Ok, so this is my two cents...
Considering the amount of time you have, you probably want something easy.
No one here has mentioned it yet, but there are Cathedral Windows.
Here is a pretty good video on doing all the prep by machine.
themasquerade.net/2017/09/20/cathedral-windows-one-stitch-at-a-time/
Because of your trip, you can machine sew a bunch of the background squares and only pre-sew by machine 2-4 blocks together ahead of time, or just do it by hand on the trip.
She makes hers 8", but I do 9" muslin to start. And if you have a charm pack, just cut the 5" squares into (4) 2.5" squares.
Here it is all done by hand:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Cath...Quilt-Squares/
However, even my mom does the squares by machine. She connects them by hand, but only bc she wants to and that can be done on the go.
*I also have a hand piece project that I am sporadically working on. But if you've never done it, I'm not sure a trip is the time to do it.
Cindy Blackburg sells stamps and ink and all you have to do is precut enough for the flight. And just cut more as you go...
http://cindyblackberg.com/2014/05/16...cing-hexagons/
*As far as knitting and crochet on the plane:
I flew from the US to Cozumel in 2016 with knitting needles. When I went to fly home a week later, they actually had a list of things not allowed as carry-on. ALL needles (knitting & sewing) and hooks were not permitted.... Thankfully there was a movie, but I was disappointed in my boredom...lol So, check with the TSA, but know that things might change. Just be sure to find out before you check any luggage. I was able to stash my items before we got to the counter so nothing was taken.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-.../whatcanibring