8 Healthy Travel Tips
How to reach your destination feeling fresh and relaxed

1. BE PREPARED
Get a good night’s sleep before you travel, eat a light meal and take some light exercise before arriving at the terminal.

2. DRESS DOWN
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes that are not too restrictive.

3. HYDRATE
On longer journeys low cabin humidity can cause dry eyes, nose and throat. Drink plenty of water and fruit juice (keep alcohol, tea and coffee to a minimum as these can lead to dehydration). If possible, remove contact lenses and apply skin moisturiser and lip balm.

4. UNDER PRESSURE?
Occasionally your ears may feel blocked during take-off and landing. To help ease pressure, try sucking a sweet or yawning.

5. KEEP MOVING!
Keep your circulation going by standing up and walking in the aisle when possible. By carrying out some simple stretching exercises in your seat every few hours you will feel much fresher on arrival. Flex different muscles in your feet, legs, arms, shoulders and neck. Sluggish circulation causes tiredness, muscle cramps and water retention (the cause of swollen feet). It can also result in blood clots, which can be dangerous if they move to a vital organ.

6. EAT RIGHT
Eat a light, well-balanced meal before you travel and a smaller helping than usual on the aircraft. Avoid too much salt, sugar and dairy products – and also try to steer clear of fizzy drinks and gaseous food. Moderate your intake of alcohol, tea and coffee, and drink lots of water throughout the flight. Eating and drinking in excess, or consuming the wrong kinds of food, can lead to indigestion and uncomfortable bloating.

7. STAY FOCUSED
If you are prone to motion sickness during take-off, landing or in the event of turbulence, focus on a fixed object. Some people believe that applying pressure to your earlobes can reduce nausea.

8. WATCH YOUR BODY CLOCK
When travelling across time zones your body’s sleep rhythms can become disrupted, leading to insomnia, loss of appetite and fatigue. Prepare your body clock by getting a good night’s sleep before your flight. Try to give yourself a couple of relaxed days to adjust to new night and day cycles when you arrive. On quick trips, try to adjust your eating and sleeping pattern before leaving home.