If you are a frequent traveler, then you have mastered the art of getting to the airport, through security and on your plane as quickly as possible, but do you navigate with style? You may be thinking, "I'm going to be sitting on a tiny seat for hours on end. Why do I need to look good doing it?" Here's the catch. You do not have to trade in comfort to be feeling your best. Here are a few travel tips that will have you appearing put together and sophisticated without losing any points in the comfort department.
Dress the Part
As much as you may want to wear your pajamas when traveling, there are ways to get the PJ feel without the oversized, mismatched t-shirt and old sweats. Throw on some leggings, joggers or your favorite jeans and a simple sweater or basic tee. If you are on a work trip, you can spice up any outfit by throwing a blazer over the top. A layered look will help keep you comfortable on the plane, hot or cold. Pick a sneaker that is made for walking and slide on a pair of animal socks to complete your ensemble. This way, you are stylish, yet quirky and conversational. Buckle your watch and pop on some sunglasses to complete the look, and you will be ready to take on anything. How you dress sets the tone for first impressions, and you want to be sure you are blowing them away.
Luggage
There is nothing that catches the eye more than someone who is dressed nicely and has luggage that fits the part. Your bags are a subtle statement, and beyond popular belief, you don't have to break the bank to purchase travel gear that is both sleek and practical. You also want to put some thought into your carry-on bag, which needs to be highly functional for holding your electronics and keeping tickets and boarding passes accessible.
Come Prepared
You don't want to get stuck looking out the window or staring at the wall the whole flight. Come prepared by bringing a new book you have meant to start or download your favorite show the night before. There is nothing worse than letting your mind wander while you sit in a metal tube at thirty thousand feet, so pack enough entertainment to keep you busy for a while. It is always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, and have a good idea of your beverage order to keep things running smoothly. If you're flying the Red-Eye, a travel pillow and blanket could come in handy.
Be Early
To be on time is to be late at the airport. It is better to give yourself time to grab a coffee and a snack for the plane than it is to be rushing. Make sure all your bases are covered by downloading your airline's app or subscribing to your flight notifications so that you will be updated on any changes to your gate number or flight time. If you arrive early, it takes the stress out of adjusting to any shifts in the itinerary.
There are many moving parts when it comes to traveling. It is not uncommon for flyers to worry more about the details than ensuring they will be content on their flight. Give yourself plenty of time to get packed up, and do not wait until the last minute to get all your belongings situated. Make it so on the day of your flight all your energy is spent on a double-checking your bags and getting plane-ready. Save yourself the headache and stress of traveling unprepared by planning ahead of time. Airports are chaotic as it is. Still, if you are feeling confident and taking care of your business, you are much more easily adaptable to the madness, than you would be otherwise. Use the tips above to give the best shot at trouble-free travel.
About The Author
stash member Vincent Stokes
Vincent Stokes is an outdoor enthusiast and an experienced world traveler. He also writes writes for the National Parks and works to promote pride in homegrown travel destinations. (@TravelingGlobal)