As someone who’s on the road at least once a month, has TSA Precheck, and has perfected the art of packing a carry-on suitcase, I thought I had flying down to a science. But then I had a kid, and somehow flying became daunting.

Now, having survived my first domestic flight with my son, Bobby, I can vouch for the fact that many of my travel rules and organizational tactics remained the same, kid or no kid. Pack light. Get to the airport on time (but not too early). Upgrade to economy plus, if it’s in your budget.

All that said flying with a baby is an entirely different animal. And if you’re doing it solo, like I did, you need to be extra prepared. I would never call the experience fun, like, lying on a beach in St. Barts with a glass of rosé in my hand fun. No, it’s definitely not that. But surprisingly, it wasn’t a root canal, either. Getting to and navigating the airport was routine — in some ways. Here, for first time parents and parents-to-be, are tips and tricks based on my experience. For more on my actual flights to and from Charleston, which had some real high moments, and some really low moments, stay tuned for my next column.

1. Start small and domestic

No one needs to be a hero here. If the prospect of flying with a baby freaks you out, pick a destination that’s easy to get to — under two hours. I went with Charleston since it’s a manageable hour and 45-minute flight from New York City. The rationale: no matter how bad things got up in the air, sweet, glorious land wasn’t too far away. Why domestic? Well, if you’re traveling with a baby under two (an infant-in-arms) they get to fly for free if they sit in your lap. All you have to do is note when booking your ticket online or over the phone that you are traveling with an infant in arms, and give their name and date of birth. Ask any parent who has kids over two and they will confess that making the switch from flying with a kid for free to paying full fare for their tickets is a major kick in the gut.

2. Your baby may need ID, and you may need a paper boarding pass

I read on several websites that I would possibly need to present Bobby’s birth certificate as proof of age at the airport to an airline agent. Rob and I had gotten Bobby’s passport a few months back, so I came prepared and brought it with me as his form of ID. Surprisingly, no one asked to see it or a birth certificate. What did happen: I made my way through a relatively short security line to the TSA agent, only to have him (politely) say that my mobile boarding pass wouldn’t suffice — it did not show that I was carrying an infant in arms. He advised me that I would need a paper one. So, I had to turn around with the stroller, go back to a Delta agent, and get a paper boarding pass. The Delta agents were also surprised that I had to do this (and a Delta rep has since confirmed that sometimes they’ve seen the infant in arms designation drop off when using the wallet app). But once I had my paper boarding pass we were in business.

I did some digging on the ID issue, and here’s what I came up with: the rules aren’t hard and fast, and may differ from airline to airline. As far as the TSA is concerned, a baby does not need an ID to fly, and they will likely not ask you for an ID on a domestic flight. (I say likely, because, having talked to different co-workers, some have said the TSA has asked to see ID at times.) When it comes to the airlines, things get a little hazy. On their sites, the policies can be couched with language like you “may” be required to present proof of age (as it appears on American Airlines). Or, the language can be more definitive, as it is on Southwest Airlines, which states you need a boarding verification document, i.e. a birth certificate. I reached out to Delta, and a representative confirmed to me that they do not require an ID for minors under 18 traveling domestically. But for a child 12 months or older, they recommend bringing a birth certificate to help clarify the child’s age for ticketing eligibility purposes.

Bottom line: bring a copy of your baby’s birth certificate since it’s better to be safe than sorry. What they’re checking for here is to see if you may or may not be trying to take advantage of the kids under two fly-free policy, after your child is older than two.

3. Give yourself an extra fifteen minutes to get to the airport.

Our flight to Charleston was at 8:05 a.m. If I was flying without a kid, I would have set a 6:00 am car pick up and whizzed through security with TSA Pre. This trip, not so much. I had a stroller, car seat, and diaper bag to contend with, but I also didn’t want to get to the airport super early — every little minute of extra sleep counted for me, and frankly, Bobby.

So I budgeted myself 15 extra minutes, figuring that’s about what it would take to get in and out of the car and go through security with all this extra stuff. I made sure my clothes were laid out the night before, my bags were all packed, and I had slip-on flats ready to go. (Because when you’re carrying a baby, nothing says nightmare like taking off and then retying your shoes in the security line). Truly, fifteen extra minutes was all I needed. And as I get used to flying with a baby, I may not need it at all.

4. Pack light, check smart

I was lucky in that I was meeting my husband in Charleston. I made him carry pajamas and shirts for me, along with diapers, bibs, and outfits for Bobby. All I had to carry was a diaper bag, which I stocked with 10 diapers, wipes, my Skip Hop pronto changing station, bibs, two spare outfits, and plenty of formula, along with my wallet, ID, and toiletries. Here’s what I would have done, had I had a suitcase: CURBSIDE CHECK-IN. I repeat, CURBSIDE CHECK-IN. When you’re juggling a kid and luggage solo, it just makes sense to ditch those bags as soon as you can and skip waiting in line inside. And that’s what curbside is there for.

5. Stroller + Car Seat + Gate-Check = Heaven

When I first started shopping around for strollers, I was shocked by the prices and the sheer choice. It was like shopping for a car. We bought the Britax B-Agile 3/B-Safe 35 Travel System, both for the moderate price and the fact that it is lightweight and specifically designed for travel. It comes with a B Safe infant car seat that easily snaps in and out. As your kid grows out of the car seat and can sit up, you remove it, and use the regular stroller.

The big debate with a stroller is if you should check it like a regular piece of luggage and carry your baby through the airport in a Baby Bjorn or similar carrier. Or, do you deal with the hassle of taking the whole gizmo through security and gate check it instead? With the latter, you clearly have the benefit of not wearing your baby at all times. (I should note that with both methods, the stroller and car seat may be checked for free.)

I went with the latter, and it was 100 percent the right choice. Here was the surprise of my life: security was not so bad. In fact, it restored my faith in humanity, because fellow fliers and the TSA were eager, willing, and able to help me. I put Bobby in the Bjorn — you must wear or hold your baby through security — decided to not stress, because kids feed on stress, and totally did not care what anyone else around me thought.

The funny thing is other passengers and security guards were so helpful I was through in no time, and I don’t really remember how it all went down, step by step. I know my diaper bag went on the conveyor belt, as did the car seat, courtesy of a TSA agent. For some reason, my shoes set off the alarm, but a random stranger actually picked up my flats and put them on the belt. The TSA agent, I think (and I say think because I was so focused on Bobby, I didn’t see everything) wheeled the stroller through the metal detector. Another agent scanned the formula that I had. And then I was done, and able to wheel him around the airport with ease and yes, even grab myself a cup of coffee.

My main takeaway for you is that no one is reinventing the wheel, here, and just because you’re flying with a kid doesn’t mean that the experience has to be a nightmare. People, especially other parents, are willing to help you out. And even if your kid has a meltdown, just remember — you’ll never see these people again.

Enjoy the view from Burj Khalifa, ride a camel on a sand dune and meet a penguin in the Mall of Emirates, all on the same day

It’s hard to believe that you can squeeze in a trip to the Middle East over the weekend, but it’s totally doable. From pictures of Dubai, the city’s skyline might remind you of home, but once you’re there, you’ll feel a world away from the 852.

Before you fly off on your Arabian adventure, make sure you book a desert tour, such as the half-day outing offered by Royal Desert Tourism. Then you can use the other half of your time in Dubai to explore the city.

Morning

Start your day on a literal high note at the world’s tallest building. Though Dubai boasts many impressive modern high-rises, Burj Khalifa stands out at 828 metres. The structure is a sight to behold from the ground, but the view is even more spectacular from the observation deck above. Travel up its many storeys – on the world’s fastest escalator, no less – until you reach the 125th floor, where you can take in a 360-degree view of Dubai’s expansive and ever-growing skyline.

Once you have come back down to Earth, you can add a bit of extra flavour to your morning by wandering through the aromatic Spice Souk, a traditional market. As you make your way past the fragrant stalls stacked with colourful bags of herbs, spices and nuts, you can pick up some dates for breakfast and souvenirs for your friends.

Afternoon

Don’t worry if you didn’t get your fill at the spice market because the next stop is Al Ustad Special Kebab near Al Fahidi Metro Station. It has gained a good reputation not only for its mouth-watering plates of chargrilled meats, but also the friendly waitstaff. As you can see from the walls covered in photos, the Iranian restaurant has attracted a number of big-name customers, ranging from celebrities to royalty, in the 40-plus years it’s been open.

It’s also apparent from the pictures that the restaurant’s current owner, Majeed Al Ustad, has become something of a celebrity, too. You’re likely to see him in person at the restaurant, and he’d be more than happy to pose for a selfie with you on your way out.

Make sure you get back to your hotel by 3pm, when the shuttle service will pick you up for your next activity. We hope you didn’t go overboard at lunch because you’re in for a bumpy ride on the dunes of the Arabian Desert. There will also be an opportunity for you to ride a board down the sandy slopes.

Evening

Your four-wheel adventure will end at a sort of campsite where giant tents are set up. To one side, there are camels that you can ride, and in the centre of it all, is a big stage surrounded by chairs and tables. After the sun sets, belly dancers, tanoura dancers (tanoura is a kind of Egyptian folk dance), and fire spinners take to the stage while you enjoy your buffet dinner.

If it’s too hot during your visit, you always have the option of swapping the sand dunes for snowy hills. Bet you never imagined you’d be able to ski in a city surrounded by desert! But you can do exactly that at the Mall of Emirates, which boasts a 22,500-square-metre indoor ski resort. You can even get up close and personal with some adorable penguins while you’re there.

When you’re going on a road trip, wearing the right outfit can have an impact on your enjoyment of your travel experience. Wearing something too tight can be uncomfortable, especially if you’ll be spending long hours riding or driving a car. Meanwhile, wearing baggy clothes may feel comfortable, but they can give you a disheveled look. They may not be appropriate to wear at some of your stops, and you might not feel like joining in on photos when you don’t look your best. That said, it can be challenging to create an outfit that both looks and feels good.

Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. It’s possible to achieve a balance between comfort and style by considering different elements of your trip.

If you want ideas on how you can put together cute and comfy road trip outfits, here are five simple tips:

Consider the Destination and Weather

When planning your road trip outfit, keep in mind your destination as well as the activities you plan on doing upon arrival. If you’re going to the ocean, wearing beach-inspired attire is a good choice. This means you’ll look cute and feel comfy wearing a maxi dress and sandals. If you’re heading up to the mountains, a cardigan, leggings, and hiking boots are a good option.

Additionally, it’s important to factor in the weather. You don’t want to feel too cold or warm along the way, as this can add to your discomfort. If you get cold quickly but don’t want to be bundled up in thick layers, buy tights with a high denier count to wear under your skirt or dress and bring a shawl that can cover up your shoulders.

Assess How Long the Journey Will Be

It’s also a good idea to determine how long the trip will be. This can help you plan an outfit that’s comfortable and will look good once you arrive at the location.

If it’s going to be a long car ride, you may want to stay away from clothes that feel too tight, like jeans. Although they’re versatile and appropriate for travel, jeans are made from a stiff material, which can feel uncomfortable on your waist and legs when sitting in a car for a long time. If you want comfortable bottoms that you can easily style, you can wear black leggings. These stretchy pants have elastic waistbands that won’t feel like they’re digging into your skin. Also, you can wear them with many different kinds of tops and look chic.

Play with Layers

Even if you’ve done your research, the weather at your destination can change by the time you arrive. As such, it’s better to be prepared by layering your clothes. Dress in light and breathable fabrics, then bring along a lightweight cardigan, a zip-up jacket, a stretchy denim jacket, or a linen button-down that you can use as outerwear. These pieces can also make a simple shirt or tank top look more dressy.

Unless you’re absolutely certain of cold temperatures, leave sweaters and pullovers at home. These garments can be difficult to get out of once they’re on, especially if your movements are restricted by the tight confines of a car.

Dress in a Single Color

A monochromatic outfit, or wearing one color from head to toe, looks chic and is appropriate for any occasion, including a road trip. It’s also very easy to put together since you can mix and match different garments as long as they are all the same color. All-black attire is always fashionable, and it can elevate your style with little effort.

A monochromatic ensemble doesn’t have to look boring. By dressing up in light and dark shades of a single color, you can add visual interest to your outfit. For example, you can wear a light blue top with navy trousers and a denim jacket. The different shades of blue in your outfit make it look more dynamic while still looking put-together.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Aside from your clothing, you also need to consider the shoes you’ll wear on a road trip. Ideally, wear a lightweight and breathable pair that goes well with the rest of your outfit. For example, sandals are great with dresses and skirts. The open footwear design also allows your feet to breathe and stay cool.

If you’re in charge of driving, it’s best to pick closed-toe footwear that won’t get in the way of your movements. For example, ballet flats, sneakers, and flat-heeled ankle boots are less likely to get stuck on the pedals compared to flip-flops. You can wear ballet flats with pants, dresses, and shorts. Sneakers are perfect if you want to achieve an athleisure look with leggings and a zip-up hoodie, while ankle boots look stylish with jeans or leggings.

Putting together cute and comfy road trip outfits is possible. While looking stylish may not have an impact on comfort, it can help you look and feel your best. Maximize the comfort of your car ride with the right clothes, and feel free to snap away and take many photo souvenirs of your epic road trip.

Long-haul flights can drain the life out of you, and if you’re not prepared, make you feel ill. Here are our tips to help you arrive feeling fresh.

As aviation technology advances, we are seeing more non-stop flights being offered, promising to shorten flight times. However, there is still a long way to go. For now, travelers need to catch multiple flights to get to and from destinations that are thousands of miles, and sometimes, days away.

Long-haul flights take a toll on us mentally and physically, and the discomfort can be multiplied if you feel unwell. Here are a few things to know about how flying affects our bodies, and how to stay healthy on your long-haul flight.

How does flying affect our bodies?

We lose our sense of taste

At high altitudes, our tastebuds can lose their ability to do their job. Add to that cabin pressure, dry air, dull lighting and unexciting plane food, it’s no wonder we lose our ability to taste and enjoy food. Research has found that our ability to taste salty and sweet foods while flying is reduced by as much as 30%, so airlines are now spending more resources on the research and development of in-flight food and wine.

Our blood oxygen saturation level drops

The World Health Organization says that plane cabin pressure is the equivalent of 6,000–8,000ft (1,800–2,400m) above sea level, which means our blood oxygen levels are reduced (hypoxia) leading to sleepiness, a lack of mental alertness and sometimes, headaches. Sitting down for long periods on a flight compounds this issue due to lack of circulation.

Our circadian rhythm gets messed with

Jet lag is a mix-up between our body clock (which regulates everything from our mental self to when we need to use the bathroom) and the real-time destination we are traveling to. Our circadian rhythm can only be reset for up to 90 minutes every 24 hours, and the lack of light exposure on the plane adds to the effects of jet lag. Traveling east is harder than traveling west, as it fights against the normal body clock process. You need one day for each hour of time zone difference between where you are traveling from and to.

Blood pools in our lower extremities

Due to the lack of circulation in our bodies, blood will pool in our legs and feet. This leads to blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. that’s why it’s important to move around as much as possible when flying.

We get bloated and farty

At altitude, gases in our body expand, leaving our stomachs and abdomens feeling full and bloated. Gases at altitude also affect our ability to hear, creating the popping effect and a pressurized feeling in our ears on take-off and landing. On the descent, the eustachian tube doesn’t react fast enough which is why our ears hurt from the pressure change.

We end up dehydrated

Because the cabin air is so dry, our skin begins to lose moisture and in turn, the rest of our body. Dehydration also exposes you to potential bacteria and viruses as your mucus membranes, which provide a natural barrier, dry out.

Germs

Flying on a plane can sometimes feel like you are stuck in a cigar-shaped petri dish of grossness. Fellow passengers may be coughing and spluttering, and then there are the bathrooms everyone has to use. A 2014 study by Auburn University in Alabama discovered that bacteria such as staph and e-coli can survive for up to a week in a plane on cabin surfaces, armrests, tray tables and other spots.

Tips to stay healthy

Get comfortable

If you’re stuck in the plane for 14 hours you may as well settle in and get comfy. Even consider what you plan to wear (loose-fitting clothing is ideal) and where you want to sit before you get on the plane so you can relax without feeling restricted. Washing your face and brushing your teeth before sleeping can help you feel more relaxed. Planes get cold and not every airline will offer a blanket so pack a sarong, shawl or light blanket plus socks and slippers. Don’t forget the eyemask and neck pillow.

Tip: wear your seat belt over your blanket so the flight crew doesn’t disturb you if the seat belt sign comes on after you have fallen asleep.

Wear compression socks

You can get them all the way up to your knee or all the way up to your hip. They keep the blood from pooling in your lower leg and your feet, so it prevents some of that swelling and that achiness.

Block the noise

Sleeping on planes isn’t the easiest so grab some earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to drown out the droning noise of the plane and that guy who is snoring in the nearby row.

Stay hydrated

While drinking plenty of water hydrates you, your full bladder also nudges you to get up and move to visit the bathroom. Drink alcohol in moderation and limit your caffeine intake if you are planning to sleep. You may also want to consider using a saline nasal spray and moisturizer to stop your nose and skin from drying out.

Tip: bring an empty reusable bottle that you can refill with water before or during the flight. This saves using plastic cups and means you always have water on hand.

Eat light

Try to avoid fatty and heavy foods while flying. Steer clear of consuming fizzy drinks and gas-producing foods e.g beans, cabbage, lentils, chickpeas etc. which can leave you bloated. Your digestive system slows down while flying so also consider your food choices when it comes to the meal offerings. Try to eat a light and balanced meal, avoiding starchy and sugary foods. Pack your own snacks.

Good hygiene

Make sure you pack a hand sanitizer and use it before meals and after using the bathroom.

Stretch and walk around

Our blood oxygen levels are lower and our circulation slows down when we spend hours sitting on a flight which can lead to deep vein thrombosis. So make sure you get up every hour to stretch and go for a walk around the plane.

Time zone adjustment

To combat jet lag, there are things you can do prior to flying to prepare yourself such as getting a good night’s sleep and doing some light exercise e.g going for a walk outside, yoga or a light session at the gym. While on the flight, switch your watch to the time of your destination and try to sleep according to that timezone. Upon arrival, if it’s daylight make sure you get outside for some sun and fresh air, even go for a walk or just hang out in the local park.

Sleep medications

Some travelers like to use a sleep medication e.g melatonin or a prescription drug to help them sleep on the plane. Have a chat with your doctor and try the medication out before you fly. There is nothing worse than being on a flight, having a reaction to what you have taken and not being able to do anything about it. For some, sleep drugs can act like a stimulant rather than a sedative, leaving you awake the entire flight.

Unblock your ears

On the descent, you will notice your ear pressure change and for some people, it can be painful. Some ideas to get relief from the pressure include holding your nose and blowing out through your ears, yawning or sucking/chewing some candy to help release the pressure in your eustachian tubes.