• Home
  • Blog
    • Capsule Wardrobes
    • Travel Style
    • Sustainability
    • Personal Style
    • Lifestyle
  • Shop My Looks
  • About
  • Say Hello
  • Follow
    • PINTEREST
    • INSTAGRAM
    • YOUTUBE
    • FACEBOOK

WAYS OF STYLE

Home » How to Survive Long Travel Days: Tips, Tricks & Mistakes to Avoid At All Costs!)

How to Survive Long Travel Days: Tips, Tricks & Mistakes to Avoid At All Costs!)

in Travel Style on 06/25/24

Ok, take a deep breath… 🧘🏻‍♀️ I know long travel days can be exhausting. Trust me, over the past three years of full-time traveling, I’ve experienced more long travel days than I can count. Do you want to know the longest one? 50 hours! Yes, FIFTY HOURS 😳

Needless to say, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes and I’ve seen other people make tons of mistakes too.

But I’m happy to report that it does get better over time, and you don’t have to go through the same things I have because I’ve got you covered girl!

That’s why today I’m sharing everything I’ve learned on how to survive long travel days.

Ready To Learn How To Survive Long Travel Days?

✈️ Let’s Start With What to Wear on Long Travel Days:

  • Comfortable Clothes: The key here is comfort. Avoid tight and non-stretchy clothes as you will likely be bloated during your flight. I usually opt for black joggers, comfy sneakers or flat shoes, and a super soft crewneck sweater. Other good and comfortable options include midi/maxi dresses or skirts.

⭐️ Pro tip: Remember you don’t want to pack things you will only wear on your travel day. Create your travel day outfits with pieces you’re going to be styling during your vacation as well ⭐️

  • Layering Pieces: Temperatures on airplanes and airports can be all over the place. That’s why it’s important to bring a pashmina, a denim jacket (or similar), and of course, a cami underneath your crewneck sweater. It can also get hot, so layering is key! (make these decisions depending on how cold/hot you usually get)
  • Comfortable Shoes or Sandals: Your feet will swell during the flight, so avoid heels or shoes that are too tight. And always remember to bring socks if you’re wearing sandals. I mostly travel with my comfy sneakers or the trusty Birkenstocks.

Recent Travel Day Outfit Examples:

What To Wear On Long Travel Days

🚫 What NOT to Wear on Long Travel Days…

The main things to consider here are: airport security, having to carry everything with you at all times and of course, airport and airplane bathrooms.

  • Wide Leg Pants: Avoid pants that can touch the bathroom floor. The last thing you want is for your hems to get wet in there 🤮 If you do bring wide leg pants because they’re the most comfortable thing in your suitcase, then roll them up to your thighs when using the restroom. Hope this makes sense lol.
  • Jumpsuits: I’ve made this mistake before. My black jumpsuit is so freaking comfortable BUT going to the bathroom is very uncomfortable (especially inside the plane). Also, it’s kind of annoying/terrifying if it touches the bathroom floor when you pull it down! 😬
  • Shorts, Mini Skirts, Short Dresses: Airplane seats are SO GROSS. Don’t touch them with your skin. Chances are someone else already sweat on them, put their feet on them, and all kinds of gross things we’ve witnessed. Avoid at all costs!
  • Light Colors, Especially White Pants: You can get away with a white t-shirt, but please don’t wear white pants. You’re just asking for a stain.
  • Makeup: I wear a little bit of makeup if we’re filming our Youtube videos. But I keep it really simple with some concealer, blush, and a lip balm. No mascara because it can get messy over time, especially if you forget you’re wearing it and you rub your eyes 😖 I don’t wear foundation just so I can moisturize mid-flight.
  • Too Many Accessories: This is annoying for the security line. The airport security area is not exactly a zen environment, so make things easier on yourself by keeping things simple.

👉🏻 I wrote a blog post with comfy and stylish airport outfit ideas. Check it out here!


Download these FREE travel resources:

  • The WORST things I’ve ever packed!
  • How to pick the best shoes for ANY kind of trip!
  • Your ultimate summer packing guide – everything you need to know!

Tips for Inside the Plane:

✅ Hydrate and Moisturize: Have a face moisturizer handy to apply mid-flight. Drink tons of water. Yes, especially if you’re drinking alcohol, and even if it means you’ll have to use the airplane bathroom.

✅ Bring Socks OR Compression Socks: If you’re traveling with sandals, don’t forget your socks. And if you have an irrational fear of blood clots (like my husband), bring compression socks.

✅ Order Special Meals: When booking your tickets, pre-order your food! You know that ‘dietary restrictions’ section? You’ll have vegetarian options, Halal, Kosher, vegan, gluten-free, etc. You’ll get your food before everyone else’s, the food is way better, AND you’ll avoid being served something like this:

thank God for Prosecco 😂

✅ Pack Noise-Canceling Headphones: We’ve had screaming babies for HOURS. And while I do feel terrible for the parents, I don’t feel bad about putting my headphones in and listening to music or a podcast.

✅ Bring Pleasant Smelling Items: Oil, moisturizer, etc. Ok, this is actually gross, but it can happen… airplanes can get stinky. People fart and take their shoes off even though they have cheese-smelling feet (recent true story 🧀), so it’s nice to put something that smells nice almost inside your nose if this happens.

Mistakes to Avoid During Long Travel Days:

🚫 Don’t Bring Too Many Things: A carry-on, a backpack, a tote bag, a water bottle, extra layers, neck pillow, a bag from the duty-free shop, a coffee, lunch… seriously. This is a recipe to make your travel day exhausting. Keep it simple!

🚫 Having All Your Important Stuff Inside Your Backpack: It’s annoying to take things out of a backpack. That’s why I have all our documents inside a travel document pouch and I wear a crossbody bag for my travel wallet, sunnies, chapstick, gum, etc. Think about the things you will use often and keep them handy.

🚫 Don’t Forget Your Adapter! If you have an international layover, the plugs at the airport can look different than in the US. So if you need to charge your phone, laptop, etc. it won’t be possible. We have traveled with this adapter since September 2021, and it’s still with us!

PS: when shopping for one of these, make sure you get one that’s also a converter. You will need it for your curling/flat iron, etc. Otherwise, you may cause a power outage in your building 😅


Looking for the perfect luggage?

Check out this article by Travel & Leisure where they try and review a bunch of suitcases!

The one I am currently traveling with is this one. (If you want it, be sure to use code WAYSOFTHEWORLD for 10% off!)


General Travel Day Tips Worth Mentioning:

‼️ Bring an Emergency Packing Cube: If you have a tote bag or a backpack and you check your bags, pack an emergency packing cube! ​This little compressible packing cube​ holds my emergency clothing. Again, this only makes sense if you check your bags.

I pack a couple of emergency pieces just in case my bag doesn’t arrive to my final destination… which has only happened once and it was back ‘home’ in Florida. (I got the bag back 2 days later)

I pick these emergency pieces based on my destination and based on what I’m wearing for the travel day. I want to make sure I can create the maximum amount of outfits in case something happens to my bag. So, here’s an example of how that looks like ⬇️

Here’s what’s inside:

  • ​​1 black cami​​
  • ​​1 green cami​​
  • ​​1 white cami​​
  • ​​1 black mini skirt​​
  • ​​1 beige mini skirt​​
  • ​​Pajamas​​
  • ​​4 pairs of underwear​​
  • ​​2 no-show socks​​
  • ​​1 strapless bra​​

My husband has my deodorant and our toiletries in his backpack.

Also, ​these are the compressible packing cubes​ I swear by. Not only because they are great quality, but this company is owned by fellow travelers! We’ve followed their journey since they were broke backpackers, and now they have this multi-million dollar business, which I find so inspiring 💫 If you need packing cubes, ​these are the ones. ​

💄Use A Clear Bag for Toiletries: Anything that’s creamy or liquid (make-up too) needs to be packed in a clear bag and taken out of your suitcase in order to go through security at some of the major European airports. Be a pro traveler and do this in advance so you don’t become part of the madness. Increase your chances of flying through security!

👚Use a Stuffable Neck Pillow: If you can’t give up your neck pillow, consider getting one that you can stuff with your own things. This is a great hack to clear some space out of your suitcase for souvenirs on the way back home.

🧈 When the food comes, place your butter on top of the closed food tray to soften it a bit, this way you can actually spread it over your cold bread roll!


My Biggest Lessons:

Travel days are only scary the day before. Like with everything else that life throws at you, you manage.

And I rarely think about the travel day after I arrive at a new destination. It’s all over before you know it. You’re lucky to get to experience long travel days. We all are. Embrace the journey, and remember that these experiences make great stories and memories ✨.

Long travel days are challenging, but applying these tips can make a huge difference in how you experience them.

Thanks so much for reading, and I hope this was useful. Remember you can always leave a comment below if you have any specific questions.

XO,

Aimara

PS: remember to download a list of the top 10 things I ALWAYS pack here.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own. 

I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.


Travel Related Articles You May Also Like:

  • 6 months of stylish and comfortable travel in a carry-on!
  • The 15 best travel essentials for women (no BS list!)
  • Summer in Europe outfit ideas & packing list!

Did You Find This Post About How To Survive Long Travel Days Useful? Save It On Pinterest!

Home » How to Survive Long Travel Days: Tips, Tricks & Mistakes to Avoid At All Costs!)

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X

Add a Comment

« My Hair Loss Journey & My Experience With Vegamour
How To Actually Pack Less Things (detailed guide) »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Recent Posts:

  • The Best Shoes For Summer In Europe!
  • The Fall 2025 Fashion Trends You’ll Actually Want to Wear!
  • How To Create Chic Summer Outfit Ideas For Each Body Type: Outfit Formulas & Killer Styling Tips!

Subscribe to WOS!

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Follow Me on Instagram

I have a million photos to post! Trying to catch u I have a million photos to post! Trying to catch up here but somehow I never seem to sit down and share stuff in this account. I guess I like our travel account better! 😜 @waysoftheworld_ 

I’ve been trying to stay active with travel outfits and styling tips on the @shop.ltk app, so if you are interest you can check them all out by clicking the link in my bio. This dress was one of the best pieces I packed this time! It’s so cute for photos with any background basically!

We are currently on day 53 our of our 70 day trip through the Yucatan Peninsula 🤯 We’ve been to Cozumel, Punta Allen, Bacalar, Campeche, Merida and today we made it to Valladolid. We have one more stop before spending a week in Mexico City with family and then off to a new country we go! This lifestyle comes with its unexpected challenges, but we wouldn’t change it for anything!! 💕

Let this be a reminder to keep working hard to make your dreams happen! We are actively doing that right with @waysoftheworld_ 🙃 Hoping things end up working out for us!
…
#waysofstyle #campechemexico #travelblog #travelvlog #seetheworld #visitmexico #mexicotravel
What a crazy feeling when you start loving somethi What a crazy feeling when you start loving something you once thought was scary. It really makes you realize that fear is not real and exists only in your mind.

Never stop pursuing what sets your heart on fire. Even if it’s scary. And if you don’t know what that is yet, I encourage you to make the time to find out 💙

PS: this photo was taken on a scuba dive trip while in Cozumel a couple of weeks ago. If you ever find yourself there, do yourself a favor and do it with @scubatonycozumel 🤿 You will not regret it!

We are currently slow traveling through the Yucatan peninsula. We are having the time of our lives and documenting it all on @waysoftheworld_ 🌎 See you there? 🙃
…
#waysofstyle #scubadiving #experiencesoverthings #scubatony #scubatonycozumel #cozumel #cozumeldiving #cozumelscuba #fulltimetravel #travelvlog #travelblog
Yesterday we had a full day of exploring different Yesterday we had a full day of exploring different places and I needed different outfits but I didn’t have space to bring a whole new look. That’s when button down shirts + sneakers come handy! 

In the morning we went to the beach to snorkel and in the afternoon we explored Mayan ruins and had drinks and dinner. I needed sun protection and sneakers because they don’t recommend to walk the ruins in sandals (uneven terrain). I was able to change the wet bathing suit at the beach restaurant and didn’! get sunburn! Win win!!

PS: you can now shop all my looks via the @shop.ltk app ☺️ or via stories!
…
#waysofstyle #jumpsuit #howtostyleajumpsuit #grayson #buttondownshirt #cariumas #whitesneakers #travelstyle #vacationlooks #stylehack
🎅🏽 GIVEAWAY TIME!!!! 🎅🏽 Giveaway close 🎅🏽 GIVEAWAY TIME!!!! 🎅🏽 Giveaway closed! Winner @_downbythesea_ 

This little device has made a huge difference in how I travel! I barely have to worry about shaving thanks to laser hair removal 🙌🏻 And today, I’m teaming up with @silknsolution to give one away to one of YOU! 🌟

It’s super easy to enter:

1️⃣ FOLLOW me @waysofstyle & @silknsolution
2️⃣ LIKE this photo 
3️⃣ TAG a friend (each comment with a tag is a separate entry)
4️⃣ BONUS post this photo on your story and tag me! 

Winner will be announced this weekend!! Good luck everyone ❤️

Giveaway not associated with Instagram or Facebook. US or CAD residents only.
…
#silkn12daysofgiveaways #silknsolution #giftidea #hairremoval #mysilknsolution #silkn #giveaway #skincare #selfcare #selflove #treatyourself
Back home after spending the best 3 months of my l Back home after spending the best 3 months of my life in Turkey 🇹🇷❤️

We definitely left a piece of our hearts there, but we also learned so much and we know we will be back many times! And it feels good to be with family this time of the year.

I know I didn’t do a good job at posting in here. Honestly, I thought it was going to be easier, but starting a new Instagram, blog and YouTube channel from scratch for @waysoftheworld_ took a lot more time than I ever thought it would! So now, I’ll try to share some of my favorite photos from this trip in here because it’s never too late 🙃

This one was taken in a small mediterranean town called Kas. It was one of our favorite places in all of Turkey! It’s the perfect vacation spot to just enjoy life 💕

Feels good to be back! Hope everyone has a great week ahead and thanks so much for being here!!
…
#waysofstyle #travelstyle #kasturkey #vacationlooks #capsulewardrobe #experiencesoverthings #turkeytravel #visitturkey
Sharing 25 travel outfit ideas I created with the Sharing 25 travel outfit ideas I created with the best 7 pieces I packed! 🙌🏻

I believe these 7 pieces are not only good for traveling, but to add as part of your capsule wardrobe if you are thinking about starting to live with less things. I promise you won’t regret it!

I hope you find it useful and that you feel inspired to recreate any of these looks with pieces you already have in your closet. If you have any questions, let me know! I’m always here to help 🙂

Happy Monday ❤️
…
#waysofstyle #capsulewardrobe #whiteshirt #midiskirt #travelstyle #traveloutfits #capsulewardrobechecklist #capsulewardrobes #minimalism #sustainablefashion
Turkey has been incredible. We are blown away by h Turkey has been incredible. We are blown away by how beautiful it is, all the different landscapes, the food, and above everything, the people ❤️

Looking back to a few weeks ago when I was really afraid of going on this trip, thinking about all the things that could go wrong, being a little upset with myself in a way for not wanting the traditional life path I always thought was my only choice; get married, buy a house, have kids, save money and travel when you retire. That’s not for me. 

I’m very happy I followed my heart 💕 I wrote a letter to myself on the blog: “What’s the best that can happen if the worst happens?” You can check it out by clicking the link in my bio. I hope it inspires you to think about what YOU really want in your heart, make a plan and go after it (but be patient). I promise that if I did it, so can you.

You have everything it takes ❤️

Link in bio to read.
…
#waysofstyle #pamukkale #turkeytravel #followyourheart #seetheworld
I basically only wear olive green and white now 😂 

Our days in beautiful Kas are almost over. I’m leaving a piece of my heart in this cute little town and we will definitely be back! Now it’s time to hop on a 6 hour bus to Pamukkale and see what that place is all about! 

Honestly, the only reason we are going there is because of me. G is not too crazy about it, but I’ve seen it on Instagram so much that I wanted to see for myself what the buzz was all about. So I’ll keep you posted on what it actually is!

If you are interested in knowing more about Kas (and all the amazing places we are visiting) we share a lot more on @waysoftheworld_ 💞 
We talk about useful tips, costs, best things we do, where we stay and so much more. I also update those stories daily! So I hope to see you there 🙃

Until next time friends 👋🏻
…
#waysofstyle #travelstyle #midiskirt #traveloutfits #kas #kasturkey #worldtraveler #styleblogger #styleinspo #mystyle #fashionblogger #capsulewardrobe
I was brave 💙 This was the most amazing experi I was brave 💙

This was the most amazing experience. I was SO nervous and anxious before but somehow I managed to push through and tried this very scary thing for the first time. And you know what I learned? That I loved it! I would do it again a million times! It wasn’t scary at all. It was all in my head and it wasn’t real. Also, they had the sweetest dog at the shop named Lucy that really help me not to think about it (swipe to see her 😍)

We didn’t do any crazy tricks like G did and it was a very peaceful flight. It’s up to you how you want to do it.

I can see why Ölüdeniz is one of the top places in the world to go paragliding. If you only want to do it once to cross it off your bucket list, this is the place you go to. We shared a post about with useful information in case you are interested. Link in bio + stories.

Would you do it? 🙃
Make sure to follow our adventures around Turkey on @waysoftheworld_ 🙏🏻
…
#waysofstyle #paragliding #oludeniz #exploreturkey #turkeytravel #bebrave #experiencesoverthings
Follow!

BLOG CATEGORIES

  • Capsule Wardrobes (12)
  • Healthy Food (11)
  • Lifestyle (26)
  • Personal Style (50)
  • Reviews (11)
  • Sustainability (8)
  • Travel Style (33)

Copyright © 2025 · glam theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2025 · Glam Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

x