Traveling. It's a blissful concept, but the reality of economy air travel can be uncomfortable. I often feel dehydrated, exhausted and cranky after long flights. Everything that isn't comfy.
I share the following photo of me during an 8 hour layover in Qatar last year as a cautionary tale to those who don't take comfy seriously. I did not prepare to stay comfortable before, during or after a 20 hour day of travel between Washington, DC and Kuala Lumpur.
Boy, was I uncomfortable.
OMG. THIS IS WHAT UNCOMFY LOOKS LIKE.
Since then, I've traveled quite a bit and visited 9 countries and 24 states over the last two years. I've gotten better at developing a travel routine and these mistakes have helped me stay comfortable on long hauls. To put it simply, I've found that staying comfy helps me stay happy.
Here are 7 tips that help me stay comfortable during travel days.
1. Sleep Mask
You never know where you may rest your head that's not a bed. I've kept this mask from Kamossa in my purse at all times for the last year. There are adorable options out there but I like the simplicity of a mask that doesn't attract a lot of attention. I've slept better on airport floors, trains, planes, cars, buses, hotels and friends' houses just because I had the extra darkness from my sleep mask. It's not uncommon for me to put my sleep mask on before the plane even takes off.
Sleeping on the floor at JFK International Airport was SO MUCH BETTER with a sleep mask.
2. Noise Cancelling Earplugs
Keep em in your purse! Keep em in your car! I don't leave home without these soft, comfy earplugs from 3M. Sometimes my snoring keeps Josh awake, so he did some insane research and found the best on the market. These little guys are so intense that if you are on a plane, you can't even hear that ambient plane noise. They make flights feel a little more luxurious and are great if your road trip partner needs a nap. Again, my evening stay at JFK International Airport was greatly improved because I had these to keep me a bit comfier while sleeping on the floor.
3. Lotion
I keep a small, TSA-approved size bottle of The Body Shop's Shea hand cream in my travel pouch. It feels amazing to rub some on my arms and legs during a long flight and the scent is light, so you won't overpower your neighbor. It's also certified Community Trade, so you can feel good about rehydrating your skin.
4. Face Sheets
You'll look like a Yeti, but your skin feels great.This inexpensive beauty product first appeared to me at TJ Maxx and now I see them everywhere. A pack of 16 costs around $8.00! They're unexpectedly refreshing after a long day of travel. I don't have a clinically tested hypothesis for these face sheets, so you'll just have to trust me. I fall asleep with it on and it falls off in the middle of the night.
Here's my cousin and I enjoying the Royal Jelly Collagen Essence Mask at a Bachelorette Party.
5. Socks Walking around an airport all-day can be punishing so it feels so nice to slip on a cute pair of socks once you get on the plane.
These fuzzy llama socks came from the Shibuya Station in Tokyo, Japan
6. Pumice Stone After traveling for many hours, my feet begin to feel dry and calloused. While this is excellent for hiking or long distance running, it can become uncomfortable when I'm wearing sandals or open-toe shoes. Bring a tiny pumice to soften your feet and finish with a warm cloth and lotion. It's an easy, on-the-go way to treat your feet and freshen up. Soooo comfy. If you don't have a pumice stone, you can also *gently* use a disposable razor and dispose after a single use. Be careful not to overdo it. 7. Converse All Stars These are my first pair of Converse sneakers and I absolutely love them. They're cute, comfy, chic and best of all, go with almost every outfit. Best of all, they're easy to slip on and off in the security line and stay comfortable when you walk around the airport. I've worn them with casual shorts and formal dresses, creating unique outfits that still keep me comfortable. I'm not a sneakerhead, but I do take them to the dry cleaners for a $10 deep cleaning every few months to keep them feeling fresh.
The experience of travel is worth the discomforts that accompany getting the chance to stretch our boundaries and see the world. But whenever possible, you gotta stay comfy.
To all those who adventure unabashedly,
Ashley