Travel Through the Ages
Travel has been my constant companion throughout the years and let me tell you it’s taken me on a wild ride! Born into a military family, I took my very first flight at the age of one. It could be said that I spent a lot of my childhood up in the clouds. As a young kid, I can even remember the days when onboard smoking was still allowed (eww)! Back then, my concerns were simple and revolved around what fun things the cabin crew would hand out to us little adventurers.
Fast forward to present day. My passport holds stamps from over 60 countries & my travel habits are now as diverse as my varied experiences. Please join me as I take you on my journey of travel through the ages. ✈️🌍
Teen-age Mutant Ninja Traveller
In my teens and early 20's, I was all about budget travel. I was more than happy to endure the trials and tribulations that came frugality: multiple lay-overs, middle seats that were designed to torture & ensure leg cramps and having to hold contortion-like poses just to watch flickering movies on the shared television screens. But hey - it was all part of the adventure!
I also recall, in the efforts to not disturb the aisle passenger, I would time leaving my seat precisely with theirs. I would marvel, typically with a very full bladder, how many passengers seemed content with staying in their seats for most of a flight. So, I would (im)patiently wait and psychically urge them to get the heck up! Go figure. 🤷🏽♀️
20's - The Age of Indulgence
During a work trip to Los Angeles, I was inducted into the hallowed halls of business class. Picture this: an endless selection of movies on my own personal screen, an extra-wide seat, hot towel service and a pre-take off drink to set the mood. Don't even get me started on eating off actual plates with real silverware.
I savoured countless glasses of wine and indulged in rich multi-course meals - a hot chocolate chip cookie for dessert you say? Why yes, yes, I will! There were absolutely no thoughts about salt content, dehydration, nor deep vein thrombosis. Weren't those the concerns of, the um, more 'seasoned' traveller?
Fun Fact: Did you know that in flight changes in cabin pressure and low humidity can dull your taste buds to sweet & salty foods by up to 30%! 👅
Thirties - The Age of Reasoning
My life as a tour & road manager for various bands had me constantly jet setting from one exotic locale to the next. Touring allowed me to see and explore the world, however, the long plane rides, fatigue and bohemian lifestyle of the music scene started to take their toll. Then along came a game-changer, my very first 1st class flight courtesy of Etihad Airlines.
Mind. Blown. 🤯
I marvelled at the pre-flight Turkish coffee, the cosy pyjama set, a fully enclosed lay-flat seat and an amenity kit that was absolutely divine. The variety and quality of food options put some restaurants to shame and the in-flight service was flawless, a solid 10/10. It was heaven at 35,000 feet and I made it a point to savour every single moment, especially the precious hours of uninterrupted sleep.
While 1st class flights were not a regular part of my itinerary, I became hooked on its in-flight wellness benefits. So, I decided to revamp my typical flight routine. I prioritised healthier pre-flight meals or packed my own meals. I began ordering "special meals" and supplemented them with protein and other nutritious snacks. I also made sure I brought my trusty water bottle with me guaranteeing a limitless supply of hydration between services.
Don’t' get me wrong, I still enjoyed an occasional pre-flight prosecco, however, I consciously started limiting my alcohol consumption especially on longer flights. The result? I found myself feeling less groggy, bouncing back more quickly and effortlessly allowing me to hit the ground running when I arrived at each destination.
Forties - The Age of Compression Socks
By now, I had embraced a regular practice of standing up and stretching during flights. As a staunch window seat girl these forays were done with many rounds of apologising to my seat-row mates. Yet, the impact on how I felt upon landing was so profound that I had no intention of stopping. With that in mind, I took the next step and fully committed and another evolution in my travel habits. Booking only aisle seats! 😲
Even though I had no underlying health concerns, it was around this time that I also took heed of the tell-tale signs of swelling in my feet, calves, and legs I experienced during each flight. Air travel regardless of one's overall health can take a toll on the body. With this in mind, and in preparation for an upcoming trip to Australia, I decided to buy my very 1st pair of compression socks.
When I landed in Sydney more than 24 hours later, I had none of the usual tightness in my legs and my feet did not resemble swollen balloons. Honestly, I have no idea what I ever did without them and wholeheartedly recommend them to plane travellers of any age! They have positively changed my in- & post flight experience, and no matter how long the journey, you will always see me sporting a pair.
Touch Down 🛬
I'm currently enroute from London to New York and 7.5 hours later we are on the verge of landing in the Big Apple. My trusty compression socks are on, I occupy a coveted aisle seat, I have risen from my seat at least a half dozen times (and counting), and I just had my water bottle refilled for the third time.
I am also happy to say that my bag now holds the remnants of a home-made meal that I ate onboard after completing a 25hr fast - ticking off yet another one of my 50x50 challenges! I felt the need for a reset prior to landing in NY and this definitely did the trick. You will see me experimenting with fasting on other flights in the future.
To some age is but a number. For me, every year that passes signifies the evolution of wisdom and learnings that shape my health and well-being practices. As I fly and embark upon even more worldly adventures, I am looking forward to the insights that the Fifties will bring…Andiamo! 🛫