Travel Articles

Traveling via plane is one of the safest ways to get from point A to point B, however, it may not be the healthiest for your body. Here are 10 ways to make your next plane trip healthier:

1. Remember to bring vital medications on board, and make sure prescriptions are in your own name.

2. Bring extra layers of clothing and perhaps socks. Plane cabins are kept chilly.

3. For back and neck comfort, use a pillow under your lumbar for support and another behind your neck. It’s useful to have your own inflatable or cushioned neck pillow.

4. Carry on noise reduction headphones. They help you to tune out extraneous sounds and relax more deeply.

5. Do not eat salty, processed or fatty foods the day before your flight or on the plane. It’s best to purchase a healthy meal at the airport and bring it on board rather than be at the mercy of the low-budget airplane meals.

6. Drink lots of water before and during your flight. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Plane air is dry and has a diuretic effect causing your body to lose much needed fluid.

7. Bring plenty of reading material or music. There’s nothing more stressful than a long delay with nothing to do.

8. Stretch often. If the seatbelt sign is on, move your legs and arms around in your seat as much as you can.
Once the seatbelt sign is off, get out of your seat often and walk down the aisle. This helps avoid blood clots or muscle cramps caused by inactivity.

9. Bring moisturizer for your face and hands to replenish what you lose in the air. Remember that each liquid, cream or gel is limited to 3 ounces or less and must be placed in a quart-size zip lock bag for security.

10. Put your best practices for patience forward. Crowds, delays, bad weather and turbulence are all possibilities with air travel.

Debbie Gisonni is an author, speaker, personal growth expert and former corporate executive. Her books include, The Goddess of Happiness: A Down-to-Earth Guide for Heavenly Balance and Bliss, and Vita’s Will: Real Life Lessons about Life Death