Five Ways to Make Long Flights More Relaxing and Comfortable

Long flights can be exhausting. Here are five ways to make the journey more relaxing and comfortable so you arrive in Italy ready to begin an amazing vacation! Not only that, these tips will help keep you safer and healthier on the flight and during your trip so you will feel your best.

Use this table of contents to easily navigate within the post:

• Stay Hydrated
• Maintain Body Temperature and Provide Support
• Avoid Sluggish Circulation
• Stay Clean
• Clean Your Teeth
• Beat Jet Lag

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1. Stay Hydrated

One of the most important things you can do for yourself when flying is to stay hydrated. This is especially true on long flights.

Drinking at least 8 ounces of water each hour helps you avoid headaches, feeling sluggish, and being fatigued when you arrive. The beverage service on a plane isn’t enough. So, a good water bottle suited to travel is essential.

Remember to carry it through security empty. Once past TSA security, fill it for the trip and refill throughout your journey. Don’t pay for pricey bottled water in airports. Save those $$$ for Italy!

On the plane, your seatback pocket is the most convenient place for easy access to a water bottle. However, round water bottles really get in the way of knees.

Instead, consider a low-profile container to allow more space for your legs. It makes a big difference in comfort! Plus, having it in sight is a reminder to keep drinking.

Searching for a great water bottle? Then, check out this Hip 22 oz. water bottle which is available in a variety of sleeve colors (they sell out fast), current colors are cloud, mint, and jade. It’s an excellent design:

• Tritan™ plastic that is free of BPA, BPS, and all other bisphenols.
• US FDA and EU FSA approved so you have peace of mind that it is safe and won’t leach.
• 22 oz. size carries enough water to stay hydrated but won’t weigh you down.
• Narrow shape for a great to fit in bags and seatback pockets.
• Easy hold silicone sleeve that cuts down on condensation.
• Tough – won’t crack or shatter when dropped.
• Dishwasher safe AND stays clear with no cracking, crazing, or hazing through numerous dish washings.

Sometimes it’s hard to stay hydrated with water alone. You need something more. During a doctor’s appointment, I made a discovery that has been a game changer for travel and at home.

When water isn’t enough, people typically turn to Gatorade or Powerade. But, these can be sticky messes when traveling.

At my appointment, my doctor suggested hydration tablets with electrolytes. They work just as well as the “rades” but are SO much easier. These also work better than water alone.

Just drop them into a glass or bottle of water, let them fizz for a minute, and you’re good to go.

I use Nuun Sport Hydration Electrolyte Tablets in the Strawberry Lemonade flavor.

The big plus for travel is that they are incredibly easy to take wherever you go. The tube fits easily into a purse or carry-on bag.

Size of the tablets is perfect to pop into the opening of the HIP water bottle. But they do break into smaller pieces if necessary.

Eye Care

While drinking water is essential for staying hydrated during flights, it doesn’t always help with dry, tired eyes. The low humidity levels in airplane cabins can leave your eyes feeling scratchy and uncomfortable. This added discomfort can make your journey feel much longer and more exhausting.

Disposable Steam Eye Masks are the perfect solution to this problem. They provide a spa-like experience that pampers your eyes with soothing steam, alleviating dryness and fatigue. Compact and easy to carry, they fit perfectly in your purse or travel bag, ensuring you have relief at your fingertips.

Whether you’re on a long-haul flight or a short trip, these masks rejuvenate your eyes, making them an essential addition to your self-care routine for a more comfortable and hydrated travel experience.

Skin Care

Flying can be tough on your skin. The recycled air in airplane cabins is notoriously dehydrating. This dryness can dull your complexion and make you feel less vibrant, turning an exciting trip into a struggle to stay comfortable.

A mini fine mist spray bottle filled with water can combat the harsh effects of air travel. A quick spritz delivers instant hydration, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and radiant.

Compact and perfect for your purse or travel bag, this essential tool keeps your skin glowing and youthful. Whether you’re traveling, on a date night, or sightseeing, this spray bottle is a must-have for keeping your skin hydrated on the go.

Remember, staying hydrated is not only important for travel. It affects your health and how you feel no matter where you are.

2. Maintain Body Temperature and Provide Support

There is nothing worse than being too cold or hot when flying. Either can lead to health problems and discomfort and the risk is greater on long flights. If it’s too hot you may experience fatigue, dizziness, and even heat exhaustion. In contrast, cold temperatures can lead to cold stress and hypothermia.

One of the best strategies to maintain the correct body temperature is to wear layers. This lets you adjust based on the conditions in a given plane.

Too hot? Adjust your air vent and request a cold beverage to cool down.

I mostly fall into the “too cold” category. So, I appreciate airlines that provide plastic sealed packs with a sanitized pillow and blanket on long flights.

But, I always bring my own blanket in its zippered carry case. This gives a lot of different options to improve comfort on the flight.

In particular, it adds lumbar support in that gap at the base of your seat. The added support really cuts down on lower back pain and makes sleeping much more comfortable.

A good travel blanket/pillow combo should have the following features:

• Light weight – some kind of polyester fleece works well
• Size – 60” x 43” (not too big or small)
• Strap or loop to attach to luggage, etc.
• Zippered carry case   

You can find this travel basic in many places. A good online option from Pavilia has the all features above, including a well-finished edge and detachable luggage strap. Plus, the double zippers on the carrying bag make it easy to put the blanket away…no stuffing into one end.

3. Avoid Sluggish Circulation

I used to think compression socks were something only elderly people with health issues used. However, I had to wear these after an operation, and it made me realize what a difference they make in comfort and energy. My surgeon and nurses were all wearing them, which sealed the deal for me in terms of their importance.

Research shows that compression socks reduce swelling and risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) on long flights. They do this by gently pushing the blood up the legs and back to the heart. Click here for a great 2-minute video explanation of how this works.

Today, compression socks are becoming mainstream. So, there are more options available. However, quality varies A LOT.

This is one item where you get what you pay for and good compression socks aren’t cheap. So, it’s best to rely on long-standing, time-tested brands that vascular doctors recommend.

I use Juzos. Other doctor endorsed brands are Sigvaris, Medi and Jobst.

Before I go any further, you need to know that compression socks are not for everyone. In fact, they may be unsafe for people with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), diabetes, skin sensation disorders, or pulmonary edema among other conditions. So, check with your doctor to make sure there are no issues for you. 

Also, a bad fit can be as bad or worse than no compression socks. There are two things to consider when choosing the right socks for you – compression level and size.

Understanding Compression

There are three compression levels. Below is what each is designed for:

The above is a guide. But, it’s always good to check with your healthcare provider on which compression level is best to meet your needs. This is especially true if you are at high-risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Understanding Size

The best time to find your size is first thing in the morning before any swelling. To do this, you’ll need to take a few measurements.

When measuring, sit with legs at a 90-degree angle and measure the circumference of each calf and ankle. Jot this down and use it when making your selection.

A sizing guide should be on the package and/or in online information. If you don’t see one, consider it a red flag. On the size chart, find the range that includes your ankles and calf measurements. Add your shoe size to find the right fit for you.

Two great options from Juzo are comfortable, machine washable and easy to get on and off.  Juzo Power Vibe comes in different patterns and colors, has moisture control, and a top border that stays up. Juzo Power Lite (small, medium, large and x-large) are light weight and made with a special DriRelease® fabric.

Finally, use care when putting compression socks on. Bunch the socks down to the toe. Then, start by putting your foot in the toe area and work up from there. With the right size, it should feel like your calves are getting a gentle hug.

Make sure the top band is below the crook of the knee and there are no wrinkles. Compression socks should be snug but not too tight and should have no wrinkles or bunching when worn.

Compression socks that fit well will make your flight more comfortable. Since they reduce the risk of  blood clots, they make flying safer too.

You want a snug fit with compression socks, but remember that the opposite is true for the rest of your clothes. When travelling, wear loose and comfortable clothing that doesn’t bind when sitting.

4. Stay Clean

One of the worse things when traveling is feeling grungy. I still remember the first time I used a body wipe on my way to Italy and the clean, energizing feeling it gave me. It is a great boost on long flights! Remember to pack extras for those sightseeing days when you need a quick freshen up as well.

Not all body wipes are created equal. I have tried a number and the brand I recommend are Venture Body Wipes. They are designed for tough outdoor adventures, which makes them really effective for long flights and travel.

These are larger than most with just the right moisture (not drippy) to get thoroughly clean. They are naturally formulated with aloe, vitamin E and tea tree oil which makes you feel clean and refreshed even without water.

The individual packaging option doesn’t weigh you down and is a big plus when going out for the day. Also, they are lightweight and don’t take up a lot of space. So, make sure to take these body wipes for a tremendous comfort boost on your next long flight and for keeping fresh and energized wherever you are!

Lume is the answer to a critical gap in personal hygiene. Now, we finally have an option that actually stops body odor before it starts. And a huge, important bonus is that it does this safely without aluminum.

Eliminate that waxy perma-layer on your arm pits from traditional deodorants once and for all. Lume means you’re fresh and odor free for days! So, no more B.O. on long flights. (P.S. – a little goes a long way!)

Staying clean is about what’s around you too. Don’t fool yourself that the space around you…tray table, seat belt, screen, and seat arms are clean.

One of COVID’s legacies is that airlines are doing better with cleaning. However, that varies and it’s not worth taking a chance with your safety and health. The last thing you want during your dream vacation is to be stuck in bed with an illness!

Especially since there are two easy things you can do to prevent illness:

• Disinfect your surroundings
• Clean your hands

Each requires a different product. Disinfecting wipes are for HARD surfaces only NOT skin. In fact, using disinfecting wipes on your hands can produce potentially dangerous side effects.

The product I rely on that has stood the test of time is Lysol Disinfecting Wipes. These are rated highly for travel and fit easily into your purse or carry-on bag.

They kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses and antibiotic resistant bacteria including Influenza A Virus H2N2, Strep, and Staph. They also remove over 95% of allergens.

When using, make sure the surfaces get wet and visibly stay that way for 10 seconds. Once you get to your seat, take time to wipe down the seat arms, seatbelt clasp, tray table, and screen. This will take you far on the road to staying healthy and having a great trip!

While they have different ingredients, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizing wipes both have the same goal – to kill germs. Your hands come into contact with many surfaces when traveling. Many more than you are probably even aware of.

Because of that, you need a product that will work when soap and water aren’t readily available. But beware! A lot of hand wipes contain alcohol and are hard on skin.

I’ve found an alcohol free alternative that works well and doesn’t dry or irritate your skin. Clorox Hand Sanitizing Wipes clean and remove dirt using BZK as the active ingredient.

BZK stands for benzalkonium chloride which is an antimicrobial proven to kill 99.99% of most illness-causing germs. Plus, these Clorox wipes come in travel friendly packaging for purses and carry-ons.

A final word about quality. Neither disinfecting wipes or hand sanitizing wipes are costly, especially in relation to their benefits. So, this is not an area to cut corners. The FDA has put out alerts not to use products made by certain companies. So, sticking to brand names here is best.

5. Clean Your Teeth

Most likely you’ll be eating at least one meal enroute to Italy and possibly some snacks too. Luckily, there’s no need to wait until you get to your destination to brush your teeth and wash your mouth.

There are some great disposable options at different price points for easily keeping your mouth clean and fresh. This is particularly important on long flights to prevent growth of bacteria which can lead to illness.

Option 1 – Oral Swabs

The first and least expensive option are the classic sponge wipes (also known as oral swabs). These have a sponge with ridges on a stick handle.

There are a variety of choices, and many come boxed in large quantities. I like the smaller size packages (20-50 swabs). I don’t need and probably won’t use 100 or more when traveling over a year or two.

When I get there, I use my toothbrush. You can use these swabs during your whole trip. But remember they are single use. So, they take up a lot of space when packing what you’d need for the entire time.  

I use Toothette Disposable Swabs. These cost more than some of the other choices, but they hold up and don’t break apart while scrubbing your teeth and gums. The ridges clean between your teeth and the handle is long enough to reach the back of your mouth.

Toothettes are not individually packed like some. However, I put what I need into a zippered plastic bag, and this works well.

You’ll notice that these are untreated (no toothpaste or mouthwash). You can use them dry or dip them in water. Lightly scrub your teeth, gums, and tongue for about a minute and your mouth will feel clean .

Option 2 – All-in-One Tool

While disposable swabs have worked well, I’m trying something new on my next Italy trip. Recently, Brushee, caught my eye. It answers  everything on my list for getting my mouth clean in transit.

This brush has nylon bristles (no rubber and no latex) with a pick and floss built-in. The bristles are coated with low foam, minty toothpaste (no gelatin and gluten free). But, you don’t need to rinse after using.

Each Brushee is individually wrapped and they come in boxes of 24, 72 and 120. Although these are designed for single use, you can use them more than once. The good news is they are FDA approved and meet TSA requirements for carry-on.

This “three in one tool” makes a big difference in how you feel during those long flights. Also, plan to keep a couple in your purse/pocket/pack for use when out and about exploring each day for a clean mouth and fresh breath. 

Beat Jet Lag

I want to end with a brief but important word about jet lag, the silent enemy of travelers everywhere. This sneaky saboteur throws your body clock off balance, leaving you groggy, irritable, and out of sync.

Long flights that cross time zones disturb your natural rhythms, making it hard to sleep, think clearly, or enjoy your trip. The result? Travel fatigue that can turn even the most exciting journey into a tiring marathon.

I used to suffer from terrible jet lag until I discovered No-Jet-Lag Tablets. They made a huge difference and helped me conquer this travel nemesis.

Trusted by flight crews, sports teams, and business travelers, this natural remedy is your ticket to feeling good while traveling. Simply chew these pleasant-tasting tablets – one at take-off, one every two hours during the flight, and another one after you land – and arrive at your destination refreshed and energized!

Don’t let jet lag ruin your travels and cause a sluggish start to your trip. No-Jet-Lag Tablets make it easy to avoid this fate.

These things really make a difference in resting comfortably and staying fresh and healthy on long flights! If you’ve discovered other ideas and products, please share them in the comments.

Still in the planning stage for an Italy trip? Be sure to check out this awesome 10-day itinerary that includes Rome, Florence, and Venice.

Viaggia bene!

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