Ever since I can remember, I have been traveling to Johannesburg, South Africa to visit my dad’s side of the family. My dad moved to the United States nearly 30 years ago, yet all of my extended family never left Johannesburg. To visit them, I must endure 18-hour flights to reach Africa. During my flights, I have accumulated many tips for having the most successful and relaxing international travel experience. My hope is that these tips will benefit anyone who plans on traveling this summer.

Without our cell phones, computers and other portable technology, how would we ever survive? Travelers don’t want to arrive in a foreign country after hours of sitting on a plane only to realize they cannot charge their devices. And while many planes provide power outlets that can fit your portable device, a universal travel converter/adapter makes certain you will always have the juice you need when traveling overseas. These lifesavers can be bought online or at most general merchandise stores for just under $20.

I recently discovered packing cubes, an innovative and simple new way to pack clothing that takes up less space in a suitcase. Packing cubes come in different colors, shapes and sizes, and allow clothes to be organized by occasion, activity, color, etc. In addition to keeping clothes organized, packing cubes maximize the amount of space available in your suitcase, enabling you to pack more. These cubes can be bought online or in general merchandise stores for about $5 each.

Although they may not seem necessary, fuzzy socks are a major necessity for any flight over three hours. As if plane seats aren’t already uncomfortable enough, trying to relax and sleep while wearing shoes is nearly impossible. Keeping a pair of fuzzy socks in your carry-on can be convenient. These socks can be purchased for under $5 at stores like Target and Kohl’s.

No one wants to sit down for a 10-hour flight directly in front of a crying baby. Yet, if you are unlucky enough to find yourself in this situation, you are going to want a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. These will cancel out all unwanted sounds, and allow you to listen to music, sleep or watch movies in complete peace and silence. These headphones range from about $50 to $350 and can be purchased online or at stores such as Target and Best Buy.

Who enjoys plane food? No one. Bringing snacks for the plane ride is crucial. Granola bars are a great start, but they will not suffice for multiple meals. Snack crackers, beef jerky, fruit snacks and other protein-packed snacks are very important and easily accessible. Snacks that are high in protein will help to keep you going after a long day of travel.

Airports and airplanes are filled with germs and other illnesses. One way to prevent contracting viruses is by using hand sanitizer. Using this before eating, or at least every few hours can be extremely helpful. Hand sanitizer can be purchased for under $5 at any drug store, and can change the entire outcome of a trip by preventing sickness.

Another important tip is to register for TSA precheck, in order to skip all of the long security lines. The process is simple, but bear in mind it can take a little while to get final approval. Go to https://www.tsa.gov/precheck to begin the process and schedule an appointment. The cost is $85 and the precheck lasts for five years. 

Finally, one of the biggest predicaments: to check the bag, or not to check the bag? In my opinion, when traveling internationally for long periods of time, checking a bag is necessary, however, this does not have to be a horrifying experience. By putting nametags on each checked bag, you are more likely to find bags if they get lost. In addition, be sure to pack the essentials in your carry-on, like an extra pair of clothes and a toothbrush.

I hope these tips and tricks begin to solve some of your traveling issues, as I know they have solved many of mine. Although traveling can be difficult, the destination is always worth it, once you have endured the flight.