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The holidays are fast approaching and for many that means travel. I myself prefer train or car travel but my children prefer to fly so I thought I would share a few of their tips for traveling by air.
Dress for Comfort
When you fly you spend a huge amount of time sitting so you want to make sure you dress in comfortable clothing. You also want to wear clothing that is easy to remove for the TSA line such as slip-on shoes. Dressing in layers is also recommended because you never know what the temperature will be like on the plane or in the airport. Also, pack a light blanket or a light jacket in your carry on for napping or if you get stuck on a layover.
Carry on for Emergencies
Most airlines allow you to take a carry on and a small personal bag like a purse or backpack. If you are also checking bags, you want to make sure you pack anything vital in the carry on because your luggage may be lost. Medications and any important papers required for your trip including reservations, directions, or phone numbers should be packed in your carry on. Pack at least one days change of clothes in your carry on in addition to an extra pair of underwear and socks. Also, pack food and drinks (check with TSA for guidelines) just in case you are stuck on the runway or in boarding. This is especially important if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic. Always pack disinfecting wipes to use on the toilets or your hands. If you are anything like my family, you will also want to pack an emergency blanket, a water purifying straw in addition to other emergency items just in case you end up on a desert island.
Books, Magazines, and Music
Make sure you bring something to do while you are waiting. My children always pack books and magazines because sometimes on a flight or layover you may not have access to your phone or a way to charge it if it dies. Another idea is to bring puzzle books like crosswords or word search or if you are an artist or a writer, the airport always has great material, bring a notebook. I love to people watch and invent stories about their lives.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
For some reason, flying is very dehydrating on the body so you want to make sure that you are well hydrated before your trip. For 24 hours before your trip make sure you drink water and not soda or alcohol. Alcohol is dehydrating so avoid it not only the day before but also on the flight. Take a nice bath the day before your trip with some hydrating bath oils or just make sure to lotion up real good after your shower. Don’t forget your face and especially your lips. It’s better for your skin to travel without make-up on if possible but make sure you use moisturizer and sunscreen. Chapstick is a must before, during, and after the trip. It’s also handy to have on hand for stuck zippers.
Prepare for Jet Lag
Traveling between time zones can be a nightmare especially if you have little ones. Jet lag can leave you feeling wiped out and your little ones cranky. It can often cause you to lose a day of your holiday vacation just trying to adjust to the new time and get back on a sleep schedule. There is a simple trick to overcoming jet lag but you have to prepare for it several days in advance. You adjust your current schedule to start living according to the time zone you are traveling to. Here is a handy chart that explains it all.
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What are your tips for flying?
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