To mark International Self-Care Day on 24 July, the CF team share their favourite pieces of self-care advice that help us travel stress-free.
1. Make Time For Skincare
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I don’t know what it is about travel, but I seem to think I’ll manage an extravagant skincare routine over what I do at home (which is minimal). Whether I’m travelling for work or pleasure, I seem to pack the skincare that I’ve been wanting to use for ages (gadgets and all). That is my absolute self-care when I travel – an excuse to take care of my skin because somehow I seem to have more time. My fabulous Lyma Laser (which looks very lonely when I’m at home), ampoules, hair and skin masks all come with me in a nifty Anya Hindmarch cosmetics case. Sheena Bhattessa, founder
2. Reframe going early, to going slowly
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Often, travel is go, go go – meaning you race from place to place, with your cortisol levels skyrocketing, even when you get to the airport with time to spare. That chronic level of stress is what makes your travel exhaustion worse, as it keeps your ‘fight or flight’ response activated for longer. Instead, I aim to go slowly – using the time I used to build in to avoid being late (which I’d then spend pacing around the terminal) to allow me to slow down mentally and physically. The best thing I’ve done is resist the weird urge to spring straight out of my seat when the airplane lands (which only leads to you waiting around to disembark). That 30 seconds ‘I saved’ now works as a quick moment of reflection where I run through what I’m most looking forward to or most enjoyed about a trip. The happy hormones it generates are the perfect contrast to any lingering stressors. Becki Murray, beauty and wellness director
3. Embrace Airport Luxuries
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I am embarrassed to say that I don’t practice any self-care tips while travelling, but I was very inspired by what CF contributor Jess Salter does. Every time she travels from Heathrow T5, she takes herself for a glass of Champagne at The Fortnum’s Bar. It’s so chic, but also a great way of taking a pre-flight moment for yourself. Ella Alexander, fashion features director
4. Try a digital detox
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As long as I’m not travelling for work, I try to give myself ‘digital free time’ by leaving both my laptop and phone locked away in a hotel room for extended periods of time. This might be while I’m poolside, having dinner, or exploring a nearby town. Not only is it somewhat of a mini digital detox, but it allows me to be more present and in the moment whether with myself while travelling solo, or with loved ones when travelling as a group. Katie Silcox, managing editor
5. Take the stress out of your fitness routine
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When I’m travelling, it usually means more time spent horizontal on a sunlounger, sipping sunset cocktails, and eating out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While these are the perks of being on holiday (and ones I fully embrace!), I still try, where I can, to stay mindful about keeping active. I love Kirsten King’s Fluidform Pilates app – it’s easy to do anywhere, just by following along on your phone. With just a couple of resistance bands and an inflatable Pilates ball packed in my suitcase, I can give my body a little love, without it feeling like a chore.
6. Let your destination inspire your holiday reading
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Reading is so meditative for me and has always been my favourite way to unwind – day and night. Picking up a new book before I go away is part of my packing routine; it gives me something to look forward to on long-haul flights and early mornings spent at the airport. I try to match the “vibe” of the place with the book I choose (e.g. a city-based romance for a city break), select a novel based in the place I am going to, or pick an author from that country. Reading these books on the journey makes me really excited to land in a new place, plus I then have a book that reminds me of that trip after I come home. While away, I take five minutes to read when I wake up or go to bed: it’s a very relaxing way to ease in or out of a busy day, plus I am very much trying to lower my screen time! Ella Mansell, junior culture editor
7. Embrace fun in all its forms
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The most important part of a holiday is having fun in whatever form that looks like for you. For me it’s keeping active. I like a little bit of time on a lounger reading a book, but on a family holiday I’d rather be going for a swim in the sea, playing tennis, setting off on a hike or sightseeing with my kids. I find if I sit still for too long I start to feel a bit lethargic as it’s not what I’m used to! I need to get my heart rate up every day. Lots of sports and activities also keep my boys happy and that’s the key to a happy family holiday for sure. Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants editor
8. Travel beautifully with a silk pillowcase
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My biggest self-care non-negotiable when travelling is packing a silk pillowcase. It started a few years ago after I got a massive rash on my face while on holiday, I think from whatever detergent the hotel was using. Since then, I never travel without one. It takes up no space, makes any bed feel instantly more familiar, and it also helps keep my skin and hair in check too. It’s such a small thing but makes a huge difference. Bibiana Obahor, head of digital design
Lead image: Carl Friedrik Paris
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Any Questions or Tips to add?