Latest news with #PamHuynh
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
Do you have a fear of flying? 10 flight attendant-approved tips to deal with flight anxiety
Nervous about your next flight? You're not alone. Whether it's turbulence, takeoff jitters or just the chaos of navigating the airport, flying can be a major source of stress for many travellers. Luckily, if you're someone who finds flying nerve-wracking, there are a number of things you can do to alleviate stress and make your trip as smooth as possible. We spoke to a flight attendant to get her tips on how to stay cool and comfortable in the air. Pam Huynh is a flight attendant with Air Canada, and has nearly a decade of experience in the travel industry. From handling turbulence to practicing calming rituals, keep scrolling to see her tips for stress-free flying. It may seem obvious, but planning ahead can save you tons of stress when travelling. Huynh recommends having a solid plan for getting to the airport and accounting for checking in for your flight, dropping off any luggage and getting through security. She says arriving to the airport three hours before your flight is a great way to alleviate pre-flight jitters. "If you're there three hours before the flight, then you have time to relax, grab a coffee and all that," she says. "It's never a bad idea to get to the airport early." Many might prefer a carry-on bag, but by checking your luggage, you don't have to worry about fighting for overhead bin space. "I think that's a big stressor for a lot of people, trying to get on a plane early to fight for that space," Huynh says. If the thought of checking a bag is stressful for you, consider using an AirTag or another luggage tracker to track your luggage. Huynh notes that some airlines also allow you to track your checked luggage through an app. "Through the app, you can check where your bag is," she says. "It tells you when your bag is being loaded, or when your bag has been unloaded ... I find that gives [travellers] more peace of mind." However, Huynh says you should always keep your must-haves in your carry-on just in case your luggage does go missing. "If you're going to check [a bag] then keep your essentials on you and a spare outfit, as well as your snacks, your entertainment, your water and your passport," she says. Speaking of clothing, you'll want to make sure you're dressed comfortably for your flight. "You want to dress for the conditions. I always say bring a sweater and an extra pair of pants," she advises. "What are you going to do if you get cold?You can't buy a new outfit on the plane." "You don't have to wear sweatpants or a jogging suit — you can still dress nice and be comfortable," she adds. If you're someone who gets cold easily, a wrap or cardigan is handy to have. You can also ask the cabin crew to adjust the temperature in the plane, says Huynh. If you're nervous about flying, keeping yourself distracted during the flight can help. "Bring music or a book, puzzles, your Nintendo Switch, an eye mask if you want to sleep," says Huynh. something," If you're going to rely on the in-flight entertainment, make sure you also pack a pair of headphones — specifically the kind with an audio jack. If you start to feel stressed before or during your flight, mindful breathing techniques can help to calm your nervous system. Deep breathing, for instance, allows the body to exchange more oxygen for carbon dioxide, helping to slow down your heart rate and stabilize your blood pressure. "I personally love the idea of that," says Huynh. "If you can, [I] highly recommend it." She says other ways to de-stress could be do to some movement, or even to practice meditation and mindfulness before your flight. "I've seen people do yoga in the airport and bring their yoga mats with them," she says. Certain medicines and treatments can also help ease in-flight anxiety. Huynh says she loves to carry a pocket pharmacy, like this one from Saje, which contains multiple essential oils meant to calm, revitalize and uplift. "Some people also use Gravol to help with nausea from flight anxiety," she says. She adds that melatonin can also be helpful for travellers heading overseas or to different time zones. "If it's a long flight, they can just sleep and it helps them adjust to the [time change] better," she says. Give yourself some extra peace of mind by choosing your seat in advance. "If you're someone that stresses [about flying], I'd recommend paying to choose your seat early," says Huynh. "Something that stresses out a lot of people is not sitting with their group." For instance, you may want an aisle seat so that you have easy access to get up and stretch your legs or use the bathroom. "Some people prefer getting on the plane quickly and getting off the plane quickly, so those are usually the front to middle seats," adds Huynh. "If you can get on the plane early and get comfortable and organize yourself, that gives you extra time to settle in for your adventure." Where you sit on the plane can even affect how much turbulence you experience. In general, the back of the plane tends to swing more when there's turbulence, so if it amps up your anxiety, you may want to avoid sitting there. But Huynh stresses turbulence "is really never something to worry about." "It's caused by air pockets from other planes flying in different directions," she says "and [areas over] water are usually going to be more turbulent than land." "And of course, if it's a really windy day, you can also probably expect a bit of turbulence," she adds. "Something that will keep you safe and less stressed is having your seat belt on during those times," she adds. It goes without saying that you should follow safety advice of the flight crew when flying, but it can also help alleviate in-flight worries. "The best way to handle emergencies is to be prepared," says Huynh. "So actually paying attention to the safety demonstration from the flight attendants or from the screen, and knowing where the exits are, your alternate exits, knowing what to do if there's going to be a hard landing." She also recommends keeping your seatbelt on when you're in your seat, a practice that can provide added peace of mind when dealing with a turbulent route. "Even if the seatbelt sign is off, because anything could happen," she says. At the end of the day, Huynh says you can take comfort in knowing that no matter what happens, your flight crew has got your back. "Whatever happens, just trust that your crew can handle it and get you out," she says. She notes that the flight crew is trained to deal with a wide variety of situations in the air. "Some people may need help that turns into a medical emergency, and we're qualified to help with that. Some people just need someone to talk to. And some people just need a snack," she says. If you're feeling stressed, she says you can absolutely call a flight attendant over to talk to. "There are so many different solutions, and we're always happy to provide them."
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Want to avoid getting sick while travelling? 8 flight attendant-approved tricks and tips you need to know
Travelling can be an incredible adventure — but it also comes with its fair share of health risks. Between dry cabin air, time zone changes and exposure to countless germs in airports and on planes, staying healthy while travelling can feel like a full-time job. So what can you do to prevent it? We asked Pam Huynh, a flight attendant with nine years of experience in the industry, to share her insider tips on how she stays healthy while on the move. In a job where long hours, contact with numerous passengers and recycled cabin air are part of the daily routine, staying well isn't just a nice-to-have — it's essential. So, what does she recommend? From smart hygiene habits to travel-tested wellness routines, Huynh shares eight tips to avoid getting sick while travelling. Whether you're a frequent flyer or just planning ahead for your next getaway, these game-changing tips might just change the way you travel. "I like taking vitamin C pills before every flight," says Huynh. "A lot of people like to drink the Emergen-C drinks, but I like the pills. I just pop one before every flight, and I know that I have all my vitamin C and I'm good for the day," she says. These tablets feature timed release to help maintain vitamin C levels. According to Harvard Health Publishing, vitamin C supports the immune system by protecting cells from free radical damage and enhancing the natural defences of the body. Other things like getting adequate sleep, minimizing stress and taking steps to avoid infection (such as washing your hands) are all ways you can keep your immune system strong. Huynh also recommends staying up-to-date on any vaccines you may need for travelling. "A lot of people aren't aware of what shots they need," she says. "It doesn't hurt to research that before you go somewhere. There are high cases of measles right now in so many places, so always making sure that your vaccinations are up-to-date is a really big thing that's going to help prevent you from getting sick." Staying hydrated is important at any time, but especially so in the air. According to the Cleveland Clinic, at high altitudes, the air is almost completely without moisture — and can cause your throat, nose and skin to feel dry. "Keeping hydrated is such a key thing, because you don't realize how dehydrated you get being 25,000 feet up in the air," says Huynh. She recommends bringing an empty reusable water bottle with you — that way, you don't have to rely on beverage service (or buying a marked-up bottle of Evian at the airport). This stainless steel water bottle is BPA free and comes with two lids — an easy-twist spout lid and a flip-up straw lid. "I always bring my own water bottle, and I refill it at the airport," she says. Huynh also says that staying hydrated helps you avoid travel-related breakouts. "Your skin really does get dry in the air," she says. "Personally, I get more oily when I get dry, but when I drink a lot of water, it helps to hydrate my skin, and I don't have as many skin problems," she says. She also says it can help ease jet lag symptoms. "If you just stay hydrated throughout the flight, it kind of keeps you level," she explains. "It helps you to adjust easier when you land." When she travels as a passenger, Huynh says she makes sure to wipe down all the surfaces at her seat. "I get into my seat, I put away all my stuff in the overhead bin and under the seat, and then I grab my wipes, and I wipe down the tray table," she says. "If there's a TV screen, I wipe that down too, and then I wipe down the armrests and the seatbelts," she says. "I find those are the most-frequently touched places, and people touch those without realizing what else they've touched," she says, noting that many people may not wipe down their trays after using them. "It's not a thing that people think about. Even with the seat belt, people get up, sit down, move around, and don't think about that either. It's hard to sanitize the actual seat belt, so I'll just do the buckle, because that's the biggest point of touch." She recommends carrying a travel-size package of disinfectant wipes for wiping down any high-touch areas, plus hand sanitizer for your hands. These biodegradable wipes kill 99.9 per cent of viruses and bacteria, and can easily be stored in your bag. This hand sanitizer spray by Canadian brand Attitude kills harmful bacteria and germs, and leaves behind a sweet apple fragrance with notes of cucumber and earl grey. "Having your own hand sanitizer on the plane and your own disinfectant wipes are really great, just because you can't always get up to go to the washroom [to wash your hands]," says Huynh. Having a travel health kit with you containing some basic medications — like anti-motion sickness medication, cold and flu medications and pain medications — is always a good idea. These tablets contain certified organic ginger, traditionally used in herbal medicine to help relieve digestive issues including nausea and indigestion. Huynh also recommends travelling with a pocket pharmacy, like this one from Saje Natural Wellness. This pocket pharmacy includes five roll-on oils that are meant to help with headaches, indigestion, tension and fighting against germs and viruses. "It has mint for migraines and headaches, and then it has a few other scents, and I really like using those when I'm starting to get sick or have a headache or a cough or something like that," she explains. She also uses oil of oregano. "If I felt like I was about to get sick, or was sick, I would take a squeeze of the bottle," she says. "And I don't know if it's a placebo effect, but I would feel much better." She also likes ginger Gravol for combatting nausea — and says it "really helped" when she was feeling nauseous. Where you sit on the plane can also be important. Some studies suggest that window seats might expose passengers to fewer infectious particles, as passengers in the window seats have less contact with others than those seated in middle or aisle seats. Huynh says she also prefers to take a window seat. "I stick to myself; I try to get a window seat so that I can stay away from other people," she says. I personally don't love aisle seats, just because I feel like I get bumped by people walking through the cabin ... and that's also extra germs that I don't want." Choosing your seat strategically can also be helpful for minimizing motion sickness. "For motion sickness, I would say, stick towards the front of the plane, if you can," says Huynh. "I find the back usually feels a bit more turbulence than the front of the plane, so anywhere from the front to middle is usually really good." Staying warm on a flight isn't just for comfort — being cold can also impact how your body fights off infections. A study by researchers at the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University in England found that having cold feet may actually lower your immune response. So it may be a good idea to skip the sandals, even if you're travelling somewhere hot. "I'm someone who gets cold easily, so I always have a sweater," says Huynh. "Sometimes I have a pack of socks in my purse." "Bringing your own sweater, a scarf or a light blanket that fits in your purse or backpack is never a bad idea," she says. This lightweight cardigan is easy to layer, and reviewers say it's warm without being bulky. It also comes in multiple colours. This fleece blanket easily folds into a compact carrying bag that makes it great for travel. She adds that it is also possible for the flight crew to adjust the in-cabin temperature. "They can adjust it for the front half [of the plane], the back half," she says. "And then, if it's a really big aircraft, certain areas are possible too." Even though masks aren't required when flying anymore, they can still be a good idea to prevent the spread of illness. These masks feature a triple-ply and soft material, and reviewers say they're "good quality." According to the CDC, when worn by a person with an infection, masks can reduce the spread of the virus to others, and can protect wearers from breathing in infectious particles from people around them. "I personally never wore a mask before COVID," says Huynh. "I found that a lot of travellers in Eastern regions would wear a mask if they were sick, which I thought was such a polite thing to do. I've had people before COVID ask me on board for masks, because either they're sick or they're near someone that's sick." Now, she says she'll mask up in certain situations. "I would wear a mask if I was sick or want to prevent myself from being sick," she says. She notes that you can also use the overhead air vent at your seat to get some added airflow. Sitting on an airplane for hours can lead to stiffness, soreness and swelling in your legs and feet, and in some cases, can put you at risk of developing blood clot-related illnesses, such as deep vein thrombosis. Research shows that moving during long flights can help to reduce your risk. "I would say as a general rule of thumb, you want to get up and move at least once every two hours," says Huynh. "It's not always possible, but I've seen people do squats in the galley and lunges, and do what they have to do." "Standing up at your seat and taking a stretch once every two hours, that works too," she says. According to the U.S. National Blood Clot Alliance, even seated exercises such as ankle circles, knee lifts and overhead stretches can be beneficial. "Even just stretching your arms goes a long way too, instead of just sitting cramped in and not moving the whole flight," says Huynh.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Want to avoid getting sick while travelling? 8 flight attendant-approved tricks and tips you need to know
Travelling can be an incredible adventure — but it also comes with its fair share of health risks. Between dry cabin air, time zone changes and exposure to countless germs in airports and on planes, staying healthy while travelling can feel like a full-time job. So what can you do to prevent it? We asked Pam Huynh, a flight attendant with nine years of experience in the industry, to share her insider tips on how she stays healthy while on the move. In a job where long hours, contact with numerous passengers and recycled cabin air are part of the daily routine, staying well isn't just a nice-to-have — it's essential. So, what does she recommend? From smart hygiene habits to travel-tested wellness routines, Huynh shares eight tips to avoid getting sick while travelling. Whether you're a frequent flyer or just planning ahead for your next getaway, these game-changing tips might just change the way you travel. "I like taking vitamin C pills before every flight," says Huynh. "A lot of people like to drink the Emergen-C drinks, but I like the pills. I just pop one before every flight, and I know that I have all my vitamin C and I'm good for the day," she says. According to Harvard Health Publishing, vitamin C supports the immune system by protecting cells from free radical damage and enhancing the natural defences of the body. Other things like getting adequate sleep, minimizing stress and taking steps to avoid infection (such as washing your hands) are all ways you can keep your immune system strong. Huynh also recommends staying up-to-date on any vaccines you may need for travelling. "A lot of people aren't aware of what shots they need," she says. "It doesn't hurt to research that before you go somewhere. There are high cases of measles right now in so many places, so always making sure that your vaccinations are up-to-date is a really big thing that's going to help prevent you from getting sick." Staying hydrated is important at any time, but especially so in the air. According to the Cleveland Clinic, at high altitudes, the air is almost completely without moisture — and can cause your throat, nose and skin to feel dry. "Keeping hydrated is such a key thing, because you don't realize how dehydrated you get being 25,000 feet up in the air," says Huynh. She recommends bringing an empty reusable water bottle with you — that way, you don't have to rely on beverage service (or buying a marked-up bottle of Evian at the airport). "I always bring my own water bottle, and I refill it at the airport," she says. Huynh also says that staying hydrated helps you avoid travel-related breakouts. "Your skin really does get dry in the air," she says. "Personally, I get more oily when I get dry, but when I drink a lot of water, it helps to hydrate my skin, and I don't have as many skin problems," she says. She also says it can help ease jet lag symptoms. "If you just stay hydrated throughout the flight, it kind of keeps you level," she explains. "It helps you to adjust easier when you land." When she travels as a passenger, Huynh says she makes sure to wipe down all the surfaces at her seat. "I get into my seat, I put away all my stuff in the overhead bin and under the seat, and then I grab my wipes, and I wipe down the tray table," she says. "If there's a TV screen, I wipe that down too, and then I wipe down the armrests and the seatbelts," she says. "I find those are the most-frequently touched places, and people touch those without realizing what else they've touched," she says, noting that many people may not wipe down their trays after using them. "It's not a thing that people think about. Even with the seat belt, people get up, sit down, move around, and don't think about that either. It's hard to sanitize the actual seat belt, so I'll just do the buckle, because that's the biggest point of touch." She recommends carrying a travel-size package of disinfectant wipes for wiping down any high-touch areas, plus hand sanitizer for your hands. "Having your own hand sanitizer on the plane and your own disinfectant wipes are really great, just because you can't always get up to go to the washroom [to wash your hands]," says Huynh. Having a travel health kit with you containing some basic medications — like anti-motion sickness medication, cold and flu medications and pain medications — is always a good idea. Huynh also recommends travelling with a pocket pharmacy, like this one from Saje Natural Wellness. "It has mint for migraines and headaches, and then it has a few other scents, and I really like using those when I'm starting to get sick or have a headache or a cough or something like that," she explains. She also uses oil of oregano. "If I felt like I was about to get sick, or was sick, I would take a squeeze of the bottle," she says. "And I don't know if it's a placebo effect, but I would feel much better." She also likes ginger Gravol for combatting nausea — and says it "really helped" when she was feeling nauseous. Where you sit on the plane can also be important. Some studies suggest that window seats might expose passengers to fewer infectious particles, as passengers in the window seats have less contact with others than those seated in middle or aisle seats. Huynh says she also prefers to take a window seat. "I stick to myself; I try to get a window seat so that I can stay away from other people," she says. I personally don't love aisle seats, just because I feel like I get bumped by people walking through the cabin ... and that's also extra germs that I don't want." Choosing your seat strategically can also be helpful for minimizing motion sickness. "For motion sickness, I would say, stick towards the front of the plane, if you can," says Huynh. "I find the back usually feels a bit more turbulence than the front of the plane, so anywhere from the front to middle is usually really good." Staying warm on a flight isn't just for comfort — being cold can also impact how your body fights off infections. A study by researchers at the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University in England found that having cold feet may actually lower your immune response. So it may be a good idea to skip the sandals, even if you're travelling somewhere hot. "I'm someone who gets cold easily, so I always have a sweater," says Huynh. "Sometimes I have a pack of socks in my purse." "Bringing your own sweater, a scarf or a light blanket that fits in your purse or backpack is never a bad idea," she says. She adds that it is also possible for the flight crew to adjust the in-cabin temperature. "They can adjust it for the front half [of the plane], the back half," she says. "And then, if it's a really big aircraft, certain areas are possible too." Even though masks aren't required when flying anymore, they can still be a good idea to prevent the spread of illness. According to the CDC, when worn by a person with an infection, masks can reduce the spread of the virus to others, and can protect wearers from breathing in infectious particles from people around them. "I personally never wore a mask before COVID," says Huynh. "I found that a lot of travellers in Eastern regions would wear a mask if they were sick, which I thought was such a polite thing to do. I've had people before COVID ask me on board for masks, because either they're sick or they're near someone that's sick." Now, she says she'll mask up in certain situations. "I would wear a mask if I was sick or want to prevent myself from being sick," she says. She notes that you can also use the overhead air vent at your seat to get some added airflow. Sitting on an airplane for hours can lead to stiffness, soreness and swelling in your legs and feet, and in some cases, can put you at risk of developing blood clot-related illnesses, such as deep vein thrombosis. Research shows that moving during long flights can help to reduce your risk. "I would say as a general rule of thumb, you want to get up and move at least once every two hours," says Huynh. "It's not always possible, but I've seen people do squats in the galley and lunges, and do what they have to do." "Standing up at your seat and taking a stretch once every two hours, that works too," she says. According to the U.S. National Blood Clot Alliance, even seated exercises such as ankle circles, knee lifts and overhead stretches can be beneficial. "Even just stretching your arms goes a long way too, instead of just sitting cramped in and not moving the whole flight," says Huynh.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Travelling for the May long weekend? If you're over 50, don't leave home without these 11 things
Got a trip coming up? Travelling this long weekend? If you're flying, there are certain travel essentials you'll want to have on hand for a comfortable experience. It's always good to be prepared — and who has more experience with what to pack than someone who spends thousands of hours a year in the sky? Pam Huynh is a flight attendant with Air Canada, with nine years of experience in the travel industry. We asked Huynh for her list of packing essentials — with special attention to items people over the age of 50 should always have on hand when flying, whether in their carry-on or checked luggage. Keep scrolling to see what she recommends, and to shop her picks. Comfortable footwear is a must when travelling, especially if you're someone who likes to take their shoes off on the plane. The best option? Slip-ons. 'Because people don't have a lot of legroom, I find they try to bend over to tie their shoes,' Huynh says. 'Slip-on shoes are so much easier.' She also adds that depending on your destination and what airport(s) you go through, you might have to remove your shoes for security. That makes slip-ons and even smarter choice. If you're someone who requires a bit more support and cushioning, Huynh recommends Sketchers for their arch support. These slip-on sneakers from Sketchers are lightweight and feature a cushiony memory foam sole. Huynh says she would "definitely" recommend bringing along a neck pillow when flying, especially for those who struggle with neck or back pain — or if you just find flights bother your body. 'If you're trying to save space, the blow-up ones are great, but I prefer the comfy ones that you can button around your luggage," she says. 'Especially if you're in the middle of a three seater — you need the extra support." Huynh also recommends that travellers bring other things to help with comfort, such as a back pillow or seat cushion, especially for longer flights. 'People keep saying that the airplane seat cushions have gotten thinner and thinner, the materials less comfy,' she says. 'You want to be as comfortable as you are in your home.' This memory foam neck pillow can be packed in a compact carrying case for easy transport. This gel seat cushion is great for long trips and perfect to help with lower back, sciatic or tailbone pain. Temperatures can fluctuate on planes, which can be particularly uncomfortable for travellers who may be more sensitive to temperature changes. With this in mind, Huynh recommends travelling with something versatile you can cozy up in, such as a blanket scarf. 'if you don't want to bring a blanket, I see a lot of people bringing blanket scarves,' she says. 'I think it's a really good idea.' Another option she recommends? A lightweight cardigan. Read more travel articles on Yahoo: I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu — 23 hiking essentials I packed to travel Peru's Amazon and the Andes I travel a lot — 34 carry-on bag essentials I never get on a plane without Is Monos worth it? I travelled with $1,180 worth of Monos luggage on dozens of flights — here's my honest review 'It doesn't matter if you're going to a hot destination, 100 per cent you want a sweater for the plane,' she says, noting that the cabin can get quite cold. This blanket scarf can be worn in a variety of ways, and reviewers say it's "cozy." This ribbed cardigan is lightweight, comes in multiple colours and has an easy, loose fit. Speaking of fluctuating temperatures, if you're someone who tends to overheat — or if you're just travelling somewhere hot — a pocket-sized fan is a great essential to have on hand. 'I like a handheld fan, those rechargeable ones,' says Huynh. 'I carry those around too.' She also says that most planes now have a compatible charger, so you can make sure you don't run out of juice. This rechargeable travel fan has multiple speeds and is compact enough to keep in a purse or small bag. It's a good idea to bring along painkillers and other basic travel medication with you, especially if you're someone who has chronic pain. Whether you're travelling with Advil and Tums, or you're bringing along prescription medication, Huynh says a pill case can be very handy to have. 'You definitely want to bring your pills in your carry on, and those pill cases are very handy,' she says. Just make sure you have (or know) the instructions for how to take any medication you're bringing along with you. She also recommends labelling the pills - nwhich can also be helpful when going through security. This eight-compartment travel pill box comes with brand-name stickers as well as blank labels you can use to keep things organized. While earphones for a flight may be a given, Huynh specifically recommends travelling with a pair that has an audio jack, which she says many travellers often forget about. 'A lot of people either only have AirPods or bluetooth headphones with USB-C output,' she says. 'Not all airplanes have that. So if you want to watch movies or listen to music on the screen in front of your chair, you need earphones with an audio jack.' These headphones have a universal analog audio jack and come with a carrying case. Leg swelling, caused by fluid buildup, is common for older adults and can be exacerbated by sitting too long. While getting up and moving around can help, that's not always doable on a plane. You can also consider compression socks or stockings, which can help to improve blood flow and decrease pain and swelling in the legs. "A lot of people don't realize how much they're needed," says Huynh. "They're worth it." "If you're going on a flight for more than five hours, I would totally recommend it," she says. These compression socks can help to decrease swelling and come in a four pack. It might seem obvious, but it's an important one. As adults age, drinking enough water is crucial — according to the U.S. National Council On Aging, dehydration is common among older adults. A reusable water bottle, then, is "100 per cent" a must-have when travelling says Huynh. Choosing a plastic version over a stainless steel bottle can also be easier for transporting, as it will be a lot lighter when full. "If you're bringing a water bottle, bring it empty and you can always refill it at the airport," she notes. This water bottle is made of BPA-free plastic, so it won't be too heavy in your bag. It also has a leak-proof flip top so you don't have to worry about spills. Huynh says she likes to bring along a foldable backpack for additional storage when she travels — which can be especially useful if you find it difficult to carry a single heavy bag. Huynh recommnds "one of those 20 litre-30 litre backpacks that folds into a bag," she says. "It packs up really small, in case I need to bring it anywhere. It's nice that it's compact." A foldable backpack can be a great item to have on hand if you find yourself needing some extra space in your luggage. It's also handy for using as you travel around in your destination. This backpack has multiple compartments to keep things organized, and folds into a packable bag. Sun protection is important at any age, but you'll definitely want to make sure you have some when you're 35,000 feet up in the air and sitting in a window seat. "Most people going on vacation, they're most likely not going anywhere cold," says Huynh. "Even then, the sun's always shining." She notes that if you are bringing sunscreen with you, make sure it fits within the limits of allowed liquids in your carry on luggage, or you'll have to keep it in your checked bag. This SPF 50+ sunscreen by La Roche Posay is unscented with an invisible finish, perfect for wearing on its own or under makeup.
