Traveling is difficult at best.  When you think you have yourself together, the flight gets delayed, planes are stuck on the tarmac, irritating children are squealing or for some reason you’re overheating and makeup is jumping out of your pores – whatever the trouble, it’s best to pack your carry on bag smart.  In order to do this, simply follow the illustrated guide below.

No matter what, your skin and eyes are the most important. After all, you won’t care if your iPod has 35 hours of play time left or if you’re comfortable if your eyes are bloodshot (those who wear contacts know to the discomfort I’m referring), eyes are puffy and skin looks like garbage.  Prevent this public catastrophe by keeping a few magical items in your bag – MAC’s makeup wipes ($18), a dropper of saline solution (even if you don’t wear contacts – trust me), and a roller of anti eye puffer ($40) in a cute Betseyville makeup bag.

Once you have your skin under control, you’re going to save your brain from the assaults of stranger’s idle chatter, children wailing like banshees and that senior citizen that won’t stop hacking.  Always have a pair of folding noise canceling headphones like this Sony pair – they block out ambient noise, wear comfortably, won’t bust in your travel bag [thanks to the folding] and are only $50.  Don’t forget your ear plugs for when you want previous silence, and an emergency iPod charger for when your undoubtedly conks out in the middle of the flight.

Even if your sounds and skin are blissfully under control, your body may still present you a few problems.  Avoid such instances with an airplane sleep kit ($30).  This pack includes a blanket with an iPod pocket, inflatable pillow and a sleep mask with removable messages (such as wake for food) – genius! Don’t scoff at the prospect of bringing disposable undies ($4 – 6); every woman feels better with a fresh set of skivvies, so don’t even try to deny it.  All you’ve got to do is start out the day in a pair, then rotate out during the course of your very long day.

Of course the mind must be fed as well, and trash tabloids are the tried and true best method of surviving a flight. Not only do they provide personal enjoyment, but they create a possible conversation and favor buffer with a stranger you’re sitting next to. At the very least, the tension of being sandwiched between strangers is usually relieved by a bit of celebu-deprecating humor.  When the mags run out (and do they ever), turn to your very fashionable HP x Vivienne Tam mini notebook – it’s small, feeds off that in-flight wifi, and has a battery that lasts up to 11 hours.

The very best is for last.  In the event that you don’t want to read, listen or watch anything, you’re going to want to sleep.  Plan ahead and grab a prescription for Ativan from your doc, and sail away the sleepy seas… just don’t take too much, especially if you’re alone since you may be a little mentally stunted while going through customs.  If OTC is your game, Gravol is what you’re going to need. It’s safe, an anti nauseate and will make you tired!  For those who prefer to keep it all natural, a bottle of all herbal melatonin will do the trick.

Then you’re off to the air races… travel safe, and have fun! Oh, and remember if there are liquid guidelines where you’re flying and make sure your travel sizes comply.