I spent over just over a decade flying internationally as a Business and First Class flight attendant. Since then, as a Mum, an entrepreneur and the wife of an International pilot, I have continued to spread my wings and enjoy regular travel — to experience different places and cultures. Travelling creates memories and experiences that are truly life-enriching. No trip is ever the same.
Twenty six years of airports, long haul flights, hotel rooms, and packing bags has taught me one thing
above all others: there is a system. Once you have it, packing stops being stressful and starts
being something you do with confidence – and even enjoy.
This is an abundance of information I am happy to share to help the preparation of travel feel much easier.
The Carry-On Capsule — 7 Days, One Bag
Whenever possible, I prefer not to check in a bag on a personal trip.
On a shorter trip, everything fits in a carry-on — and everything works together. The secret is not a packing list, it’s a formula.
• 3-4 tops in neutral tones with one statement colour
• 2-3 bottoms — one casual, one that dresses up
• 1-2 wrinkle-free dresses (or jumpsuits) that transition day to night
• 1 lightweight layer — linen or fine cotton
• 1 warmer layer — fine knit or structured blazer
• Slides or slip-ons for casual days
• Comfortable walking shoes (that don’t need to be ‘broken in’)
• Flats — loafers or ballet for evenings
• Non-slip thongs for pool, beach or wet climates
• 7+ days underwear and sleepwear
• A disposable poncho
The Packing Essentials That Never Change
Beyond clothing, there are items I carry on every single trip, regardless of the destination or duration.
• A quality tote bag • Passport and printed copies of all bookings
• Compression packing cubes
• Silk pillowcase — for over hotel pillows
• Portable power bank — 10,000mAh minimum
• Universal travel adaptor
• Noise cancelling headphones or AirPods
• Silk eye mask
• Compression socks for flights over 4 hours
• Hydrating face mask — mid-flight skin treatment
• Razors — the thing most people forget
• A change of clothes in your carry-on — always
• A pen — you usually need one for customs forms
Toiletries packed to comply with carry-on liquid rules — I cover exactly how I do this in detail in The FA Packing Guide. Here –The FA Packing Guide
The compression packing cubes deserve their own mention. I can fit a week’s clothing into one carry-on and find everything instantly — it takes practice but with the right formula makes checking in and travelling seamless, especially for trips under 7 days.
Note: Roll your clothes when not using compression cubes — fold clothes flat when placing inside the cubes themselves, so they compress evenly and nothing creases.
There are three items in my bag that nobody talks about (and most forget!). Both under $20. Both absolute game changers for long haul travel. Find them in The FA Packing Guide → The FA Packing Guide
In-Flight Beauty
The cabin humidity on all flights is very low, but on long haul flights, the low air humidity for extended periods of time means your body and skin dehydrate more extremely. You lose approximately up to 70 grams of water per hour flying due to low air humidity and air-conditioning. Most of the dry skin, sinuses and increased fatigue you feel on arrival is due to dehydration and the absence of applying extra hydration through a skincare routine mid-flight – therefore, keeping hydrated is crucial..
Here is what I do — and have done across 26 years of travel..
The night before: double cleanse, apply my most nourishing serum, a rich overnight moisturiser or leave-on sleeping mask and a lip mask before bed. Lips dehydrate severely at altitude and most people don’t think of this until their lips start to dry out on the plane. You may receive a lip balm in your amenity pack when boarding but I always ensure I have my own quality lip mask in my bag.
Getting ready: A light, hydrating base. BB cream or hydrating foundation. I don’t recommend powder — skin dehydrates at altitude and powder makes this visible (fine lines everywhere from dehydration). Tinted lip balm/oil/gloss, mascara, brow product, dewy blush. Mist your face with hydrating face spray before boarding.
Every few hours throughout the flight: mist your face generously, reapply lip balm, hand cream, drink
250ml of water. Whenever you feel the need. These small steps make the entire difference in how you feel during the flight and on arrival.
Tip: Bring your own silk eye mask for quality rest/sleep on the flight.
For my complete In-flight Beauty and Hydration Routine
Landing Well
The transition home is where the travel glow is often lost. You land exhausted. You unpack in a
fog. The holiday or trip is over – back to routine/every day. Within 48 hours it feels like you never left.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
As soon as you can, once you’ve landed: try to drink 500ml of water on your way home (add an electrolyte sachet if possible. Try to get some natural light to reset your circadian rhythm. Change out of travel clothes as soon as you arrive home. Shower and cleanse your face as soon as possible. Go for a walk when you can.
For the complete post-trip recovery Glow system → etsy.com/shop/AvenueQuarter (coming soon).
Your Daily Moment of Calm
Travel expands you. It reminds you who you are when obligations and routine aren’t taking over. You are fully present in your own life.
That feeling of being fully present — even for sixty seconds — is something anyone can have every day without even leaving home.
The Avenue Moment is a free daily wellness app designed for the woman who never stops. Sixty
seconds every day of calm, warmth and reassurance. Then back to your beautiful life.
Available free on Safari — save to Home Screen and it’s always there.
Visit The Avenue Moment → theavenuemoment.com
The Complete Avenue Quarter Travel Collection
Everything above is just the beginning. The Avenue Quarter shop has everything you need before the trip, during the flight and long after you return home.
→ The FA Insider Pack (includes Travel Planner)
→ The 7-Day Carry-On Guide
→ The In-Flight Beauty Guide
→ The 90-Day Reset Guided Journal
→ The Avenue Moment — theavenuemoment.com
Shop the full collection → etsy.com/shop/AvenueQuarter
Pack beautifully. Travel intentionally. Come home glowing.
Shop the full collection → etsy.com/shop/AvenueQuarter
✦ All Avenue Quarter guides are currently 40% off for 48 hours only.
Shop → etsy.com/shop/AvenueQuarter
