Melanie's Easy Travel Recipe

I think you all know, I travel a lot. Additionally I grew up overseas this means that I have spent a great deal of time on transatlantic/pacific flights. I have, what I think, is the most refined travel system of all time.  In my own very modest opinion, my system works so well that I often arrive feeling relatively fresh and rarely have terrible jetlag. Fresh of my flight to Oz I thought I'd post it. This tip is only for long haul flights, if you try it on a brief 3 hour flight, I think it will just make you uncomfortable. I should also, begin by saying this is a modification of my mother's travel system that I watched her use when I was a kid. 

The key ingredient is a fully stocked carry on bag. In this carry on bag should be: toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste,  make up, brush, I like wet wipes, deodorant, and whatever else you need to get ready). Also and entire change of clothes, including socks, shoes, everything. 

FYI, my carry on of preference is a backpack you can cram it full of junk and carry it around easily. I found it more comfortable than a shoulder bag and more mobile than an annoying wheelie bag. (I'm short and rather clumsy so I find the overhead bins a pain and I invariably run over someone's foot with a wheelie bag) 

Step 1: Stay up late, wake up early the night before. I like to get on a plane slightly sleep deprived, I find it helps me sleep better on a flight. Find whatever sleep aid on a plane works for you-- sleep deprivation is my key, but a glass of wine on the flight works well, as does a dose of melatonin or tylenol pm. 

Step 2:  Immediately before leaving for the airport take a shower. It do it so immediately before that I arrive in the security line with my hair still dripping wet. It's a real treat for everyone.

Step 3: Relax on the flight and try to sleep, but if you can't sleep just try to rest/relax don't stress about not sleeping.

Step 4: About 1-2 hours before landing take your carry on bag stocked full of goodies and head to the lavatory.

Step 5: Transformation. This is the key part. Pull down the little shelf in the bathroom and put your bag there. Now brush your teeth, wash your face (use the wet wipes if you'd like), brush your hair and change into your new outfit. The bathrooms have outlets so if you curl or straighten your hair feel free to do that as well. You'll need to ignore the other passengers who will be banging on your door at this point and asking you to hurry up.

Step 6: Conquer Jetlag: If your flight arrives at your destination (my preference) push through the day. Do NOT under any circumstances go to bed early or take a nap. Go out, site see, whatever but stay awake.  Also, have something planned for the next morning. This will force you to go get up at a reasonable time and push through another day. I find that by the evening on the second day I'm pretty well acclimated. If your flight arrives in the evening, go to bed at a reasonable bedtime, and then follow the other steps. Have something planned in the morning and push through and entire day. Repeat. 

I can't guarantee a good vacay--but I think these tips work well! :) 

PS-- Have to give props to my mother. This system is really just an adaptation of hers, I watched her use it for years as a kid.