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It is truly a shame that most people now see travel as a rather irritating, stressful interval between home and holiday, something to be endured rather than relished. I suppose air travel has lost its sheen, now that the average traveller is horded through the terminal, forced to disrobe at security and faced with delays and other setbacks which can push the most patient person to the edge. But I will say one thing - o typical traveller - sometimes you do not help yourself!
So many times I will be strolling through the terminal and spot people in dirty trainers traipsing around with a scruffy backpack that looks like it's been dragged through the Australian bush. Or passengers arriving at the plane door in holed tracksuit bottoms and Uggs, or even pyjamas and slippers! Entire families running haphazardly through the terminal like a stampede of wild elephants rushing to their departure gate. Or women trying to juggle five different bags and dropping belongings everywhere, arriving at the plane flustered and searching for their boarding pass in a million pockets.
And then I see her. The seasoned jet-setter, the epitome of travelling glamour. She glides serenely down the airbridge to the aircraft door, expertly whipping out her boarding pass from a convenient pocket. She greets us with a smile and quickly slides her carry-on case into the overhead locker, before settling herself in her seat and opening a book. She is dressed smartly, yet never compromises her style for comfort. Whether she is seated in 1A or right down the back, this is the woman that is doing travelling right - and these are the people that arrive at their destination the most relaxed.
It is not difficult to achieve. From my own travelling experiences (I live out of a suitcase, work long-haul and short-haul flights and still have to be groomed and immaculate at all times - otherwise I get a stern word from my manager - along with being organised and punctual) and from what I have observed with the glamorous jet-setters that fly with us, I have compiled a list of 'travel commandments' to help you travel in style.
The Nine Travel Commandments of Jet-Set Glamour
1. Thou shalt stay comfortable, but never compromise style
Some might say style is irrelevant, especially on board a flight where the primary concern is comfort - as if being squashed into a tiny seat like a little sardine wasn't uncomfortable enough. But often I find that if you look put together, you feel put together. When I am at home and I need to get a little work done, I find it incredibly hard to focus my mind while I'm in a pair of tracky bottoms or a dressing gown - and navigating airports requires an alert mind! If you arrive at the airport looking smart, you will feel 'ready' for the day ahead. Plus, on occasion airlines overbook economy seats, and there are opportunities for upgrade. Trust me, they won't be picking anyone in crocs or flip flops for business class! Nevertheless, style and comfort are NOT mutually exclusive. See my article on style in the skies here.
2. Thou shalt travel light
The ultimate lesson in chic is a minimalist approach to everything, quality over quantity. The most glamorous passengers I've had on board often just have a carry-on wheelie with them, so they can bypass the agonising wait at the baggage carousel and sail through the airport. Of course this isn't applicable to long stays, but for a weekend trip, it is all that's needed. See my article on packing the perfect case here.
3. Thou shalt invest in good luggage
If you must take a large suitcase for a long trip, make it a good one. I'm not talking an overpriced Louis Vuitton here - vile and tacky if you ask me. If you are a frequent flier, you will be lugging your baggage around a LOT (unless you happen to be lucky enough to have a PA to do it for you!), so it's important for it to be sturdy, difficult to break into and easy to carry/manoeuvre. Weigh the pros and cons - hard cases are fairly indestructible, but don't have any pockets for extra storage on the outside. Some come with built in TSA combination locks which are a good idea, but perhaps you would prefer a padlock. Two wheels or four? Research on the internet which kind of cases are out there and enter a store armed with knowledge, so you can buy a suitcase tailored to your needs, as it will be your travelling companion for a while. Well established luggage brands are Delsey, Samsonite, Victorinox and TravelPro, but if you'd like a little glamour, go for Tumi, Bric's or Hartmann. If you want to push the boat out and make a real investment, go for Goyard. Don't be fooled by designer labels, go for the brands who specialise in luggage - a Tumi case will most likely last longer than a Chanel one. While we're on the subject of luggage - invest in a stylish personalised tag. Cases can look very similar, and you'll want to know at a glance which one is yours on that baggage carousel. Plus, you will be easy to contact if it is mislaid. Aspinal of London have a sophisticated selection of leather tags here.
4. Thou shalt be organised
Do everything you possibly can before the day of your flight. Some airlines allow you to check in online 24 hours before departure which allows you to bypass queues at the airport and select your seat in advance. Aim to arrive at the airport in good time, allowing for delays and traffic (as a passenger I aim for 2-3 hours before departure - 2 hours too early is always preferable to one minute late!) Make sure everything has been packed, and essential items (passport, printed boarding passes, reference numbers, documents, medicines, make-up etc) is to hand in your carry-on bag. There is nothing worse than panicking about essential medicines left in hold luggage, and trust me I've had to get out the asthma inhaler more than once. Ensure liquids are in a small zip up bag (you can get these from Boots) and under 100ml. Prepare a few light snacks like carrot/celery sticks, cheese, biscuits to eat on the plane. Decide on your travel outfit (down to underwear!) and lay out on a chair or hang up on the door. Order the taxi the night before.
Everything should be done the night before, so all you have to worry about in the morning is getting yourself ready and going. See my article on organised packing here.
5. Thou shalt stay hydrated
This is an important one. The aeroplane air circulation system dries out the air to such an extent that your skin will be feeling somewhat like a crocodile handbag by the end of the flight. Avoid alcohol and caffeine (restrict yourself to one glass of wine and savour it with the meal, and if you must drink coffee, have a cup shortly before landing). Drinking lots of water is key, if you have time buy a large bottle in the terminal shops - after security - as if the crew aren't doing many drinks rounds throughout the flight you will be suffering! Dehydration makes you tired and grumpy, not to mention causing headaches and nausea. When you step off that flight you want to be glamorous and glowing, not paunchy and depressed.
6. That shalt beat jet-lag
The jet-set always look polished, even when stepping off a long-haul flight. OK, so they've probably had a nice flat bed to snooze in, but even if you find it difficult to sleep in an upright position you may find tips in this article here useful. I can definitely vouch for lavender as a sleep aid - plus it smells lovely!
7. Thou shalt exercise
OK, so airlines aren't offering treadmills on board quite yet, but it is important to get out of your seat and stretch your legs every few hours on a long-haul flight, so you arrive at your destination comfortable, serene, relaxed and oh-so glam - it's hard to be travelling in style if you're aching and in pain. See my article about keeping moving on board here.
8. Thou shalt read
Books are truly the chicest form of entertainment. Glamorous women are often intelligent, interesting and well read. Taking a book onboard is good practice, as you never know when the inflight entertainment system might fail. I often hear people say they 'don't read enough' as they simply 'don't have time' - what better time to get around to reading a book than on a long plane journey?
9. Thou shalt be gracious
Last of all, the key to a stress-free journey in style is simple: be gracious and civil to your cabin crew, and they will do their best to help you. Putting on airs and graces is not only foolish and vulgar, but we can see right through it - I have had my fair share of DYKWIAs and none of them were anyone of note. If you want special treatment (without paying), a smile, a joke and a little charm - and knowing when to realise defeat - can go a long way. FYI - in my experience, the most gracious people are usually the jet-set travelling in First Class.
So there you have it. I hope these tips help you on your next adventure!
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