TRAVEL TIPS | MAKE YOUR LONG JOURNEYS MORE COMFORTABLE

 

Despite having the travel bug from a young age, I still get no enjoyment from long journey's. With flying, I'm not bothered by the take off or landing or the fact you're miles in the sky, but just how uncomfortable the whole experience can be. Here are some tips I've picked up to make your journey slightly more comfortable.

1. Flight Socks - when flying, my legs and feet seem to double in size. I found this out the hard way whilst on an 11 hour flight to Vegas with no flight socks. To be honest, flight socks aren't the most comfortable or flattering item to wear, but it'll keep your blood circulating and your legs at a more realistic size. I'd rather wear slightly uncomfortable socks then have the pain of swollen feet, legs and knees. Don't let the name fool you; flight socks are also great for long journey's by car, coach or train.
2. Neck Pillow - I find it really difficult to sleep sitting up, so when I spent roughly a day on planes and in airports on my way to Australia, I managed to get about 3 hours sleep. I recently invested in a neck pillow for an 11 hour couch journey from Adelaide to Coober Pedy and manage to get much more shut eye then I usually would.
3. Layers - I wish I was one of those people who could spend hours travelling, but still look glamourous. In reality, my clothes are much more casual and my hair is a mess. Whether you're flying, on a coach or train or travelling to a different climate, it's hard to know if you're going to be hot or cold. I like to layer my clothing so I will never be too hot or cold. I usually have a few pairs of socks, leggings and a spare pair of trousers that can be worn over the top, a vest, t-shirt, jumper and hoody, also having both Converse and flip flops available. This way I can adjust my clothing depending on the temperature and not have to suffer with what I have.
4. Keep Hydrated - travelling, flying especially, leaves me really dehydrated. I will always buy the biggest bottle of water I can at the airport to take on board with me because I hate how, on long hail flights, they will bring you the smallest cup when you ask for water. I also think flying dehydrates your skin, so I always take a light moisturising lotion on board with me, below 100ml of course. By keeping your fluids up and skin moisturised, you'll feel slightly more human when you arrive at your destination.
5. Keep Moving - when I was little I would have a giggle at the people doing an inflight "work out", but I'm now one of them. On a recent 12 hours flight from London to Hong Kong, I spent the first 4 hours sat on my arse enjoying a few episodes of New Girl. As I hadn't moved, I spent the following 8 hours with the worst knee pain I'd ever experienced. It hurt to sit down, it hurt to stand but I spent a majority of the 8 hours stretching outside the toilets at the back of the plane. I'm pretty sure I looked like I was limbering up whilst selecting victims to join the Mile High Club with. Your "workout" doesn't have to be much; just go for a walk to the toilets and have a good stretch every hour and give your ankles a twist and knees a bend whilst you're at your seat.

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