Don’t forget your toothbrush: the essential items you must pack

Holiday-makers jetting off on long flights have been offered tips on the essentials to take on board.

The holiday car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have identified the most important long-haul items that will ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready for your holiday.

To make your journey hassle-free and as comfortable as possible, a little preparation can go a long way.

Among the items to pack are beauty and hygiene essentials, including a good moisturiser and baby wipes, plus a travel pillow and sleep mask to help you relax and catch some z’s.

A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Spending hours in the plane can put people off from travelling to long-haul destinations.

“However, long flights should not limit you from seeing beautiful places around the world, as there are ways to make sure your journey goes without a hitch.

“Packing a few essentials into your hand luggage can make your experience much more comfortable and relaxing.”

Here are StressFreeCarRental.com’s long flight essentials:

1 Travel pillow and sleep mask

If you’re going to be in the air for hours, then you will need to get some sleep. If you don’t have a travel pillow, you could wake up with a stiff neck and shoulders. A travel mask will help block out the harsh plane lighting when you’re ready for a nap.

2 Earplugs

You are exposed to a wide variety of irritating noises while flying that may prevent you from sleeping or relaxing. This is why you should get a pair of earplugs when you’re travelling for a long time. Blocking out the noises of air conditioning, engine sounds, crying children and other distractions, earplugs make air travel much more pleasurable.

3 Lip balm and moisturiser

The air in planes is very dry, so use lip balm and moisturiser to keep your lips and skin well hydrated throughout the flight. Just make sure you adhere to the airline's regulations and don't carry any containers that hold more than 100ml.

4 Toothpaste and toothbrush

If you’re on an overnight flight, then don’t forget to pack your toothbrush and toothpaste, so you can freshen up on the plane or at the airport. Pick up a travel version – they hardly take up any space.

5 Scarf