#LifeOnAPlane! 4 Ways for the Frequent Traveler to Stay Sane

This season has been a whirlwind of travel! I have been home to NY, down to Laguna Beach, across the country to North Carolina, all in a few short weeks. Plus I have trips booked damn near every weekend this month and a few more I need to lock in for January. As much as I’m loving it, all this travel can get completely and utterly exhausting! Since I’m sinking into that life on a plane flow, I’m sharing a few tips I’ve learned for staying sane when you have to travel frequently. Here’s how I stay organized, streamline my packing process and get the most out of my travel experience.

Unpack and Repack Strategically In Between Trips

Normally, I’m terrible at unpacking. Unless I know something is stained or smelly, I tend to I leave a full suitcase in the corner of the room for weeks on end. But since I’ve been traveling so much more frequently this season, I need to be able to pack and repack on the fly! Once I come home from a trip I immediately dump dirty clothes in the laundry bin. Once they are clean, instead of putting the pieces away, I decide if there is anything I want to take on my next trip, and throw it back in the suitcase. That saves me time folding, putting away laundry and taking out new things when it’s time to pack again.

I also like to assess if there is anything still in the suitcase that is clean or unworn that can stay in there. I usually pack extra options for photo shoots when traveling or if I’m not sure what’s on my itinerary. If I already have stuff packed that can work with my next destination, it stays put. I also keep a clear zip top toiletry case packed at all times with all of my beauty essentials. If I remember something I just used is running on empty I swap it out for a replacement or refill the bottle. The only liquids I need to pack last minute vary based on how I plan on styling my hair during the trip. If my hair is curly, twist out cream and gel are must-haves, but. If it’s a straight style a dry oil will hold me over a few days.

Use Loyalty Programs for the Best Travel Experience

If you aren’t taking advantage of travel related loyalty programs you are seriously missing out! I swear by American Express, having both a personal card, and a Delta SkyMiles card for travel and business expenses. The annual fees more than pay for themselves in the perks, like earning points for free or discounted travel, a complimentary companion ticket so a friend can fly with me for free, and more opportunities for upgrades. Even if you don’t have or can’t get a rewards credit card, most hotels and airlines have their own loyalty programs you can join for free. Perks vary, but some include basics like free wifi, waived resort fees, to room upgrades when available.

Thanks to all my use of my Delta SkyMiles card, and choosing to fly Delta on the majority of my trips this year, I am like 1 flight away from securing coveted Medallion Status. I’ve been a frequent travel for years, but this is the first time I really focused my travel with one airline, instead of just booking the cheapest flight. Of course I compare prices and sometimes your preferred carrier will be way more expensive than other options, so you’ve gotta respect your budget when it comes down to it. However try starting your search with your preferred airline or travel booking site to make sure you don’t miss out.

Also, be sure to read the fine print! I had stayed at several hotels in the IHG family and thought I was earning points on those stays. Turns out you can’t earn points if you book on a third party site, like Hotels.com or Travelocity! In order for your stay to qualify for points, you have to book directly through the hotel or on the IHG site!

Stretch Before and After Every Flight

Trust me, your body will thank you! Even if you are young and healthy, frequent flights and being crammed into a tiny uncomfortable chair can start to wreak havoc on your joints and muscles. Stretching is a huge part of my fitness routine, so it comes naturally for me, but make a point to spend a few minutes stretching before and after a flight. If you can squeeze in some stretches while on board even better! Listen to your body and focus your stretches on where you tend to get achy or tense. I do a lot of hip openers and hamstring stresses since that is where I get the most sore, but do what works for you.

Clear Your Schedule Between Trips

The fastest way to burn yourself out is to travel every week and make social plans for nights out in between. You will need downtime in between for R&R, and normal adult things like laundry and cleaning. It sucks to have to go MIA for a bit, but think about taking care of yourself and what you really need.