just plane good sense

Our faces when people don't follow our travel tips.

Today is a happy, happy day here at olive+yew, because WE ARE HEADED BACK TO FRANCE. The knowledge that this trip was in the works lit a fire in my heart that's been burning for a month now. Even though it's only for a week, I get to go back home.

But first, we've gotta get there.

Transatlantic flights are never the easiest, but we've gotten pretty good at them in the past couple of years. Here are some of mine and B's tips to make flying easier. These might be old hat to those of you who fly frequently, but if you haven't been on an airplane in a while, particularly on a long flight, read on.
 
...and stay tuned, because while we plan to bring back a lot, including wine, Caudalie, and Longchamp, the thing I plan to bring back the most of is photos. You've been warned.
 
xoxo,
E and B

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how to survive a trans-Atlantic flight

Get a good background-noise app // A lot of east-bound overseas flights are taken overnight, so try to sleep as best you can. I swear by Windy, a background-noise app that has a bunch of different noises based on different outdoor locations. It's super-soothing without being distracting. If landscape sounds aren't your thing, use technology to your advantage and find a good white-noise app that works for you.

Bring your own headphones // While it's not the end of the world if you run out of the house without them, having your own headphones is so much nicer if you're using them for a white noise app or music. You know they're comfortable and that they work, unlike the cheap free ones you're given.

Security smarts // Y'all. Unless you've been living under a rock for, oh, say, the past 15 years or so, you know the TSA security line is happening. You know you're going to have to take your shoes off. You know you're going to have to take out your little plastic baggie of 3 ounces or less toiletries. So please, for the love of all things sacred and holy, be prepared. This isn't even just a transatlantic reminder - this is an "if you get on a plane, period" reminder. Which brings me to...

Empty water bottle // ...you know that they don't let you bring liquids through security, either. Instead of buying an overpriced water bottle once you're in the terminal, bring an empty one and refill it at a water fountain. It's cheaper and more ecologically friendly, and a water bottle is great to have if, say, you're going somewhere hot like Rome, where you need to stay hydrated. Hell, even if you're flying to Milwaukee, flights dry you out. Be prepared.

Stay hydrated in Rome. Seriously.

Double-bag it // Okay, get your mind out of the gutter. This is one of B's favorite tips - within your carry-on bag, pack a smaller bag with things you'll need on the plane, such as books, tablets, phones, journals, tickets, headphones, socks, a jacket, etc. Simply take it out before boarding, stow your big carry-on, and take your small bag with you to the seat. No fumbling in the aisle trying to retrieve your iPad while 300 of your soon-to-be closest friends are also trying to board.

Pillow fight // Use your airplane pillow as lumbar support. We discovered this quickly once we moved to France and it is a lifesaver. I mean, unless you can afford first class, you're going to be uncomfortable. Having a little extra support is critical to not feeling about 100 years old when you land.

Dress comfortably // You'd think this would be common sense, but some of the getups I've seen people wearing in airports make me believe that this isn't so obvious after all.  Wear comfortable, loose clothing and bring layers.  My body has about zero ability to regulate temperature, so I've learned to be prepared for all contingencies - the most important of which is comfort. If you're headed somewhere immediately after arrival and need to dress nicely, just pack a spare outfit in your carry-on and change in the bathroom once you arrive.

Don't eat the airplane food // Y'all, airplane food is just bad. To cope with a lengthy flight, eat beforehand. Airports can be expensive, so if you can swing it, try to eat a good healthy meal before going to the airport. Then, bring lots of snacks with you - dry-roasted nuts, Luna/Clif/Power Bars, fresh fruit - whatever you can manage. Bonus: if you don't eat it all on the plane, you've got some ready-to-go snacks for when you're exploring your destination.