Travelling for the May long weekend? If you're over 50, don't leave home without these 11 things

Got a trip coming up? Travelling this long weekend? If you're flying, there are certain travel essentials you'll want to have on hand for a comfortable experience.
It's always good to be prepared — and who has more experience with what to pack than someone who spends thousands of hours a year in the sky? Pam Huynh is a flight attendant with Air Canada, with nine years of experience in the travel industry. We asked Huynh for her list of packing essentials — with special attention to items people over the age of 50 should always have on hand when flying, whether in their carry-on or checked luggage.
Keep scrolling to see what she recommends, and to shop her picks.
Comfortable footwear is a must when travelling, especially if you're someone who likes to take their shoes off on the plane. The best option? Slip-ons.
'Because people don't have a lot of legroom, I find they try to bend over to tie their shoes,' Huynh says. 'Slip-on shoes are so much easier.'
She also adds that depending on your destination and what airport(s) you go through, you might have to remove your shoes for security. That makes slip-ons and even smarter choice.
If you're someone who requires a bit more support and cushioning, Huynh recommends Sketchers for their arch support.
These slip-on sneakers from Sketchers are lightweight and feature a cushiony memory foam sole.
Huynh says she would "definitely" recommend bringing along a neck pillow when flying, especially for those who struggle with neck or back pain — or if you just find flights bother your body.
'If you're trying to save space, the blow-up ones are great, but I prefer the comfy ones that you can button around your luggage," she says. 'Especially if you're in the middle of a three seater — you need the extra support."
Huynh also recommends that travellers bring other things to help with comfort, such as a back pillow or seat cushion, especially for longer flights.
'People keep saying that the airplane seat cushions have gotten thinner and thinner, the materials less comfy,' she says. 'You want to be as comfortable as you are in your home.'
This memory foam neck pillow can be packed in a compact carrying case for easy transport.
This gel seat cushion is great for long trips and perfect to help with lower back, sciatic or tailbone pain.
Temperatures can fluctuate on planes, which can be particularly uncomfortable for travellers who may be more sensitive to temperature changes.
With this in mind, Huynh recommends travelling with something versatile you can cozy up in, such as a blanket scarf.
'if you don't want to bring a blanket, I see a lot of people bringing blanket scarves,' she says. 'I think it's a really good idea.'
Another option she recommends? A lightweight cardigan.
Read more travel articles on Yahoo:
I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu — 23 hiking essentials I packed to travel Peru's Amazon and the Andes
I travel a lot — 34 carry-on bag essentials I never get on a plane without
Is Monos worth it? I travelled with $1,180 worth of Monos luggage on dozens of flights — here's my honest review
'It doesn't matter if you're going to a hot destination, 100 per cent you want a sweater for the plane,' she says, noting that the cabin can get quite cold.
This blanket scarf can be worn in a variety of ways, and reviewers say it's "cozy."
This ribbed cardigan is lightweight, comes in multiple colours and has an easy, loose fit.
Speaking of fluctuating temperatures, if you're someone who tends to overheat — or if you're just travelling somewhere hot — a pocket-sized fan is a great essential to have on hand.
'I like a handheld fan, those rechargeable ones,' says Huynh. 'I carry those around too.'
She also says that most planes now have a compatible charger, so you can make sure you don't run out of juice.
This rechargeable travel fan has multiple speeds and is compact enough to keep in a purse or small bag.
It's a good idea to bring along painkillers and other basic travel medication with you, especially if you're someone who has chronic pain.
Whether you're travelling with Advil and Tums, or you're bringing along prescription medication, Huynh says a pill case can be very handy to have.
'You definitely want to bring your pills in your carry on, and those pill cases are very handy,' she says.
Just make sure you have (or know) the instructions for how to take any medication you're bringing along with you. She also recommends labelling the pills - nwhich can also be helpful when going through security.
This eight-compartment travel pill box comes with brand-name stickers as well as blank labels you can use to keep things organized.
While earphones for a flight may be a given, Huynh specifically recommends travelling with a pair that has an audio jack, which she says many travellers often forget about.
'A lot of people either only have AirPods or bluetooth headphones with USB-C output,' she says.
'Not all airplanes have that. So if you want to watch movies or listen to music on the screen in front of your chair, you need earphones with an audio jack.'
These headphones have a universal analog audio jack and come with a carrying case.
Leg swelling, caused by fluid buildup, is common for older adults and can be exacerbated by sitting too long.
While getting up and moving around can help, that's not always doable on a plane. You can also consider compression socks or stockings, which can help to improve blood flow and decrease pain and swelling in the legs.
"A lot of people don't realize how much they're needed," says Huynh. "They're worth it."
"If you're going on a flight for more than five hours, I would totally recommend it," she says.
These compression socks can help to decrease swelling and come in a four pack.
It might seem obvious, but it's an important one. As adults age, drinking enough water is crucial — according to the U.S. National Council On Aging, dehydration is common among older adults.
A reusable water bottle, then, is "100 per cent" a must-have when travelling says Huynh.
Choosing a plastic version over a stainless steel bottle can also be easier for transporting, as it will be a lot lighter when full.
"If you're bringing a water bottle, bring it empty and you can always refill it at the airport," she notes.
This water bottle is made of BPA-free plastic, so it won't be too heavy in your bag. It also has a leak-proof flip top so you don't have to worry about spills.
Huynh says she likes to bring along a foldable backpack for additional storage when she travels — which can be especially useful if you find it difficult to carry a single heavy bag.
Huynh recommnds "one of those 20 litre-30 litre backpacks that folds into a bag," she says. "It packs up really small, in case I need to bring it anywhere. It's nice that it's compact."
A foldable backpack can be a great item to have on hand if you find yourself needing some extra space in your luggage. It's also handy for using as you travel around in your destination.
This backpack has multiple compartments to keep things organized, and folds into a packable bag.
Sun protection is important at any age, but you'll definitely want to make sure you have some when you're 35,000 feet up in the air and sitting in a window seat.
"Most people going on vacation, they're most likely not going anywhere cold," says Huynh. "Even then, the sun's always shining."
She notes that if you are bringing sunscreen with you, make sure it fits within the limits of allowed liquids in your carry on luggage, or you'll have to keep it in your checked bag.
This SPF 50+ sunscreen by La Roche Posay is unscented with an invisible finish, perfect for wearing on its own or under makeup.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

New York Times

4 hours ago

• New York Times

With Few Discount Airlines, Canadian Travelers Face Steeper Fares

Against a backdrop of threats and insults from President Trump, Canadians have made a point of displaying national pride by shunning cross-border travel to the United States in favor of domestic tourism. But as many Canadians will tell you, flying within the country tends to be prohibitively expensive. The airfare from Toronto to Vancouver can often cost around the same as a ticket to Mexico or Europe, enough to nudge many would-be domestic tourists toward international travel. That was among the responses 1,500 people shared with the Competition Bureau during a yearlong study of Canada's airline market, the results of which were released on Thursday. Air Canada, the top carrier, and WestJet Airlines, the next biggest, make up the largest share of domestic air traffic. 'The level of concentration in the industry means that on many routes, travelers have limited choice and pay higher fares than they might in a more competitive environment,' Anthony Durocher, a deputy commissioner at the bureau, said during a briefing with reporters. 'Our analysis clearly shows that added competition brings important benefits.' Among those benefits are reductions in fares of up to 9 percent when new carriers enter the market, Mr. Durocher said, though he noted that those companies had found little success. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.

Travel Weekly

18 hours ago

• Travel Weekly

Canada's competition bureau wants to open domestic routes to foreign airlines

In a market study report released June 19, Competition Bureau Canada recommended that the country open domestic flying to international airlines. The bureau also suggests that domestic-only airlines be allowed to be fully owned by international interests. And it recommended that Canada's limit of 25% ownership of Canadian airlines by a single investor be increased to 49%. "Allowing more foreign investment in Canadian airlines improves access to capital, drives growth, and promotes competition," the bureau said. The recommendations are among a variety of measures the bureau is suggesting to improve airline competition in what it views as the highly concentrated Canadian market. Air Canada had 34% of the domestic Canadian passenger share in 2023, the bureau said, followed by WestJet with 30%. Flair and Porter airlines are by far the two next largest carriers, with a combined market share of 19%. The report, however, does note that market concentration decreased across major Canadian airports from 2019 to 2023, with Flair, Porter and other airlines grabbing share from Air Canada and WestJet. Air Canada responded to the Competition Bureau report with its own slide show on Canadian airline competition. "Competition in Canada is as robust, if not more, than other jurisdictions," the airline said. In a series of pie charts, it showed Canada's domestic market against more concentrated markets, such as Australia, France and India. Air Canada said that if Canadian air travel fees and taxes were reduced 12.5%, to the U.S. level, it would spur 10.7% more demand. In May, Delta and Air France-KLM announced a WestJet investment. Delta agreed to purchase a 15% stake in the Canadian carrier. Upon closing, Delta plans to sell a 2.3% WestJet stake to Air France-KLM. Once both transactions are completed, Delta's investment in WestJet will amount to $280 million and Air France-KLM's $50 million.

Yahoo

a day ago

• Yahoo

Do you have a fear of flying? 10 flight attendant-approved tips to deal with flight anxiety

Nervous about your next flight? You're not alone. Whether it's turbulence, takeoff jitters or just the chaos of navigating the airport, flying can be a major source of stress for many travellers. Luckily, if you're someone who finds flying nerve-wracking, there are a number of things you can do to alleviate stress and make your trip as smooth as possible. We spoke to a flight attendant to get her tips on how to stay cool and comfortable in the air. Pam Huynh is a flight attendant with Air Canada, and has nearly a decade of experience in the travel industry. From handling turbulence to practicing calming rituals, keep scrolling to see her tips for stress-free flying. It may seem obvious, but planning ahead can save you tons of stress when travelling. Huynh recommends having a solid plan for getting to the airport and accounting for checking in for your flight, dropping off any luggage and getting through security. She says arriving to the airport three hours before your flight is a great way to alleviate pre-flight jitters. "If you're there three hours before the flight, then you have time to relax, grab a coffee and all that," she says. "It's never a bad idea to get to the airport early." Many might prefer a carry-on bag, but by checking your luggage, you don't have to worry about fighting for overhead bin space. "I think that's a big stressor for a lot of people, trying to get on a plane early to fight for that space," Huynh says. If the thought of checking a bag is stressful for you, consider using an AirTag or another luggage tracker to track your luggage. Huynh notes that some airlines also allow you to track your checked luggage through an app. "Through the app, you can check where your bag is," she says. "It tells you when your bag is being loaded, or when your bag has been unloaded ... I find that gives [travellers] more peace of mind." However, Huynh says you should always keep your must-haves in your carry-on just in case your luggage does go missing. "If you're going to check [a bag] then keep your essentials on you and a spare outfit, as well as your snacks, your entertainment, your water and your passport," she says. Speaking of clothing, you'll want to make sure you're dressed comfortably for your flight. "You want to dress for the conditions. I always say bring a sweater and an extra pair of pants," she advises. "What are you going to do if you get cold?You can't buy a new outfit on the plane." "You don't have to wear sweatpants or a jogging suit — you can still dress nice and be comfortable," she adds. If you're someone who gets cold easily, a wrap or cardigan is handy to have. You can also ask the cabin crew to adjust the temperature in the plane, says Huynh. If you're nervous about flying, keeping yourself distracted during the flight can help. "Bring music or a book, puzzles, your Nintendo Switch, an eye mask if you want to sleep," says Huynh. something," If you're going to rely on the in-flight entertainment, make sure you also pack a pair of headphones — specifically the kind with an audio jack. If you start to feel stressed before or during your flight, mindful breathing techniques can help to calm your nervous system. Deep breathing, for instance, allows the body to exchange more oxygen for carbon dioxide, helping to slow down your heart rate and stabilize your blood pressure. "I personally love the idea of that," says Huynh. "If you can, [I] highly recommend it." She says other ways to de-stress could be do to some movement, or even to practice meditation and mindfulness before your flight. "I've seen people do yoga in the airport and bring their yoga mats with them," she says. Certain medicines and treatments can also help ease in-flight anxiety. Huynh says she loves to carry a pocket pharmacy, like this one from Saje, which contains multiple essential oils meant to calm, revitalize and uplift. "Some people also use Gravol to help with nausea from flight anxiety," she says. She adds that melatonin can also be helpful for travellers heading overseas or to different time zones. "If it's a long flight, they can just sleep and it helps them adjust to the [time change] better," she says. Give yourself some extra peace of mind by choosing your seat in advance. "If you're someone that stresses [about flying], I'd recommend paying to choose your seat early," says Huynh. "Something that stresses out a lot of people is not sitting with their group." For instance, you may want an aisle seat so that you have easy access to get up and stretch your legs or use the bathroom. "Some people prefer getting on the plane quickly and getting off the plane quickly, so those are usually the front to middle seats," adds Huynh. "If you can get on the plane early and get comfortable and organize yourself, that gives you extra time to settle in for your adventure." Where you sit on the plane can even affect how much turbulence you experience. In general, the back of the plane tends to swing more when there's turbulence, so if it amps up your anxiety, you may want to avoid sitting there. But Huynh stresses turbulence "is really never something to worry about." "It's caused by air pockets from other planes flying in different directions," she says "and [areas over] water are usually going to be more turbulent than land." "And of course, if it's a really windy day, you can also probably expect a bit of turbulence," she adds. "Something that will keep you safe and less stressed is having your seat belt on during those times," she adds. It goes without saying that you should follow safety advice of the flight crew when flying, but it can also help alleviate in-flight worries. "The best way to handle emergencies is to be prepared," says Huynh. "So actually paying attention to the safety demonstration from the flight attendants or from the screen, and knowing where the exits are, your alternate exits, knowing what to do if there's going to be a hard landing." She also recommends keeping your seatbelt on when you're in your seat, a practice that can provide added peace of mind when dealing with a turbulent route. "Even if the seatbelt sign is off, because anything could happen," she says. At the end of the day, Huynh says you can take comfort in knowing that no matter what happens, your flight crew has got your back. "Whatever happens, just trust that your crew can handle it and get you out," she says. She notes that the flight crew is trained to deal with a wide variety of situations in the air. "Some people may need help that turns into a medical emergency, and we're qualified to help with that. Some people just need someone to talk to. And some people just need a snack," she says. If you're feeling stressed, she says you can absolutely call a flight attendant over to talk to. "There are so many different solutions, and we're always happy to provide them."