I've flown at least once a month for the last year - here are 17 things I never travel without

Nothing’s worse than wanting to take a nap on a flight, only to realize there’s a crying baby behind you. Maybe you want to catch up on work and need to drown out ambient noise. Whatever the case may be, traveling with earplugs is a must.

Whether you want to get some sleep or just want to relax without being disturbed, an eye mask’s got you covered — literally. When I flew Etihad Airways to Australia last year, they gave out eye masks with messages that said “Do not disturb” on one side and “Wake me up to eat” on the other. Genius.

Whether you bring a physical book or read one on an e-reader, it’s a good idea to have some reading material with you when you travel. After all, you may read through the in-flight magazine before takeoff, or the movies on offer may not appeal to you (if in-flight entertainment is even an option). Plus, research has found that reading a three-dimensional book will help reduce stress and may combat insomnia, so it’s good nap prep.

While more and more airplanes have electrical sockets these days, it’s always best to bring a portable charger just in case. The last thing you want to do is arrive at your destination and realize that your phone’s about to die, forcing you to wait and charge your phone so you can call a car.

Whether you’re a writer or not, a notebook is great for everything from making to-do lists for your destination to keeping a journal of your trip (it’s never too late to start!). Plus, a notebook and pen doesn’t need recharging.

As a digital nomad who travels the world full-time, my laptop is my lifeline. Since there’s always a work or travel blog deadline I have to meet, planes make for perfect temporary offices.

Whether you want to listen to your favorite podcast, music, or meditation, or if you just need some good old-fashioned white noise, it’s best to make sure you’ve downloaded everything onto your phone, tablet, or laptop while you’re on WiFi before boarding the plane.

Personally, I prefer bringing earbuds on flights, since they take up less space than over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. Although some airlines provide or sell headphones, they may not always be available, so it’s best to bring your own.

Airplane food isn’t exactly gourmet, and it’s not always free like it used to be, either. Even if you will be eating a meal on the plane, it helps to bring some protein-heavy snacks, like nuts, to hold you over until mealtime. No one wants a hangry seatmate!

I bring a little pill box with me for flights with ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and a decongestant (in case I need to alleviate blocked ears from allergies or having been sick). Being stuck on a plane for hours with a headache is not fun, so it’s best to be prepared.

If you want to stop your ears from popping on an airplane, it’s good to chew gum or suck on hard candy, since they’ll induce swallowing.

You never know when you’ll need to clean off your hands on a flight, whether it’s before you eat or if you happen to touch the tray table that’s sticky from someone else’s mess — I’ve even seen people use wet wipes to clean off their tray table before using it.

Because planes tend to be full of germs and you want to avoid getting sick on your flight, it’s smart to carry a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer.

A travel-sized pack of tissues is another must-have on an airplane, as you never know when you’ll need a tissue (i.e., to wipe off the aforementioned tray table).

Speaking of plastic baggies, whether you use them for the snacks you’re bringing on board or to hold some of your other plane travel must-haves, like ibuprofen, they come in handy more often than you think. Need a temporary garbage can? Need something to store your passport in? Need a way to separate your foreign currency? Baggies are problem-solvers.

Compression socks are another must-have when flying, especially long distance. According to the National Health Service in the UK, compression socks help maintain blood flow, as well as decrease swelling. So, while you’re sitting for hours, the socks will help do your blood-circulation work for you.

These days, you never know if your checked bag will arrive at your destination at the same time or day that you do, so it’s good to have a backup change of clothes in your carry-on. Yes, you can always buy a touristy shirt to wear, but if your luggage is lost for more than a day, you may get tired of wearing “I <3 Madrid” (or similar) t-shirts.