Detours Gay Travel Blog

Travel Smarter, Feel Better: Brandon's Six Tips for a Comfortable Travel Day

• Detours
• Jul 31, 2025

Let’s face it: traveling to new places is fun… but the actual traveling can be exhausting. If you’ve ever dealt with delays, tight connections, lost baggage, or just general chaos of airports, you know that “travel days” can be a real test of your patience. ✈️ 

After countless flights getting to our Detours gay tours, some smoother than others, our trip leader Brandon has developed a few go-to strategies that he'd like to share with you to help you feel as laid-back, flexible, and human as possible. Whether you’re flying a short distance or crossing multiple time zones, here are six tips from your trusty Detours trip-leader that he skips when it comes to travel day prep. 🛫🧳

1. Pack an easy-to-access comfort kit

Keep essentials like medications, a change of clothes, and personal care products in your carry-on. This ensures you have immediate access to items that support your well-being, even if your checked luggage is delayed or lost. It also allows you to freshen up on long travel days. Who says you need access to a private bathroom to look and feel your best!? 😎

What Beandon usually includes in his carry-on:

• A travel-sized deodorant
• Lip balm and hand cream (planes are dry!)
• Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
• A change of underwear and socks
• Travel wipes or hand sanitizer
• Any medications he may need during the flight
• Eye drops

Not only is this kit a lifesaver if your checked bag is delayed or lost, but it also helps him feel fresher and more put together on long travel days. You’d be surprised how much better clean teeth and fresh socks can make you feel after a 10-hour journey!

2. Use airline apps for real-time updates 💡

Download your airline’s app to receive real-time notifications about gate changes, delays, and boarding times. These apps often provide terminal maps and estimated walking times, helping you navigate unfamiliar airports efficiently. 

This is particularly helpful for avoiding unnecessary stress in crowded or unfamiliar environments. Brandon likes to use the flight tracking app, Flighty, to stay on top of past, present, and future flights.

Yes, it takes up a little bit of phone storage, but the peace of mind is worth it! No more frantic sprints through terminals or misheard announcements. He arrives at the gate calm, collected, and caffeinated. ☕

3. Dress for comfort - and security screening

When it comes to outfits, Brandon always goes for that sweet spot between cozy and practical. Wearing anything too complicated or restrictive just adds to the stress and can be annoying when going through security.

Opt for comfy, easy-to-take-on-and-off items like:

• Slip-on sneakers
• Soft joggers or sweats
• A light hoodie or cardigan for layering
• A t-shirt underneath
• Minimal accessories - skip chunky watches, belts, and anything that will set off the scanner

Layering is your friend! One airport may be freezing, while another is boiling hot. Being able to take on or take off layers is a game changer for comfort. But remember, just because you’re dressing for function, you don’t have to sacrifice style! 👟

4. Seek out comfortable airport spaces 🪑

Many airports offer lounges, meditation rooms, or quiet areas that provide a respite from the bustling terminal. Some lounges can be accessed through day passes or credit card perks, and offer unforgettable experiences (20 minute nap anyone?). Utilizing these spaces can offer a more comfortable environment, especially during long layovers or delays. If the lounge is unavailable, a quiet and comfortable chair looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows can be almost as relaxing. 🌿

Pro tip: many airport lounges have private showers.  There's nothing better than doing a full freshen-up and outfit change on your layover between flights.  It'll leave everyone wondering how you smell so fabulous after so many hours and connections.  It can be our little secret.

The difference between sitting on a crowded bench and sipping tea in a quiet lounge with free Wifi is night and day. If you have a long layover, splurging for the lounge can be worth it! When lounges aren’t an option, I go old-school and look for a window seat near a quieter gate. 

5. Stay hydrated and nourished 💧🍎

Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill after passing through security, and keep yourself hydrated without relying on in-flight service. You may also want to pack snacks that meet your dietary needs, as options on the flight, or even at the airport may be limited or unavailable during certain times. Maintaining hydration and energy levels is crucial for your overall well-being during travel, especially when multiple time zones are involved. It can also help you beat jet lag upon arrival at your diverse destination! 

Food-wise, never count on airport or in-flight options to meet your needs. Whether you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or just want to avoid feeling sluggish after a greasy burger, it pays to bring your own snacks. 

Some go-to travel snacks include:

• Protein bars
• Almonds or trail mix
• Apple slices or dried fruit
• Crackers and cheese
• Instant oatmeal (add hot water from an airport cafe)

Eating well and staying hydrated can truly make or break a travel day. You’ll feel more alert, have more energy to handle changes or delays, and recover faster when you land.

6. Plan for downtime and entertainment 🎧

Travel days can often feel like an endurance test, so it’s important to schedule in some downtime and entertainment to keep your spirits up. Bring along a good book, download a few podcasts or audiobooks, or curate a chill playlist that can help you unwind during layovers or while waiting at the gate. 

Brandon suggests you download a couple of shows or movies to your device to keep yourself entertained during long flights. Just remember to keep your headphones handy, as they can help create a personal oasis in the bustling environment of an airport or on a plane. 

Taking a moment to escape into a story or listen to some catchy tunes can make a world of difference in your travel experience. Plus, it’s a great way to relax, recharge, and make those waiting periods feel a little less daunting! 🌟

Final Boarding Thoughts 🛫

Travel isn’t always predictable, but how you prepare can make all the difference. By taking a little time to pack smart, use the right apps, and care for your comfort along the way, you can turn a stressful travel day into something that actually feels… dare I say it… enjoyable?

We’ve learned that it’s not just about getting from point A to point B - it’s about how you feel on the way there. And while we can’t control every delay, reroute, or broken airplane seat, we can control how we respond to it.

So here’s to traveling smarter, not harder. May your next airport adventure be smooth, your carry-on light, and your water bottle always full. 💙🌍

Safe travels, my friend - and don’t forget to pack snacks! 🥨✨