Top Five Travel Essentials for Long-Haul Flights
Picture this: You’re staring down the barrel of another long-haul flight. The dread creeps in, but fear not! I’ve got your back. With years of jet-setting under our belts (thanks, Australia, for being so far away from everywhere!), I’ve compiled the top five items to take on board with you to make your journey a breeze. Stick around till the end, because trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the game-changer waiting for you at number five! Welcome aboard the Linke Lifestyle Express! Buckle up, fellow travellers, as we take you on a whirlwind of travel experiences, insider tips, and a sprinkle of entertainment magic along the way. I’m Mardi, joined by my partner in crime, Michael, and together, we’re here to revolutionise your travel game! The Five Travel Essentials for Long-Haul Journeys Imagine this: a throbbing headache, a blocked nose, or aches and pains creeping in. It’s a nightmare! That’s why I always bring an emergency medication kit. My go-to lifesavers include: I keep these organised in handy zip lock bags for easy access and peace of mind. Why let minor discomfort ruin your flight? In the world of long-haul flights, hydration is your best friend. Whether the airline hands you a water bottle or not, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your trusty companion by bringing your own reusable water bottle onboard. Stay refreshed, stay hydrated, and hey, it’s perfect for washing down those painkillers too! The secret to surviving the dry, recycled air of the cabin? Always have lip balm and a moisturiser! Keep your lips soft and your skin glowing with your portable arsenal. I recommend using a sample-sized bottle of moisturiser or transferring it into a tiny pot to save space while keeping your skin replenished throughout the flight. When the cabin feels like a sauna, you need a cool down companion! Beat the heat with your trusty handheld fan. Compact and USB-chargeable, this multitasking champ not only keeps you cool but also provides charging for your devices. Say goodbye to stuffy flights and hello to a breath of fresh air! In-flight entertainment is your savior for those endless hours, so say no to uncomfortable airline headphones and embrace the cozy comfort of your own over-ear headphones. I love my Bose QuietComfort headphones. Immerse yourself in your favorite movies or shows with their outstanding noise-canceling feature. For added convenience, consider pairing them with an AirFly for a seamless entertainment experience. Conclusion Thanks for journeying with us today! If you have your own go-to travel essentials, share them in the comments below. And hey, if you’ve enjoyed this adventure with us, hit that subscribe button and join our ever-growing travel tribe. Let’s spread our wings together and explore the world in style! Until next time, safe travels and happy adventures! Paracetamol/Acetaminophen Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4bpv7wB Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/4cLxZ82 Melatonin Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4elQz8u Amazon Australia: Not available Tylenol PM Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4b2Q0xw Amazon Australia: Not available Zyrtec Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4cLrgLm Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/4cLrgLm Chewable antacid tablets Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4eJm9xd Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/3RSbHtg Little zip lock bags Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3XKxJ52 Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/4cGGJfK Collapsible water bottle Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4eo3J4H Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/3z2NnhY Lip balm Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3xK6SeT Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/3RPkagZ Moisturiser Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4cACQsO Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/45MNvOG Travel skincare pot Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3RQoj48 Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/4eEmi4S Handheld fan Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3RsuVFD Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/3RrncYu Bose QuietComfort headphones Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3RtxYgX Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/3KJHOaH Airfly Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3xjl2Du Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/4aYeW9q
Traveling with Low Vision: Five Essential Tips
Sometimes our eyesight lets us down. In my case, my vision has been a challenge since I was born. For over 50 years, I’ve experienced low vision, and through extensive worldwide travel and experience, I’ve developed five tips that have helped me navigate the world. I’m confident they can assist you as well. Is Traveling Difficult for You? Do you find it challenging to read departure and arrival boards at airports? Are the indicator boards at train stations and bus terminals hard to decipher? Have you struggled to locate a restaurant where you’re meeting a friend or arrived late for a sporting event or concert you’ve been eagerly anticipating? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then these five tips are for you. 1. Do Your Research Before heading to your destination, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research. Whether you’re traveling to Japan, New York, or somewhere in Europe, familiarise yourself with the area. Find out the locations of the shops, shows, or museums you want to visit, and understand the transportation options available. For instance, during my recent trip to Japan, I wanted to buy a quality Japanese knife for cooking. I researched knife shops in Tokyo and Kyoto to find a couple of promising options. I searched their websites, located their addresses, and explored public transport routes to get there from my hotel. I noted how long it would take and their opening hours. By doing this research, I was able to easily and stress-free get to the knife shop and purchase the knife I wanted. 2. Book Meet and Assist Services My second tip is to utilise “meet and assist” services, which many airlines and airports offer. Whenever I’m traveling to an unfamiliar airport, I always book this service, even at familiar ones. My wife, Mardi, is autistic, and mixed with low vision, airports can be overwhelming. Consider major international airports like Frankfurt, JFK, or Heathrow, which can be particularly confusing. The meet and assist service alleviates the stress by providing an escort from check-in to your gate or on to the aircraft. Upon arrival, they can guide you through immigration, customs, and baggage claim. For example, the Quant team took wonderful care of us in New York, making our experience easy and stress-free. 3. Pre-Book Tactile Tours The third tip is to plan ahead regarding experiences you want to enjoy, such as concerts or museum visits. Call or email ahead to inquire about accessibility features for individuals with low vision. Ask if they have audio guides, large print materials, or tactile experiences available. When I visited Lord’s Cricket Ground in St. John’s Wood, London, I had the opportunity to feel the grass and walk on the pitch because I reached out ahead of time. A similar experience occurred at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., where I sat in the cockpit of a space shuttle. Many venues are more than willing to provide assistance to people with disabilities when you simply ask. 4. Allocate Extra Time The fourth tip is to allocate extra time for your activities. As someone with low vision, I often find that things take longer than expected. Therefore, I make sure to build additional time into my schedule so that I don’t miss out on exhibits, experiences, or connecting transportation. For instance, when traveling from our hotel on 44th Street to a concert at 34th Street, Google indicates it’s a 12-minute walk. In reality, navigating large crowds, traffic lights, and locating concert hall entrances can extend this time significantly. By allowing 10 to 15 extra minutes in your itinerary, you reduce the chances of disappointment and give yourself flexibility to enjoy your surroundings even if you arrive a bit early. 5. Bring Your Accessibility Tools Finally, my fifth tip is to pack your accessibility tools. At home, I use various magnifiers, but on the road, I prefer more portable options. I carry handheld and pocket magnifiers to assist me while traveling, especially when I need to read a menu on a train or airplane. In addition, I always have a monocular handy to help me spot landmarks if I get lost. For example, if I find myself stuck in a grid like New York City and need to identify street signs, my monocular serves as a useful tool. I recommend visiting websites of vision agencies to discover accessible magnifiers that suit your needs and to pack several for your travels. Here’s my favourite: www.visionstore.com.au Bonus Tip: Don’t Underestimate the Cognitive Load of Travel Travel can add significant cognitive load, especially when navigating airports with low vision. It’s essential to be aware of the extra stress that comes with travel and to adopt at least one of these tips to reduce that burden. By preparing properly, you’re more likely to have enjoyable and rewarding travel experiences. I’ve travelled the world and enjoyed countless opportunities, many of which are enhanced by my commitment to preparation and accessibility. I’d love to hear your tips on traveling with low vision or any other disabilities. What strategies have you found effective in making your travels easier? Drop a comment below! Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more tips and insights from Linke Lifestyle. Safe travels!
Five Ways to Make Long Haul Flying More Comfortable
Are you dreading your long-haul flight? Let’s face it, those endless hours in the air can be a real challenge. But fear not, because I’ve got five essential tips to help you say goodbye to discomfort on long flights, so you’ll feel first class! Stick around till the end because tip number five is an absolute game-changer. Picture this: you’re on a never-ending flight, feeling sick, tired, and anxious. Sounds familiar, right? Well, worry no more because I’ve cracked the code to stay refreshed and ready to conquer your destination. First things first, let’s talk clothing. Your outfit can make or break your comfort level during a long flight. No one wants to end up feeling like a hot mess at the end of the journey. I’ve got a fail-proof flying uniform strategy that ensures both style and comfort. Research is key – choose clothing that suits the weather at your departure and arrival locations. Layering up with a loose-fitting dress, leggings, a cardigan, and sometimes a long-sleeved t-shirt is my go-to formula. And always opt for familiar, comfy clothes to avoid any mid-flight wardrobe malfunctions or discomfort! I also take a pair of loose, lightweight tracky pants and a comfy t-shirt to change into on the plane, and a pair of thongs – flip flops not underwear – or hotel slippers to slip into when leaving my seat. Next up, it’s all about entertainment. Flying can be stressful for many, including myself. To unwind and relax, bring along your favourite distractions! Obviously, having a massage or a warm bath isn’t going to be possible! Whether it’s diving into a good book, indulging in some soothing music, or binge-watching your preferred streaming series, make sure you have your entertainment essentials ready to soothe your nerves. Now, let’s tackle the sleep factor. A good rest during the flight is crucial for a smooth journey. Set the stage for sleep by staying comfy, cool, and well-hydrated. Establish a pre-sleep routine with light skincare, layered comfortable clothing, and perhaps some gentle sleep aids if needed. Remember, a well-rested traveller is a happy traveller. If I don’t sleep, I not only end up tired and cranky – watch out Michael – but I also feel nauseated, anxious, and hung over– and that’s without even having the fun of drinking the alcohol! Hydration is key! Keep yourself hydrated throughout the flight to feel fresh, cool, and energized. Ditch the alcohol for a while and opt for hydrating fluids to keep your skin and body in top shape. Some airlines will have a bottle of water at your seat when you board. If your airline doesn’t provide a bottle, make sure you take on your own bottle that you can get them to fill. Last but not least, seat selection matters. Choose your seat wisely based on your preferences and needs. Whether you crave extra legroom or crave peace and quiet, find the perfect spot that complements your style of travel. If you haven’t flown on this airline or type of plane before try googling “best whichever-class-you-are-in seat on airline aircraft”. You might find discussion boards or Reddit threads that can help you find that great seat the airlines don’t tell you about! Utilise tools like Seat Guru to score the best seat in the house and breeze through your flight with ease. I’ll put a link in the description below. It will tell you the nitty gritty details of the seats on your plane! So there you have it – five essential strategies to elevate your long-haul flight experience. Thank you for tuning in! If you found these tips helpful or have some of your own to share, drop a comment below. Get ready to transform your next long-haul trip into a comfortable and unforgettable adventure! Ready to take flight? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more travel insights and exciting content. Your support means the world to us as we embark on this journey together. Here’s to smooth skies and happy travels ahead! Stay tuned for more in our long-haul flying series. Bye for now! Amazon affiliate links for the products mentioned in this post and the video: Bose QuietComfort headphones Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3RtxYgX Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/3KJHOaH Airfly Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3xjl2Du Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/4aYeW9q Handheld fan Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3RsuVFD Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/3RrncYu Jewellery pouch Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3VDW3nH Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/3VFHLmD Makeup wipes Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3VHWygF Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/3XHbWvh Bellroy desk caddy Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4cn4xFc Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/3Xptv2D Handheld mirror Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3XjPx6X Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/3yXDnq2 Melatonin Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4elQz8u Amazon Australia: Not available Tylenol PM Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4b2Q0xw Amazon Australia: Not available Hydralyte Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3zdwQaM Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/4ehnF9H Collapsible drink bottle Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4eo3J4H Amazon Australia: https://amzn.to/3z2NnhY
Nine amazing hotel room hacks
Do you find it hard to settle into a hotel room, even though you love to travel? I’ve stayed in many hotels over the years, and I have some tips and tricks to make you feel more at home. Even if you are one of those people that lives out of a suitcase, I think you’ll find something interesting here. Stay tuned to the end when I’ll give you my best hack for making your hotel room feel like home – a warning though, it’s controversial! I love my home and I love spending time there, where I have everything the way I like it. But I also love to travel and when I first started, I always felt a bit unsettled and on edge. So how do I now travel without that anxiety? One thing I’ve realised is that I need to hack my hotel room to make it more like home. I’m not talking scented candles or photos of my pets; this is about how I live in that room as if it is my home. Set up I feel best when there’s a place for everything, and everything is in its place. When I first arrive in my hotel room, before I even start unpacking, I look for places to set up stations. The stations I set up are: Having these makes me feel organised, in control, and I don’t have to hunt around for a well-lit spot for makeup, or to find my phone or rings. Organisation I like to keep small items sorted out and kept together. I bring small foldable trays to keep things together. I have two travel trays that are flat but use press studs to form trays. I always take the small one no matter how short the trip – its flat and smaller than my makeup mirror so I keep it slipped inside the protective bag for the mirror (along with the mirror’s charging cable!) I use this either for things on my bedside table or my jewellery when I take it off, depending on which needs it most. The other tray is larger, and I only take it on longer trips – say a week or more. I either use it in the bathroom to hold all those little bottles I’ve decanted skincare products into, or perhaps snacks that we have in our room. Snacks and drinks Make it a priority to buy some snacks and drinks. Having something in the room to nibble on when you return from a busy day out makes you feel more at home. Michael and I love to drink sparkling water and I always have a bottle by my bed to drink during the night. Depending on the length of our stay we also buy some packets of chips or chocolate. Just don’t overdo your purchasing so you end up having to take it all home with you! Suction hooks Some things need to be hung up in the bathroom! I have my shampoo bar, which I keep in a mesh bag that needs to hang up in the shower. I use suction hooks for this. I bought my hooks from Muji years ago, but you can get them in hardware shops or Amazon. Travelling pharmacy I wasn’t a boy scout (well obviously) but I like to be prepared, so I always have a range of medication and other health or comfort items. There’re painkillers – paracetamol and ibuprofen – antacid tablets, hay fever tablets, decongestant spray, diarrhea medication, hydrolyte, motion sickness pills, band aids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, you name it, if you can buy it over the counter in a chemist shop, I pack it. I used to stuff it all in a toiletry bag, but I’d have to dig through when I needed something and of course, that’s always in the middle of the night when I don’t want to turn the light on and wake Michael! So now I have a hanging jewellery organiser and I put each product in different pockets. I hang it in the wardrobe, or on a suction hook, or even behind the bathroom door. Get ready to go out I always designate a spot for anything that might be needed to leave the room for the day. My handbag, sunglasses, umbrellas, keys, hand sanitiser, folding shopping bag – I don’t want to be running around as we are trying to leave gathering my stuff. Bedtime routine I replicate my going to bed routine. I don’t know about you but sleeping in a strange place can be tough. When I’m at home I have a certain routine – clean my teeth, wash my face if I haven’t done it earlier, take my medication, use a pillow spray, put on lip balm and hand cream, read for a little while then put on some going to sleep sounds. When I am travelling, I bring the products that I need to replicate this. Now, I’m going to have my toothbrush and skincare with me but I also bring a small pillow spray, and an extra lip balm and some hand cream I can leave by the bed so I don’t have to go and dig them out from somewhere else. For the sleep sounds I use an app on my iPad called Pzizz. I use this at home and since my bedtime reading is always done on my iPad, I can use it while travelling too. Small luxuries We like to travel light, but if I’m going to be away from home for more than, say, ten days I make sure I have some room to pack a couple of extra things that bring me home comfort. I like my tea HOT but I drink it slowly. At home I have an Ember mug, which I love, and I have been known to pack it for long trips where we won’t be staying in more than one hotel. For other trips I have an insulated mug.
