Travel strategy from a former International Delta flight attendant and now, professional world traveler | entrepreneur specializing in digital marketing. Let’s explore the ins and outs of international travel, and why packing smarter and lighter will benefit you. I’m not gate keeping anything! By the end of this article, you’ll be fully equip with all the knowledge you need to travel more efficiently for the rest of your life. Let’s dive in so you can travel smarter!

Author, Jennifer Dyer

Instagram @solymargoddess 

Travel Blog https://solymartravels.travel.blog

Before travel

Before the day of travel, I like to make sure I am set up for success. I like to slowly pack over a few days so I don’t feel rushed or crammed right before my flight. I also like to be extra hydrated, and healthy. Eating nutrient rich foods, drinking airborne, taking my routine vitamins, even getting an IV for hydration or Vitamin B12 intermuscular shots etc. Really, doing whatever it takes to keep my immune system up and strong. This is really important before a high volume flight or travel day! so simple, but most people don’t think about it.

Personal Item Essentials 

1 Chewing Gum | if you have trouble with adjusting your ears with the altitude, this helps to open up the ear channel during takeoff and landing

2 Battery pack | a travel essential. It’s hard to always find outlets at the airport or even on board airplanes. Come prepared, with a charged battery pack, and cable!

3 Reusable water bottle | it’s more eco conscious, and keeps your beverages colder! A must while traveling 

4 Sanitary wipes | keep your space clean and tidy. I’ve seen the cleaning crew come through time and time again, they are not deep cleaning and scrubbing each tray and seat. That is your responsibility, and trust me, from seeing all the things people do and what goes on during the flights, clean your seat, buckle, surface of screen and tray in front of you, you won’t regret it

5 Mini portable sanitizer is a must. 

Beauty | Accessories

When it comes to my beauty hacks I first would recommend getting a compactable cosmetic bag like the bags from Bagsmart on Amazon. Also, if you are a flatiron or curling iron girlie, go to your local Marshall’s or TJ Max, or on Amazon and buy a mini curling iron and straighter, this is acceptable in your carry on and is always useful to have for date night or a day event you want to dress your look up for! Another bit, is pack light and pack little. This article is primarily aimed for carryon travel, and we need to keep this mindset while we pack everything and anything! There is no room for random bulky items. This is strategic, and everything has its rhyme and rhythm.

I would also recommend buying mini cosmetic pieces! I’ve found small makeup brushes, mini mascaras, mini hair sprays and even mini hair brushes all at Marshall’s and TJ Max, depending where you are in the world and if you have access to these shops of coarse. My second bet would be Amazon, or even target, or a local pharmacy. 

If you are going to be somewhere long term and want to just pack a carryon, I would also consider stopping at a pharmacy after you land for a cosmetic hall. I sometimes don’t pack shampoo, conditioner, body wash and sunscreen. I simply buy local products which is always fun and adventure in its own essence! 

Next big topic for the ladies is accessories. Shoes, bags, belts, jewelry, etc! Girls I know it’s so hard, we want to bring it all, trust me I know, this is my continue struggle especially when I’m heading on a plane for a photoshoot or on business. But let’s slow down and think things through. What can be mixed and matched. Let’s strategize. Think what colors and styles go well together, so you can wear things multiple times and no one would ever know. Also, If you’re like me and like to match the aesthetic of the place you’re traveling, I would look up and see first the climate and temperature, and also the ambience of the trip. This will help decipher what kind of apparel you will be bringing, and what will look nice also for photos and videos! For example if you’re going to Egypt, you’re not going to need a heavy winter jacket, durable boots you’ll need lightweight linen clothes with comfortable slip on sandals. Or if you’re going to Thailand, you will need some kind of shawl to cover your shoulders every time you enter into a temple as well as a clothing piece that extends below your knee as it shows respect for the Buddha. Another bit for this, is wear the heaviest shoes and accessories on board, as the baggage clerk doesn’t weigh you, you can come as heavy as you wish! 

I also like to pack a mini jewelry box travel case, like the company vovoo or pro case has on Amazon. Remember, we’re packing simple and light, so whatever fits in there and is appropriate with the outfits you are bringing. 

Long Flights

We all dread the 20 hour flights, time seems to slow down, and feel like you’re in a time vortex, counting down the hours… minute by minute. I promise it doesn’t need to be like this. If you come prepared, relax in the knowing, that the flight duration is what it is, you’ll be perfectly fine. First off, get comfortable. Pack a neck and eye mask, as well as a leg hammock. Check out the brand basic concept on Amazon for reference! As soon as you get on the flight, know your landing time in the local city you’re traveling to. Forget about the local time zone you just left, and start adjusting to the new time zone. Bring a kindle reader, puzzle book, headphones for movies and anything that can keep you busy hours on end. Then when I’m ready to sleep, I like to pop a melatonin, have a glass of wine, and hit the Z’s for at least 4-5 hours. I even like to come tired sometimes to my overnight flights and sleep 7-8 hours. The days I’m going to be traveling I’ll do more exercise and work so I will exhaust myself for the flight and hopefully sleep, to help adjust with the time zone in the city I’m heading to!

Make sure to Drink a lot of water before flying and on board, as the humidity in the cabin is low and you dehydrate fast. This really goes for all flights, but especially long duration flights!

Last but not least, watch your alcohol consumption on board, people get carried away, ordering too much because on long duration flights they normally have an open bar setup and service you meals. But because of the altitude variant, the potency of the alcohol is more intense. The altitude plays a role on your blood oxygen level, even though the cabin is pressurized, there still is an altitude shift thinning our blood oxygen levels. Even though it’s tempting, limit yourself on the drinks. It also dehydrates you. 

Because of the intense dehydration, from the lack of humidity in the cabin, and lack of water you’re probably consuming. Make sure to also bring electrolyte drink packets, like the company I love and use, CURE. Cure is all natural, vegan, containing primarily coconut powder. Also, pack lip balm, and face mist in you personal bag to spray and refresh your face during the flight, as well as lotion so you skin stays hydrated and fresh. 

Fitness 

I am a personal trainer, and have my degree in clinical exercise science, so you know I workout almost everyday, and encourage you to also! Pack a few light weight workout essentials like resistance bands, goggles for laps in the pool, running shoes, and even a yoga mat if you have room! This will help with your energy levels, releasing positive endorphins and dopamine. Working out is my cure for everything. You might not be happy at the beginning, but by the end you will be more fulfilled, relieved and happy you stuck it out! I also recommend downloading an app that keeps you consistent on your workouts. I like the app Alomoves, there are Pilates and Yoga workouts with different levels on intensity! And of course, if you want a hand curated program, checkout my personal wellness website http://www.coachjennifetdyer.com I create personalized wellness plans, all depending on your goals. My mindset is making this a lifetime change, not a diet or temporary fix. 

Random bits on traveling 

Book airbnbs that have a laundry machines, and pack Laundry pods and fabric sheets so you don’t overpack clothes and you can freshen your clothing when you feel. 

Opt for traveling during low seasons, this is a great option for anyone looking for more of a relaxed experience traveling. The price is always considerably less, and at times you can enjoy tours and experiences all by yourself and at a discounted rate.

Buy yourself a portable luggage weigh scale on Amazon. So you don’t get to the airport and then realize your luggage is 10 pounds overweight and now you have to pay the extra 100 USD charge for overweight luggage. 

For the women out there that get hot flashes, from hormones or just really from being in a hot climate buy a mini portable fan for your traveling experience. Usually on the airplanes they keep the environment freezing, but this is helpful for if you’re on a tour or in the sun! 

Hopefully this has helped you for your next travel venture! Thanks for reading, and if you have any lingering questions or any points I missed that I should know make sure to write to me! Hola.jenniferdyer@gmail.com

Happy Traveling!

Jennifer Dyer