Here’s the thing: I love travelling. I love ending up at amazing destinations. I love the planning process, the excitement that builds up before a trip, and of course the time away.
The thing I don’t like? Flying.
I’ve never enjoyed it. Between anxiety and nausea it’s filled with terrible feelings.
I have, however, over the years, learned some ways to help with my travels. Yes, travelling with kids becomes a distraction and can sometimes help, but it’s not always the case. So my purse is always armed with go-to items I need to help get through a trip. I’ll share them here in case it can help you too!
1. Before a flight, I take ginger Gravol.
Why not the real stuff? Because it makes me too groggy and I don’t like the feeling. Plus, I’m usually travelling with the kids so I need to be alert and able to help them as needed.
2. Baby cookies
This is my secret snack when travelling anywhere. When taking off and landing, I need not only a distraction, but something to calm my stomach. Baby cookies have become the best way to do that. The taste is mild, and I can take small bites along the way.
3. Plane snacks (and tomato juice)
I can’t gorge myself with food when I fly. I need snacks that sit well. Aside from baby cookies, bagels are a filling but plain snack to have. I often also travel with trail mix or dried mango. They are a little sweet (but not too sweet) and chewy so they feel more filling.
And the tomato juice. When offered a drink on a plane I always get tomato juice. Hear me out. It’s more filling, it’s plain, and is almost a meal replacement if I can’t eat. My kids make fun of me for this because they always ask me if I am going to dip my baby cookies in my tomato juice (gross) but they know these are two of my flight coping strategies!
Find a drink that sits well with you. I find orange juice too acidy, and water doesn’t seem to help much (I always end up dehydrated on travel days).
4. The air bag
When you first sit down, prep the air sickness bag. It’s there if you need it. If you don’t have one. Get one. Just in case. Sorry folks, but better safe than sorry.
5. Distractions
I can sometimes watch movies on a plane, but it depends on the flight and turbulence. My best distraction is music (have that play list ready!) and headphones. The other thing? Sleep. When I just don’t know how I’m gonna feel, I sleep.
6. Dressing in layers
I always end up way too warm on a plane, and way too cold. There never seems to be a happy in-between. So I dress in layers. Tank top, wraps, sweaters – to be able to find the perfect balance. Scarves make for a great blanket/pillow as needed too!
7. Just get through it
It’s not fun, but the destination is almost always worth it. I just keep repeating that. And hope for the best.
Safe travels!
