I like to travel… a lot! I am actually writing this on a airplane coming home from a week in Newport Beach. For years as a corporate consultant I had to travel weekly to see my clients. Thankfully those days are over and now my travel seems to revolve more around leading retreats or participating in wellness related events. But travel can still take a toll on your health and well-being.
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve discovered along the way. Give them a try and let me know what you think.
1- Drink plenty of water!
I usually try to super hydrate before flying. That means consuming at least 2 liters of water before boarding a plane and another 2 liters before I reach my destination, and then even more when I land. I always bring an empty water bottle with me and fill it up once I pass through security. Usually I use my USANA blender bottle so I can make smoothies enroute. Most airports now have the water fountains that allow you to easily fill up bottles, or you can fill up at the fountain drink stations (just make sure you hold the water button so you don’t end up with a sugary sweet surprise). Yes, there are downsides to this, which is usually why I always try to get an aisle seat. : )
2- Sanitize the arm rests, tray table and anything else you may touch.
Maybe it’s just my mom instincts, but I bring on my clorox wipes and wipe down everything before a flight. It’s disgusting to see the dirt and grime that comes off the surfaces, not to mention the bacteria and other junk I can’t see.
3- Turn off the vent.
Everyone knows airplanes use recycled air. That constant blowing makes my skin feel dried out and I am convinced, although I’ve never scientifically proven it, that there are loads of germs being sprayed out of those things.
4- Bring your own snacks!
I avoid the peanuts, pretzels and the box of carb loaded snacks like the plague. I bring raw almonds, individual Nutrimeal packs, protein snack bars, raw veggies and hummus. Avocados are an easy snacking option too.
5- Bring a light weight scarf.
It’s hard to tell if you will be boiling or shivering on any given flight. A light weight scarf allows me to stay a little warmer if it’s cool, but not as warm as a sweater or jacket, which I usually have too. It’s also useful to drape over your shoulders and arms if you have someone sitting next to you with hairy arms who insists on bumping up against your arm.
6- Pack peppermint essential oil in your bag.
This is a godsend! It’s a cure for stuffy sinuses (couple of drops in your hands, rub together and then cup over your nose- just be sure not to put near your eyes). Also works great to relieve tension in you rub on the back of your neck. Or a few drops at your wrists can help get rid of a headache. The other benefit of peppermint oil is that it will neutralize offensive odors. I’ve used this trick many times when someone in the vicinity has been having some intestinal distress… pure magic!
7- Use the flashlight app on your iPhone.
This is great when trying to find something in your bag, under the seat or to check to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind.
8- Pack eye drops in your bag.
Regardless of how hydrated I am, it always seems my eyes are as dry as a dessert.
9- If you are short, bring a blow up travel pillow.
Put it under your feet so your feet hit the ground.
10- Don’t take anything anyone does or says personally.
People are bound to say a few things they don’t mean when crammed into a tiny space with several people who have had a few too many. That person who accidentally bumped the back or your seat, maybe they were looking for something they dropped. That baby crying, maybe their ears just hurt and mom trying to frantically calm her kids so you don’t get angry, give her a break. Nasty looks or comments aren’t going to help. Grace goes miles.
Health and well being is so much more than just what you put into your mouth. It’s also about the thoughts you send out into the world and the meanings you give to events you encounter. Smart travel is about you arriving with your well-being intact and inspiring those you meet along the way.