The last thing you want to think about while planning your next vacation is getting sick on the plane on the way there. The following practices could make the difference between spending your time away creating lasting memories and spending it stuck in your hotel room recovering from the flight. Here's our suggestions for making your health a priority at 30,000 feet:
1. Pack your own reusable water bottle
Proper hydration can stave off a number of flight-related ailments. Unfortunately, those little plastic cups the airline provides don't hold very much liquid and create excess waste. Thumbs down. Bring your own bottle and ask for a fill-up every time the beverage cart makes its way around. We're big fans of this one available from our North End neighbours, The Independent Mercantile Co.
2. Rim your nostrils with petroleum jelly
This trick not only helps trap airborne bacteria, but it stops your nasal passages from drying out due to stale airplane air. Double whammy!
3. No carry on is complete...without hand sanitizer
It's a well-known fact that airplanes are breeding grounds for germs of all kinds! Thankfully, the options on the market right now for hand sanitizers are endless, from gels to sprays, and most come in a travel size. We always keep a formula infused with lavender on hand to kill germs and create a calming effect. This is our current fave found at Pete's!
4. Choose an aisle seat
The aisle is the way to go for ease of movement. It gives you the freedom to get up and stretch your legs, especially important on long-haul flights where muscle and joint pain and more serious conditions like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) are a concern. So, save the view for solid ground and stick with the aisle.
5. Bring your own snacks
Airplane food...enough said. Stash a few healthy options in your carry-on like nuts and seeds, chopped veggies and hummus, and something for your sweet tooth like dark chocolate. You won't go hungry and you'll be the envy of your seat mate. Chicken or fish? None for me, thanks.
Do you have any go-to's for staying healthy while you fly? Comment below!
