Tips to travel in style on a long haul flight

Living in Australia, it is hard to avoid long-haul flights overseas. It doesn’t matter where you go – close to home in Asia, a little bit further afield to the US or even further away to Europe, you are going to be travelling for hours on end. Here are a few tips to feel and look your best, no matter what stage of travel.

Comfort should always come first.

When it comes to choosing what to wear on a flight, it is all about comfort. Style does play a part, of course, but first you must be comfortable.

Wearing loose pants, or jeans with a good amount of stretch, a relaxed tee, another layer to pop over the top such as a cardi or jacket, comfy shoes and socks will ensure you’re rugged up and comfortable too.

Footwear.

To avoid waking up with cold toes on a flight, stay away from any form of sandals. A stylish pair of slip-on shoes with some cotton socks work better instead. Ensure that your shoes and socks will not be too tight if you tend to swell up. Flight socks are good, but are not suitable for everyone. I like to wear diabetic socks or everyday socks that are not heavily elasticised at the top. Make sure your socks are presentable in case you need to remove your shoes when going through airport security – you don’t want socks that are mismatched or have your big toe sticking out – how embarrassing! If socks aren’t really for you, just use them on the plane itself.

Where will you disembark?

Your choice of outfit also depends on your destination. If you are heading to somewhere like Fiji – be prepared for the humidity when you land. Avoid polyester and choose a top that you can wear comfortably in the heat when you get off the plane. Again, if you are disembarking in a colder climate, you might want to have some gloves and a beanie handy, even an overcoat to put in the overhead baggage.

Beauty dos before you go!

Get your eyelashes tinted and your eyebrows professionally groomed before heading away. Make sure you have a manicure that will last or can be easily managed  If you will be baring some skin, make sure you have attended to your regular hair removal techniques before you leave.

Should I wear makeup when travelling?

Sure, but keep it subtle. You want to look polished not done up. Every day, come hail or shine I wear eye cream, my sunblock (which is also a moisturiser) and foundation to protect my skin from the elements – I don’t budge from this routine just because I am getting on a plane. I avoid eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara – it just gets messy and is not necessary. I groom my brows and wear a moisturising lippy or lip gloss and blush. I re-apply lip balm throughout the flight and then go back to lippy when we are about to disembark.

What about my jewellery?

I travel with my jewellery in my handbag or on my person. Never check it in – if it gets stolen, it is gone and no amount of travel insurance can replace the emotion attached to some of those pieces.

Be sure that the jewellery you choose to wear is secure and cannot catch on anything or fall off easily. I tend to wear plain silver or gold earrings, necklace and bracelets.

Hydration is key.

I know you have heard it all before but it is true; don’t drink alcohol on a flight. Drink lots of water. Use lip balm.

I have found that my skin becomes an oil slick if I don’t keep hydrated. Wash you face with a warm face cloth. Spritz with an atomiser and apply a hydrating moisturiser or CC cream.

Sleep as much as you can. 

Easier said than done I hear you say – especially when the hostess keeps waking you up to eat and those kids behind you keep kicking the back of your chair! True. But give it your best shot anyway. Aside from taking something from the doctor to help you sleep, wear an eye mask, put ear plugs in and use one of those neck pillows. You will feel better at the other end if you are well rested.

Keep on moving.

Do some little leg and foot exercises whilst seated. Stretch your arms up above your head. Do some lunges down the aisle if you want to – just do something to get that blood flowing and keep the stiffness at bay.

In your hand luggage be sure to pack:

• Take a pashmina or a snuggly scarf as it can double up as a cover for when that thin little on-flight blanket is not enough. It will also be a stylish addition to your travel outfit.
• Change of underwear and clothes. You just never know when they will come in handy.  Avoid anything bulky or clothes that will crease easily.
• A sun hat is also something to consider. I remember once arriving in the US and we couldn’t check-in to our hotel immediately.  So off we went about seeing the sights – I got sunburnt! So consider taking a soft foldable sun hat or cap.
• Fabulous sunglasses.
• Travel tissues.
• Gum or mints.
• neck pillow, ear plugs and eye mask.
• Something good to read or occupy your mind. I actually prefer to read on a flight. I don’t always turn on the movies.

Follow these tips and you can rest assured that you have stepped off that plane putting your best and most stylish foot forward!

Do you have any travel tips that make for a better flight?  Share them with us in the comments below!