Travel guide

 

     We all have seen one post too many about what one should take with them on a flight. From lotions to potions, creams and masks, anything one could want to create a instant spa. But no one really talks about the reality of a flight especially if you are a nervous flyer or face any other issues while dangling thousands of feet up in the air. Will a lotion calm you down? Take away that horrible pressure from your ear? Ununh! No siree! Well what will really help you then? Read to find out more…
 


     I get the worse pressure build up in my ears so much so that I’m in terrible pain when it happens and quite near passing out from it. My head feels like it will explode and I wish really hard that it does just to end my misery. Now I always carry a pain killer with me which I take just after security check and while I’m waiting for my flight to board. Usually it takes about 10 minutes or more for the entire process till the time the flight takes off. By then the medicine kicks in and I’m good to go. I do still get pressure build up more often than not but at least I’m not plagued by mind numbing pain. 

Travel guide

 

     For the pressure problem I like to tackle it with my twofold method – one carrying lots of gum to chew on and two carrying a pair of ear plugs. For me, drinking water or swallowing or chewing on anything else doesn’t work to minimize the pressure. Chewing gum works the best I’m on it one after the other through out the flight. I find that if you start earlier on you will have lesser problems with the pressure than if you start when you already start to feel the pressure build up. The soft squishy and liquid ones work the best as they create more  saliva in your mouth and take longer to dry up. If the gum is not enough for you then carry a pair of earplugs. You get ones made especially for travel purposes. Pop them in before take off and ensure that you have them on after the meal is served and done with as cabin pressure feels different for some reason. You can take them out in the middle.
Travel guide

 

     Try to not touch fizzy drinks before or during the flight as they make you gassy and cause you some discomfort during the flight. From pain in the stomach to embarrassing gas episodes it is best that you avoid them. If you feel claustrophobic or confined in the narrow space then opt for the aisle seat instead of the sought after window seat. Trips to the bathroom become a whole lot easier and you will have a sense of openness around you. Just mind your elbows 😛
Travel guide

 

     Since sitting even for an hour without anything to do can be infinitely boring ensure that you carry your entertainment with you. Whether it is a book or a pod filled with songs. Plus the best part of having some music to listen to is that when that kid travelling on the plane decides to start screaming bloody murder you can just block out the entire thing by popping in the ear phones. I cant stand to hear wailing kids and then to go through that in a confined space for the entire journey is a type of hell that is beyond describing! I once had to endure a child screaming her lungs out for 2 and half hours while going through the pain in my ear all at the same time. Cant even begin to describe my state after that flight 🙁
Travel guide

 

     If you are travelling by yourself then try to carry a small lock on you that you can slip on your purse. Ensure that the zips are fastened in such a way that there is no gap from which anyone can steal. Do this before giving it for baggage scan and that way you can be at peace while waiting in the long line for security check. Your valuables aka money, cards, phone, etc. will be safe and not get swiped by anyone. I use a barrel/number lock and slip at part of the metal detailing on my purse along with the zip head.
 
     Those were some of things that came to mind. Let me clarify that these points are based on some the events I have faced personally. I’m sure a lot of people might disagree with some things but then again if you have a cast iron stomach and nerves of steel then you don’t really need this guide at all 🙂 Do let me know what you thought of this guide and your personal pointers for travelling. I hope you found this useful and I would be glad to hear back from you as to what other practical guides you would want to see. I will catch you soon 🙂 Happy travels!