

Layers that help you regulate temperature while flying also come in very handy when traveling through various (actual) climates. And for travelers hitting the road during shoulder season, when the weather is particularly unpredictable, layers are key for optimal comfort.

Breathable Fabrics

Models wearing the Active Pursuit 7/8 Tights from REI Co-op in green and the Unbound Merino Wool Long Sleeve shirt in tan

Maintain in-flight comfort and cleanliness by wearing breathable fabrics—materials like cotton, silk, or linen. Fabrics that don’t allow air to circulate will hold in sweat, likely making you feel dirtier faster and probably necessitating a good spin in the washing machine upon landing. Natural fabrics are great, but moisture-wicking manmade fabrics are suitable options as well: Active Pursuit 7/8 Tights from REI Co-op are a polyester/spandex blend that’s incredibly quick-drying.

Merino wool is one of the best options for odor and moisture resistance; you can wear it straight off the plane without needing to wash it in between. Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Tee makes the perfect base layer, and can be worn for 72 hours without acquiring bad smells. For women, consider Unbound Merino’s Wool Long Sleeve T-Shirt , which is made from 100% merino wool that’s soft and cozy on cold planes while wicking any sweat away from the skin.

Support or Compression Legwear

Compression socks in a variety of colors and patterns

Many doctors recommend that pregnant women wear support or compression stockings in flight. But compression legwear is also a good choice for those with pre-existing medical conditions, any travelers taking long-haul flights, and anyone who flies often. Compression socks or stockings , which promote blood circulation, help prevent swelling of the legs, and help guard against deep vein thrombosis (DVT), work by putting pressure on leg muscles and increasing blood flow. These don’t have to look like medical wear either—there are plenty of stylish compression sock options available.

Comfortable, Simple Shoes

ECCO footwear men's slip ons in blue

It’s best to wear extremely comfortable, flat shoes on the plane—think of your poor feet after hours or even days of sitting, standing, and walking en route to your destination. You’ll also want to select shoes that are easy to slip on and off when passing through airport security. Cole Haan slip-ons offer sneaker-grade comfort in a stylish package, as do Toms (for men and women ) and ECCO Footwear .

Clothes with Lots of Pockets

Model showing off two different angles of the Public Rec's Workday pants

With all kinds of airline baggage fees adding on to the price of a ticket these days, clothes that do double duty as a wearable carry-on bag are de rigueur . The SCOTTeVEST cotton hoodie is available for men and women, and one of our picks for great accessories and clothes with hidden pockets . And there are myriad other travel jackets out there that feature an explosion of pockets, like Lightweight Down Puffer Jacket from Quince, made from certified responsible down and featuring interior pockets for valuables like wallets and passports.

Leggings with pockets can be an essential part of a plane outfit for stashing a phone or passport while still keeping it easily accessible. Arc’teryx’s Essent High-Rise Leggings have pockets big enough to hold even the biggest smartphone, and the style is sleek enough to wear under dresses, or as pants during a hike at your destination.

For men, Public Rec’s Workday Pants can pass as business casual while hiding plenty of pockets. The pants also have a touch of spandex woven into the fabric to keep you comfortable on long-haul flights.

Loose-Fitting Clothing

comfort way travel

As mentioned before, deep vein thrombosis is a danger on flights, where travelers stuck in cramped seats for long periods of time are at greater risk for developing blood clots. Leave your skinny jeans at home and opt for less restrictive garments like Duluth Trading’s NoGA Classic Slim Leg Pants , which have the flattering fit of leggings but aren’t skin-tight, falling loosely around the ankles for maximum comfort.

8 Most Packable Shoes for Travel

Something Stylish

Models wearing the Drapey Square Shirt and the logo-free tee from Everlane

Don’t throw fashion out the window. When it comes to dressing for a flight, a lot of advice focuses on function. But dressing with a bit of style—while keeping conscious of comfort of course—could help you get a free upgrade. An anonymous source once told Goop : “On a Virgin flight back to Heathrow, I spotted one of the staff’s monitors that read, ‘Look for well-dressed people to upgrade.’” This won’t happen every time, but if you are hoping to get upgraded , it helps to look smart. The Drapey Square Shirt from Everlane is flowy but still look good once you disembark. For men, their classic, logo-free tee is comfortable without being restrictive and will let you blend in anywhere.

comfort way travel

The Perfect Plane Outfit for Women

Allbirds Wool Runners in grey

Look for a pair of breathable shoes that are easy to slip on and off. If you have TSA PreCheck , don’t worry about wearing socks. Wool Runners and the Wool Loungers from Allbirds are super comfortable and breathable so you can go sockless, and the neutral colors go with any outfit.

Blue bamboo scarf

A convertible shawl or scarf that can double as a blanket is a necessity for every female traveler. This bamboo shawl can be transformed into many things—a cardigan, shawl, infinity scarf, hood, plane blanket, and other customizable options. The fabric is breathable and sweat-wicking, so you won’t overheat on the plane with this layer.

Model showing off two angles of a purple bamboo top available on Amazon

Bamboo is a great material for travel, as it is thin and comfortable but still holds up to sweat and heat, making it a perfect layering piece for any climate (or airplane temperature). These bamboo tops from Amazon are inexpensive and come in a wide variety of colors to match the rest of your vacation wardrobe.

Betabrand's Cosmo Lite Yoga Dress Pants  in black, the perfect comfortable pants for air travel

A comfortable pair of pants completes a perfect plane outfit. The right pair allows you to step off the plane ready to go and looking professional. Find a pair with a touch of spandex for ultimate in-flight comfort. Betabrand’s Cosmo Lite Yoga Dress Pants come in a stretchy nylon-elastane blend that’s not too tight but still holds you in and gives you a smooth silhouette.

Personal Item

The Kanken by Fjallraven backpack

Don’t forget the perfect bag for all your carry-on essentials . Look for a slim backpack to free up your hands while traveling and optimize your legroom while flying. The Kanken by Fjallraven fits perfectly under the seat in front of you and has a laptop compartment, two side pockets for items you’ll need easy access to, plus as an inner sleeve and a front zippered pocket. It completes your perfect plane outfit.

FjÀllrÀven KÄnken Art Launch Review

Outer Layer

A draped open front cardigan in tan, available on Amazon

Depending on the time of year and your destination, you’ll want to travel with a versatile outer layer. Look for something in a neutral color and a lightweight fabric. This drapey open-front cardigan can transition from day to night, and goes with almost every outfit in a pinch.

The Perfect Plane Outfit for Men

comfort way travel

Look cool and comfortable with the Runner-up Mizzles from Allbirds. These shoes will keep you dry on your trek to and from the airport even in the worst of weather conditions, then keep you cozy in flight.

Shoes That Are Good for Your Feet, According to Doctors

comfort way travel

The Gramercy Blazer from Bluffworks doesn’t wrinkle, so it’s ideal for going straight from plane to boardroom. It also has 10 built-in pockets to hold your wallet, passport, headphones, and more on travel days.

The 72-Hour Merino Tee from Huckberry

A basic and comfortable T-shirt is perhaps the most important part of your perfect plane outfit. I love Huckberry’s incredibly soft 72-Hour Merino Tee . The odor-resistant wool fabric will keep you feeling fresh after a long travel day.

Model showing off two angles of the Bluffworks Airlines pants

A comfortable pair of pants is a key component for a great travel outfit, and Bluffworks’ Airline Pants are designed specifically with in-flight style in mind. These pants combine the look of a dress pant with the feel of a jogger, creating a stylish silhouette with extra stretch for sitting for long hours on the plane.

Red and black versions of the SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA laptop Backpack

The SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA laptop Backpack will make you a more organized traveler. The compartmentalized backpack is an ideal carry-on bag with separate pockets for travel essentials and your tech gear, making it easy to find your stuff quickly during your flight.

Book Your Stay With SmarterTravel

No matter where you’re flying, find your hotel for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels .

SmarterTravel Logo

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

comfort way travel

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Italy: 8-Night Rome, Florence & Venice...

Infinity Worldwide Vacations

comfort way travel

Monte Carlo to Athens: Luxe, 10-Night...

Oceania Cruises

comfort way travel

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

comfort way travel

Trending on SmarterTravel

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Sweepstakes
  • Airlines + Airports

33 Tips for Making a Long-haul Flight More Comfortable

These tips for long flights will make your next trip much more enjoyable.

Whether you're taking a seven-hour jaunt to Europe or embarking on the nearly 19-hour journey of the world's longest flight , lengthy flights can be boring, uncomfortable, and exhausting. The nuisances of long-haul travel can range in severity from the mildly inconvenient (annoying seatmates) to the downright dangerous (deep-vein thrombosis is no joke), and a poorly planned journey can be enough to not only ruin your day, but a few more afterward, too. Luckily, there are some easy ways to make a long flight infinitely more bearable .

Here are 33 tips for long flights.

1. Book your tickets early.

This should go without saying. The earlier you book, the better your chances of scoring your favorite seat — it's that simple.

2. Sit in the back.

Just in case you don't have a favorite seat (or the ones in the front with all the legroom are taken), go for the back. It'll be noisier, sure, but if everyone else is scrambling for the front, you've got a far better chance of ending up with an empty seat or two beside you. Before your flight, keep an eye on the seat map to see if there are any empty rows you can claim last minute.

3. Use those air miles to upgrade.

If you've got 'em, flaunt 'em. You'll thank yourself when you're reclining in a first-class seat, sipping Champagne and pretending to like caviar. And if you don't have the miles, this is the time to splurge for a superior first- or business-class seat.

4. Shell out for premium economy.

Because, sadly, we don't always have the miles. A step up from regular economy class, premium economy might be slightly more expensive, but the benefits — priority check-in, extra legroom, comfortable seats — far outweigh the cost most of the time.

5. Try for a free upgrade.

Worth a go, isn't it? Arrive early, travel by yourself, dress nicely, and put on your best, most winning smile. Your odds of scoring a last-minute upgrade are better if you have elite status with the airline.

6. Prepare for jet lag.

There are several things you can do before your flight to help avoid jet lag , or at least mitigate it. Spend the days before your flight adjusting your sleep patterns (a few 4 a.m. or 7 p.m. bedtimes should do it, depending on what time of day you'll be flying). You can also book your flight so that it arrives during the day, make the most of your stopovers, and, most importantly, be well rested before you fly. Trust us, staying awake for the 24 hours before your trip because you're sure it'll balance out once you arrive just doesn't work.

7. Check in early.

The last thing you need before your long-haul journey is to panic your way through a busy airport — or to miss your flight.

8. De-stress before you arrive.

Have a nice breakfast. Go to the gym. Read a book. Go for a walk. It's important to relax before you embark on your journey.

9. Don't overdo the carry-ons.

You'll need more for a long-haul flight than you would for a short one, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea to overpack. Keep the essentials in your personal item so they're always within arm's reach.

10. But do bring your own pillow.

A travel pillow is a staple carry-on item for long-distance travelers. Almost every airport sells them, and looking a little ridiculous is a small price to pay for not destroying your neck.

11. Pack plenty of face masks.

Face coverings are still required on planes, so be sure to stash several in an easy-to-reach spot to switch them out as desired.

12. Noise-canceling headphones are your new best friend.

If you can't afford them, some high-quality earplugs will do just fine to block out the airplane noise or loud passengers.

13. Buckle your seat belt over your blanket.

If you plan to sleep at all during your flight, make sure your buckled seat belt is visible. In case of turbulence, the seat belt light will turn on, and flight attendants may come around the cabin to check that everyone is buckled up. If you're buckled beneath your blanket where they can't see it, they will wake you up to check.

14. Pack an eye mask.

An eye mask is especially useful if you're flying during the day, or if you want to catch some shut-eye before the cabin lights are dimmed.

15. Dress right.

Keep it loose and comfortable — you're not here to impress anyone. Remember to bring layers for when it gets cold — a cardigan or sweatshirt is always good to have on hand.

16. Try to relax.

Do whatever it takes — meditate, listen to some calming music, do some breathing exercises — not only will it help you sleep more easily, but it's also good for your psyche in general.

17. Travel blankets exist for a reason.

Don't bring anything too thick (remember, it has to fit in your carry-on), but make sure it's enough to keep you warm when the plane's air-conditioning is going full blast.

18. Download some backup movies onto your tablet or laptop.

In-flight entertainment systems are not always reliable. They sometimes fail, and when they do, you'll be glad to have something to do in reserve.

19. Charge those devices.

The absolute last thing you need is for your iPad to run out of juice one hour into an 11-hour flight. This is especially true if your in-flight entertainment system isn't working.

20. Load up on podcasts.

Listening to podcasts uses up less battery life than watching a movie, and they are often more distracting than music. You can get through an entire flight on podcasts alone.

21. Stay healthy.

Sitting in a cramped metal tube for the better part of a day (or more) is not good for you. Fight off dehydration and deep-vein thrombosis — your two biggest enemies in the sky — by regularly drinking water, preparing an in-flight beauty routine , stretching, and walking around the cabin.

22. Stay hygienic.

This is for everyone else's sake as much as your own. Bring toiletries in your carry-on and make sure to brush your teeth, throw on some deodorant, or even change your clothes. Just make sure you do it in the bathroom, please.

23. Get creative.

You rarely get the chance to sit down for such a long time, more or less distraction-free, so why not make the most of it? Bring a notebook, a sketchpad, or whatever else you need to give the right-hand side of your brain a workout.

24. Get productive.

If you have your laptop with you, this might be a good opportunity to catch up on any busywork that needs doing. Bonus: Everyone else on your flight will think you're a sophisticated jet-setting businessperson, right up until they notice that Netflix tab you have open.

25. Befriend the crew.

Simply not being horrible to the flight crew is a given, but you could always go one step further and make an active effort to be nice. Not only will you up your chances of preferential treatment, but you'll also be doing something lovely for the folks who look after you up there.

26. Pack extra snacks.

Airline food is not usually plentiful, even on long-haul flights, and it's important to stay well nourished. No need to overdo it, of course, but no one was ever sorry to find a couple pieces of fruit or granola bars in their carry-on.

27. Adjust your watch.

It's important to acclimatize yourself to the time zone of where you're heading. As soon as you get on the plane, change your watch to the local time of your destination, then alter your routine accordingly.

Some passengers enjoy a glass of wine or beer (often free on international flights) to accompany their in-flight meals and entertainment.

29. Don't drink.

That said, don't treat booze as a way to cope with your flight. You'll end up using those tiny bathrooms far more frequently, plus alcohol is dehydrating and will mess up your sleep pattern. Keep it sensible.

30. Bring your best conversation.

Many people dread sitting next to a chatty seatmate, but you're just as likely to be seated next to a genuinely interesting and friendly fellow traveler as you are anyone else. Don't bother anyone if it's not appropriate, but don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with your neighbor either. Long flights can get pretty boring.

31. Pack lots of activities for your kids.

Traveling with kids? Make sure to pack plenty of activities to keep them entertained throughout the flight. Bring gaming systems, iPads preloaded with their favorite shows (and headphones), coloring and sticker books, and more, and don't forget their favorite snacks.

32. Practice mindfulness.

Small issues can feel like major injustices when you're stuck on a plane, but it'll all seem insignificant if you keep one thing in mind: Once you're in the air, there's nothing to be done. You're on the plane until it lands. Close your eyes, take a breath, and come to terms with this truth so you can arrive at your destination relaxed and ready to go.

33. Combat jet lag.

The flight isn't over just because you've disembarked. To fight jet lag, get as much daylight as you can, take a quick nap if you have to, hydrate, and exercise at every opportunity. Do all of that for a day or two and you'll be back to normal — just in time for the return trip.

comfort way travel

Rick Steves Reveals The Best Way To Challenge Yourself While Traveling

F or many, traveling is about vacationing and taking a break from day-to-day life. Others have to travel for work. Educational travel, on the other hand, is typically associated with students, but in reality, traveling for educational purposes can be for everyone. Regardless of the purpose, travel often means encountering things out of your comfort zone, whether using public transportation or learning a few phrases in a foreign language. 

Travel Guru Rick Steves  believes that travel should bring people out of their comfort zones. More specifically, he feels that travel should be used as a way to challenge yourself. This relates back to the educational aspect of tourism. "When we travel, we enrich our lives and better understand our place on this planet," Steves explained to Booktrib  in 2018. "Our travels can better equip us to address and help resolve the many challenges facing our world." So, how do we make our travels more challenging in a positive way?

Read more: It's Time To Ditch These 10 Outdated Travel Tips

Beachside Resorts Often Don't Show A Country's Reality

When traveling, a simple way to challenge yourself and learn more about a different part of the world is to set foot outside of the vacation resort. Such resorts usually don't reflect the country or region as a whole. Immigration from Mexico and neighboring countries is a common topic in the United States. Yet, places in Mexico like Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas are covered in gorgeous all-inclusive resorts . "Think all Mexicans want to come to America? Visit Mexico beyond the resorts," Steves stated to BookTrib. A trip to Mexico could help you see ordinary life in Mexico or why some choose to move away.

A rebuttal to Steves urging travelers to leave the confines of a resort is the possible dangers of doing so, given that even if a country has a high crime rate, its resorts tend to remain safe. However, people's fears about other countries could be due to news outlets blowing their topics out of proportion to gain more viewers or online engagements. "News has become entertainment masquerading as news. As the news becomes more sensationalized, viewers become more fearful— of different people, different faiths, different countries," says Steves.

Talk To The People You Meet During Your Travels

When Rick Steves talks about challenging yourself by learning about the world when you travel, it relates to his phrase "travel as a political act." This is also the title of one of his books. This idea could mean visiting a country which is slightly out of your comfort zone. Then the challenge becomes taking your broadened perspectives home with you. "Use what you've learned to help bring about positive change," Steves told BookTrib.

The overarching theme that drives the idea of "travel as a political act" is human connection. Steves believes that talking to people you meet while traveling can help you understand issues being faced in a particular region of the world. There are countless "us vs. them" situations all over the world, but Steves finds that traveling can bridge such gaps. "[When] traveling, we realize the challenges of our future will be blind to borders and best overcome not by conflict and walls, but by community," Steves states on his website . So, challenge yourself by connecting with the people on your journeys. Maybe ask someone in Mexico what they like and dislike about living there. Perhaps the person's answer will give you a new perspective.

Read the original article on Explore .

Rick Steves at tourism event

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

comfort way travel

  • Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

Interior of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscos

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

GUM, a popular department store in Moscow

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

Gates at Gorky Park in Moscow

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

River cruise in Moscow

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

Moscow Metro station

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

Moscow State University at dusk

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

Izmailovsky Market in Moscow, Russia

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

The skyscrapers of Moscow City

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

Art in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve, former residence of Catherine the Great

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve in Moscow

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

Ostankino TV Tower in Moscow at night

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

The floating bridge of Zaryadye Park in Moscow

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

The rooftops of Moscow, Russia

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

A pool at Sanduny Banya in Moscow

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

  • 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
  • Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
  • Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Image of Sarah Kingdom

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

Citycomfort at Kitay-Gorod

comfort way travel

View prices for your travel dates

  • Excellent 25
  • Very Good 49
  • Terrible 32
  • All languages ( 178 )
  • Russian ( 106 )
  • English ( 34 )
  • Italian ( 13 )

comfort way travel

" Ask for a larger room, my family stayed in another room and it was shockingly small (the size of a large walk-in closet) "

comfort way travel

" One without mould is probably best "

comfort way travel

" Rooms on higher floor have conditioner. Some of three-bed rooms have only two real beds and one additional very uncomfortable cot. "

comfort way travel

" take a studio room, and get a kitchen to make your own food "

comfort way travel

" Check the address of the hotel, there are 2 city comfort hotels in Moscow. "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

CITYCOMFORT AT KITAY-GOROD - Hotel Reviews (Moscow, Russia)

More From Forbes

6 adventure companies that are changing the way we travel.

  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to Linkedin

The historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, set high in the Andes Mountains, is a bucket list ... [+] destination for many travelers.

The world is a big place, and there are oodles of countries to explore and wild experiences to relish. Many folks have saved up vacation days and squirreled away funds for a journey of a lifetime. The questions are: Where should you go and how should you start the planning process? The advantages of small group travel abound. You’ll meet new people from different places around the globe, logistics and safety protocols will be expertly considered, and a professional tour guide will lead the way so that all you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride.

Whether you’re daring and love hiking, climbing, or horseback riding, or you’re a culture vulture interested in music, art, theater, and unique dining opportunities, these six adventure companies are changing the way we travel. With eco-friendliness and an emphasis on supporting local businesses and communities top of mind, you can be rest assured that each tourism changemaker is doing their part to make the world a better place. Travel with friends, family, or solo—just go!

Exodus Adventure Travels

Blue domed church along caldera edge in Oia, Santorini

Do yourself a favor and take a peek at Exodus Adventure Travels’ Instagram page, where you’ll see stunning photographs and videos of exciting destinations across the planet. From Albania to Zimbabwe, you can choose your own adventure and decide if you want to focus on hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, polar cruises, or cultural experiences. Founded in 1974, this purpose-driven Certified B Corp collaborator organizes small group tours to minimize the impact on the environment and local communities for each tour.

Where to Go: Explore Greece on a walking tour, where active travelers will not only learn about the archaeology, history, and culture of Santorini, Naxos, and Paros islands, but also, they’ll have the opportunity to revel in the theatrical panoramas, complete with sapphire seas contrasted by whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, intrepid travel.

Morocco has some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet.

The mission and ethos of Intrepid Travel is to create positive change through the joy of travel. A Certified B Corp, this adventure company has been carbon-neutral since 2010. Utilizing local tour guides, you can expect to get an authentic flavor and perspective of what a different country is really like. Choose from 1,000 diverse adventures in over 100 destinations across the globe. Whether you love forests, swamps, mountains, or deserts—there’s a biome for you.

Where to Go: Top well-loved destinations include Vietnam, Morocco , India, Peru, Egypt, Sri Lanka , Cuba, Cambodia, Jordan, and Australia. No matter which tour you cherry-pick, you can expect to have the adventure of a lifetime where you’ll meet new friends of various ages and explore interesting and vibrant cultures and communities.

Wilderness Ireland

Verdant meadows, moss covered boulders, and an azure sea await travelers in Ireland.

If you’re someone who reads reviews to determine which company to book with, then look no further than Wilderness Ireland , a sustainable tourism maverick consistently ranked among the top small group travel companies. You can expect to visit less populated and more remote communities, which helps to support the local economies. Ireland is often a bucket list destination for many folks, especially those with a genetic link or a love of beautiful and verdant landscapes. Choosing a mindful company to explore the Emerald Isle is an important consideration for many vacationers.

Where to Go: For active adventurers who love to hike and explore wild places, explore Ireland’s West Coast —Connemara, Burren, and the Aran Islands. An outdoor lover’s dream destination, you’ll experience must-see locales like the Cliffs of Moher, Croagh Patrick, Burren National Park, and the Aran Islands on a seven-day romp in nature. Fully guided, you can leave the planning and logistics to the experts and simply soak in the magnificent landscapes and culture.

Active Riding Trips

Horseback ride past vineyards, olive groves, and small villages on your trip to Provence, France.

Instead of exploring a new destination via four wheels, why not give four hooves a try? If you’re someone who loves to move intentionally through nature or if the slow travel movement appeals to you, then joining an equestrian vacation will surely fit the bill. Designed for riders of all experience levels, Active Riding Trips delivers a huge bang for your buck. You’ll have an expert guide with you leading the way and answering all questions, and you can expect the food and lodging to be of a high standard. Pro tip: Be sure to check the website for special deals and extra savings on vacation packages. These trips are meant to provide a great value for each sightseer.

Where to Go: If horseback riding in France piques your interest, you’re in luck! Active Riding Trips has many week-long tours to choose from including France’s Week in Provence: Discovering the Luberon . This trip includes accommodations, most meals, horse and all tack, professional guiding services, and transfers. You can expect to develop a special bond with your assigned horse as you’ll be warmly connected each day, taking personal responsibility for brushing, saddling, and feeding duties. It’s a rewarding relationship to be sure.

Patagonia is full of craggy peaks and glacier-fed lakes, a hiker's paradise.

Unique in every way, Flash Pack’s distinguishing favorable aspect, its brilliant niche, is that trips are geared toward solo travelers between the ages of 30—49. You’ll meet likeminded wanderers, from diverse backgrounds, who all come together to explore a small pocket of the planet in an authentic way. Small group travel is the name of the game. Choose from wellness escapes to wildlife journeys to beach escapes to active adventures—no matter what, you’ll enjoy surprises and delights along the way.

Where to Go: Rugged and handsome, Argentina is a bucket list destination for energetic wanderers. Flash Pack’s Ultimate Argentina experience packs a lot in a 10-day itinerary. You’ll start in the “Paris of South America”—Buenos Aires, where you’ll try local food, explore a vibrant market, and travel through diverse neighborhoods via two wheels on a dynamic bike tour. Next, you’ll head to Patagonia, a hiker’s paradise, where you’ll go trekking, kayaking, and glacier walking. Imaginative dining experiences include cave dining in El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and Argentino Lake. Your adventure ends in Mendoza, a massive wine producing region where Malbec is King. What more could you ask for?

Districts [ edit ]

Map

Central Moscow districts [ edit ]

Outlying districts [ edit ], understand [ edit ].

comfort way travel

Moscow is the financial and political centre of Russia and the countries formerly comprising the Soviet Union. It has a population of around 13 million and an area of 2,511 square kilometres (970 sq mi) after an expansion in 2012. One-tenth of all Russian citizens live in the Moscow metropolitan area. Moscow is the second most populous city in Europe, after Istanbul . Moscow is in the UTC+3 time zone; there is no daylight saving time.

Many years since the break up of the Soviet Union, the economy has improved, and the modern era has brought upon a wide variety of construction projects, modern architecture and newer transport systems replacing the derelict ones during Soviet times.

Geography [ edit ]

Moscow is a large metropolis on the Moskva River, which bends its way through the city. The historical center is on the northern bank of the river. The other major waterway is the Yauza River, which flows into the Moskva east of the Kremlin.

Much of Moscow's geography is defined by the 3 'Ring Roads' that circle the city at various distances from the centre, roughly following the outline of the walls that used to surround Moscow. With Red Square and the Kremlin forming the very centre, the innermost ring road is the Boulevard Ring ( Bulvarnoye Koltso ), built in the 1820s where the 16th century walls used to be. It runs from the Christ the Savior Cathedral in south-west central Moscow, to the mouth of the Yauza in south-east central Moscow.

The next ring road, the Garden Ring ( Sadovoe Koltso ), derives its name from the fact that landowners near the road in Tsarist times were obligated to maintain gardens to make the road attractive. In Soviet times, the road was widened, and there are now no gardens there.

The Third Ring Road, completed in 2004, is not much use for tourists but is a heavily used motorway which absorbs a bit of Moscow's traffic. It roughly follows the outline of Kamer-Kollezhsky val , the customs boundary of Moscow in the 18th – early 20th century. The outer edge of Moscow is largely defined by the Moscow Ring Road (widely known by its abbreviation: MKAD-Moskovskaya kolcevaya avto doroga), a motorway which is 108 km (67 mi) long and encircles the entire city (similar to London's M25 and Paris' PĂ©riphĂ©rique ).

Climate [ edit ]

The climate of Moscow features warm summers and long, cold winters.

Get in [ edit ]

See Russia#Get in for visa requirements to Russia.

By train [ edit ]

comfort way travel

Moscow is a railway hub, with connections to all parts of Russia and far into Europe and Asia. Due to its hub status, Moscow's train stations are often crowded; trains are the usual form of intercity transport for most Russians. The stations have a reputation for being unsafe but paradoxically the threat of terrorism has improved things: security gates, policing and surveillance deter the casual thugs and villains. Guard your valuables and yourself as you would in any big city.

All long-distance trains are operated by Russian Railways and its subsidiaries, except for a few international trains with other operators. Tickets can be bought at stations or online . For domestic trains, you can show the ticket officer your online boarding pass; however, international trains require a printed ticket. There are usually ticket counters with English-speaking personnel - they may be marked as such, or the clerk may direct you to another counter if they can't cope with your English. See Russia#By train 2 for more details on travelling in Russia by train.

From Europe [ edit ]

All trains from Europe halted since 2020

Train stations in Moscow [ edit ]

Moscow has 10 train stations, 9 of which are near metro stations close to the center of Moscow. Be sure to note the station from which your train is departing, which will be indicated on the ticket, or online . Three stations ( Leningradsky , Yaroslavsky , and Kazansky ) are on one huge square, informally known as the "Three Stations' Square". A running joke among Moscow taxi drivers since the Soviet times is to be able to pick up a fare from one of them to the other, taking the unwary tourist on an elaborate ride in circles. Be prepared for enormous queues trying to enter or exit the Metro at peak times, as people are getting off or on the commuter trains.

By car [ edit ]

Many entry points to Moscow over the Ring Road and into the city feature rotating roadblocks, where teams of traffic police may stop a vehicle, especially if it is not featuring Moscow plates. You may be stopped and questioned but you'll be allowed to proceed if you have all the proper documents.

Foreign cars, especially expensive cars, might attract unwelcome attention, and there is cumbersome paperwork involved to enter Russia by car.

By boat [ edit ]

There is no scheduled passenger service to Moscow by boat; however, cruise ships do provide service to the Northern River Terminal, on the Moscow Canal near the Khimki Reservoir. The pier is not convenient to the city and it can take over 2 hours to reach the city centre by car.

A system of navigable channels and locks connects the Moskva River with the Volga River, which is further connected to the Baltic Sea , White Sea, the Azov, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea. In the Soviet times this allowed the official propaganda to refer to Moscow as "a port on the five seas".

By bicycle [ edit ]

Moscow is the easternmost destination of the EuroVelo cycling routes . Eurovelo Route 2 , the Capitals Route, is a 5,500 km (3,400 mi) route starting in Galway , Ireland , passing through Dublin , London , Berlin , Warsaw and Minsk before terminating in Moscow.

By metro [ edit ]

comfort way travel

The Metro is open from 05:30-01:00. Station entrances are closed at 01:00, and at this time the last trains depart from all of the termini stations. After 01:00, many locals will enter the train station using the exits, which are still open. Service on the ring line runs until 01:30, although entrances are closed at 01:00. The down escalators are also shut off at 01:00.

There is signage in the Metro stations in English and the Latin alphabet, but these signs are not everywhere. Each train carriage has a map in Latin script and there is one near the entrance to each station. Note the direction of the train before you alight. It is worth printing a map of the metro system in both Cyrillic and Latin letters to take with you.

All trains in the system have free WiFi onboard, but you will need to have a Russian phone number to get the authorization code to access the WiFi. Some of the older train cars are not climate controlled.

2 or 3 stations may be connected as transfer points but will each have a different name. There are 2 stations called Smolenskaya and 2 stations called Arbatskaya , but the station pairs are not connected to each other despite having the same name. Some of the stations are very deep underground, and transfer times between certain metro lines can take a lot of time. In the city centre, it can save time to go directly to the above-ground entrance of the line you want to take rather than to enter at a connecting station and transfer underground. On the escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left except for peak hours, when standing on the left side is also allowed.

Some of the train stations include beautiful architecture and it is worth taking a guided tour of the metro system. The most interesting stations in terms of decor are Komsomolskaya (ring line), Novoslobodskaya (ring line), Kievskaya (ring line), Kropotkinskaya (Line #1 - red), Kievskaya (Line #3 - dark blue), Arbatskaya (Line #3 - dark blue), Ploschad' Revolyutsii (Line #3 - dark blue), Mayakovskaya (Line #2 - dark green). Also look at the architecture of the ground entrance building of Arbatskaya (Line #4 - light blue) and Krasnye Vorota (Line #1 - red). History buffs may appreciate that Metro Line #1 (red) has the oldest stations, opened in 1935.

The Vorobyovy Gory Metro Station on Line #1 (red) is unique in that it is on a bridge crossing the Moscow River. This bridge also carries auto traffic road on another level. There is a beautiful view through the transparent sides of the station. A great observing point around Moscow is located nearby on Vorobyovy hills, next to the main building of Lomonosov Moscow State University.

There are a couple of unique trains operating through the system and you will be lucky if you get to ride them. Aquarelle (Watercolor) is a train that includes an art gallery. The train operates daily on Line #3 (dark blue). The Sokolniki Retro Train is a train modeled after the original 1930s trains and it occasionally is placed into service, usually around a major anniversary of the metro system.

The metro is relatively safe, although pickpockets are a problem, as they are in any environment where a lot of people are pressed together. Opportunistic petty crime, such as snatching someone's mobile phone and jumping out just as the doors are closing, is also commonplace. Take the usual precautions at night when gangs of inebriated teenagers may look for an excuse to beat someone up. There is no train guard or conductor, so the first car near the driver may be the safest. Every car is equipped with an intercom to the driver's cabin; they are beige boxes with a grill and a black button near doors, and mostly work, unless visibly vandalized.

By tram [ edit ]

There are several tram routes, although trams are not common in the city centre.

By monorail [ edit ]

Moscow Monorail is a 4.7 km (2.9 mi) monorail line with 6 stations. It is slower, less frequent, and has shorter operating hours when compared with the metro (every 30 min, 08:00-20:00). However, the view is picturesque. It is useful to get to the Ostankino Tower, or to get to the VDNKh exhibition centre from Metro Line #9 (silver). Interchanges between Moscow Metro and Monorail is free, no additional fee will be charged.

By hop-on-hop-off bus [ edit ]

The hop-on-hop-off bus is a convenient way for tourists to see the major sights quickly and efficiently. The buses feature English-speaking guides to answer any questions. A 1 day pass costs $24 for adults and $15 for children.

See [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

Moscow has many attractions, but many of them are not friendly to a non-Russian-speaker. English-language newspapers like The Moscow Times , Element [dead link] , Moscow News and others can help to navigate towards English-language friendly attractions and services.

Circuses [ edit ]

Theatres [ edit ].

  • Bolshoi Theatre , one of the oldest and best known ballet and opera companies in the world.

Learn [ edit ]

comfort way travel

Moscow remains the educational center of Russia and the former USSR. There are 222 institutes of higher education, including 60 state universities & 90 colleges. Some of these offer a wide-spectrum of programs, but most are centered around a specific field. This is a hold-over from the days of the USSR, when Sovietwide there were only a handful of wide-spectrum "universities" and a large number of narrow-specialization "institutes" (mostly in Moscow & St.Petersburg). Moscow offers some of the best business/management, science, & arts schools in the world. Moscow is also a popular destination for foreign students to learn Russian.

Work [ edit ]

You will need a work visa which is not an easy process. The visa needs to be arranged well in advance of traveling. It is possible to work in Moscow, you just need to find a good company to support you. The main obstacle for many foreigners will be a mandatory Russian language exam required to obtain a work permit.

Shopping malls [ edit ]

Large shopping malls are common near metro stations.

Tipping [ edit ]

For information on tipping in restaurants, see Russia#Eat .

Ethnic food [ edit ]

Authentic ethnic food from countries of the nearby Caucasus ( Azerbaijan , Georgia , Armenia ) is common in Moscow. Japanese food, including sushi, rolls, tempura, and steakhouses are very popular in Moscow. Other Asian cuisines including Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese are becoming increasingly more common.

Budget [ edit ]

Street food [ edit ].

Free-standing kiosks serving sausages, meat pies, or kebobs are plentiful, although the origins of the meat served is questionable and the food has been known to occasionally make people sick.

Muscovites are also fond of their ice cream, consumed in any weather, even in the dead of winter, cheap and usually of superior quality; kiosks can be found all over the center and near all Metro stations.

Foodcourts 2.0 [ edit ]

This term is used in articles by local food critics: since 2016, several special food courts were opened with independent and small food chains, for those people who get bored of McDonald's-like food. They offer a wider choice of cuisines.

Clubs [ edit ]

Nightlife in Moscow is bustling, intense and exciting. It starts quite late; it's common for the headliners to start at 02:00-02:00. Most noticeable are areas near Solyanka street and Krasniy Oktyabr' place. At summer time a lot of clubs opening open-air terraces called "verandas". Most of clubs in Moscow are very picky of who they let in, so make sure you have a positive attitude and dress up if you are going to a fancy club.

Gazgolder [dead link] (not far from Kremlin) is among the best.

Cafes [ edit ]

Moscow has several café chains with great coffee including Coffeemania and Coffee Bean [dead link] . Moscow also has a good selection of tea saloons. High-quality infusion teas such as Newby, are widely available in cafes, both in packets and loose.

Asking to add boiling water to the tea you ordered earlier is a practice that some cafes don't welcome, but normally it's acceptable.

Sleep [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ].

Moscow enjoys a relatively low crime rate.

comfort way travel

Drunk people are the most likely sources of problems. In the past years, lots of policemen were corrupt, and it was best to avoid them. Nowadays Moscow has a Tourist Police force, whose officers are able to speak foreign languages and help tourists. Police officers are equipped with body-cameras.

It is preferable to avoid some parts of the outer districts of Moscow, especially in the south. Some of those areas are notorious for gopniks (drunkards notorious for muggings and starting fights with strangers, and will do so seemingly unprovoked), who normally hang out in sparse residential areas and in industrial zones. The same problems can be witnessed in the surrounding regions and in other Russian cities as well.

While traveling in Moscow, as in the rest of Russia, you should always have your passport with you. If you look non-white, your papers may get checked more often than otherwise. The police may demand to see your papers to check if you have been registered within 7 business days of your arrival into Moscow. Always remember that if you stay in a hotel then you are automatically registered and will be handed a confirmation paper at a time of check-in, so don't worry in this case. The police are usually looking for migrants from Central Asia and unless you fit this profile, you are unlikely to be questioned.

Women should take caution walking alone late at night since they may receive unwanted attention from drunk men. Women should also stay clear of large companies of men in front of bars, restaurants, etc. It is best to walk with a friend if possible.

Streets can become very slippery in winter. Wear shoes or, even better, boots with decent grip to prevent twisted ankles. Ice patches can be hard to spot. A waterproof raincoat is also sensible.

Traffic is poorly handled, and vehicle accident rates are very high. Stay safe.

If you need help with translation, ask students or pupils: younger people are more likely to be able to help you than the older generations.

Connect [ edit ]

For information on using telephones and buying SIM cards in Russia, see Russia#Connect .

Mobile Internet is quite affordable in Russia, but you have to buy Russian SIM-card first.

Wireless Internet [ edit ]

Moscow Metro has Wi-Fi in all trains. It is ad-supported.

Mosgortrans has Wi-Fi spots on every bus, trolleybus and tram. Also sometimes you can find Wi-Fi spot on a public transport stop.

Beeline Wi-Fi [dead link] operates the largest network of both paid and free Wi-Fi access points. If there is a charge, you can pay online via credit card.

There is a large network of free Wi-Fi hotspots in the city centre; check your device in the middle of a busy area and you may find one.

Many cafes and restaurants offer Wi-Fi - ask for password. Most bookstores offer free Wi-Fi, including "Dom Knigi" on New Arbat Street or "Respublika" bookstore on Tverskaya near Mayakovskaya Metro Station.

Some establishments that offer free Wi-Fi may require you to verify an authorization code sent to a Russian phone number before gaining access, but for the most part, foreign numbers also work as of 2016.

Cope [ edit ]

Embassies [ edit ].

Moscow is one of the global diplomatic capitals, competing with Berlin , Brussels , Beijing , Paris , London , Tokyo and Washington D.C. . Most of the world's countries have their embassies in the city.

Navigation menu

Logo

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips From Moscow

Is the hustle and bustle of Moscow starting to wear you down? No worries. There are multiple great day trips from Moscow that will let you see a different side of Russia that you won’t find in the metropolitan area. Each day trip I’ve listed below can easily be done by train from Moscow, and there are trains every day of the week.

The area surrounding Moscow is rich in cultural attractions and natural beauty. By traveling only a short distance, one feels far away from the crowds, and lines of the sprawling Russian capital. Since Russia is undoubtedly an expansive country it may take from half an hour to two hours to reach some of the landmarks on this list (by train or car) from the Moscow city center.

You can escape to the picturesque Russian countryside, visit war memorials, battlefields, admire onion-domed churches, and get insight into the local way of life. Easy day trips from Moscow include the incomparable white-stone Trinity Cathedral in Sergiyev Posad, the spectacular Cathedral of the Assumption in Dmitrov, and the Russian military aircraft in Monino. For those who love rural tranquility, Suzdal and Vladimir are a must-see. History buffs will appreciate the Patriotic War of 1812 reenactment that took place in Borodino on the first weekend of September.

Without further ado, here are 15 best day trips from Moscow that are well worth your attention.

easy day trips from Moscow

The Best Day Trips from Moscow

There’s a reason Moscow is one of Europe’s most enigmatic destinations. It’s got culture, class, food, history, and more, but even better, is that it is the country’s main transport hub with so many attractions within a day trip from Moscow. While you can definitely spend days or even weeks in Moscow, it can, of course, be done in just one week. What can you do in Moscow in seven days ? Well, you can do a lot if you know how to plan a trip to a place you know so little about.

If you’re ready to get out of the city a bit and soak up the culture, fresh air, and enchanting architecture, I’ve rounded up my favorite day trips outside of Moscow. I often get asked: What are the best cities to visit in Russia? And these are places that I’ve been and loved.

My Favorite Easy Day Trips from Moscow:

Dmitrov Kolomna Zvenigorod Sergiyev Posad Yaroslavl Arkhangelskoye Estate Vladimir Suzdal Korolev Borodino Patriot Park in Kubinka Melikhovo Gorki Leninskie Kaluga Monino

1. Day Trip to Dmitrov from Moscow

Dmitrov may not be as popular as other cities in Russia, but the fact that the city was founded only 7 years earlier than Moscow makes for a great day trip. This small city some 90 kilometers from Moscow is particularly beautiful in the summer. As you walk the streets you can see sparkling fountains, charming centuries-old buildings, yachts and boats transiting through the canal and, of course, the Museum-Reserve Dmitrov Kremlin.

The Kremlin (castle) is the city’s main draw. The 10m high and about 1km long earthen rampart remained behind the wooden wall and gives an idea of how the castle looked like 400 years ago. The oldest surviving building on the Kremlin grounds is the 16th-century Assumption Cathedral with a unique five-tier iconostasis.

places to visit near moscow by train

Not far from the Kremlin there is a compact 15th-century Borisoglebsky convent. Its main building – the 16th-century Cathedral of Sts. Boris and Gleb is open to the visitors only for services of worship. In the 1930s in the convent housed a labor camp, which contained the builders of the Canal named after Moscow.

Getting There: Dmitrov sits an easy hour and sixteen minutes by train from Savyelovskiy Rail Terminal. This cheap day trip from Moscow is a great chance to soak up the historic charm to be found in Moscow Oblast.

2. Day Trip to Kolomna from Moscow

Situated to the south-east of Moscow, Kolomna is a beautiful port city on the Oka River. This is one of the oldest Russian cities in the region. So you can discover the old history in museums and monasteries. Interestingly, the city was a site for important weapon factories under the Soviet Union. Although it was opened up in 1994 Kolomna is not as popular as other day-trip destinations in the region.

Nevertheless, it is a great place to visit with friends and family where you can explore the 15th-century Kremlin made of red brick, try incredibly sweet traditional pastila (marshmallow), and visit some of the cute little churches and 19th-century mansions.

Getting There: Take the express train (commuter line train) from the Kazansky rail terminal to Golutvin station. The trip lasts one hour and forty minutes.

3. Day Trip to Zvenigorod from Moscow

This one is usually a given due to its proximity to and ease of transport from Moscow. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Moscow by train. You can easily hop on the train from the city and land right in the town of Zvenigorod where you can visit the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and sample the sparkly and refreshing kvass, a Russian specialty beverage that’s enjoyed in the summer months.

Zvenigorod is an adorable little town just under an hour away from the Moscow city and is an amazing place to visit as it will give a relaxing break from the hectic life of Moscow. Check this day trip if you don’t feel like planning.

If you have a sweet tooth, spend some time in the quirky Museum of Russian Desserts, where you can indulge in uniquely delicious treats and explore the intersection of food and culture.

Then you may want to pay the Zvenigorod Museum of History, Architecture, and Art a visit. The museum’s exposition is located on the territory of the Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery, or rather, in the 17th-century Tsaritsyny chambers, built for the wife of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. Stroll through the museum halls to view the permanent exhibitions, which offer insights into various aspects of Russian history. The intricate museum’s building is adorned with a decorative porch, complex patterned elements, and looks very impressive in general.

4. Day Trip to Sergiyev Posad from Moscow

If you’re looking for cheap day trips from Moscow, Sergiyev Posad is a good choice at just a few dollar train ride away. Known as a major center of pilgrimage and home to one of the largest Russian Orthodox Monastery which has been here for hundreds of years, Sergiyev Posad is a fun day trip from Moscow and can be combined with Abramtsevo Museum Estate. As the only town in Moscow Region which is included in the Golden Ring of Russian cities, Sergiyev Posad is an incredible destination for a day trip from Moscow that packs UNESCO-protected Trinity Sergius Lavra, great museums, and gorgeous architecture into one day.

Make sure you see the six-pillared Assumption Cathedral that was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in mid-16th-century and go inside to marvel at the impressive iconostasis that features Simon Ushakov’s masterpiece, the icon of Last Supper. Enjoy a delicious lamb steak with wheat kasha, Ukha fish soup, or hand-made dumplings as you learn a lot about religious and cultural history.

Getting There: Known for its small-town charm and welcoming feel, you can get to Sergiyev Posad by train, by bus, or by car. Trains depart from Yaroslavsky Rail Terminal every thirty minutes, and the trip lasts about an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus at the ‘VDNKh’ metro station. A bus trip to Sergiyev Posad takes two hours on average but can be reached in 90 minutes depending on traffic. If you go by car expect to spend about an hour and a half attempting to traverse the congested Yaroslavskoye highway.

5. Day Trip to Yaroslavl from Moscow

Going from Moscow to Yaroslavl may seem like a really long day trip, but honestly, if you take the comfortable train, it only takes about four hours to reach the city, so making a Yaroslavl day trip is totally doable. Although I do recommend much more than one day in Yaroslavl, especially if it’s your first time.

Cultural tourists visiting Yaroslavl should start their exploration by strolling the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spacious 100-hectare area enclosed by Sobinova and Republican streets is home to most popular attractions – the 17th-century Church of Elijah the Prophet that survived almost exactly in its original form, and in contrast to it, the white stone Assumption Cathedral, restored in the 2000s.

golden ring russia

If you walk a bit further passing the Holy Trinity sculpture and city’s foundation stone, you will find yourself at Strelka, a park on the cape, which offers panoramic views of the spot at the confluence of Volga and Kotorosl rivers. On the way back, there is a pleasant walk along the picturesque Volga embankment to the Governor’s Garden with shadowy alleys and an open-air Sculpture museum.

Getting There: Yaroslavl is about 280 km (173 miles) northeast of Moscow, so the best way to get there is to take a morning train from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal. A tour is also a great way to see the Yaroslavl without having to worry about driving or searching for trains. You can book a tour here.

6. Day Trip to Arkhangelskoye Estate from Moscow

Situated on the outskirts of Moscow and dates back to the late 18th-century, Arkhangelskoye Estate was the domain of the nobility for over a century until the Russian Revolution swept people who owned the estate out of the country. The estate was turned into a museum, which it remains today.

cities close to moscow worth visiting

The Arkhangelskoye Estate Museum holds the largest rare-book collection. The exhibition also includes old manuscripts, historical documents, photos from the past, a vast collection of sculpture, paintings, engravings, and exceptional examples of decorative art. These art objects once belonged to Prince Nikolai Yusupov, the former owner of the estate.

train trips from moscow

Arkhangelskoye Estate is often referred to as the Russian version of Versailles because of the intricately manicured garden and beautiful 18th-century park. Famous Russian writers and poets such as Pushkin, Herzen, Mayakovsky loved to spend their free time here making long excursions in the surrounding area. Arkhangelskoye is a perfect place to appreciate the terraces decorated by delightful statues, exquisite vases, and busts.

Visitors can take tours, which introduce them to vibrant examples of Russian art and culture.

Getting There: To reach the estate it’s best to take a bus or a privately-owned minibus that departs from Tushinskaya metro station.

7. Day Trip to Vladimir from Moscow

Situated only two hours east of Moscow, Vladimir is absolutely one of the best places to visit near Moscow for a day trip. This splendid city dates back to the 12th century and has a very rich history. If magnificent Orthodox cathedrals and traditional white-stone architecture entice you, then this place is perfect for a day trip with your significant other.

First things first, you need to see the Golden Gate, which indicates the entrance into the old town. This 12th-century medieval masterpiece of military architecture is associated not only with Vladimir but with the Golden Ring tourist route itself. At the top of the gate, where once was the Church of the Deposition of the Robe, there is the Museum of Weapons. Great looking arrowheads and spear points date back to the Grand Principality of Vladimir, while the exhibition in an impressively majestic setting features a number of Batu-Khan related artifacts.

There’s a variety of attractions to put on your must-see list: the Old Believers Trinity Church right behind it, the Cathedral of St Demetrius, and Dormition (Uspensky) Cathedral. If you plan on shopping for souvenirs like birch-bark masterpieces of Kunov’s masters, drawings, carving, embossing, figures of people and animals, stop by the Lacquer Miniature, the Museum of Crystal, and the Gingerbread Museum. Many of the local attractions were added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.

Getting There: The best way to visit this area is to catch an early train from Moscow and book a full-day tour of Vladimir in advance. This one includes the town of Suzdal as well.

8. Day Trip to Suzdal from Moscow

This gem of a little medieval town perched on a hill just a 30-minute ride from Vladimir is one of those places I’ve visited and could move there permanently and be happy! It’s a charming little piece of history that also has a Kremlin and visiting it feels like stepping back in time. if you’re a culture enthusiast you’ll be glad to know there are numerous churches, five monasteries, including Spaso-Yevfimiev Monastery in Suzdal. Check them out if you want to get a real taste of the country!

cheap day trips from moscow

pend some time shopping at the Torgovaya ploshchad (Market Square), where you can buy baskets made of birch bark, ceramic handmade plates, honey or souvenirs and, of course, grab some afternoon tea!

Getting There: Trains leave regularly from Moscow’s Kurskiy Rail Terminal to Vladimir where you can hop on a bus to Suzdal. You can also take a bus from Moscow. In this case, it might take longer and you’ll probably encounter infamous traffic jams. If you go by express train the trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are slower trains of course, but I’d recommend going with the fast one and save a lot of time!

9. Day Trip to Korolev from Moscow

Located some 30 kilometers northeast of Moscow, Korolev has become arguably the most important space research center with skilled workers from across the Soviet Union who came here to expand the space program.

It became a leading institute dedicated to aerospace research in the country. Today, that tendency can still be clearly seen on the streets and in the buildings. When the Soviet Union collapsed, the city retained its status as the headquarters of Russia’s space surveillance network and now it hosts the Russian Mission Control Center, an analogue of the American Mission Control Center at NASA’s Space Center in Houston.

If you want to learn more about Mission Control Center and the former Russian Mir space station, book a tour with a knowledgeable guide who can clearly tell the history of this place.

If you’re not into space exploration there is also a Memorial Apartment Museum of Marina Tsvetaeva in Bolshevo. With a picturesque park next to the museum, it’s a great place for walking in the fresh air. The highlight of the park is memorial stones with quotes from Tsvetaeva’s poems.

Getting There: I’d recommend going by train. Catch one at Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal that departs every 30 minutes to reach Bolshevo station.

10. Day Trip to Borodino from Moscow

The historic Battle of Borodino on September 7, 1812, took place just outside the small village of Borodino, about 140 km west of Moscow, and about 15 km from the nearest town of Mozhaysk. Although the French won the Battle of Borodino and went to capture Moscow, it was one of the bloodiest battles of the pre-twentieth-century that is also predetermined Napoleon’s defeat.

While it was a battlefield back then, not much remains today. It’s mostly a green and grassy field now with a few monuments of military honor, architectural objects dated back to 19th and 20th century, and fortification facilities scattered throughout the area. The largest of these is the 27-meter high obelisk located right at the heart of the former battlefield.

Every year the military and patriotic festival and theatrical performance take place in Borodino. Early September is considered to be the best for visiting. But if you just want to feel the spirit of the battle, it’s better to go at any other time of the year.

Getting there: Hop on a train from the Belorussky rail terminal, disembark in Mozhaysk, and then take a bus to the museum. The whole travel time is about 2 hours.

11. Day Trip to Patriot Park in Kubinka from Moscow

Once a Red Army tank training ground, now it’s a military Disneyland with history, structure, guns, and armored vehicles! The tank museum originally housed one of the world’s largest and rarest collections of tanks. In 2016 they combined the training grounds with the newly-created Patriot Park. Since then, some of the notable and rare items have been moved to the Patriot Park site, so you may want to combine both sites into one tour (only about 20 minutes apart).

best places to travel from moscow

The exhibition grounds include some very rare specimens that are must-see for any military enthusiasts out there. The staff is friendly, helpful and kind, while the museum has a small shop. As this site is part of an operating military base, they may ask you to show your passport, or provide them with a photocopy of the front pages. There are vending machines for snacks and drinks, and there are bathroom facilities. There’s plenty to see, so I recommend setting aside an entire day!

Getting there: Situated halfway between Borodino and Moscow, the best way to reach Patriot Park in Kubinka is by car. Alternatively, if you don’t want to rent one, consider car-sharing apps like Gett or UBER. The price of ride-sharing services is cheap enough to make them a viable proposition for choosing them.

12. Day Trip to Melikhovo from Moscow

Located some 80 km from Moscow, Melikhovo is one of the most important museums dedicated to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov. This renowned Russian writer and playwright acquired Melikhovo in 1892. He lived there with his parents and close relatives for 7 years before moving to the Crimea in 1899. Melikhovo is where he wrote his plays “The Man in the Case” and “The Seagull”.

The estate faded into oblivion right after the Revolution but in 1939 Anton Chekhov’s sister Maria and his nephew established a museum based on Chekhov’s place of living. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1941.

Today museum’s exhibition reveals the legacy of a celebrated writer and shows his path not only as a writer but as a doctor and public figure as well. The collection also features some of the best-known paintings by famous artists like Isaac Levitan and Vasily Polenov, who were Chekhov’s friends. When it comes to fun and educational day trips from Moscow, Melikhovo is a nice place for learning more about Chekov’s life and work.

Getting There: You can reach Melikhovo by train from Kurskiy rail Terminal. Disembark in the town of Chekhov and hop on a minibus that will get to the estate. Alternatively, hop on a bus that departs from the Yuzhnaya metro station.

13. Day Trip to Gorki Leninskie from Moscow

Once the realm of Russian nobles, Gorki Leninskie was turned into Lenin’s museum some 25 years after his death. The estate sits some 30-minute bus ride from the Domodedovskaya metro station and houses Soviet-era memorabilia and Lenin’s memorial flat recently transferred from the Kremlin, as well as his vintage Rolls-Royce.

Most people only associate this place with the name of the first communist leader. In fact, the name of the estate was first mentioned in documents dating back to the 16th-century. Throughout its history, the estate was owned by a number of prominent figures. It’s in fact one of the best museums that holds the country’s finest collection 19th-century furnishings and a unique collection of domestic items owned by nobles. Plus, ancient Vyatichi native tribe or East Slavs who inhabited a part of the Oka basin’s burial mounds and a few notable sculptures are hidden behind the avenues of lime trees in the park.

Getting There: You could, of course, hop on a bus from Domodedovskaya metro station. But it would be much easier just to use UBER or Gett. The estate isn’t that far from the Moscow Circle Road but going there by bus may involve some navigating.

14. Day Trip to Kaluga from Moscow

If you’re looking for an educational day trip from Moscow, look no farther than Kaluga! This beautiful city could really entertain you for more than just a day, but to get a taste of science, be sure to visit the Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics. Or in other words, the Space Museum.

Visitors to the museum will learn more about the history of space exploration. In fact, this is one of the largest Space Museums in Russia, which opened its doors in Kaluga in 1967. Here you can see a prototype of the iconic MIR space station and a duplicate of the Voskhod rocket. The very same rocket that took the first man to space. There’s also a planetarium, which from the outside resembles a spaceship.

Kaluga is a totally walkable city. Make sure to spend some time strolling Teatralnaya street with the authentic 19th-century pavement that now marks the Kilometer Zero. Then walk across the 18th-century Kamenniy Most (the Stone Bridge) that somewhat resembles a Roman aqueduct. If you’re an architecture buff marvel at the Church of St. Cosmas and Damian.

It is assumed that the church was erected by one of the followers of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in 1794. The church resembles the Smolny Convent in St. Petersburg. With five church towers directed upward and six tiers of oblong windows give the exterior a sense of lightness and airiness.

Getting There: Trains from Kiyevsky Rail Terminal to Kaluga leave every 90 minutes. The trip takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

15. Day Trip to Monino from Moscow

Are you looking for great family & kid-friendly day trips from Moscow? If so, consider visiting the Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino. This unique military open-air museum is home to over 180 Russian aircraft and 100 aircraft engines and the perfect place to go when your crowd is looking for a break from hectic city life. Check this tour if you don’t feel like planning.

things to do outside of moscow

This site was formerly an operational airbase from 1932 till 1956 and many of the Russian aviation Design bureaus have made a contribution to the operation and maintenance of the museum. Along with aircraft from the Second World War, there are the TU-95 Bear four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and the TU-144 Charger a Soviet supersonic passenger airliner (which resembled the Concorde). The museum also has exhibits related to military aviation history such as the uniform of captured U2 pilot Gary Powers.

Getting There: This museum is located at Monino Town, about 30 km from Moscow. It is open on all days from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except Mondays and Tuesdays. To get there take a train departing from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal and disembark at Monino station. Alternatively, hop on a bus from Schelkovskaya or Partizanskaya metro station.

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Moscow

I hope this post has helped you discover some amazing day trips from Moscow. From imposing cathedrals, mighty fortresses and monasteries, there are a lot of incredible places to visit the Russian capital, and the best part is that getting there is always ways to get around on the cheap.

New here? Join hundreds of others and subscribe to the MindTheTravel blog via email.

Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on it and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support MindTheTravel blog.  

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Day Trips From Moscow

JOIN MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Email Address *

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

Russian Cuisine

10 Dishes You Must Try When Going To Moscow

travel itinerary for one week in Moscow

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

weather in russia in may in celsius

When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

comfort way travel

Great article for visitors in Moscow , thanks for sharing

comfort way travel

Marie Hernandez

I hadn’t considered traveling to Moscow until NOW! Fantastic post and ideas for visitors! Thanks!

comfort way travel

Graham Marsden

Nice to see so many options outside of Moscow, but I have to say I wish this list had a recommendation for a hike or a beautiful natural areas or national parks. Maybe the next list!

comfort way travel

I have to admit that I knew nothing about the area surrounding Moscow. This is definitely an inspiring list of places to go.

comfort way travel

When I read this article about Moscow. I wanted to pack my bags and get there sooner. thank you for the great write up.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

comfort way travel

  • Privacy Overview
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies

My website uses cookies so that I can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to my website and helping me to understand which sections of Mind The Travel you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that I can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, I will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit my website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

My Son’s Travel Car Seat Fits in a Backpack

comfort way travel

I learned about the WAYB Pico travel car seat last spring while trying to sort out a car seat for a three-month stay in Sicily. My husband was working in Taormina for several months and our 20-month-old toddler and I were flying over to join him. After spending nearly a decade traversing the globe for my former job as a travel editor, the trip was unnerving me in a way that felt surprising. My son was born at the beginning of the pandemic, so our adventures had been limited to places we could drive. Flying long-distance on my own with such a young child felt like entirely new territory; I wanted to make sure we had the proper gear .

I’m a big researcher to begin with but tend to go the extra mile when it comes to travel or parenting , so I spent quite a few hours online trying to suss out my options. My initial takeaway: the more obvious travel-friendly car seats were not going to work. My son was tall and slim for his age and too long for the now-ubiquitous Doona . He didn’t weigh enough for the RideSafer vest , a conveniently compact option that lets young kids safely use a regular seat belt but has a 30-pound minimum. The widely beloved and gloriously inexpensive Cosco Scenera Next hit the “lightweight” criteria at just under ten pounds, but it isn’t especially compact, and I worried it would be a hassle to carry. We weren’t renting a vehicle, so booking a car seat through an agency wouldn’t be an option. And I didn’t want to lug our wonderful but extremely heavy Nuna Rava through the airport, let alone install it in the occasional taxi once we arrived. At 27 pounds, it literally weighed more than my child.

Looking for advice, I turned to women I’d met through Mysha , a platform where mothers-to-be can join “pods” with others who are delivering around the same time. A few folks in my pod swore by the WAYB. It seemed ideal: lightweight at only eight pounds, compact, fits in an overhead compartment, has a five-point harness, and most important, passes all U.S. safety standards for motor vehicles and planes . I was sold, until I saw that the WAYB is recommended for kids aged 2 years and up who weigh between 22 and 50 pounds and are between 30 and 45 inches tall. My son wasn’t big enough, so I mentally filed it away for future travels and reluctantly made plans to buy a car seat in Sicily.

WAYB Pico Car Seat

Fast-forward a few months and the WAYB was an obvious purchase as my family prepared to fly to France for a wedding. Our journey from Connecticut to Provence and back would include Ubers, airplanes , taxis, trains, and a car rental. Having a car seat that I knew was safe, comfortable for my son, and easy to carry and install was really important to me. Not only was I drawn to the sleek design and quality materials — the WAYB is made of aerospace-grade aluminum and a responsibly sourced poly-wool mesh — I didn’t want to worry about booking car services with car seats or wonder what we’d do if our luggage got lost along the way.

At $380, the WAYB car seat isn’t cheap, but one of the key differences between it and other travel car seats is that it folds in half, making for an extremely compact piece of equipment. The brand’s marketing photos even show parents toting it around on the handles of their carry-on . With more solo mother-son trips in my not-too-distant future, I knew additional carry-on items would need to be small and light enough for me to manage on my own, so I decided to also spring for the Deluxe Pico Travel Bag . It costs an additional $80 but lets you wear the seat like a backpack and keeps it neatly tucked away from airport germs. There’s extra space inside, too — enough to fit my son’s mini FjĂ€llrĂ€ven . The two items combined were an investment for sure, but we travel frequently and the price-per-use ratio would ultimately be less expensive, and provide way more peace of mind, than renting a car seat.

Wayb Deluxe Pico Travel Bag

Before we left, I practiced installing the WAYB in our car. I also had my son try out the seat so I could size the straps to his body. An instruction manual is helpfully placed in the back pocket, but I prefer this installation video and bookmarked it on my phone for easy access. The process was relatively easy; the most difficult part was installing the side connectors to the LATCH system in our car, but I find that to be hard with standard car seats too. Once we set out on our trip, the WAYB established itself as a game-changer. I installed it in our Uber to the airport in a matter of minutes. My son was happy and content in his new seat and I felt a sense of ease knowing that he would have a safe car seat for the duration of our trip. At the airport, the WAYB was so light that I was easily able to chase him through the hallways of JFK with it strapped on my back.  

A backpack that contains the Wayb travel car seat, alongside three suitcases.

Car seats are free to carry on, so we didn’t have to pay extra to keep it with us on our flight. (We stashed it in the overhead bin, but it’s also FAA-approved for use in an airplane seat.) Once we arrived in Paris, I loved that we could take an airport taxi to the train station and didn’t need to pre-book a car service with a car seat. Both the taxi in Paris and our car rental in Provence had the LATCH system, but should you find yourself in a vehicle that does not have this feature, the car seat can also be installed using a lap and shoulder belt or a lap-only seat belt .

We’ve now used the WAYB several times since that first trip — while visiting my in-laws in Michigan and on another visit to Paris. It’s also become a great backup car seat to use locally: My 2-year-old niece was able to borrow it when my brother brought her to visit over the summer. This spring, we will be taking it to Thailand, where my husband is working on another months-long project. Knowing that I have a safe and reliable car seat for my now 3Âœ-year-old son to use while we’re there feels like a full-circle moment.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

  • the strategist
  • this things incredible
  • kids and babies'

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

  • What Steve Aoki (Still) Can’t Live Without
  • 10 Things That Delighted Us Last Week: From Bird Feeders to On-Sale Sunglasses
  • It’s Last Call to Shop Strategist-Approved Deals at Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
  • The 15 Very Best Protein Powders
  • The Very Best Body Washes
  • 61 Easter-Basket Ideas for Every Type of Kid

Shop with Google

Shop with Google

Tulum airport opens to U.S. flights, helping tourists skip CancĂșn crowds

New routes from american, delta and united connect the beach destination to hubs like atlanta, dallas and miami.

Traveling to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico is about to get easier.

Starting this week, visitors to the east coast of the YucatĂĄn Peninsula can say goodbye to the crowded halls of the CancĂșn airport and potentially hours-long drive south; U.S.-based flights to recently opened Tulum International Airport start Wednesday.

American Airlines and Delta Air Lines begin flights on March 28, followed by United Airlines on March 31. The new routes will connect Tulum to major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Miami, and Newark.

Air Canada starts flying to Tulum in May, and JetBlue Airways and Panama’s Copa Airline s in June.

“Imagine taking a morning flight from the United States, and by lunchtime, you’re sipping margaritas on our beautiful beach,” said Laura Diver, the marketing manager for Colibri Boutique Hotels , which manages several properties in Tulum.

A bumpy start

The Tulum airport, like many of the big recently opened infrastructure projects championed by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, remains a work in progress.

Construction continues despite some domestic flights beginning in December. Karla Cayetano, a reservations manager at the Kanan Tulum resort, said workers were still “finishing some details” to the terminal and access road. Despite this, she said some of the resort’s guests are already arriving there rather than to CancĂșn.

Ground transportation options are limited and costs are high. David Ortiz Mena, the president of the Tulum Hotel Association, highlighted this as a “great concern” in a December statement . Talks with the airport and government authorities over lowering the ground transportation tax were still underway in mid-March.

And protesters have blocked the access road to the airport, and adjacent Tren Maya station, over land rights.

The issues are not unlike those that have plagued the Tren Maya since it opened in December. Trains are limited and delays are frequent on the ambitious and controversial 947-mile passenger rail loop pushed by the Mexican president. The booking system has been unreliable . Much of the track that will eventually encircle the YucatĂĄn has yet to open.

But the Tulum airport, like the Tren Maya, is widely expected to significantly improve access to the Mayan Riviera once the kinks are worked out.

Alternative to CancĂșn

The Mayan Riviera is one of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico. It stretches from north of the all-inclusive resorts of Playa del Carmen to south of chic Tulum, with its beachside Mayan ruins.

Last year, the Riviera Maya boasted the most available hotel rooms — and occupied rooms — in the country, beating nearby CancĂșn and Los Cabos on the Pacific coast, according to data from the government of Mexico’s tourism secretary.

The CancĂșn airport is the main gateway for visitors to the region. In fact, last year the airport was the main gateway to all foreign visitors to Mexico, and the most popular among American tourists. A presentation from Mexico’s tourism secretary shows nearly 4.8 million American visitors to Mexico passed through the CancĂșn airport last year, representing more than a third of all the Americans who visited the country.

That’s why airlines are clamoring to fly to Tulum, even with its early issues. The new airport gives travelers an alternative to the busy CancĂșn airport.

“We’re pretty excited about some of the [travel] demand we’re seeing,” said Amy Martin, vice president of North America network planning at Delta.

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.

comfort way travel

Follow Polygon online:

  • Follow Polygon on Facebook
  • Follow Polygon on Youtube
  • Follow Polygon on Instagram

Site search

  • What to Watch
  • What to Play
  • PlayStation
  • All Entertainment
  • Dragon’s Dogma 2
  • FF7 Rebirth
  • Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
  • Baldur’s Gate 3
  • Buyer’s Guides
  • Galaxy Brains
  • All Podcasts

Filed under:

  • Dragon's Dogma 2 guides

How to fast travel in Dragon’s Dogma 2

Getting around with oxcarts and portcrystals

Share this story

  • Share this on Facebook
  • Share this on Reddit
  • Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: How to fast travel in Dragon’s Dogma 2

Dragon’s Dogma 2 player activating a portcrystal

Dragon’s Dogma 2 features a colossal map, and you’re going to be walking across a lot of it. Happily, there are a couple of ways to fast travel . Unhappily, they’re pretty limited, so you’ll still end up hoofing it more often than not.

Our Dragon’s Dogma 2 guide will show you how to fast travel via two distinct methods, and explain the benefits (and limitations) of both.

Fast travel locations in Dragon’s Dogma 2

Dragon’s Dogma 2 map with Vermund oxcart and portcrystal locations marked

There are two ways to fast travel in Dragon’s Dogma 2 : oxcarts and portcrystals. You can only fast travel between specific locations as well. The map above shows the fast travel locations available to you in Vermund, the first region you’ll explore.

How to fast travel between cities with oxcarts

Dragon’s Dogma 2 player sitting in an oxcart

The most straightforward way to fast travel in Dragon’s Dogma 2 is to hop on an oxcart. The main benefit of fast traveling with an oxcart is that cheap — 100 or 200 gold.

Oxcarts are limited, though, in that they’ll only leave their stands in the morning — you’ll have to sit and wait at the stand if you get there at any other time of day. They’re also slow. You can doze off while sitting in one, but time still passes in the background. That’s really only a problem when you’ve got a time-sensitive quest, though.

The bigger problem with oxcarts is that there are only two of them in the starting region of Vermund, and they only travel to three towns — Melve , the capital of Vernworth , and the Checkpoint Rest Stop by Battahl . It’s still a good way to get across the kingdom relatively quickly, though.

Your oxcart also might (and, in our experience, will ) get attacked by monsters. That’ll disrupt your ride, but you can hop right back on once the baddies are dealt with — assuming you don’t accidentally destroy the oxcart in the fray. If you do happen to destroy the oxcart, you’ll just have to finish your trip on foot.

How to fast travel to portcrystals with ferrystones

Dragon’s Dogma 2 player activating the portcrystal in Vernworth

The other method of fast travel is actually fast: teleporting with portcrystals . Teleportation is obviously faster than oxen, but it, too, is severely limited.

To use a portcrystal, you first have to find one and activate it. There are two in Vermund — one in Vernworth and one in Harve Village . Once a portcrystal is activated, it becomes a fast travel destination — and that’s it. You can’t interact with them beyond activating them.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 player using a ferrystone

To travel to a portcrystal, you’ll need to use a ferrystone . These are pretty rare items that you’ll find in out-of-the-way treasure chests or receive as quest rewards. You can also buy them from some vendors for 10,000 gold .

You might also come across a portcrystal as an item — you’ll get one as a reward during the “A Trial of Archery” quest in Sacred Arbor, for example. These are reusable items that you can place and pick up as you need. They act as portable portcrystals, meaning you still need a ferrystone to reach them.

You can have 10 of these non-fixed portcrystals active at a time, but they are also extremely rare. (Sensing a trend yet?) As of this writing, we’ve clocked roughly 50 hours into Dragon’s Dogma 2. We have found precisely one.

For more Dragon’s Dogma 2 guides , check out our beginners guides to combat and the pawn system, or peruse our list of all vocations and all augments . We also have explainers on how to change time of day , how to increase your inventory size , how to change your appearance , how to get out of gaol , and how to change vocations .

  • Dragon’s Dogma 2 guides
  • Beginner’s tips
  • What vocation to pick
  • Vernworth quest order
  • Best augments

Dragon’s Dogma 2 guides, walkthroughs, and explainers

  • How to import a pre-made character
  • Beginner’s tips before starting
  • How to hire and use pawns
  • Combat tips for new players
  • How to delete your Dragon’s Dogma 2 save files (PC only)
  • What vocation to pick + all vocations list
  • Best augments and augments list
  • How to change your vocation
  • How to unlock the Warrior vocation
  • How to unlock the Sorcerer vocation
  • How to unlock the Magick Archer vocation
  • How to unlock the Mystic Spearhand vocation
  • How to unlock the Trickster vocation
  • How to unlock the Warfarer vocation
  • The best Archer build for beginners
  • The best Fighter build for beginners
  • The best Mage build for beginners
  • The best Thief build for beginners
  • How to change your appearance
  • How to change the time of day
  • How to buy a house
  • How to increase inventory size
  • How to get more Wakestones
  • How to get out of gaol
  • Where to find 30 Seeker’s Tokens
  • Best quest order for Captain Brant
  • When to go to the ‘Feast of Deception’ coronation
  • How to get into Battahl
  • How to reach the Nameless Village
  • ‘The Arisen’s Shadow’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘A Beggar’s Tale’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘The Caged Magistrate’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘Hunt for the Jadeite Orb’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘The Ornate Box’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘Oxcart Courier’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘The Phantom Oxcart’ quest walkthrough
  • ‘Prey for the Pack’ quest walkthrough

comfort way travel

The next level of puzzles.

Take a break from your day by playing a puzzle or two! We’ve got SpellTower, Typeshift, crosswords, and more.

Sign up for the newsletter Patch Notes

A weekly roundup of the best things from Polygon

Just one more thing!

Please check your email to find a confirmation email, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.

Loading comments...

IMAGES

  1. 15 Tips to Travel in Comfort

    comfort way travel

  2. Comfort Way Travels

    comfort way travel

  3. 7 Comfort Travel Tips for Your Next Long Flight

    comfort way travel

  4. 15 Travel Accessories for a Comfortable Flight

    comfort way travel

  5. Comfort Way Travels

    comfort way travel

  6. How to Travel in Style and Comfort & Best Travel Outfits

    comfort way travel

COMMENTS

  1. How to Travel in Style and Comfort: 3 Things to Know in 2022

    TRAVEL COMFORT GUARANTEE #1: MONEY. TRAVEL COMFORT GUARANTEE #2: PLANNING. Choosing your flight. Choosing your seat. Dressing for comfort. Packing correctly. Planning for Jet Lag and Flight Sickness. Air Travel Comfort Items and Accessories. Travel pillow.

  2. The 18 Most Comfortable Travel Clothing Items for Women and Men of 2024

    Other Comfortable Travel Clothes We Liked. Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets 25": These were comfy on long travel days, stylish, opaque even during workouts, and available in ...

  3. Comfort Way Travels

    Call Us: +91-6239304082,9463885265BOOK YOUR RIDE WITH US. So, where are you going to travel today !!! Book Taxi Now.

  4. Comfort Travel: The Bliss of Travelling

    "Comfort travel" means going on a trip in a way that feels really cosy and nice. It's all about making sure you feel comfortable and relaxed while you're travelling. You might stay in comfortable hotels, travel in a comfy way, and have things like good food and nice seats to enjoy during your journey.

  5. 20 Travel Comfort Essentials Every Wanderer MUST Pack

    My Travel Comfort Pick - Kip-Kit 🙂. A good night's rest is essential to get us through the next day without being grouchy, especially when you are on the move. Hence, my choice for the ultimate travel comfort essential is Kip-Kit. This new innovative device will completely change the way you travel, whether it is by bus, train or plane.

  6. 8 Travel Tips for a Healthier, More Comfortable Trip

    Rather than let all of this keep you home or ruin your trip, follow these expert-backed tips for smarter, healthier travel. 1. Move When You Have the Chance To. Traveling by car, plane, or bus ...

  7. What to Wear on a Long Flight: Comfortable Essentials From Everlane

    Sleepwear brand Lunya has an all-in-one fix with its Restore Travel Kit, which comes with a basic tank, a long-sleeve tee, a pair of leggings, a sleep mask, and socks (former city guides director ...

  8. How to Make a Long-Haul Flight More Comfortable

    Sleep strategically. Sleeping is one of the simplest ways to make a long-haul flight go by quickly, but there's a method to ensure you don't totally disrupt your sleep patterns and succumb to ...

  9. 9 ways to step out of your comfort zone while traveling

    4. Try new things with others. If you're planning to travel solo and are hoping to leave your comfort zone behind, it can be hard to trust yourself to seize all the new opportunities that may come your way. Instead of going at it alone, choose a travel companion or plan to explore your destination with a group.

  10. How to Travel in Comfort the Right Way

    3. Discover the Scottish Highlands. If time allows, venture north to Scotland and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands. With its rugged mountains, serene lochs (lakes), and sweeping glens (valleys), it's an area of outstanding natural beauty.

  11. How to Be Comfortable on an Airplane

    Bring snacks and water. Either purchase bottled water in the airport or fill a water bottle from an airport water fountain. Drinking lots of water during flights will help you stay hydrated. Also ...

  12. 10 Long-Haul Flight Tips For Maximum Comfort

    So one of my top long-haul flight tips: ditch the salty chips and sweets. They will dehydrate you more. Instead, bring more healthy in-flight snacks. Veggies and dip are perfect: Hummus with celery, snap peas, carrots and cucumber will help keep you hydrated. Or some fruit (even if it's dried fruit).

  13. 18 Best Men's Travel Pants of 2024, Tested by Style Editors

    Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pant. The Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pant is equipped for the office, trail and travel. Made from a nylon-spandex blend, this pair offers four-way stretch for extra ...

  14. The 11 Best Travel Accessories

    There are 17 colors to choose from, including options with RFID-blocking or premium leather, which cost a bit extra. The 11 standard colors cost $70, and all use soft, full-grain leather, and the passport wallet can be customized with debossing or handpainted leather for an additional fee. Continue to 5 of 11 below.

  15. How to Create a Travel Comfort Pack to Put in Your Carry-On

    Hand and body lotion. A mini hand sanitizer. A travel pack of soft tissues. A travel pack of facial cleansing towelettes. Some super comfortable earbuds for watching movies. Compression socks for warmth and good blood flow. My glasses (in their case) for when my eyes are too tired for contacts.

  16. Create a travel comfort pack for easy access to self-care essentials

    My comfort pack is a small packing cube 6.5 by 4.5 by 2.5 inches (16.5 by 11.5 by 6 centimetres). Empty, it weighs just one ounce (29 grams). The clamshell lid with dual zipper pulls allows for easy access. The webbing handle means it is easily carried or hung on a hook in a public washroom. There's no need to place it on a surface of ...

  17. 18 Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane

    Pashminas, shawls, wraps, cardigans, sweatshirts, vests, and light jackets are perfect. You can even fold or roll soft items, like cotton jackets, and use them as makeshift pillows during flight ...

  18. 33 Helpful Tips for Long Flights

    Here are 33 tips for long flights. More air travel tips. Pete Ark/Getty Images. 1. Book your tickets early. This should go without saying. The earlier you book, the better your chances of scoring ...

  19. Rick Steves Reveals The Best Way To Challenge Yourself While ...

    Travel Guru Rick Steves believes that travel should bring people out of their comfort zones.More specifically, he feels that travel should be used as a way to challenge yourself. This relates back ...

  20. 21 ways to make your economy class seat more comfortable while ...

    The best comfort-focused products to add to your packing list ; ... Clothing can affect the way you feel, which is an easy way to vastly improve your flying experience. ... travel blogger at ...

  21. 19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

    5. Gorky Park. Moscow's premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor'kogo) is the city's biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer.

  22. CITYCOMFORT AT KITAY-GOROD

    3.5. Service. 3.3. Value. 3.3. Modern homey and stylish city hotel of 47 rooms only 2 min. Walk away from Kitai-Gorod Metro Station (purple or orange lines), 5 min. Away from Lubyanka (red line), 15 min. From the Red Square, Kremlin and other sights of the downtown Moscow. Perfect for accommodation of business and leisure travelers with average ...

  23. 6 Adventure Companies That Are Changing The Way We Travel

    The mission and ethos of Intrepid Travel is to create positive change through the joy of travel. A Certified B Corp, this adventure company has been carbon-neutral since 2010. Utilizing local tour ...

  24. Moscow

    The simplest way to pay for public transportation is to purchase a ticket for 1 or 3 days in a ticket machine in any metro station. A 3-day ticket costs 438 Ń€ŃƒĐ± . The ticket machines have an English interface and accept credit cards and cash, and the ticket is valid for unlimited rides on the metro, MCC, tram, trolleybus, and city bus.

  25. 15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips Close to Moscow

    Getting There: Yaroslavl is about 280 km (173 miles) northeast of Moscow, so the best way to get there is to take a morning train from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal. A tour is also a great way to see the Yaroslavl without having to worry about driving or searching for trains. You can book a tour here. 6. Day Trip to Arkhangelskoye Estate from Moscow

  26. Why travel feels longer on the way home

    In a highly unscientific poll I conducted on Instagram Stories, 126 responders said travel feels longer on the way home, while 41 said it feels longer on the way there. A handful of participants ...

  27. My Son's Travel Car Seat Fits in a Backpack

    At $380, the WAYB car seat isn't cheap, but one of the key differences between it and other travel car seats is that it folds in half, making for an extremely compact piece of equipment.

  28. Tulum airport opens to U.S. flights so tourists can skip CancĂșn crowds

    Travel: By The Way Destinations News Tips Newsletter Instagram. Tulum airport opens to U.S. flights, helping tourists skip CancĂșn crowds. New routes from American, Delta and United connect the ...

  29. Could real estate go the way of the travel industry? Not quite

    Technology has revolutionized how people book travel, buy groceries and manage their everyday finances. Yet, the process of buying a home has withstood many similar changes.

  30. How to fast travel in Dragon's Dogma 2

    The most straightforward way to fast travel in Dragon's Dogma 2 is to hop on an oxcart. The main benefit of fast traveling with an oxcart is that cheap — 100 or 200 gold.