1. What temperatures will I encounter in my trip?

Consider all the different temperatures (including plane and airport) and stopover places.

Layering is the best way to dress so that you can undress or dress according to the changes of temperature and whether it’s night or day. 

Like Cairns with tropical destinations you can keep light whilst travelling to the airport and then add the layers when you arrive in the airport or on the plane. 

It ‘s always wise to put spare clothes in your cabin baggage. If you have a spillage or an accident then you will have a change of clothes.  Also, if your baggage does decide to go AWOL and end up having a separate holiday, then you will have spare clothes to tide you over. 

Most airlines offer a nominal costing for baggage lost over 24 hours, so you will have more money to spend on other essentials rather than clothes. 

 

2. What to wear:

•    Avoid g-string knickers (nothing worse than ‘hungry knickers’ on a long haul flight)

•    Sports bras are more comfortable than normal bras (especially uncomfortable underwires)

•    Stretch yoga / gym tights are more comfortable than jeans

•    Try not to wear a belt – this will save you time when going through security screening

•    If you have a bulky jacket then it’s best to carry this separately as a final layer, rather than packing it and taking up space.

•    Wear breathable fabrics and loose garments.

•    Wear shoes that can be taken off and on easily.  This makes getting through security easier and is more comfortable for wearing in-flight.  

•    Wear some comfortable socks too, as the airport blankets can sometimes be difficult to reach to cover cold feet and toes. 

•    Keep a Ziploc bag ready for your socks for hygiene reasons, after you have walked around the cabin and into toilets you can just pop them in ready for cleaning.

•    Compression socks or leggings can be used on a long haul flight to help aid circulation and stop DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

 

3. If you are travelling on a business trip:

Wearing a suit and shirt can be restrictive and it’s not a good look arriving at a business meeting looking disheveled and crumpled. 

Pack your suit, tie and shirt in a suit bag and take this on as hand baggage.  A quick change on arrival and hey presto! Fresh as a daisy (just don’t put on too much of the aftershave as you will end up smelling like one)

Again, always pack some spares in your baggage (shirt, tie and socks).  Socks can be difficult to buy more of if you are going to an Asian country and have big feet so put a few extra in, just in case. 

 

4. For comfortable sleeping:

•    Pack a scarf as part of your layering.  This can be doubled up as a blanket or a soft headrest. 

•    Wearing a hooded fleece can help if you wish to sleep to shut out noise and if extra big, can be pulled over the eyes.

•    You can pack a blow up headrest that will save space in your hand luggage.

•    Pack some headphones for your phone and have some of your favourite music on a prepared playlist to lilt you into sleep.

 

5. Avoid dehydration:

Dry air pressure and skin do not a marriage make.  

•    Drinks lots of water

•    A spritzer spray in your handbag/baggage can help to add moisture to the air around you and also acts as an anti-bacterial spray.

•    Remember to pack your toothbrush and toothpaste with your makeup so you can spruce up after the trip and before you leave the plane. 

•    Take makeup wipes so you can freshen your hands and face throughout the flight.

•    Keep a lip balm handy so you can apply liberally, especially after eating and drinking.

•    Put your sunnies in a safe and convenient place so they can be easily worn, especially if your plane lands in a hot country and requires a walk across the tarmac to transit buses.