3. Something to keep you entertained

If you’re not in the mood for a film or can’t get to sleep on a flight, taking time to work on a hobby is one way to stave off the boredom while travelling. In Ella’s case, she’s a talented artist and brings her sketchbook with her everywhere she goes.

“I like to sketch and sometimes I’ll jot down some interesting things during the journey,” she explains. “That’s why my sketchbook is a carry-on essential for me.”

Ella adds that she sometimes sketches during her rest periods in the air, or when she’s at her hotel between flights. It’s a nice change from an adrenaline-pumping movie, and practicing a hobby can help you destress on your flight and arrive at your destination feeling motivated to explore right away.

Pack like Ella

Moleskine Limited Edition Notebook in Sakura

Moleskine is known for its sleek notebooks, and this one features a charming cherry blossom print patterned across its fabric cover. Whether you’re a budding artist like Ella or a poet in the making, you can opt for a plain paper notebook ideal for sketching or a lined notebook to scribble down your next sonnet.