In July of 2018, my husband Enrique and I boarded my first international flight from San Francisco to Paris via a layover in Chicago. We were traveling to Paris, followed by a stay in London, on our honeymoon. The excitement of planning for the trip fueled my curious mind to read what I needed for to make our honeymoon memorable. So began my trips to the bookstore, conversations with friends, online searches, and a plethora of pins on Pinterest. I was ready, or so I thought. Off we went on our adventure. What I soon learned was that seats matter, flight duration matters, noise matters, scents matter, and comfort matters. Not having planned ahead for these oversights led to not arriving in Paris in my “Bonjour Pari” strut; but rather in my, “No pictures please” sulk. I was hungry, dehydrated, tired; and achy. My neck had a kink, and my feet were swollen. Not an ideal start to our Parisian experience. Never-the-less I put my sunnies on and took Paris by storm. Well not really, my husband and I took a power nap in our hotel room, and then took Paris by storm.

Fast forward to our trip to Ireland this last February (which I will tell you all about soon) and the little secrets I picked up to arrive looking like you just boarded the plane.

The 12 Essential Tips to Follow

1. Booking your flight

When booking your flight pick your seats ahead of time. Depending on your needs, you may want an aisle, center, or window seat. Be aware that the emergency exit rows come with more leg room, but they also do not allow the seats to recline.

I love to use because it lets me the seat map so I can choose my seats. Seat Guru is easy to use and free.

As a side note if you do not like turbulence; I recommend sitting near the wings of the plane. The wings of the plane keep the plane flying smooth while the tail of the plane will bob. Another great reason to check out Seat Guru for your seat assignment!

If you have any dietary needs order your meal ahead of time. I was not able to get my gluten free meal as I was not aware of the pre order option!

Essentials to pack in your carry-on bag

2. Noise Cancellation Headphones

My husband and I purchased our Bose Noise cancellation Headphones as our Christmas gifts to each other. We love them and do not travel anywhere without them. You can listen to your in-flight movie, your music, or nothing at all without the noisy distractions of those around you.

3. Travel Pillow / Eye Cover

I cannot stress enough the benefit of bringing a good travel pillow and eye cover. Unless you are sitting in the window seat you really don’t have a place to rest your head. A travel pillow will give you support without ending up on the shoulders of your seat neighbor. Having a good set of eye cover will allow you to enter rem sleep so you may arrive rested.

4. Leg Compression Socks

These have increased in popularity recently due to the effects of air travel on your body. The high altitudes, and prolonged sitting puts a lot of pressure on your legs; which increases your chances of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT (blood clots in your veins.) The socks keep your legs nice and tight and aid in the circulation of your blood back to your heart.

5. A sweater and/or travel blanket

The temperature inside an airplane can be unpredictable. I always carry a sweater with me when I fly because I tend to run cold. On a recent trip to Cabo San Lucas the temperature inside the airplane was so cold that; a gentleman sitting a row ahead of me had the hood of his sweatshirt over his head and fully clasp shut in order to stay warm. He was a big guy too!!

(Avoid the airplane blankets unless they come sealed in a plastic bag. You never know when they were last washed.)

6. Disinfectant

Travel disinfectant wipes/hand sanitizer to wipe down your table tray, seat belts, air vents, arm rests, window area, and if you can your head rest.

I am by no means a germaphobe, but I am aware that products such as Airborne were created because people get sick when they travel on airplanes. Airplanes are much dirtier than you think. A study done by Travel Math identified your table tray as the highest concentration of germs by square in than any other place in the airplane. Numerous studies have been done throughout the years and the table tray, along with the backseat insert and neck rest as the dirtiest places to avoid!

7. Skin Care

Air travel is very drying on the skin. Recirculated air and the low humidity take a toll on your skin by taking away the moisture you have.

Use your favorite skin care but keep in mind to use products with Hyaluronic Acid and Cermides . The binds with water and helps retain water; while the acts as a barrier and keeps the moisture from evaporating. I personally have taken Ceramides in pill form for years as part of my anti-aging routine.

Day of your Flight

8. Dress Comfortable:

What you were on your flight is key to feeling comfortable and rested during the long flight. Plan ahead what you will wear for getting through TSA and sitting down in a confined space. My travel outfit includes a loose-fitting top, travel pants, a cardigan, and a scarf.

I also like to wear comfortable shoes that make going through TSA a breeze and walking to the terminal. Wearing comfortable loose-fitting clothing also allows the circulation in your body to flow freely to your heart and minimize swelling to your body.

9. Personal Entertainment

I recommend bringing your favorite book or magazines to help pass the time. If you prefer to watch movies, and you have a streaming subscription, download

your favorite movies and shows beforehand. This way if your seat does not have the movie selections you want you have a backup right there on your phone or touchpad.

10. Water and Snacks

Buy water after you’ve cleared airport security in order to stay hydrated. The humidity in an airplane is 3x lower than the average home and can be even lower on long flights. Some of the common side effects of low humidity can be dry skin, eyes, mouth, and nose. Avoid drinking the cabin water, tea, and coffee. Unless you are given a new bottle water from the flight crew chances are your water, tea, and coffee came from the cabin water tank which is infrequently cleaned.

Meals and snacks on airplanes have improved over the years, but the price has also increased. Pack your favorite snack and save your money for your adventures.

While in flight

11. Move and Stretch

It’s a good rule of thumb to get up and move around about once every hour. This give you the opportunity to get up and use the restroom but also to stretch your muscles. Keep in mind that your calf muscles rest behind the seat and prolonged sitting will increase your chances of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clots in your veins). According to the Center for Disease Control the longer you are immobile the higher your chances of developing a blood clot increase. When you sit for prolonged periods of time your hip flexors, quads, back, and glutes muscles shorten and make you feel sore.

If you are sitting next to the window and don’t want to bother your seat mates, try stretching in your seat. Do three sets of ankle rolls, knee lifts, knee to chest lifts, ankle over opposite knee, and finish off with chest to knee stretch. Please remember to modify your stretches based on your physical limitations.

Arriving at your destination

12. Refresh

Prior to arriving you will be given an update from the pilot. Take this opportunity to refresh your hair and makeup. You are now ready for a selfie!