8 TRAVEL TIPS FOR PERSONAL COMFORT
Travel can be taxing, so being personally comfortable is a big plus toward enjoying the actual getting from one place to another. Here are a few tricks I’ve adopted over the years.
Pre-flight
For a few days before, eat clean and natural. One problem for many is swelling in legs and hands due to processed food and excess salt. Restrict your salt intake for a few days and have a light meal before take-off. Avoid processed foods like deli meat and frozen products. Drink plenty of water, cabin air is very drying which will irritate your sinuses. Though you cannot bring liquids onto the plane make sure to know which foods to bring on board -also a good idea because you never know when you will be stranded in an airport with no concessions open – 3 times! Once we had to eat the Torrone I bought for my sister!
2. Traveling Accessories
Eye mask, neck pillow (inflatable if you can find it), noise cancelling earpieces. If you are not an automatic sleeper, which I’m not, I find these items a must for long overnight flights where I arrive in the early morning – ugh!
3. Closed Toe Shoes
While we all love our flip flops, the airport is no place for them. First, closed shoes will be your defense against falling objects from anywhere. Second, you never know when you’ll have to make a run for it. No matter how prepared for time you are, things change fast – like when we arrived with plenty of time and then heard the gate change announcement – it wasn’t close by - not even in the same section of the airport!
4. Water
Drink plenty of water in-flight. Once past Security buy a large bottle if it’s a long flight. This is not the time to economize. But I hate paying so much for a bottle of H2O – grrrr!
5. Layers
Planes can be hot or cold in any season. A shawl or even a light scarf around the neck will keep you comfortable. Also, useful in restaurants etc. Bonus, when you layer up, you aren’t weighing down your luggage!
6. Shoes (part 2)
You don’t need a pair for every outfit (says me who used to bring 5 pairs). Remember, you will be walking and standing for longer periods than you may be used to. Fashionable, comfort shoes with some type of adjustable closure will be helpful – think clearing security; during flight they can be adjusted for possible swelling and will look appropriate with casual attire.
7. For Quick Access
Organize your personal bag, purse, or backpack. Keep Tickets, Passport, ID in one place, along with OTC, Prescription medications and eyewear. Some travelers keep their Passport on a lariat around their neck for quick access. I use an oblong travel wallet.
8. Exercise
Get up periodically, stretch those legs and toes to keep the blood flowing. I go to the open area at the back of the plane, do some twisting, bending stretches to relieve the back, and even a few squats.
Calling all you Travelers out there - I’d love to hear from you. Tell us your own tried and true methods for keeping comfortable while traveling by messaging us on Facebook or Instagram!
I’ll be back soon with more Key Travel Tips!
