Whether you’re planning your first trip after 2 years in lockdown or are a frequent business traveller, maintaining the right schedule and following these travel tips can help you optimize your journey and keep you fresh faced and ready for adventure!
Priority number 1 – Beat jetlag! Jetlag can be the worst when travelling long distances. It will take hours or days off your trip and keep you from enjoying the destination at your optimum. Here are some ways to avoid it altogether:
- Be selective about flight times – Flying at night allows you to catch up on your sleep and arrive fresh and ready to go.
- Get on the right schedule while in transit – If you’re flying long distance, make sure to get plenty of rest on the flight, but maintain your everyday sleep schedule as much as possible. For example, don’t sleep the whole way through, but make sure to get your 8 hours of sleep during night hours.
- Avoid short layovers in extra timezones – This can throw off your internal clock, since you won’t have enough time to fully adjust. A non-stop flight or ones with enough time to recover are best.
- If it’s daytime when you get to your destination, don’t stay inside – Move around and be active during the morning and afternoon as much as possible to help your body clock adjust.
Priority number 2 – Make smart travel choices. Travelling should be a fun and exciting part of your journey, not stressful and tense. Here’s how you can travel smart:
- Stretch! – Even though you’re on a plane, don’t forego your daily exercise. Walk to the back of the plane to use the restroom to keep the blood flowing. If necessary, compression socks can be a game-changer.
- Grab a window seat – This is a great way to get some additional privacy and shut eye, not to mention a bird’s eye view of your destination on arrival. However, if you’re prone to motion sickness, better sick to aisle seats!
Priority number 3 – Maintain healthy habits. Although vacations mean total relaxation and culinary treats that are forbidden at home, you can still be healthy while enjoying your holiday! Here’s how to stay healthier in the longer run:
- Hydrate! – Drink lots of water and remember to moisturize while travelling. Between routine disruption and dry airplane cabins, staying hydrated is important to arrive feeling fresh. Carry your own reusable water bottle as a reminder to drink more water every time you see it in your carry-on.
- Drink less alcohol – Although free-flowing drinks on a flight are tempting, keep in mind that too much alcohol will dehydrate you and prevent cells from absorbing oxygen. Decrease your chances of dehydration by limiting your alcohol intake.
Priority number 4 – Travel light and dress well. Dressing appropriately can make a world of a difference, from staying comfy while travelling to arriving suitably dressed for the destination. Here’s how you can be stylish and comfy:
- Wear Lycra-based clothing – Exercise clothing is becoming increasingly fashionable and comfortable to wear, especially on long-haul journeys. They also fold easy and fit into almost any bag.
- Pack clothes in three coordinating colors – By choosing pieces in three matching colors, you can mix and match to create multiple outfits for different days and occasions. Pick the colours based on where you’re going: for example, black/white/navy for Paris and pastel colours/off-white linen for the beach.
- Take one dressy outfit – Whether you have a formal event planned or just want to be prepared for one, pack one dressy outfit (including a pair or heels/loafers and statement jewellery). For the rest, pack light and comfy.
Happy travelling!
