There's nothing worse than feeling sick when you're traveling overseas. I've traveled to and from Europe once a year (and sometimes twice) for the last decade. SO - I've picked up some tips that help me feel good when I fly on those long-haul flights, and I'm passing them to you! I hope you find them helpful.
Tip #1: Wear comfortable yet nice clothing.
There are two ways of thinking on this. Some people prefer to dress as comfortably as possible when flying and wear sweats or jeans and flip-flops. Some people say it's better to dress nicely so that the airport personnel take you seriously if you have to dispute anything. I like to combine both! I wear super comfy clothes that also look halfway decent. You don't want to go to the service desk in nasty 'ol sweats and flips flops. They will NOT take you seriously. (Also, think of the passport control at the other side.) I usually wear some black, loose-fitting, cotton slacks with a button up knit shirt. The best travel shoes ever? Lands End All-Weather Mocasins (I wear black). Love them! They slip off and on easily and they are water proof. These make going through security (where you have to take your shoes off) a breeze! Also, they feel like sneakers, but look like nice black shoes.
Tip #2: Avoid airline food like the plague!
I can't tell you how many times I have felt intense headache pain and nausea on flights! Luckily, I found a way to avoid this. The last few times I traveled, I brought along some Larabars to snack on. I like them because they are all natural and are basically made of dried fruit and nuts. Then, when I get to the lay-over airport (this time, Houston) I go to Panda Express and get fried rice, steamed vegetables, and chicken. Even though the fried dishes look awesome, I avoid them. I tell myself I'll get something nice when I get to where I'm going. Sometimes, I'll also get a green tea from Starbucks (these two are usually beside each other in a lot of airports). Why Panda Express? They are one of the few options that have no MSG in their food! I fill up on rice, meat, and veg and then I do not eat anything on the plane. Also, I only drink water when the drink cart comes by. It sounds like a drag but it's SO worth it to not feel like crap and to have the energy to do fun things when you get to your destination.
Tip #3: Pack light!
When packing, if in doubt, leave it out. If you have your passport, ticket, money, all other stuff can be replaced easily if need be. It's a drag to lug around endless luggage. Also, they are making it harder and harder to bring excess baggage on planes. I love my small rolly carry-on bag. I learned last trip that it's worth it to bring a pair of undies, a big T-shirt, a small pouch of detergent (to wash the clothes you're wearing), and a toothbrush and small toothpaste in your carry-on. Our suitcases got lost and it's really nice to have these things if/when it does.
New Find for this trip:
The Total Pillow! I found this at Walgreen's in the "as seen on TV" section. It's very versatile and I have to say it makes the best neck pillow I've ever tried. I could sleep easily on the plane (and bus!) without my head rolling all around and me getting a crick in my neck.
Oops. I forgot to say that when picking out luggage, go for swivel wheels! They make it so much easier to manuever suitcases, especially when you're traveling alone. You can get the bags around without having to hold up the weight with awesome steering. Now that I've had swivel wheels, I'm never going back!
ReplyDeleteI would also like to add that wearing socks in the security check line makes you feel that your feet stay cleaner when forced to remove your shoes.
ReplyDeleteI have started packing in a minimalist way. I normally coordinate everything with black.I am going to find out more about those shoes you mentioned! Thanks for the tips.