Whether you are lucky enough to jet of regularly or you go on one annual vacation, these hacks will help to optimise your time making for a more relaxing break.
Packing
Are you an over-packer? Or a last-minute packer? Whichever one you are these hacks will help alleviate the stress of the pre-vacation packing.
Pre-Pack Your Toiletry Bags
To have pre-packed toiletry bags saves so much time and will prevent you from having the fear that you have forgotten something. I buy duplicates of my everyday skincare, haircare and make-up – I buy the travel sizes if possible. I think it is worth investing in the duplicates for the time I save on packing, this also works for kid’s products. By doing this you can also ensure your products are full, you don’t want to run out while you’re away.
I also never travel without my body scrubber; the light exfoliation it provides is a must after a long day in the sun with layers of sun cream on. The scrubber is perfect to travel with in comparison to a bulky loofa. This is because the scrubber is flat and can be easily folded, and it will not make the rest of your luggage wet as the lightweight material means drying time is quick.
Finally, another hack with the scrubbers is that as they are available in six different colours, so you can easily identify which one belongs to which family member – arguments avoided.
Take photos of your outfits that you have packed
This will save you having to put outfits together on vacation and prevent you from over-packing (this also means more room in your suitcase).
Optimise Space
Pack small items like socks inside your purses or shoes. Pack travel-size versions of products if you can, these not only save space but are also handy for when you’re on the go.
Roll Your Clothes Instead Of Folding Them
This will save space and will prevent your clothes from creasing.
Invest In Packing Cubes
These are available in different sizes and will help to segregate your clothes into organised sections, one for tops, one for underwear etc. This will also help you to keep more organised whilst your away.
Pack Strategically
Pack the clothes you are likely to wear at the start of your trip at the top and so on. This way you don’t have to make a huge mess looking for something at the bottom of the case.
Use Clear Toiletry Bags
This way you can double-check everything is in there, and if airport security wants to inspect your bag, they can easily see what is inside.
Smart Styling
Bring basics like a black tee, denim shorts etc, which you pair with multiple other basics. Also, stick to a colour scheme when it comes to shoes. Bring a pair of flats and one pair of heeled shoes in the same colour, then you can mix and match the outfits and use the same shoes every day and night
Pack The Essentials In Your Hand Luggage
Some of mine include; a blanket, snacks, water and make-up wipes.
Dealing With Jet Lag
Some say jet lag is a hangovers best friend, because of the similarly draining feeling and I have to agree. But these hacks will help you to deal with it the best you can. We get jet-lagged because when we cross two or more time zones. It occurs because crossing multiple time zones puts your internal clock (or circadian rhythms), which regulate your sleep-wake cycle, out of sync with the time in your new locale. These small hacks will hopefully help to reduce your post-flight discomfort.
Avoid Hitting The Coffee
You may think a hit of caffeine will keep you going but this will just confuse your circadian rhythm even more. Only drink coffee when you normally would at home, and instead opt for decaffeinated tea like chamomile, this will keep you hydrated and soothe your body.
Gradually Adapt Your Sleep Routine
Start going to bed and getting up an hour or two earlier or later than usual (in line with the time of your destination). Another way to get into your new sleep routine is to set an alarm to avoid you oversleeping in the morning. To help you get to sleep, I would recommend you avoid eating large meals, exercising which will increase your endorphins and wake you up, using electronic gadgets, or drinking caffeinated or alcoholic drinks before bedtime.
Unwind To Help You Get To Sleep
Following good sleep practices to help you wind down, I like to draw a relaxing bath. While I’m in the bath I often like to optimise this time by also doing a face mask and gently exfoliating my body using my body scrubber. I feel these steps help to give my skin a deep clean after being on a plane.
Stay Active On The Flight
It is important you get up out of your seat to stretch and walk around to improve your blood flow. Your blood circulation is critical at preventing less pre-flight discomfort because that is how oxygen is supplied to your brain and vital organs. I would recommend moving around every thirty to sixty minutes depending on your flight duration. After you land you should avoid going straight to sleep if it is still daytime where you are, go outside and the natural light will help your body clock to adjust.
Don’t Be Lazy
When I feel jet lagged, I could easily just slumber in bed all day and watch movies, but this will only make me feel worse in the end. So instead, force yourself out of bed and into the shower or bath (you’ll thank yourself later). A shower will instantly help to feel refreshed, just pampering products to make you feel good. Then style your hair, even a simple plait style will make you feel more put together. Finally, do a full face of your favourite makeup – maybe go for a glowing goddess look to get in the holiday mood.
I hope these hacks help you on your next well-deserved vacation.
