Travelling is good for both the body and the soul since it allows you to take a break from your routines and immerse yourself in a new environment. You get the chance to experience new cultures and see new places, and you also do some exercise at the same time since, during a trip, you’ll most likely try sailing, hiking, biking or skiing. Even walking around busy cities, quaint towns, or picturesque villages can help you get quite a lot of movement in.
However, travelling can also take its toll on you, and there are some stressful situations that you may encounter, both along the way as well as after you reach your destination. Fatigue, not eating enough or drinking too little water, as well as the simple fact you’ll be confined to a plane for a significant amount of time, sometimes for upwards of ten hours, can be pretty challenging. You don’t want to return home more tired than when you left, and neglecting your well-being means that you won’t be able to enjoy your journey to the fullest.
Before you set out on your trip, consider some factors that can help you travel comfortably. If you haven’t spent much time on planes and are unsure where to start, here are a few starting points that can help you out.
Before you arrive
Getting ready in advance can help save you a lot of trouble. If you do everything last minute, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll forget to pack something. Realising that later, when you’re unpacking your luggage in the hotel room, can leave you angry and frustrated and even put a damper on your whole trip. It might also mean that you have to make extra purchases. For instance, if you’ve booked a day at the pool but left your swimsuit behind, you’ll have to buy one from the resort or risk losing your reservation.
If you travel to the airport by car, you must ensure you have all the parking arrangements. Airport Parking Heathrow offers a wide selection of parking spots, but since the demand is so high, you don’t want to leave it to the last minute. The site you want might not be available anymore, or you may have to pay extra to secure it. You can visit https://parkos.co.uk/ to get the best deals on airport parking that have left over two million customers satisfied.
Changing environment
One of the aspects that can create the most discomfort when travelling by plane is the low temperatures. While the median levels are somewhere between 22 and 24°C, which should be pleasant in theory, it often feels much colder due to the fact you’re sitting still in your seat for a long time. If you moved around, you wouldn’t feel so chilly, but that is not advisable or permitted for air travel. To stay comfortable while travelling, make sure to dress warmly. Pack a jumper or pullover, and bring a blanket for extra comfort. Dressing in layers can also help you, particularly if you’re prone to getting cold easily.
Humidity is another important factor. Most aeroplane cabins maintain typical humidity levels of around 20%, around half of what the general population would deem comfortable. This can be problematic because low humidity causes mucous membranes and skin to dry out. This makes you more susceptible to viruses, as your body’s natural barriers are affected, and the environment helps pathogens linger in the air for longer.
The best way to combat the negative impact of low humidity is to stay hydrated. You should drink one cup of water for every hour you spend on the plane. Eye drops can help you fight off the sensation of dry eyes, particularly if you’re wearing contact lenses, which can increase the feeling of dryness. Steam helps as well. You can bring a washcloth with you, ask for some hot water, and place the towel over it so that your face is fully covered and you can breathe in the steam. You should also bring a concentrated moisturiser with you, especially if you’re dealing with dehydrated skin regularly.
Lastly, you should be mindful of the possible effects of altitude sickness. Sometimes, the air pressure can translate to roughly 8,000, or nearly 2,500 kilometres. Since air offers less oxygen and water evaporates faster, you might end up with altitude sickness symptoms such as lightheadedness, back and headaches, tiredness, stomach pains and muscle cramps. Some ways you can avoid feeling ill are stretching regularly, getting plenty of rest, and drinking enough water. Some anti-inflammatory medications can also help, but you should speak to a doctor before following any treatment.
Careful what you eat
Adequate nutrition is essential, particularly if you’re embarking on a long-haul flight. While eating junk food feels great in any environment, getting a lot of crisps and fizzy drinks will deplete your energy levels. You don’t want to be worn out before arriving at your destination, and you most likely don’t want to feel nauseous on the plane. The best way to maintain your energy levels and fight off hunger pangs at the same time is to get some healthy foods and snacks. Veggie and grain salads, sandwiches, biscuits, deli meats, pre-sliced cheeses (to make things easier), protein bars and dried fruit are some of the things you should try.
The bottom line
Travelling can take a lot of your energy and stamina. You have to sit in the same position for many hours, might feel bored after a while, and if you’re seated next to loud or obnoxious people, it can feel like a downright chore. However, since you don’t want to reach your destination already worn out, you must do everything possible to protect your well-being. Wearing comfortable clothing, getting some good food, protecting your skin, and bringing your headphones and a good book along will see you through any flight. And remember to stay hydrated.
