“15 Must-Have Travel Essentials Loved by Pilots for Your Next Adventure”

Growing up with a father who served as a pilot for Delta Airlines provided some significant benefits — primarily, the endless opportunity to fly stand-by (not to mention a kitchen bin always stocked with Biscoff cookies and the occasional can of Pawberry Punch which was an added bonus). I got to explore the world alongside him as we journeyed to destinations such as Peru, France, and Germany. He would ask me to prepare my backpack for “Rome or Hawaii,” and we would arrive at the airport to determine which flight we could board. His approximately 43 years of flying experience also heavily influenced my travel style (carry-on only, naturally) and my packing choices (always opting for multi-purpose items).

Even after spending more than 15 years as a travel writer, it’s my dad’s packing strategies and travel tricks that often surface in my mind whenever I prepare for any kind of journey. He cultivated within me a zest for exploration along with a very minimalistic “be ready for anything” approach to packing. To date, I have visited 86 countries, and still, some of my most cherished moments involve meeting up with him at Atlanta Airport during overlapping layovers, exchanging travel stories and mishaps over a quick coffee. The mark of his influence is apparent in my carry-on, and here are some of my favorite “dad hack” travel essentials that I frequently rely upon.  

Portable Door Lock & Door Stop Alarm Set

My father traveled with a small door hanger alarm that my sister and I feared getting too close to, lest we accidentally trigger it (let’s just say, it was noisy). I thought he was merely being a cautious father until I started going on trips alone and discovered how many people I know have recounts of their rooms being entered during their stays. Now, I always pack one of these security devices to serve as a deterrent against intrusions.   

Black Diamond Cosmo 350 Headlamp

I have never encountered my dad without a headlamp close at hand — indeed, even during travels. He asserts that it’s the ideal travel accessory, frequently utilizing it in hotels as a reading light or to navigate through the room during the night. Much more convenient than hunting for poorly located light switches and lamps. I also appreciate it in case of a hotel blackout or while strolling through dimly lit parking garages or lots. 

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 22-inch Carry-on

There’s a reason why Travelpro is the luggage of choice for many airline crew members and a brand that Travel + Leisure has assessed and endorsed several times. I cherish my MaxLite 5 because it’s lightweight, robust, and can accommodate far more than the typical suitcase. My father utilizes a comparable Travelpro suitcase with two wheels and a soft cover — he even purchased it at Costco, which he considers another travel hack due to their accommodating return policy.

Gear Aid Hero Clip

I never embark on a journey without carabiners, which I tend to utilize for a variety of purposes, from securing my water bottle to fastening my zippers together when exploring the city. I adore this Hero Clip since it evokes memories of the J Hook my father carried during my childhood. He would seamlessly attach his crew bag and briefcase or backpack as soon as we got through TSA, and now I understand as I enter my “not wise to lug around a heavy backpack” phase of life.   

Spyder Packable Puffer Jacket 

As a child, I frequently borrowed my father’s puffer jacket, wishing I had an additional layer to keep me cozy on flights. Nowadays, I always travel with a compact puffer since it can serve as a travel pillow in emergencies. Additionally, I no longer have easy access to my father’s jacket when traveling alone or with my children.

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

A few years ago, my father shared this travel tip with me, and now I never embark on a journey without this travel adapter, even for domestic trips. It’s undeniably useful for international excursions, but when I’m at home, it conveniently converts a standard outlet into a multi-plug charging station for all my USB-operated gadgets, keeping my chargers and devices from cluttering the space.

Anker Power Bank

My father, a retired Air Force officer, prioritized safety while traveling, especially in terms of being able to contact someone if help was needed. I always carry a power bank with me, as I recognize that my phone can often serve as my most crucial safety tool while away.

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart Laptop Backpack

I’ve tested numerous alternatives for carry-ons (such as totes, weekend bags, laptop cases, etc.), but I always revert to my father’s trusted option: a reliable backpack. This specific model is perfect for airport use as it features a trolley strap and SmartScan technology for easy laptop screening at TSA.

Soundcore P40i by Anker Noise-cancelling Wireless Earbuds

While my father often preferred standard earplugs for crew rest, I find these noise-cancelling earbuds suit my travel style much better. They allow me to snooze, but I can also connect them to an AirFly, eliminating the need for the uncomfortable headsets most airlines provide.

Columbia Glennaker Lake Ii Packable Rain Jacket 

I’ve consistently found it more convenient to travel with a packable rain jacket instead of an umbrella, likely due to my father’s early example of always keeping a lightweight raincoat handy. I typically buy one size larger to wear it over my backpack if needed, and that added layer has proven useful many times, especially when I just need a light windbreaker over a heavy sweater. This jacket compresses into itself, making it perfect for stowing in a carry-on.

Linvo Polarized Wayfarer Sunglasses 

Having misplaced too many pairs of sunglasses during my travels, I prefer not to take an expensive pair with me. I appreciate the design of these wayfarer-style sunglasses, and even more that they come at just $20 for a two-pack. If they become scratched or misplaced, I will feel disappointed — but not devastated.

Regarding Low-top Sneakers

My father’s singular packing advice to my sister and I prior to any journey we embarked on included one statement: “Bring a swimsuit and don comfortable footwear for the airport.” I still recall his words while preparing my bags; the initial recommendation proves useful more times than not, and the latter has been vital to an enjoyable traveling experience. I appreciate the comfort and elegance of OnClouds, and this particular pair can be easily slipped on and off should I need to remove my shoes during my travels.

Tide Travel Sink Packets

During my upbringing, my family devoted a significant amount of time to camping, which meant we always had small camping packs of laundry detergent readily available for our travels. I maintain a packet or two in my makeup bag consistently, and while I am fortunate not to need them frequently, they are lifesaving whenever accidents or spills occur.

Autrends Mini Duct Tape

An ordinary roll of duct tape can salvage a trip in numerous ways. We have employed duct tape to obscure bothersome lights in hotel rooms for a better night’s sleep; utilized it as a makeshift bandage for blisters (with cotton or tissue); and mended suitcases or shoes enabling them to make the return journey.

Topoko Stainless Steel Vacuum Water Bottle

If a water bottle lacks a means to attach to my carry-on, I prefer not to travel with it. I appreciate having the capability to be hands-free while traveling, freeing me from concerns about my water bottle potentially falling out of a side pocket in my backpack or leaking inside my carry-on. This straightforward thermos appeals to me because it attaches effortlessly and features a non-slip coating for the times I am carrying it.

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