My Guide to Flying Happy (Self-care Tips & Routines)

One of my favorite things in the world is booking the trip.

Whether I'm headed to meet friends, visit family, work with a client, or explore somewhere new, I still get excited every time I see that boarding pass.

I've also learned that a really great trip starts long before you arrive.

Over the years, I've built a handful of little routines that help me stay energized, organized, confident, and genuinely pumped on travel days.

If you're flying this summer (or anytime really), I hope a few of these make your trip even better.

I'm Team Red-Eye.

Give me the overnight flight every single time.

I love having a full day at home, enjoying dinner, heading to the airport that evening, and turning the flight into the coziest little movie night. Fresh socks, lay back, a neck pillow, a melatonin gummy... lights out. There's something so satisfying about falling asleep somewhere over the Pacific and waking up in a brand-new place.

One thing I've always been grateful for is that I can fall asleep almost anywhere. I think years of long flights as a kid and bumpy naps on track buses gave me this superpower.

If sleeping on planes hasn't been your thing, it might be worth experimenting until you find your version of cozy. Mine is pretty dialed. Earplugs. Eye mask. Neck pillow. A little travel blanket. As mentioned, fresh socks. If my flight includes a blanket and pillow, even better. I'll use them for a little extra lumbar support or pile them up until I'm perfectly comfortable. I used to think travel pillows were overrated, but I've officially switched teams. I'm a travel pillow girl now, and I don't see myself going back.

Start packing before you're packing.

If I don't love it, it's not coming.

Packing starts a few days before I leave because I super enjoy it.

I throw on some music, do the laundry, take over the guest room, and have a little fashion show while I decide what makes the cut. Every trip has its own personality.

One thing I never pack anymore? "Good enough."

If I don't absolutely love wearing it, it certainly isn’t going halfway around the world.

That goes for clothes, shoes, and everything else in my suitcase.

I'd rather pack a little less and love every single thing I brought than overpack and still feel like I have nothing to wear. And if I overpack and love everything? No problem at all! Every outfit is a win.

And if I'm missing the perfect piece? I just leave the space, and that just gives me an excuse to find it somewhere along the way.

I only want to wear clothes that make me feel comfortable and confident. Speaking of which…

Build an airport outfit you love (and pack a backup).

My airport outfit has been pretty dialed over the years.

You'll almost always find me in my Billabong Wave Pants, a buttery-soft sports bra, a comfy crop tee, flip-flops, and a cozy sweater layer.

The goal is to look respectfully put together, feel like myself, be functional, and again, comfortable and confident. Ready for a full day or two of travel.

Once I get to my seat, the flip-flops come off, and the fresh socks go on. It sounds like the tiniest detail, but it completely changes a long flight for me.

I also keep a comfy change of clothes in my carry-on: extra soft sports bra and biker shorts, bonus wave or super soft yoga pants. Especially after a long-haul flight or during a layover, changing into a fresh outfit feels like hitting the reset button. It's amazing what a clean shirt and a quick face wash can do for your mood and your smell. :)

Book the airport, too.

One thing I don't think people do enough is look at the airports they're actually flying through. When I'm booking a trip, I'm not just looking at the departure time and the price. I'm looking at my route too. If I know I'm going to have a longer layover, I'd much rather spend it somewhere I actually enjoy.

Some airports have incredible food.

Some have art galleries.

Meditation rooms.

Sensory spaces.

Beautiful lounges.

Spas.

Outdoor gardens.

Amazing shopping.

Some are just... nicer places to hang out for a few hours.

If I've got a two-hour layover, I can make just about anywhere work. But once you get into four, five, or six hours, I absolutely start paying attention to where I'm going to spend that time.

I'll even look up the airport before I leave just to see what I want to explore.

It turns the layover into part of the adventure instead of something I'm just waiting through.

Hydrate like it's part of the itinerary.

Flying is dehydrating.

The cabin air is incredibly dry, and if I'm headed somewhere sunny, warm, or tropical, that dehydration only adds up.

I start drinking water before I even get to the airport, carry my own water bottle, and keep sipping throughout the day.

My skin is happier.

My energy is better.

Jet lag feels easier.

A good meal is part of the trip.

One thing I never rush is finding something good to eat.

Airport food doesn't have to mean greasy fast food anymore. There are so many fresh, healthy options now, and I enjoy walking around to see what's available before I decide.

Protein, produce, hydration, and something that sounds genuinely delicious usually win. My gut is happier, my energy is steadier, and I'm much more excited to jump right into whatever I traveled for.

My carry-on has a system.

I carry what I call my Business Babe Bag. It's just a cute zip-top canvas and leather bag with pockets for everything, and for whatever reason, it makes me want to keep it beautifully organized.

My passport and wallet each have one home, and they go right back there every single time.

Inside, I have a few simple pouches: my Cap'n Coconut travel kit, makeup, tech, and my little bedtime routine. I know exactly where everything is without having to think about it.

I also leave a little breathing room. I don't like a carry-on that's packed to the brim. Having a little extra space makes it easy to grab what I need, toss my travel pillow inside when I'm not using it (I'm definitely not hanging it on the outside of my bag... it's going to touch my face later 😆), and keeps the whole day feeling calm instead of chaotic.

Do a little tech check.

The night before I leave, I charge everything.

Phone.

Laptop.

Battery pack.

I download playlists, books, and shows just in case Wi-Fi gets weird.

If I'm traveling internationally, I make sure my phone plan is ready before I leave.

And don't forget wired headphones. The newer entertainment systems are so good, but so many still use the old headphone jack.

Become a mileage nerd.

This one has paid for itself so many times.

Miles have gotten me into beautiful lounges, helped me upgrade flights, and made long layovers feel like a treat instead of something to survive.

I'm all for balling on a budget, and this is one of my favorite ways to do it.

Stay connected.

When I'm traveling by myself, I have at least two people who know where I'm headed and what I’m up to.

I'll send a quick text as the trip progresses, when I officially land at my destination, and another when I get to my hotel.

Simple.

Easy.

It gives everyone a little peace of mind, including me.

I also keep my head up, trust my instincts, and pay attention to what's going on around me.

Traveling solo has made me more confident, not more fearful.

Pack a little extra patience.

Flights get delayed.

Weather happens.

Connections get missed.

I've learned that staying calm opens up a lot more possibilities than panicking ever does.

Be kind to the gate agents.

Thank the security crew.

Tip the cart and shuttle drivers.

Smile at people.

Everyone is trying to get somewhere.

Build your own flying routine.

These are simply the little things that make travel feel really good for me.

Your routine might look completely different, and that's exactly the point.

Figure out what helps you feel calm and sparks your joy.

What helps you feel organized?

What makes you excited to board the plane?

Maybe it's fresh socks.

Maybe it's a window seat.

Maybe it's soft serve and a new magazine.

Whatever it is, lean into it.

Because I really hope you book the trip.

Go visit your friends.

Take your kids on an adventure.

Say yes to the work opportunity.

Explore somewhere you've always wanted to see.

Life is too short to spend all your time wishing you had gone.

I hope these little routines help you get there feeling like your best self.