Page 25 - 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers

45 Stay hydrated during the flight

Pressurized airplane cabins are dehydrating, and altitude a ects your

need for liquid, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids during your flight.
Avoid co ee and alcoholic beverages, as these are dehydrating. Dry skin can

be an issue—especially in the pressurized atmosphere of an airplane cabin.
Use an atomizer (or even a small pump bottle) to hydrate your face. Regular
moisturizing lotion is fine—but eye cream is even better, because it’s richer
than regular cream. You’ll arrive feeling fresher.
46 Clear your sinuses

You probably already know that you can relieve ear pressure
while flying by chewing gum or swallowing frequently. You can also take an
antihistamine or decongestant about 45 minutes before boarding. Then, just
before boarding, squirt some nasal spray in each nostril, and pop your ears.
Here’s how: keep your mouth shut, and try to blow air out your nose while
holding your nostrils shut. This clears your eustachian tubes, which can swell
as the cabin pressure changes, and cause ear pain. It’s especially important to
do this if you feel a cold coming on, because if fluids get trapped in your tubes,
an infection can develop.
47 Take a nap to get over jet lag

Set your watch to the destination time as soon as you get on the
plane. Upon your arrival, take a two-hour nap—nothing longer. Then, even if
you are still tired, force yourself to get up, shower, and get into the swing of
things. You should begin to feel better the next day.

IN-SEAT EXERCISES CAN HELP YOU FEEL RELAXED

Neck: Move your head back and forth and from side to side to relieve
neck tension.

Shoulders: Loosen your shoulder muscles by shrugging.
Feet: Point your feet and wiggle your toes. Lift your feet off the ground and
rotate your ankles.
Hands: Flex your hands and spread your fingers wide, then make a fist.

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