TRAVEL & PREPARATION ESSENTIALS
Travel & Preparation
From packing for surgery abroad to making the flight home more comfortable, these are the little travel essentials I personally used and appreciated along the way.
Before You Leave
A few small things made packing, organizing, and getting ready for an international trip much easier.
Foldable Travel Duffel Bag
Personally UsedI liked having a foldable duffel that gave me extra packing space without taking up much room when I wasn’t using it. It was handy for keeping my travel things together.
View on Amazon →Luggage Strap for Carry-On
Personally UsedThis little strap kept my personal bag attached to my rolling suitcase. One less thing to carry, especially when I wanted my hands free.
View on Amazon →TSA-Approved Luggage Locks
Personally UsedI brought these for an extra layer of luggage security while traveling. They were a simple addition to my packing checklist.
View on Amazon →Travel Adapter
Personally UsedI learned that not every so-called universal adapter works everywhere. In Turkey, I needed a round-pin adapter, and this was the style that worked for my trip.
View on Amazon →Small USB-C Fast Charger Block
Personally UsedA compact charger was so handy for keeping my devices powered without packing multiple bulky blocks. I liked it enough that I still use it at home.
View on Amazon →Laptop Case, 14-inch
Personally UsedI wanted a simple way to protect my laptop while traveling. This case helped keep it together with the rest of my carry-on essentials.
View on Amazon →Fine Mist Travel-Size Spray Bottles
Personally UsedThese small fine-mist spray bottles made it easier to bring the liquids I actually wanted in my carry-on. I always double-check the current airport rules for liquids before flying.
View on Amazon →Nutrition While Traveling
Electrolyte Stick Packets
Personally UsedI’ve actually been stopped at airport security for carrying electrolyte powder. Apparently, traveling with bags of white powder attracts a little more attention than you’d expect! Now I pack individual electrolyte stick packets. They’re convenient, take up very little space, and are much easier to explain when someone starts asking questions.
View on Amazon →Collagen Protein Stick Packets
Personally UsedI use collagen protein every single day, usually from a large tub of powder that I mix into my coffee. Well, I learned the hard way that traveling with a bunch of white powder can make airport security VERY interested in your luggage! Let’s just say I wasn’t planning on starring in an episode of Airport Security: International Drug Smugglers. Now I bring individual stick packets instead. Same daily coffee routine, considerably less drama!
View on Amazon →Making the Flight More Comfortable
Long flights can be tiring even without surgery. These are the little comforts I appreciated in the air.
Airplane Phone Holder
Personally UsedI could watch movies on my phone without having to hold it the whole flight. Such a small gadget, but it made the trip more pleasant.
View on Amazon →Portable Footrest Pad
Personally UsedAt my height, my feet don’t always rest comfortably on the airplane floor. This inflatable footrest gave me another way to support my legs during a long flight, when space and airline rules allowed.
View on Amazon →Travel Pillow & Foot Hammock Set
Personally UsedThis combination was an interesting find. The travel pillow helped block out light and keep my head more settled against the seat, and the foot hammock worked for about five of the eight hours I tried it. At my height, that was still a win!
View on Amazon →Lightweight Airplane Seat Cushion
Personally UsedThis lightweight inflatable cushion saved my butt on the flight home! I appreciated the extra comfort after surgery, while following my surgeon’s instructions about sitting and pressure.
View on Amazon →Knee-High Compression Socks
Personally UsedI wore knee-high compression socks on my flights and liked the support. The linked pair is listed as 20–30 mmHg, so I would check with my surgeon about the right fit and whether that level is appropriate before flying after surgery.
View on Amazon →Hospital, Hotel & Getting Home
These are the items I appreciated when the trip shifted from sightseeing mode to recovery mode.
Open-Toed Slippers
Personally UsedMy hospital required slippers for walking around, so I was glad I had packed a pair. Open toes made them an easy choice for my hospital bag.
View on Amazon →Hospital Socks with Grips
Personally UsedHospitals can be chilly, and my toes definitely noticed! These were cozy and gave me a grippy option for my feet.
View on Amazon →Button-Down Short-Sleeve Pajama Set
Personally UsedI bought these a size larger for comfort and easy dressing after surgery. The front buttons made getting changed simpler, especially when movement was limited.
View on Amazon →Drain Holder Pouches
Personally UsedI pack drain holders for surgery trips because they are inexpensive and useful if drains are part of the plan. I’ve even passed along extras to other patients who needed them.
View on Amazon →Head Wrap / Head Scarf
Personally UsedAfter my facelift, a kind nurse in Istanbul showed me how to wrap a scarf over my facial compression garment. It helped me feel a little more discreet while traveling home, and I’ve never forgotten her kindness.
View on Amazon →Adjustable Step Stool
Personally UsedThis was not something I packed for my trip. After my thigh lift, I realized getting into my friend’s SUV when she picked me up at the airport would be difficult. I asked her to bring an adjustable step stool, and that extra height made all the difference! It’s also handy to have at home.
View on Amazon →Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. These are my personal experiences, not medical instructions. Follow your surgeon’s advice about travel, compression, mobility, and recovery.