MM Travel Essentials

The Tig Archives 03 / 15 / 2016

If you’ve been tracking my social media of late, you’ll notice that not a week goes by without me finding my derrière on a plane. Yes, it’s fun, and yes, it’s purpose-driven, and yes, it can sometimes feel quite glamorous; but, jet-setting (for work or pleasure) comes with its own set of complications. The foremost issue is self-care. It’s easy to run yourself ragged, hopping from one locale to another, sometimes feeling homesick, and other times just feeling plain-old sick (tummy, head cold, you name it). Here are some surefire tips I have picked up along the way that keep me feeling A+ when I’m traveling.

  1. Wipe it Down
  2. I’m no germophobe, but when I get on a plane I always use some quick hand wipes or a travel sanitizer spray to wipe it all down: that includes the little TV, the service tray, and all the buttons around your seat. Sure, the person next to you may give you a side eye, but at the end of the flight, you’ll be the one whistling dixie with nary a sniffle.

  3. Just a Dab Will Do Ya
  4. A dear friend of mine once told me that Leonardo DiCaprio gave her an excellent travel tip. I know – I could have written an entire post on this conversation alone. What is it, you ask? Evidently, he said that to avoid getting sick on planes, he puts a little Neosporin on a cotton swab and coats the inside of his nostrils. Not only does it create a barrier for germs, it also lubricates the skin in the nose. That’s important because when the skin cracks, germs can come a running in, so the coating of the Neosporin doubly protects you. Now before you start calling TMZ, I cannot say 100% that Leo said this, but my friend is a good source, and regardless, it’s a great tip. Try it!

  5. Pack a Portable Hug
  6. I never travel without a scarf or thin cashmere blanket that feels like a hug. Throw it in your purse or backpack, and no matter how far you travel, you will always feel comforted both on and off the plane with something that feels and smells like home. This has become invaluable to me when catching some Zzzzzs on a flight, or feeling swaddled in a hotel room.

  7. Go Pro
  8. Nope, not the little video camera that I can’t quite figure out – I mean gooooo pro…biotics! Always travel with a high strain probiotic, and hydrate like you’re dying of thirst – because even if you’re not, for your body – the thirst is real. This dynamic duo of probiotics and agua will keep your gut health in check and honestly stave off jet lag if you’re globetrotting on your travails.

  9. Be an Efficiency Expert
  10. Check your flight schedule before you go, make sure you check in online, give yourself enough time to get to the airport – blah, blah, blah – those are all the things your mom tells you, so I certainly don’t need to. BUT, what I have learned is that having a perfect travel folio, or the most efficient piece of carry-on luggage (though this one is my fav, it’s a definite splurge – be just as efficient and chic with this one, too!) that makes you feel like a frequent flier, things will speed along so you can avoid less airport hiccups and can focus on the vacate part of the vacation.

  11. Let Your Tummy Keep Time
  12. My gal pal and designer extraordinaire, Misha Nonoo, once told me that if you eat on the schedule of wherever you’ve landed, you won’t feel jet lagged. I was skeptical at first, but as Misha shared, it’s your stomach that tells your brain when it’s feeling wonky. By simply eating a meal at the time the locals are when you land, you trick your brain a bit and stay much more on track, and much less cranky.

Images via: Piknik, Instagram