Travel in style

I wonder where directors get the ideas for shooting the deboarding scenes in movies. I have never- not even once- walked off of a plane with freshly blown out hair or dewy skin- let alone in a beautiful unwrinkled light weight ensemble that flows in the wind! This writer experiences the complete opposite. Flat back hair (seat hair), dry skin and lips and I'm either wrapped tighter than a swaddled infant (because it gets cold) or more wrinkled than a pugs face. Picture perfect. Hopefully we can both learn from this post. 

Don't arrive to your final destination looking like a hot mess. Here are a few tips on how you can travel in style:

Moisture
On average the humidity on an airplane is 12%. That is a far cry from the typical indoor humidity of 30-65%. Because of this many people experience dryness when flying. It is very important for travelers to stay hydrated inside and out.

• Drink plenty of water. Be sure that you are not just moisturizing your outside but your inside as well. There are so many options to plain water today, there are no excuses. If you get tired of flat water try mineral water, seltzer water or flavored water. Just be sure that you are getting your daily recommended 8 glasses per day.

• Use Butter as Lip Balm. If you forgot your lip balm, don't fret. Ask the attendant for a packet of butter. A pinch will keep your lips nourished and soft. (Cosmo)

• Spray a light moisturizer. If you find that you get dry skin use a small spray bottle ( 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less of liquid per TSA requirements) filled with Witch Hazel. I suggest that you excuse yourself to a location that is not crowded. Wouldn't want to spray any of your fellow travelers by accident.

• Keeps some baby wipes on deck. Baby wipes fix a lot of issues. Spills, spots, quick freshening up, washing your face during a red eye to name a few. I prefer the natural or unscented wipes. They are more sensitive skin friendly and don't smell like a nursery.

• Keep Hand Sanitizer Handy. To avoid getting unsightly pimples while you're on vacay, NYC-based dermatologist Francesca Fusco, M.D. advises against touching your skin while you travel. "You can pick up any number of unknown bacteria that can result in any number of skin problems after you arrive." Also, if you're going to apply makeup mid-transit, Fusco suggests using an antibacterial hand gel on your palms first to disinfect your hands and ultimately protect your face from germs. (Cosmo)

Makeup
It's not necessary to travel in full makeup and it's also not necessary to go without it.

• Don't forget your sunblock. Nothing is more important than protecting your skin. I have tried and really like L'oreal's Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil Spray. It softens and doesn't leave that blue iridescent tint on darker skin. Yes it is safe to use on your face. Don't let the word "oil" scare you off. It is super lightweight.

• For light coverage try a BB cream or mix a little of your foundation with a moisturizer (or sunblock).
• Prime your makeup to keep it intact  There are a few makeup primers on the market but I personally prefer to carry Monistat Chafing relief powder gel. This gel has the same ingredients as the more expensive primers, is lightweight, contains vitamin E and aloe and it serves dual purposes! Use it to prime or use for it's intended purpose.

Clothing

• Comfort is key. Looking good is nice but shouldn't come before being comfortable. Lets keep in mind you are traveling, more than likely that will involve a lot of walking. It hurts me to see first time travelers in the train station or airport in pumps. Not only will they hurt after trekking across terminals but they are not efficient for the security processes. loafers, ballet flats and Crocs are all very good options for airports. On and off in a second. No strings, straps or struggle. If you prefer to go without socks- for say-ballet flat, I suggest bringing an extra pair of socks in your carry on. It gets cold on planes and a full body blanket is just not an option.
• Wear breathable materials and layer. Layering breathable materials can help you to adjust to any temperature. Undershirt, shirt/blouse, sweater, blazer should suffice for just about anything.
• Use Your Flat Iron as a Regular Iron. If your clothes are a little wrinkled after you've unpacked and there isn't a regular iron in sight, use a travel flat iron to smooth your collar, sleeves, and hemline. Just be sure to make sure it is free of all hair product- might i suggest the baby wipes?
• Don't get wrinkled in the first place. If you start out with non wrinkle fabrics you will show up as fresh as you started off. 
• Wool and polyester are wrinkle resistant.
• Twisted yarns like those in crepe fabrics reduce the tendency to wrinkle.
• Closely woven fabrics wrinkle more than loosely woven fabrics.
• Thick fabrics do not wrinkle as much as thin fabrics.
• Print fabrics can make wrinkles less noticeable.

Packing

• In my humble opinion, unless you are going to be away from home for more than a week or are delivering something there is no reason to check bags. No you will not use that ball gown on your hiking trip, if you hate wearing it at home you will definitely hate it on vacation, and I can't tell you how many times I have packed a netbook and not used it. Save space. Take a look at this article on how to pack efficiently.
• Along the same lines, NEVER check a bag with any of the following items:
• Wallet
• Passport or other ID
• Prescriptions meds
• Priceless items (Engagement ring, family heirloom, etc.)
• Boarding passes
• Cash and credit cards
• Electronics (laptop, tablet, etc.)
• Fragile items (pack them well and ship them ahead of you if possible)
• Film (TSA's X Ray machines can damage film)
• Always keep the following with you in your carry on:
• Everything above
• 1 comfy change of clothes (I prefer leggings, under garments and a comfy tee- doesn't take much room and it can double as sleep gear)
• Dry Snacks (especially if traveling with children)
• Empty water filtration bottle. Don't pay- fill at the water fountain and carry with you.
• Phone charger. I carry a USB cord, AC adaptor and a car adaptor. This is the one thing I do not skip on. I use my phone for communication, gps, location scouting, medical info, entertainment and I'm sure a lot more. Not having a phone is NOT an option. 
• Sunglasses. Shield the sun and hide sleepy eyes.
  
• Pack Dryer sheets. They remove static from your hair and clothing and make your bag smell great while taking up virtually no room.

I hope you find these tips helpful. Happy trails everyone!






Sources: 

Cardellino, Carly. "11 Beauty Tricks to Try When You're Traveling." Editorial.Cosmopolitan. Hearst Communication, Inc., n.d. Web. 23 July 2013. <http://www.cosmopolitan.com/hairstyles-beauty/skin-care-makeup/beauty-tips-tricks-products-travel#slide-1>.

Vroomen-Durning, Marijke, RN. "Preventing Dehydration From Air Travel." Editorial. Ed. Pat Bass III, MD, MPH. Everyday Health. Everyday Health Media, 05 Feb. 2009. Web. 23 July 2013. <http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-travel/air-travel-and-dehydration.aspx>.


Jayne, O'Donnell. "Which Fabrics Help Take the Wrinkles out of Travel." Editorial. Travel News. USA Today, 09 Sept. 2001. Web. 23 July 2013. <http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/news/features/wrinkle-free-fabric.htm>.



Geraldine. "My 55 Best Travel Tips." Web log post. The Everywhereist. The Everywhereist, 30 Apr. 2012. Web. 23 July 2013. <http://www.everywhereist.com/my-55-best-travel-tips/>.