The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, was a seasoned traveller even before she began trotting the globe in service of her royal duties,
Her love of travel extends back to her childhood. “My mom was a travel agent, so off-the-beaten-path travel has always been a big part of my life,” she said in an interview with Allure in 2014.
She wrote about her travel tips on her lifestyle blog, The Tig. Here are seven to consider the next time you jet away.
Don’t be embarrassed to show your inner germaphobe
You encounter so many germs every day, but there’s no harm in trying to reduce the number you meet while travelling. Take a moment to wipe over the surfaces you’ll touch when you first get on the plane.
“I’m no germaphobe,” Meghan wrote on The Tig, “but when I get on a plane I always use some quick hand wipes or a travel sanitiser spray to wipe it all down: that includes the little TV, the service tray, and all the buttons around your seat.”
Cold viruses, for example, are transmitted through respiratory droplets and can survive for several hours on surfaces such as tray tables and armrests.
Read: Why the royal family retreats to Scotland every year
Pack some tea tree oil
The one thing Meghan always has on hand while travelling is tea tree oil. “It’s not the most glamorous thing, but if you get a cut, a mosquito bite, a small breakout, no matter what it is, it’s my little cure-all,” she told Allure. “It’s inexpensive, it’s small enough to carry on, and I bring it with me all the time.”
However, tea tree oil can cause irritation, dryness, redness and some other side effects in some people.
Stay hydrated
Airplane cabins have very low humidity levels because around 50 per cent of the air circulating in the cabin is pulled from the outside, and at high altitudes, the air is almost completely devoid of moisture. Also, people typically tend to consume less water while flying than they would during a typical day on the ground.
Even mild dehydration can make you feel awful so make sure to keep up your water intake. Hydrating from the outside is also important. Meghan told the beauty subscription company Birchbox that she always uses a hydrating skin mist upon landing.
Dermatologist Dr Jennifer MacGregor agrees: “In flight or right after, I love a cleansing wipe followed by a hydrating mist. Don’t forget a heavy moisturising cream to lock it in.” And remember to wear mineral sunscreen. “People forget you can get a lot of UV exposure through airplane windows,” Dr MacGregor adds.
Read: Seven scary things that happen to your skin when you fly
Pack probiotics to ease stomach discomfort
Meghan’s advice for easing potential stomach issues while travelling is to “Always travel with a high strain probiotic” to keep gut health in check, she wrote on The Tig.
Studies show that disrupted and low sleep quality can cause constipation in healthy individuals. Probiotics can help counteract constipation by increasing the frequency of bowel movements and softening stool, according to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, potentially keeping you regular when crossing time zones and eating new foods.
Bring extra layers for the plane
Airplanes are known for being extra chilly so bring some layers to wrap up warm. “I never travel without a scarf or thin cashmere blanket that feels like a hug. Throw it in your purse or backpack, and no matter how far you travel, you will always feel comforted both on and off the plane with something that feels and smells like home,” Meghan wrote on The Tig.
Fight jet lag with food
Your mind is often raring to explore as soon as you’ve arrived at a new destination, but sometimes your body demands a rest.
Meghan suggests this tactic, courtesy of fashion designer Misha Nonoo (the friend who is rumoured to have set her up with Prince Harry): “Eat on the schedule of wherever you’ve landed,” Meghan wrote on The Tig, and “you won’t feel jet-lagged. By simply eating a meal at the time the locals are when you land, you trick your brain a bit and stay much more on track, and much less cranky.”
Read: Tips for combating aches and pains on flights
Get moving
Hours spent squashed into an airplane seat can cause aches and pains everywhere. One of Meghan’s hobbies, vinyasa yoga, could be the perfect antidote. You could do yoga in your hotel room or find a local yoga studio near your hotel.
Or, if you’re already in pretty good shape, you could even combine sightseeing and exercise by hiking, renting bikes, or kayaking on your holiday.
What travel tips do you swear by? Why not share them in the comments section below?
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