Whether you like flying or not (and I happen to love it), there are a few simple, easy, but effective measures I always take for the journey, making it just that bit more comfortable while ensuring I (hopefully) don’t arrive looking like I just spent a week sleeping in the same clothes in a tent.

I’ve flown a fair amount in the last ten years, always on long haul flights, and the few details I add to my regime ensure I have a relaxing, enjoyable and most importantly, comfortable flight

1. Immune Support

While it may sound obvious, I cannot stress this enough. Airports, airplanes, dirty hands, air conditioning and the overall number of people you are likely to come into close contact with en-route, does not make for a happy immune system. Especially adding on the physical strain of jet leg. Support your immune system with large doses of vitamin C and echinacea. The trick is to take them consistently, not just once or twice. I would take three times a day, the day before, day of and day after travel. It might sound like a lot, but in my experience it’s foolproof.

2. All-Natural Hand Sanitiser                                                                                                                  

I make a spray bottle of this myself with 6 drops each of frankincense, lavender and melaleuca (tea tree) essential oils, mixed with equal parts aloe vera, water and coconut oil (or any other carrier oil).  It’s a wonderful, natural hand sanitiser that is also moisturising, cleansing and immune supporting.

3. Lip Balm

The air conditioning on the plane can make your lips dry and crack, so I aways carry little pot of Carmex. Actually I carry a little pot of Carmex everywhere.

4. Underwear

I don’t want to get too personal here, but do not underestimate the benefits of having a spare pair of underwear and socks. Enough said.

5. Toothbrush and Toothpaste

This is vital!

6. Make up and Face Wipes

Your skin can suffer terribly when traveling so I like to take a small stash of face wipes so I can take my makeup off on the plane and reapply it for landing. I use Bare Minerals powder foundation and blush, these two pots and a sample size bottle of mascara means I can fit in the basics for hand luggage.

7. Relaxing or Night Time Tea        

I swear by these teas and always drink them when I’m flying. Sleeping pills are fine as long as you know you can actually sleep. But if for some reason you can’t, you could end up at your destination feeling drowsy and disorientated. This relaxing tea is all herbal, it makes me feel relaxed and a little sleepy, without any drowsy side-effects.

8. Eye mask        

Of course it will block out light, but a silk eye mask will also help to avoid redness and puffiness around the eye, and it feels fabulous next to your skin.

9. Sweatpants, and a Blanket or Hoodie

I always take a warm sweater or large scarf and some light sweatpants. If the air-conditioning is low on the plane it can get cold and if you’re not flying international you are not guaranteed a blanket. I change into them just before I get on the plane. Sitting in jeans can get uncomfortable after a while, and everything else just gets horribly creased.

And finally…

10. Blag it    

Some call it gift of the gab, I call it just being proactive. This has worked for me in getting an upgrade a few times when I’ve been traveling solo, so it’s worth a try. Enroll in the frequent flier program before you fly, and at check-in – try to speak to a real person, not a machine – tell them you are a bad, nervous or sick flier. (It’s not lying, I can often feel nauseous from airplane food….!) No airline wants a sick passenger, so the least you should get is your window or aisle preference, and you might just be fortunate enough for an upgrade.