Online Travel Guide

How do I make myself as comfortable as possible on a flight ?

• Be aware of travel advisories concerning weather problems, security threats or any other important issue at or on the way to your destination.
• Check the airline’s safety record and compare. It is particularly important to do this when you are flying foreign carriers.
• Try to book non-stop or direct flights, when possible, to reduce the number of takeoffs and landings. Many accidents occur when the plane is reaching or coming down from a high altitude or speed.
• Cover as much skin as possible. Avoid synthetic fabrics if you can. Some may melt in high heat, so try wear clothing made of natural fabrics such as wool, cotton, denim or leather.
• Stay away from tight or restrictive clothing. Choose something that is loose or can be made looser.
• Avoid high heeled shoes. Wear low heels, preferably leather or canvas. Laced shoes are better than loafer types because they can be loosened.
• Always listen and follow flight attendants instructions. They are there to help keep you safe.
• Pay attention to the emergency instructions given at the start of the flight.
• Read the safety instruction card in the back of the seat in front of you and know where the flotation device is located

How can I eliminate the possibility of motion sickness ?

• Most people have no problem flying on an airplane. If it’s your first flight and you are afraid of becoming ill, ask your doctor for something that will help if needed. It’s unlikely that you will but it’s too late once you’re on the plane.
• Try to get a seat in the middle of the plane. Being seated on the wings will provide a smoother ride.

How do I reduce the pain in my ears when there’s a change in altitude ?

• Although planes are pressurized, your ears are very sensitive to the changes in altitude. Landing usually affects people more than take off.
• If you are experiencing a head cold, try to clear it up before you need to fly.
• If you have an ear infection, you might want to consider postponing the trip or using ground transportation. An ear infection can be terribly painful on a plane and also dangerous to your health. Contact your doctor before hand and let him know your travel plans ask his advice before you leave.
• Many people find relief from chewing gum or sucking on candy. Chewing and swallowing relieves pressure on the ears, especially on take off and landing. With small children, be careful to avoid the possibility of them choking during turbulence.
• Yawning is a good way clear the ear passages
• Nursing a baby can help the child’s ear discomfort.
• If you sleep on the plane, request a wake up before you begin descent. Landing is usually hard on the ears and while sleeping you swallow less. You may wake up on the ground in pain.
• Be sure that pool or ocean water from from the vacation is not still lodged in your ears. Buy ear drops and dry out before you fly.
• Whatever method you use, continue through take off and landing. That way you will adjust to the change gradually.

What do I do to reduce jetlag ?

• Deal with the problem before you leave.
• Adjust your schedule to an earlier or later bedtime or mealtime gradually, a week before you leave.
• Change your watch to the new time as soon as you arrive. Help convince your body of the new time.
• Remember to drink a lot of water. Most jetlag comes from the body being dehydrated. Alcohol, caffeine and sugar will worsen the effects of dehydration.
• Once you are hydrated again, use moderate caffeine and light exercise to help you stay awake. If you want to sleep, choose foods that will help bring on a more natural slumber.
• However, avoid rich food so your body can concentrate on catching up with the new time, instead of dealing with heavy digesting.
• If you can, try to arrive in the evening, Your body will find it easier to sleep if you arrive after dark. That way you can start the new day rested.

Book and plan your holidays and flights well in advance.