10 Tips to Make International Travel a More Luxurious Experience

Traveling internationally is an enriching experience for so many reasons and a worthwhile pursuit for those who are able.  Everything from being immersed in a new culture, visiting new beautiful places, trying local foods, seeing the sights, and perusing local specialty boutiques are just a few examples of why travel is so enriching.  While the fun may start at the arrival to the destination, that doesn’t mean that the travel to and from to get there can’t also be a luxurious experience as well. Part of living well every day is also knowing how to live well when you are out of your everyday routine and being able to elevate the moments that you find yourself in, including travel.  On Sunday I will be taking an international trip to Costa Rica and the trip to get there will take about eight hours total.

While it’s not everyone’s idea of a good time to be traveling for eight hours, I think that the experience can still be a delightful and pleasant one when incorporating these luxurious details into your travel plans.  These details are simple, mostly inexpensive and yet somehow elevates the travel to one that is a touch of luxury regardless of if you flew first class or economy.  Here are ten tips to try to make international travel a more luxurious experience.

• A Pair of Noise Canceling Headphones

This has been one of the best things that I have incorporated into my travels overall when flying anywhere.  The way that it quiets the hum of the plane, other passengers, and so much more makes for a flight that is quieter and more luxurious.  You can also turn the headphones on and play nothing at all and just leave them on to get some sleep. I also very much like the over-the-ear headphones as they provide an extra layer of warmth for my ears too, but if you don’t like that particular feeling then there are plenty of in-ear headphones to choose from as well.  Either way, having noise cancelling headphones provides a quieter experience when flying and quiet is always luxurious.

• A Cashmere Coverup

Airplanes can be a bit cold sometimes and having something warm to cozy into provides a touch of luxury while on long flights.  There are so many places where you can get cashmere cover-ups now including J. Crew and Quince and this is one detail that will make traveling into a cozier experience.  With the cashmere coverup I no longer have to use the polyester blankets they hand out on flights as I can just tuck into the cashmere and use it as a cover for a more luxurious rest.

• A Favorite Lip Balm and Hand Lotion

Flying can dry out the skin easily and that is why having a small tube of lip balm and hand lotion is a luxurious detail for international travel.  Throughout the flight you can keep lips and hands hydrated with ease.  I use the Caudalie hand lotion and Bioderma lip balm as it’s the perfect size and I love the delicate scent as well.

• Pack Some Cozy Tea

A hot drink is always so comforting no matter where you are, so why not pack a few tea bags for the flight to and from the destination? This will not only settle you in for the longer flight ahead, but it will also provide a source of warmth and luxury to enjoy while flying.  It’s a simple detail that is inexpensive but yields so much joy.

• Dressing Well

While I know it may be tempting to want to travel in sweatpants and a hoodie for comfort, I will say from personal experience that dressing well to travel is a detail that will lend itself to the luxury of the overall experience. Also note that dressing well does not mean that it’s uncomfortable either.  I have a travel wardrobe that I always fly in that consists of a crew neck cashmere sweater, soft wool pants, and a pair of flats or loafers. Cashmere is a very fine and soft material that breathes well which will also be good for the skin. You will instantly feel like Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly jet setting off to a luxurious destination.

• Soft Slip-On Flats

Speaking of style, regardless of if you have TSA Pre-Check or not, traveling in a pair of soft slip-on shoes will add to the comfort and luxury of the trip. In the United States most will need to slip thier shoes off anyways for security (if you do not have TSA pre-check), so why not invest in a pair of flats that breathes well and is easy to take on and off to provide comfort and easy accessibility. Rothy’s is my go-to brand for flats and loafers, but there are many brands now that make similar shoes too.

• A Face Spray

As mentioned above, flying can dry out the skin and may even cause irritation or itchiness, so before traveling stop into a Sephora, Ulta, or even Target to pick up a facial spray of some kind to use intermittently throughout the flight. I use the Caudalie Beauty Elixer as I appreciate its very fine mist as well as its delicate scent.  I’ll give my face a quick spray about once an hour to provide a touch of hydration and luxury.

• A Quality Travel Bag

This is for the travel bag that you will carry on the plane with you. Invest in a quality bag that you love while traveling and make sure that it is large enough to accommodate all that you will need to pack while in-flight. I use my Polene bag as it is quite roomy inside and is easily organizable with its interior pockets for easy access to my wallet and passport.  I also like that it has a top handle for a quick grab and a strap to throw over the shoulder if I need to be hands-free. I also know that it will be sturdy and roomy enough for practical use while also creating luxury travel style.

• Have Quality Skincare Ready To Use For After the Flight

I have pretty sensitive skin so long flights can really dry and irritate my face.  The face spray does help while in-flight, but the after effects can still leave my face dry and that is why I invest in quality skincare products to be used for after the flight.  When I fly, I always pack 3-4 Dr. Dennis Gross daily peel pads and a couple of eye masks to help soothe and de-puff the eyes.  The daily peels do a phenomenal job at effectively exfoliating and visibly smoothing my skin for immediate radiance and hydration. I can keep using the daily peels throughout the trip as well if I notice my skin feeling dry again. With this simple skincare routine I know that my skin will be radiant even after a long flight making for a luxurious self-care detail while traveling.

• Visit An Airport Lounge

I saved this one for last because I know that not everyone has access to an airport lounge, but it is worth looking into on your various credit cards to see if one offers access or to see if the airport you are flying to offers day passes to one of the lounges. I’m not a big eater in airports before flying, so the airport lounges offers the right amount of smaller portion foods to enjoy before flying as well as many drink selections too. You can find a cozy seat and charge any devices needed as well as simply enjoying the ambience of the luxurious environment. It feels more sophisticated to enjoy a tea or coffee from a real cup or have some water in a real glass. It’s the simple details in the lounges that provides an overall luxurious experience while traveling, especially if there is a layover.