Wave – summer sun: travel essentials
Zara Baker finds your summer holiday essentials for health & wellbeing when travelling abroad
If Cliff Richard had you singing along to ‘Summer Holiday’ in Hove on his recent tour, then you’re probably sat at work thinking about that little ray of sunshine in the near future: your all important summer holiday.
Whether it’s in the UK or abroad, a long weekend or a fortnight, a holiday is the perfect break from your normal routine.
So, with a warm holiday destination in mind, we have put together your essential travel checklist. Happy travels!
On the plane
With approximately 500,000 people boarding an aeroplane every day, flying to our destination is by far often the easiest (or only!) choice.
Your trip begins at the airport, where strict security regulations
on hand baggage allowances are in place. Airports and different airlines may vary but the main gist is this: do not carry liquids over 100ml in your hand luggage. These will be confiscated – whether it’s drinking water, deodorant, contact lens solution or your favourite designer perfume. Don’t part with your summer essentials! Pack everything over 100ml in your suitcase – in multiple bags to prevent leakage and ruining your summer holiday wardrobe!
Liquids under 100ml must be placed in a clear plastic bag to go through security – so think travel size shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, moisturisers etc. Sharp objects are also restricted from hand luggage so pack your scissors, tweezers and razor blades in your suitcase otherwise you will have to buy them again when you reach your destination – or in the expensive airport shops!
Hand luggage must not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm in size.
Travel in style: Express Sunshine Flower Turquoise/Pink Cabin Case £49 & Holdall £20, exclusive to www.debenhams.com
Long-haul flights
Wherever you’re jetting off to this summer, fly safe and in optimum health. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop after a long-haul flight. It occurs when the blood flows too slowly through the veins, causing a blood clot to form, usually in the legs. Reduce your risk of developing DVT while flying by wearing flight socks. These apply gentle pressure to the ankle to help blood flow.
Sitting in the same – usually cramped – conditions also doesn’t help. Walk around whenever you can to keep blood flowing. If you are sat down watching the in-flight entertainment, there are some exercises you can do to reduce the risk of DVT developing:
• Raise your heels 10 times, keeping your toes on the floor, then bring them down.
• Raise and lower your toes 10 times.
• Repeat every 30 minutes
• Avoid drinking alcohol on the flight but do drink plenty of water.
Travel in confidence
Of course, with every great adventure there is risk. Once it’s all over, you’ll be glad you took the plunge, but prepare as much as you possibly can (flight socks/travel sickness pills/travel insurance etc).
Not many people can put their hand up and say they love to fly, but, for some, a deep-rooted fear of flying can mean they never board a plane. The end result of a holiday destination and fantastic sights and adventures is enough for most of us to sit in cramped conditions for 10 hours or more. But a real phobia of flying can stop you seeing the big wide world. Remember that, when compared to travelling on the roads, flying by aeroplane is actually incredibly safe.
A fear of heights as well as feeling out of control are often the reasons people fear flying. “The person can experience physical sensations such as feeling sick, shortness of breath, or an increase in heart rate at the mere thought of flying,” says hynotherapist Jonathan Conway from The Conway Practice.
There are ways a person can overcome the fear. Jonathan Conway teaches the ‘NLP Fast Phobia Cure’ which enables you to let go of the way the information is stored in the body and change the way you respond in the situation.
Visualisation techniques can help you feel calm and in control, as you picture having a positive flying experience. Jonathan can also teach self hypnosis tricks for you to take with you on your journey.
Don’t miss out on the holiday of a lifetime because of a negative voice in your head.
Jonathan Conway, accredited Hypnotherapist NLP Master Practitioner and Coach:
01273 540425,
www.theconwaypractice.co.uk
Travel essentials
Keep germs at bay with The Body Shop’s fantastic range of cleansing hand gels. We love the freshness of the satsuma gel. No need for water or towels! £2.50, www.thebodyshop.co.uk
Keep your passport, holiday insurance, currency and travellers cheques to hand: Heritage Travel Document Case, £4.50 from Accessorize, www.accessorize.com
Pick up your essential Flight Travel Pack, £10 from Accessorize, www.accessorize.com
