Looking forward to an upcoming trip, but thinking about how to stay healthy when you’re out and about?

Check out my Top 10 for airline travel!

WATER

Hydration is the key to staying de-bloated when you travel. Drink 1 Liter water in your metal or glass water bottle on the way to the airport. Refill your water bottle at the airport and drink the 2nd Liter of water on the plane. Ask the flight attendant to refill your water bottle on the plane instead of getting a plastic cup and creating waste. Keep an eye on your urine color - it should be the color of fancy champagne. If not, drink more!

PREVENT ILLNESS

Germs are abundant on planes! Point air vents away from your face or turn them off to avoid the spread of germs. Wash your hands as often as possible (and use alcohol-based sanitizer if you can't).

CHOOSE FOODS THAT SERVE YOU

Bring healthy snacks from home, like fruit or nuts. (Or get some inspiration here!) Avoid the processed carbohydrate snacks they serve on the plane like chips, cookies and pretzels. Those will just make you more hungry and lead to overindulgence later on your trip.

WALK THE AIRPORT

If you left early for your flight, you probably didn't have time to work out. If you have a travel buddy, ask her to watch your things and take a 20 minute stroll around the airport. It will be entertaining! (And a great way to stretch your legs!) If you're traveling solo, take a walk but be mindful of your neck, shoulders, and back and don't strain them with towing luggage.

USE THE ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT

I LOVE watching a good TV series or movie on the plane. My husband and I always joke, "Vacation begins the moment you walk out your front door." It really does! Use your plane time to indulge in a guilty pleasure on the boob tube!

DO YOUR ABCs ON THE PLANE

To prevent blood clots and swelling, I trace the letters of the alphabet with my feet every hour or two and wear compression knee socks. The exercises flex your calf muscles and promote blood return to your heart through your veins. Plus it feels good!

STRETCH IN THE AISLE

Sit in an aisle seat if you can and every hour or two get up to stretch. Sure, you'll look weird doing a forward fold in the aisle, but your neck & back will thank you. Thank cat-cow yoga poses from a standing position.

MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT

Being extra kind during travel to airport employees is not only good human behavior, but it can pay off in unexpected ways.

I can't tell you how many times just being friendly on a flight has gotten me better service....like a free headset or a blanket or a pillow when I needed one. Once I had the same flight attendant on the to and from flights, and she remembered me. She brought me free champagne on the return flight after my kids had a meltdown! (I didn't drink more than a few sips because it was way too sweet, but - hey - it's the thought that counts!)

CARRY DISPOSABLE WIPES

This habit has served me super well! Disposable wipes are great for everything from kid messes to helping you feel cleaner after a #2 on the go (never fun when traveling since digestion can take a big hit with change from our routines).

BRING YOUR HERBS

I travel with Lemon Balm drops, a known anti-anxiety herb. Take a bit before you fly, and you'll feel better through security and take-off. I also love Lemon Balm tea from Traditional Medicinals. You can ask for a cup of hot water from your friendly Starbucks or your flight attendant. I also love snacking on a bit of CBD chocolate if I’m feeling stressed (half a square is enough to take the edge off).

Enjoy your time away!

Top 10 Airline Travel Tips