Even if you're heading for the vacation of your dreams, it can get a little anxious.
1. Your passport.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're not getting far without it. Put it in the front pocket of your backpack, somewhere easily reachable but not easily lost of stolen. Run your fingers over it every couple minutes, just to reassure yourself it's there.
2. Any and all prescription medicine.
With the prescription itself, of course, so no one thinks you're popping Vitamin D supplements. There's enough trouble in travel, no need for medical emergencies to be part of it.
3. A list.
Or maybe five or six. Lists of airlines, lists of emergency contacts, lists of things one may need to declare at customs.
4. Headphones.
They do double duty of giving you calming music to listen to, which is handy when waiting at the gate for four hours because you're chronically early, as well as signaling to other people that you don't want to chat.
5. A friend.
If equally anxious, worry together. If less anxious, one of you will be the calm one.
6. Something soothing that won't knock you out.
Not being able to sleep on flights is one thing. Not being able to sleep after taking five Benadryls means you're going to hate yourself once you land.
7. A real book.
I'm still not sure about the rules about electronics on flights (really, who is?) but nothing quite beats the feel of bona-fide paper. And nothing is more calming than book smell.
8. A journal.
To either write about what's making you anxious or to write about how the clouds look like cotton candy.
9. A hoodie.
Even if you're traveling in the middle of the summer, a hoodie can double as a turtle-shell-like covering. And an easily transportable blanket.
10. Food.
Granola bars are good because they're easily transportable and filling, but just about any type of snack will do. Those airline pretzels just don't cut it.
11. Travel-size stuff to make TSA screening a breeze.
Seriously, don't be that kid who didn't know you can't take liquids more than 3oz on a plane. Everyone knows that.
