Airport Essentials I’m Bringing for My Trip Home to France

Written By Manon Clerc

I’m officially off on my month-long adventure back home to France, and I truly can’t wait to share more of my hometown, little cafés, markets, everyday moments, and everything I’ll be up to over the next few weeks!

As I’m writing this, I’m sitting at the airport sipping an iced coffee before my 10h50min flight, trying to soak in a quiet moment before travel mode fully begins. Since I always love seeing what people actually bring with them while traveling, I thought it would be fun to share a few of the airport essentials currently in my bag, pieces that make long travel days feel a little more comfortable, organized, and chic.

And honestly… I’m still a little shocked I managed to pack for an entire month in France while somehow staying within the 50lb luggage limit because at certain moments, it truly felt impossible!

That being said, I already know I’ll absolutely be coming home with an extra suitcase because let’s be honest… there will definitely be shopping involved while I’m home in France. We have to!

My Airport Outfit Formula

Shop the Look

When it comes to long-haul flights, comfort is always my priority. I usually travel in leggings and an oversized sweater, but this trip I opted for a matching Varley set and now I fear I’m going to need it in every single color because I’ve genuinely never been more comfortable.

It feels polished enough for the airport while still being incredibly soft and easy to wear for a nearly 11-hour flight.

I paired it with my favorite Veja sneakers, which are always my go-to for travel days when I know I’ll be doing lots of walking through terminals and during layovers.

I also brought a trench with me, which honestly doubles as a light blanket because I always freeze on planes no matter where I’m flying. It’s one of those pieces that instantly makes an airport outfit feel a little more elevated while still being practical.

And of course, my belt bag is a must. I love having my passport, phone, AirPods, and smaller essentials within easy reach throughout the travel day.

My New Carry-On

I also picked up a new carry-on for this trip from the French brand Delsey Paris and I’ve already been loving it.

The cream color with the cognac details feels so timeless and chic, and it’s been incredibly smooth to travel with through the airport. One of my favorite little details is that it still feels elegant while being genuinely practical!

About Delsey Paris

Founded in Paris in 1946, Delsey Paris is known for creating luggage that blends thoughtful functionality with refined French design. The brand has become especially loved for its lightweight suitcases, elegant silhouettes, and practical travel details that make long travel days feel a little smoother and more elevated. I’ve especially been loving how polished yet functional the pieces feel for this upcoming month in France.

The Carry-On Essentials I Never Skip

A few things that are absolutely mandatory for me on long flights:

  • Fully charged everything before leaving for the airport

  • A portable power bank

  • An audiobook downloaded and ready to go

  • My Kindle

  • A silk eye mask

  • A neck pillow

  • Lip balm

  • Moisturizer, because airplane air completely dries out my skin

  • Wired headphones as a backup for the plane screen

  • Cozy socks because I always get cold

  • A protein bar in case airport food options are limited

  • Hand sanitizer and wipes

  • AirTags in my checked luggage, carry-on, and personal item for peace of mind

    • I even like keeping an AirTag in my carry-on just in case the flight is full and they unexpectedly ask to gate-check bags.

A Few Extra Travel Tips That Make a Difference

A few little things I’ve learned after lots of long-haul travel:

  • Don’t overpack your personal item, you’ll want easy access during the flight

  • Keep your skincare and essentials in one small pouch so you’re not digging through your bag mid-flight

  • Always bring one extra layer, even if you’re traveling somewhere warm

  • Download everything before leaving home, playlists, audiobooks, shows, boarding passes, all of it

  • Bring a pen for customs forms or random travel paperwork

  • Wear shoes you can comfortably walk in for hours

It’s truly the little details that make travel days feel so much smoother.

What I’m Most Excited to Share

Over the next month, I’ll be sharing:

  • life in the South of France

  • little cafés and markets

  • Paris moments

  • travel outfits

  • French pharmacies

  • local brands and boutiques

  • everyday life back home

  • and hopefully lots of beautiful little moments along the way

I truly can’t wait to bring you along with me!

Shop My Travel Essentials

You can shop many of the pieces featured in this post, along with more of my favorite travel finds, on my ShopMy:

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about the moment right before a trip begins, sitting at the airport, coffee in hand, knowing a whole month of memories, little moments, and adventures is waiting on the other side of the flight.

As excited as I am for France itself, I’ve also realized how much the little comforts during travel make such a difference. Feeling comfortable, organized, cozy, and prepared somehow makes the entire experience feel smoother and so much more enjoyable.

I’m incredibly excited to share this next month with you, from everyday life in the South of France to Paris moments, local finds, travel outfits, cafés, and everything in between!

And now… time for boarding!

Looking for more finds? You might also be interested in:

With Amour,

M.

Manon Clerc
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