What Sasha Digiulian Always Has in Her Carry-On

I travel about 300 days of the year, and it’s not unusual for me to visit three continents in one week. Once, I went to Beijing for a weekend, returned to New York City for class at Columbia University, then flew to Germany the next day. 

Over the years, I’ve learned how to dial in a routine that gets me through TSA quickly and minimizes the stress and the exhaustion of long hours in a plane seat. There are obvious things that most people bring on a flight—like a laptop, headphones, and ear plugs. Here are the other items you might overlook but that I've found to be totally essential. 

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Hydra Molecular Hydrogen Tablets 

These are concentrated additives that you put in water, where they release tiny bubbles the company claims hydrate you better. I put these into a water bottle, but you can also take them in pill form. 

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Graston Tool

My physical therapist introduced me to graston as a way to release tight muscles and break up scar tissue. I use this kit together with the argan butter, below, to loosen up after hours in a plane. 

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Argan Butter 

I bring a small jar of this stuff to apply with the graston tool on my hands and forearms. 

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Face Lotion 

Air planes’ dry air makes my skin feels like sandpaper if I don’t keep it hydrated. I like this water-based formula from Isdin because it’s light and absorbs into my skin quickly. 

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Massage Ball 

Use this (or just a tennis or lacrosse ball) to massage out trigger points in your back and shoulders to keep from getting stiff in the plane seat. 

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Compression Tights and Arm Sleeves 

These increase your circulation and will keep your feet and arms from swelling. 

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Tea 

While traveling, I avoid coffee and its caffeine high, so I can get some real rest on the plane. Most airlines offer free Black Lipton, though I usually bring my own non-caffeinated herbal variety. 

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A Good Book. Or Three. 

Here are three books that I've read recently and really loved.

Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged” 

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Garth Stein’s “Art of Racing in the Rain” 

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Arianna Huffington’s “Thrive”

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Snacks

Air plane food sucks, so I bring my own. For snacks, I bring Perky Jerky, some of my homemade nutrition bars, fruit, and carrots with Justin’s peanut butter. 

Perky Jerky 

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Justin Peanut Butter 

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Stasher Bags

For packing, I recently discovered “stasher bags,” which are basically reusable Ziplock bags that I use to store my snacks, toiletries, and other small essentials.  

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