Travel Like an Athlete

Travel Like an Athlete. When you pick your seat, try to get one near the emergency exit or aisle where you will have more leg room. Try to avoid seats near the restroom or against the back of the plane. The seats are not very comfortable and do not lean back.

Go to bed early the night before departure.

Set your watch to the time of destination before departure or when boarding the plane; adopt destination times for eating and sleeping as soon as you arrive.

Gum, mint or chips: Chew on something when the plane takes off and lands to prevent your ears from popping during the sudden altitude change.

Hydration is essential when traveling, especially if you’re flying. The hydration process starts BEFORE you actually fly. Humidity is around 10-15% on a plane and moisture is drained from you. If you know you have a big trip coming up, start pounding the fluids a few days in advance. Take a drink bottle onboard. Avoid drinking alcohol and go easy on caffeinated beverages e.g. coffee or coke, as they are diuretics and will cause fluid loss.

Pack plenty of high-energy power snacks (high carbohydrate snacks) and fluids that are easy to eat on an airplane (and won’t offend your neighbor).  Many airlines have either stopped providing meals.
Have extra snacks on hand in case of delays during stopovers.

Eating some carbohydrate may help you get to sleep. This is because carbohydrate increases brain serotonin, a hormone that induces sleep.

The first thing I check off my packing list and double, triple-check for before heading to the airport: my passport and license.

It’s important to always have at least an emergency carry on bag for 24 hours in case that dreaded moment comes as you’re standing at baggage claim and realize your bags didn’t make it.

Slippers or comfortable shoes: You may want to take off your shoes on longer flights and comfortable shoes are easier to slip on if you have to go to the bathroom or walk around the cabin.

Don’t forget to bring some entertainment: iPod, book, computer, etc. Take advantage of the time to exercise your mind with a good book or catch up on some work.

Get up at least a few times during your flight (when the seat-belt sign has been turned off).

Dress for the flight. Being comfortable when you travel, especially for long distances is important. That means compression socks/pants, layers and comfortable shoes.

Become friends with the flight attendants.

Earplugs will save you once that screaming baby in aisle 12 starts crying.

While most people worry about air quality in planes, it’s actually the shared surfaces touched by the other (current and prior) passengers that often transmit germs. Bring a travel size hand sanitizer and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and often. Hint: if you’re really dedicated, wipe down your seat and tray table with a disinfectant wipe.

Take along a comfy looking neck pillow, air pillow and/or a sleeping mask.

Doing some light exercise during a stopover.

Whether or not the local water supply is safe. It is a good idea to use bottled water in many places.