Staying calm and comfortable when you fly to your long awaited (and well deserved) vacation can be a challenge. Yappy dogs, out of control kids and the sneezy dude sitting beside you can take you from the sunglasses-and-flip-flops zone to a ball of stress within minutes.  Stay cheery all the way to the beach and back with these tips for staying sane on the plane.

1. Keep it Zen

Wear comfortable, layered clothing. Think: scarves doing double-duty as pillows and blankets (but don’t overdo it – you’re not an Olsen twin). A great book or magazine can also calm your mind, and don’t be afraid to ask if there are any empty seats so you can spread your wings, too.

2. Keep it Clean

Pressurized cabins combined with a lack of humidity can dry out mucous membranes, which makes it harder for your body to flush out germs. Stay hydrated, bring hand sanitizer and a pack of Kleenex. Leave your contacts in your carry on and throw your glasses on. Accidentally touching your eyes is a quick way to transmit a nasty cold.

3. Stretch it Out

While you’re in your seat, contract your calf muscles to help pump blood to the lower extremities and create movement through your hip and shin joints. Don’t be afraid to move around the cabin to keep your body from feeling stiff. Neck pillows are a must for long trips; the last thing you want is a kink that last for days! I use an inflatable one to save space in my bag and so I don’t have to wear it around the airport like a neck brace.

4. Book it Early

Bite the bullet and book the first flight of the day. There are virtually no delays or waiting around. Use SeatGuru for easy booking and optimal comfort.

5. Eat Well

If you aren’t lucky enough to fly with our friends at Delta  and take advantage of our healthy meals, snacks and tea now available nationally, be sure to eat a nutrient dense meal before your flight to keep your immune system strong and sugar and salt cravings down.

Happy Flying!