Sassy’s Guide to Travelling Long-Haul – in style!

Whether you enjoy travelling or not, there’s no denying that sitting on a long-haul flight can wreak havoc with your sleep, beauty regime, skin and hydration! So, since lots of you are probably planning to jet off to far away climes for the holidays, we’ve put together our Sassy Guide to Travelling Long-Haul – what to wear, what to pack and how to do it all in style!

WHAT’S IN MY CARRY-ON BAG

As a pilot’s daughter, I love flying. I went to boarding school in the UK at the age of 12 so I’ve done my fair share long distance flights, but I only recently learnt the value of having a well-stocked carry on! I now have a bag that stocks everything I need to get me from A to B in the most comfort possible. It may seem excessively organised but having a bag full of my favourite items makes long-haul travelling that little bit easier and slightly more enjoyable!

– Lucas Paw Paw Ointment – A must-have in my handbag, Paw Paw Ointment is perfect for hydrating lips and skin throughout the flight. Use as a cheek highlighter when you land! Available in Hong Kong online here.

– Eye drops – Tired scratchy eyes are never a good look. Carry your favourite eye drops to refresh and brighten eyes after a long flight.

– Bobble bottle – The tiny cups of water that you get given on the plane infuriate me! We all know how important it is to stay hydrated on the plane, so fill up your Bobble once you’re through security (obviously!) and stick it in the magazine pouch when you sit down. Available from City’super.

– Mini cleanser/toner/moisturiser – My skin regime by Liz Earle thankfully comes in travel sizes (perfect for the gym too!) but you can always buy travel-sized plastic bottles from Muji or Sasa if you want to decant your regular-sized lotions or potions for the flight too. I don’t like getting up once I’ve settled on the plane so I tend to perform my skin routine in the airport loos (yes, I’m that person) and I always have my moisturiser at the ready!

– Comfy socks – Gone are the days when you were handed thin yet bearable socks in Economy… Now you have to bring your own! Splash out on a pair of cashmere socks (I personally love The White Company’s Cashmere Bed Socks!) – I promise it’s worth every penny and your feet will love you forever.

– Eye mask – Self explanatory. Muji do a fantastic range of jersey masks that can be bought at HK airport.

– Make-up Bag – There’s no need to carry your entire make up bag onboard, but sometimes it’s nice to have the basics (mascara, tinted moisturiser, concealer, cream blush) to help you feel vaguely human pre-landing.

– A pen for filling in landing forms. This seems obvious, but it’s something I have forgotten so many times.

– Hand Sanitizer – 500 passengers, 12 toilets. Enough said!

– Mini Listerine – The poor girl’s answer to brushing your teeth, but a little mouthwash goes a long way after a 12-hour flight!

WHAT TO WEAR ON BOARD

Turning up at the airport looking like you’ve just got out of bed or spent the past 10 months backpacking is not a good look and it’s certainly not going to help you get that upgrade you want! Finding that fine line between comfort and style can be tricky but it’s definitely doable and with the leisurewear look a prominent trend this season, you’ll find loads of affordable pieces in Hong Kong’s high street stores.

– Comfy pants – Zara and Cos currently stock a huge range of silk harem pants and angora sweat pants which can be smartened up with a pair of boots and a relaxed tank top. Never wear shorts, mini skirts or a dress when travelling – it’s a logistical nightmare that can be incredibly embarrassing when you finally fall asleep.

– Layers – I always wear two tops on the plane. Sometimes it can be boiling hot, sometimes freezing cold, so it’s good to be prepared for any event.

– Big Cardigan/Pashmina – Itchy static blankets are my worst nightmare. Invest in a soft cardigan or extra large pashmina that can double up as a blanket.

– Bralette – I avoid wearing anything metal (apart from my watch), which includes an underwire bra. Brands such as Beautiful Bottoms make silky supportive underwear that’s perfect for flying in; nothing is going to dig in and you won’t waste time being searched at security!

– If I’m heading somewhere cooler, I always wear or carry my bulkiest items, including coats and heels. Not only does this mean I don’t go over my weight allowance but it also means I have space in my bag for all the shopping I’m going to do when I get there!

Other quick tips include always putting your hair up in a ballerina bun, never wearing make-up and having a pair of over-sized sunglasses at hand to hide your under-eye bags!

Happy Travelling!