Tips for the International Flights

• Take the small zippered tote bag/knapsack with your valuables, medicines, toiletries and change of underwear with you on your international flight - just in case your luggage is lost you will be able to begin your African adventure. 
• Wear loose-fitting all natural fibers so your skin can breathe.  Remember a sweater in case it’s chilly.
• Once on board set your watch to the time at your destination.
• Ladies:  Remove all make-up and apply a rich moisturizing facemask– for the whole flight! (coconut oil decanted into a 3oz container works well).  Remove it with a face wipe (individually packaged) or warm water before arrival.  Apply the mask, lotion or oil to your hands and feet as well.
• Strong mints (such as Altoids) are always nice during the flight. Try sucking on a hard candy or lollipop during ascent/descent to help equalize pressure in your ears.
• Drink LOTS of water during the flight (buy a big bottle at the airport to get started before you board). Avoid alcohol and caffeine the day before you fly. For each alcoholic or caffeinated drink you have on the flight - drink a glass of water.
• Eyes and nasal membranes dry out quickly on long flights as airplane air has almost no humidity. A moisturizing eye mist or preservative-free drops (such as single dose Simalsan or Optique) are helpful, and you might try putting a dab of coconut oil inside your nostrils. A damp handkerchief placed over your nose and mouth can help create a more humid breathing environment.
• To avoid picking up germs on the flight consider a colloidal silver nasal spray, such as Silver Wings 50ppm, and a throat spray, such as Barlean’s Olive Leaf Complex, along with a dose of Ezymaedica’s Enzyme Defense. Don’t forget to disinfect your hands often with natural hand sanitizer, such as Cleanwell’s non-aerosol pocket-sized spray.
• If you are prone to sinus pain/pressure, bring an over the counter sinus medication on the plane with you (be careful of non-drowsy formulas if you want to sleep).
• Sleeping on the aircraft: Stay up late a few nights before travelling so that you work up a good “sleep appetite.” Try massaging lavender oil into your temples and drinking a cup of chamomile or Sleepytime Extra tea (bring your own tea bags). An inflatable horseshoe shaped pillow (such as Urophylla Inflatable Travel Pillow), eye mask (such as Dream Essentials Luxury Travel and Sleep Mask), and good ear plugs (such as Flents Quiet! Please) allow for a more restful sleep. Also, Melatonin (3-5mg) or gentle sleeping pills, such as Deep Sleep by Herbal Medicine, or prescription Ambien, are helpful if you have trouble sleeping while flying.
• If you think you might get hungry on the flight, pack some healthy snacks. Instant soup in its own cup, individually wrapped granola bars, peanuts and raisins, protein bars, beef or turkey jerky, herbal tea and whole grain crackers or pretzels are good options. Watch the sodium if you are prone to water retention. Please note that you may not bring produce from the United States into Africa. 
• Stomach discomfort caused by the change in air pressure often responds to Gas-X or CharcoCaps AntiGas Formula.
• Stretch and walk around at least once per hour (unless you are sleeping). Walk to the back of the aircraft and touch your toes, or take “downward dog” if you practice yoga (don’t worry, no one will mind).
• If water retention is a problem circle your ankles often and keep your feet up, if possible. Once on the ground, drink a cup of hot green tea and take 500 milligrams of vitamin B complex, which acts as a mild diuretic.
• On arrival: Adjust to the local time as soon as possible. If you arrive after 1:00 PM local time, do not sleep until bedtime! Don't worry, you can have an early night the first night - but don't go to bed before 7:00 PM. If you arrive before 1:00 PM, you can get away with a catnap of no more than 3 hours - or until 1:00 PM, whichever comes first. A vigorous scrub with a washcloth in a hot shower and a quick jog or brisk walk will help stimulate your circulation and reduce the effects of the long flight.  Sleeping with your feet on a pillow above your upper body will improve blood flow. There are several homeopathic jet-lag remedies on the market which are worth trying (such as “No Jet Lag”). Most importantly, drink lots and lots of water for the next couple of days. Drinks with potassium and electrolytes (such as Emergen-C’s Electro-Mix) are also helpful.
• If you are a yoga practitioner viparita karani (legs-up-the-wall-pose) is rejuvenating after a long flight.