| Traveling long distances can be exciting but at the | | | | wait with searching for tickets and I.D. |
| same time exhausting. Here are some simple tips to | | | | - If traveling with small children I have found giving |
| help make your flight comfortable and less stressful. | | | | them a quarter teaspoon of a decongestant like |
| - Pack your MP3 or other listening device in your | | | | Actifed or similar will help their ears drums on take |
| carry on bag along with small snacks like small cheese | | | | off and landings. It is sheer agony for them especially |
| packages, granola bars, gum, or whatever you enjoy | | | | if they have a sniffle. It will also make them sleepy |
| for a quick pick me up. Also pack a good book along | | | | giving you a couple hours of peace. |
| with a couple magazines to help pass the time. Hand | | | | - Make sure to drink plenty of liquids, as long flights |
| held games are great for kids although I have seen | | | | will dehydrate your body. I know a lot of you don't |
| many husbands happily twitching their way through a | | | | want to hear this, but stay away from coffee |
| game. | | | | before and during your flight, it aids in dehydration |
| - Make sure you have your luggage tags filled out | | | | and will also make it harder to adapt to time changes. |
| and placed on your luggage before leaving home. You | | | | - To help with blood flow take a children's aspirin |
| also might want to write your phone number down | | | | before take off and wear compression socks and |
| on a piece of paper along with the dates and names | | | | hosiery to help with your circulation and warding off |
| of the hotels you will be staying at along the way. | | | | blood clots. |
| This is a precaution in case of lost luggage. | | | | - Check the in-flight magazine for exercises you can |
| - Make sure you arrive at least 3 hours early for your | | | | do right from your seat. Stretch and move as much |
| flight. You never know if you might run into bad | | | | as possible. Keep your muscles from painful |
| traffic or have car problems on the way. | | | | contracting get up and move every few hours. |
| - If leaving early in the morning you may want to | | | | - Try to get some sleep on the flight so you will feel |
| book a Park and Fly package with a nearby hotel. | | | | refreshed upon arrival. Purchase a neck pillow, it well |
| You can stay the night, park your car then be | | | | worth the price to keep from getting a sore neck. |
| transferred to the airport in a timely manner. Not only | | | | Earplugs and eye shades are great for drowning out |
| is there less stress before leaving but it also adds to | | | | noise and movement. |
| the excitement of your trip. | | | | - Try to get on local time when you arrive at your |
| - Dress comfortably with loose fitting pants or outfits | | | | destination. Try not to sleep during the day but go to |
| that are made with breathable materials, as the | | | | bed a little early to avoid jetlag. Normally the |
| temps will fluctuate on board the aircraft. | | | | excitement of being there and wanting to sightsee |
| Comfortable shoes are a must since you will be | | | | will get you through the sleepiness. I find chocolate |
| putting on the miles at the airport. Low heeled clogs | | | | really helps, so why not find a small little chocolate |
| or slip on shoes will speed up security screening. | | | | boutique and enjoy your first day in style! |
| - Be sure to have your passport ready before | | | | These tips should help you to feel refreshed and |
| reaching the check in counter and keep it handy to | | | | energetic upon your arrival and ready to get out and |
| pass through security. There is nothing worse than | | | | see all those sights you have been studying about |
| standing in a long line with passengers holding up the | | | | before your trip. |