Half Term Travel Ingredients
· Tired parents
· Excited children
· Flight to sunshine or snow
· Lots of luggage
· Bikinis or Skis
· Early starts and not enough sleep
· Long drive in the car (always seems longer with children right)
· Cooped up at the airport waiting for a flight
· Finally arrive at your destination and you’re totally exhausted and stressed to overload!!!
Here are some hints and tips to make your half term holiday be a pleasure and not a chore…
1) Drink plenty of water!
a. Flying is a well-known cause of dehydration due to the lack of humidity in the plan cabin. By drinking plenty of water, both before you board and whilst on the flight, can help prevent irritation caused by dehydration, headaches, hunger and it can also keep skin moisturised. Children in particular can also suffer with dehydration, so don’t let that be a cause of some unnecessary tantrums! Don’t forget that you are unable to take water through security, but its best to stock up once you are through to airside.
2) Avoid alcohol
a. Alcohol not only exaggerates dehydration, but it can also make it difficult for the cells to absorb oxygen, therefore worsening any alcoholic symptoms. By reducing alcohol both before take-off and whilst on the plane you are likely to sleep better both before and after the flight, and you will be able to rest whilst on the plane.
3) Reduce sugar for kids
a. We all know the effect of sugar on our children and the last thing you want is sugar highs and lows, and hyperactivity on a flight. Try and regulate your childrens’ snacks and always stick to healthy choices such as fruit, oat cakes, vegetable crudités and cheese sticks rather than chocolate bars and crisps.
4) Plenty of sleep and rest the night before
a. Unfortunately many flights involve early starts and late nights. If you are flying long haul, adjust your clocks to your destination as soon as you board the flight and try and adapt to the new time zone. Make sure you get an early night if you have a morning flight and try and rest on the plane where possible.
5) Boost your immune System
Your immune system is compromised whilst travelling at altitude, mainly because it needs to be fully hydrated to work at maximum capacity. Keep hydrated and stick to a healthy diet before you fly with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
Flying at half term will always be a busy exciting time, but keep you and your family well by remembering to eat well, drink plenty of water, reduce alcohol and get plenty of sleep. Happy holidays everyone!
