As much as we love to travel and explore new places in the world, getting there by flying can often leave a lot to be desired: cramped seats, jet lag and tasteless food come to mind. But with some planning, you can make your travels a little easier on yourself.
Dress comfortably
Ever been on a flight where one moment you’re freezing and the next the heat is cranked up so you’re sweltering? You’re best bet is to dress in layers so you can add or remove pieces as needed. A pair of comfortable socks and shoes that are easy to remove are a good idea, too–so you can easily take them off on security and on the plane (your feet may swell when flying so best to remove them when seated).
Bring healthy snacks
Don’t rely on the food on the plane to fuel you. Pretzels and peanuts contain lots of salt, which will leave you bloated. Overcooked, bland pasta won’t satisfy your body or your palate. Plan for wholesome snacks that include protein and complex carbs. Bring a refillable water bottle so you can stay well hydrated without having to rely on the beverage service). If you’re on vacation, you might be tempted to have an alcholic beverage, but it will dehydrate you and may make your jet lag symptoms worse.
Carry on tools to help you relax
Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones will be a saviour when there’s a wailing baby in your row. if you sleep better in darkness, bring an eye mask, too. If you find yourself always straining your neck trying to sleep on planes, investing in a good travel pillow may help you snooze better.
Get up
Being seated for long periods of time is not good for your body. Get your circulation going by getting up and standing (walk the aisle a bit, too, if possible). every so often (this is one reason you may want to opt for the aisle seat, so you can easily get up and move around without disturbing your seatmates).
Pack only a carry-on
If you’ve ever had your checked luggage lost by an airline, that may be enough to convince you to fly carry-on only from then on. Besides, it’ll save you time at the airport as you can skip checking your bag and then waiting for it at your destination. Not having a bag to check can also make it easier to switch onto on earlier flight if you have the opportunity to.
