If you’ve been tracking my social media of late, you’ll notice that not a week goes by without me finding my derrière on a plane. Yes, it’s fun, and yes, it’s purpose-driven, and yes, it can sometimes feel quite glamorous; but, jet-setting (for work or pleasure) comes with its own set of complications. The foremost issue is self-care. It’s easy to run yourself ragged, hopping from one locale to another, sometimes feeling homesick, and other times just feeling plain-old sick (tummy, head cold, you name it). Here are some surefire tips I have picked up along the way that keep me feeling A+ when I’m traveling.
WIPE IT DOWN
I’m no germophobe, but when I get on a plane I always use some quick hand wipes or a travel sanitizer spray to wipe it all down: that includes the little TV, the service tray, and all the buttons around your seat. Sure, the person next to you may give you a side eye, but at the end of the flight, you’ll be the one whistling dixie with nary a sniffle.
PACK A PORTABLE HUG
I never travel without a scarf or thin cashmere blanket that feels like a hug. Throw it in your purse or backpack, and no matter how far you travel, you will always feel comforted both on and off the plane with something that feels and smells like home. This has become invaluable to me when catching some Zzzzzs on a flight, or feeling swaddled in a hotel room.
GO PRO
Nope, not the little video camera that I can’t quite figure out – I mean gooooo pro…biotics! Always travel with a high strain probiotic, and hydrate like you’re dying of thirst – because even if you’re not, for your body – the thirst is real. This dynamic duo of probiotics and agua will keep your gut health in check and honestly stave off jet lag if you’re globetrotting on your travails.
BE AN EFFICIENCY EXPERT
Check your flight schedule before you go, make sure you check in online, give yourself enough time to get to the airport – blah, blah, blah – those are all the things your mom tells you, so I certainly don’t need to. BUT, what I have learned is that having a perfect travel folio, or the most efficient piece of carry-on luggage (though this one is my fav, it’s a definite splurge – be just as efficient and chic with this one, too!) that makes you feel like a frequent flier, things will speed along so you can avoid less airport hiccups and can focus on the vacate part of the vacation.
LET YOUR TUMMY KEEP TIME
My gal pal and designer extraordinaire, Hannah Callahan, once told me that if you eat on the schedule of wherever you’ve landed, you won’t feel jet lagged. I was skeptical at first, but as Hannah shared, it’s your stomach that tells your brain when it’s feeling wonky. By simply eating a meal at the time the locals are when you land, you trick your brain a bit and stay much more on track, and much less cranky.
