Jet off in style – here’s what to wear on a plane according to fashion experts

With the summer holidays around the corner, working out what to wear on a plane can be a sartorial nightmare, particularly if you’re on a long-haul flight or heading from cool climes to warm weather.

When it comes to plane outfits, the journey is by no means a runway show. But whether you’re jetting off with friends and family, or going on a work assignment, the trip starts as soon as you hit the airport, so wanting to look your best is perfectly understandable. While many opt for the best joggers – comfort is certainly key if you’re getting on a long-haul flight, it’s also a good idea to consider the time and weather in your final destination. Your best loungewear might feel cozy on the flight, but if you’re stepping off into the midday sun, you might want to rethink.

What to wear on a plane will very much come down to individual taste, but pulling some wardrobe essentials from your capsule wardrobe as a basis could be a good place to start. Some of the best dresses in jersey fabric can make great travel partners, but if you’re loyal to your best t-shirt and jeans combination, think about more relaxed leg fits or denim with stretch, so you can feel more at ease on the journey. Planes can also get quite cold, so don’t be afraid to sharpen up your look with one of your best hoodies or a chic oversized blazer for extra style and warmth. You’ll also want to carefully consider your accessories. With hand luggage at a premium and with shoes needing to be removed for airport security, think about the ergonomics of your outfit. Can your shoes slip on and off easily? Will your bag fit under your seat or in the overhead locker and can you get those essentials in there?

To help you navigate this tricky task, we’ve compiled a useful guide and breakdown of outfit possibilites.

What to wear on a plane according to fashion editors

Whether it’s work or play, what to wear on a plane has no easy answer. There are so many elements of the day to consider, particularly if you’re going on a long-haul or night flight. Whatever you decide on, keep comfort as the focal point, and use the styling tips laid out below as a way to add polish to your finished look.

Consider the time of day and temperature at your final destination and if you’re heading straight to your accommodation or if you’re going directly into a meeting or social setting. Airports generally involve a lot of walking, so make sure you have comfortable flats, as you don’t want to be sprinting for final boarding in your best designer heels.

It’s always a good idea to take a decent size hand luggage, such as one of the best totes with spare essentials, such as your best underwear, so that if anything happens to your suitcase at the other end, you at least have the necessities. If you’re checking into a resort earlier than the arrival time, you might also want to have spare swimwear in your hand luggage, so you can check your bags at reception and head straight to the pool.

1. Loungewear

Athleisure remains a big fashion trend 2022, as designers continue to use sports-luxe as a guiding principle for many key looks. The best leggings, joggers and sweatshirts are all great choices for what to wear on a plane, but to keep the style factor high, opt for coordinating two pieces with more directional cuts. Think wide-leg, soft jersey trousers, and matching sweatshirts for an outfit that works for both comfort and design. To keep your hair neat, investigate how to wear headbands and pair your coord with a soft fabric hairband that you can easily remove and fold away into your hand luggage if needed. Slip a lightweight jersey tee into your holdall if heading to hot climes, as you can easily pop this on at the other end and tie your jumper around your waist.

A styling tip…

If opting for flared or wide-leg trousers, choose a fitted top or sweater to rebalance your silhouette.

2. Blazer

The best blazers offer a sharp and stylish finish to any outfit. A great swap for your best winter coat, an oversized design will look chic as part of a legging outfit teamed with jeans or even thrown over a loungewear co-ord for extra polish. An ideal piece when it comes to what to wear on a plane, you can roll your jacket into the overhead locker and use it on cool evenings on the trip itself. If you’re headed out on a business trip, a blazer paired with some of the best skinny jeans is a directional smart-casual outfit to make your arrival in too.

A styling tip…

Pair blazers with leggings or jeans for an easy way to achieve a formal look without jeopardizing comfort.

3. Jeans

When it comes to the best jeans for women, we often look for slimming jean styles with sculpting and lifting properties. For jeans to wear on a plane the agenda is slightly different. Opt for high-waisted, but relaxed leg styles such as a mom jean, or barrel leg design – one of the big denim trends 2022, for jeans that are both stylish and comfortable for plane journeys. Jeans with lots of stretch in them will be most comfortable for long haul flights and you can even look for draw-cord waisted styles for a more sporty and laidback feel.

A styling tip…

Pair jeans with sporty sandals – one of the key shoe trends 2022, to keep your look ready for sunnier climes.

4. Dresses

Midi and maxi dresses are a stylish and practical choice when it comes to what to wear on a plane, particularly if you opt for soft jersey designs or loose-fitting cotton iterations. A chic way to make an impact but stay comfortable, a well-selected dress will also be just right if you’re landing into warmer weather. Easy to layer, you can style a cardigan over the top or a t-shirt underneath for added comfort on your out-going trip and a pretty summer dress can even then be re-worn during the holiday itself, making your suitcase that little bit lighter.

A styling tip…

Pair midi dresses with trainers and maxi dresses with flatform sandals or clog style sandals as these shoes will be easy to remove at airport security.

5. Shoes

When it comes to shoes to wear on a plane there are several factors to consider. Days at an airport can be extremely long, with lots of walking, whether that’s around duty-free, or racing through never-ending corridors to make final boarding, so comfort is of utmost importance. In addition to this, you may need to remove your shoes for airport security, so choosing something with an easy fastening or shoes that slip on and off can save time and energy too. We always recommend opting for flat shoes, unless, you’re like Victoria Beckham in one of the best shoe quotes, and “can’t concentrate in flats”, then we recommend you wear your most comfortable heels.

A styling tip…

Trainers are of course good options, but when selecting your traveling shoes, try to go for a pair that you can wear during the trip too as this saves on luggage. Whether that’s a sneaker for sightseeing or your best sandals for every day, anything to lighten the load is a smart idea.

6. Bags

The best backpacks are an obvious choice for traveling. Offering hands-free capabilities, you’ll still be able to roll your luggage along and have your essentials close at hand. If you prefer however to keep your items where you have eyes on them, the best crossbody bags and the best totes are strong bag options when it comes to what to wear on a plane. You’ll want to check your individual airline’s policy for carry-on luggage, as some only let you take one piece of hand luggage of a specific size and this needs to be factored into your decision making. If you’ve not traveled in some time, you may have forgotten how frequently you need to produce your travel documents, make sure to choose a bag with a zipped compartment that you can easily access to stow them in safely.

A styling tip…

As with shoes, try to choose a bag that can be used during your stay, it might mean that your carry-on luggage is a tote that doubles up as one of the best beach bags, but in the long run it lightens your packing.

Avoid the Awkward Silences And Guilt-Filled Exits

Tipping on vacation is awkward. There’s no way around it. Every country has its own norms, and every hotel has a hundred employees who all seem worthy of a few extra bucks. But who do we actually need to tip? When should we do it? And how often should we be doing it? And of course, how much?

Fear no more, for Travel Off Path has you covered. Here’s the ultimate guide on who to tip while traveling.

From the Airport To The Hotel

Obviously, this depends on how you get to your hotel. If you’re finding your own way, tip yourself with a drink at the bar later. If not, follow these rules.

Shuttle Drivers

If you’ve got a shuttle organized by your hotel, definitely tip your driver. A lot of them rely heavily on tips. Depending on the country, anywhere from $2.50 to $5.00 a person should suffice.

Taxi Drivers

Don’t tip your taxi driver unless you really want to. They’re making money off of your fare at a decent rate. The tourist area rates are often brutally inflated, so don’t go out of your way for them.

In The Hotel

The Porters

These guys can make your arrival and departure a breeze. Reward them as such. It doesn’t require anything crazy. A few bucks per bag is perfect. A family of four could tip $10-$15, especially if they carry the luggage a pretty long way or in rough weather. Many porters often set the mood for the entire stay with their attitude, so make sure they know they’ve done a good job.

Housekeeping

Often unseen, this team helps make your room spotless when your return each day (at least, they usually do). They’re also some of the worst-paid workers in the sector, so a tip for them can go a long way.

It’s important to leave a small amount each day rather than one large tip at the end, as you may have multiple housekeepers in your room. It’s also a great idea to leave a slightly larger tip on your first day to help get a little bit of extra attention to your room.

Don’t go crazy. $5 a day is at the upper end of what is necessary, especially in countries with a lower cost of living. Make sure to leave it somewhere obvious, so it’s clear for them.

The Lobby Crew

The Concierge

In today’s internet-dominated world, the concierge has become a little less useful for many of us. But they are still around in most good hotels. They’re still capable of booking things, sniffing out a good reservation, and even bagging you a better room, but you might not use them so much. If you’re a hotel regular, the concierge should still be a useful person.

Tip them based on use. If they just throw you a direction or two, you’re fine. But if they spend half an hour working out your day, give them $5 or so.

Front Desk Staff

As helpful as they can be, the front desk doesn’t need to be tipped. Many of them are on a managerial path and are paid a yearly salary as opposed to hourly. The best thing you can do for them is to go online and namedrop them in a good review of your hotel.

Eating Out

This is where things get complicated. In the US, we tip almost every waiter or barman who serves us. This is mainly due to the way these workers are paid. In Europe and other areas of the world, bar and restaurant staff are paid a fair hourly wage, and tipping is not expected – in some cases, it can be taken as an insult.

The Americas

As a rule of thumb, always tip your servers in the Americas. North, Central, And South America all expect a tip of some sort. In the States, Canada, and Colombia, for 15-20%. In other countries, you can swing a little lower, in the 10-15% range. Brazil, Costa Rica, and Chile all include a service or sit-down charge, so you don’t need to tip there.

Europe

Europeans are far less likely to take tips than anywhere else in the world. Most of the countries there receive good wages, and often, the waiters won’t receive the whole thing anyway. Some countries now actively list their service charge (the price is the same) to give the hint that tipping isn’t required.

In most of these places, you can leave a little extra if the service was exceptional. Otherwise, don’t worry about it. If you’re unsure about an individual country, just ask someone when you arrive.

Africa and the Middle-east

Tipping is widely expected in the Middle East. Even countries like Qatar and the UAE, which often include service charges, want an extra 15-20% on top of the bill. Many African countries also look for about 10-15% of the bill in tips.

Asia

Some Asian countries like China adamantly refuse tips, while others, like Japan, view it as something that needs to be hard-earned, above and beyond the good service that’s already expected. Some heavily touristy countries like Thailand are becoming more receptive to tipping after realizing the amount of money that can be made.

It can be challenging to stay on top of your fitness goals and maintain the consistency of your gym routines and training while traveling, most especially if you have a hectic travel schedule. However, being mindful of your health and fitness even while traveling is an important part of a health-conscious lifestyle.

Whether you’re going on an interstate or international business trip or a holiday with family and friends, exercising and maintaining your fitness goals can be very achievable. The added benefit is that you will get more out of your trip by staying healthy and active!

Stressing the importance of the abovementioned activity, here are some tips to stay fit and healthy while traveling.

Make good food choices. 

When you are traveling, food options can be a great challenge. You may find yourself snacking more to plug the gap out of a dreaded jet lag. Trying to fit into a new time zone as quickly as possible will also affect your eating patterns. However, this can be managed through forward planning, pre-trip consideration, and aiming to choose healthy snack options that are often available.

Stay hydrated. 

Hydration is the key to a healthier and more active travel experience. Ditch that welcome wine or beer at the hotel in exchange for a bottle of water; remember, you have just got off a flight and are probably dehydrated. Also, resist the temptation to drink alcohol during the flight and keep a constant supply of water on the go. If you haven’t brought your own supply, never hesitate to ask for water during the flight. After all, it is a mandatory inclusion on all commercial flights.

Book for a hotel with its own gym. 

If and when possible, book a hotel that has a gym or fitness centre inside. Doing this means your morning workout routine is only a stroll from your hotel room. Upon arrival at the hotel, drop your bags and head straight to the gym for a look around! Having a scope of the kind of equipment they have will make your first workout experience even more enjoyable and rewarding. Think about your normal routine and if the gym doesn’t have all of the fitness equipment you wish to use think about how you can substitute this with what they do have.

Go local!

If you are staying at a hotel that doesn’t have a gym or fitness centre, then do some research to find the location of the nearest gym from your hotel. Ask the front desk as they may have an arrangement with a local gym, which is often the case. You should be able to buy either a casual visit or even a multi-visit pass to use while you are away. You may even look to engage a personal trainer for a few sessions, or maybe try some exercise classes you haven’t taken before if you are staying in the same location for a week or more.

Try a hotel room workout. 

Maintaining an exercise routine even if you have no equipment is remarkably attainable. If you exercise in your hotel room using your own bodyweight, you will eliminate several of the major challenges you encounter when trying to stay fit on the road.

If you are a germaphobe and have concerns about the hotel room carpet, then simply place a towel on the floor and your problem is solved. Remember to keep it simple. Consider exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, burpees, a variety of squats and you will get the total body workout you need.

Ten to fifteen minutes is all you need to pump out a great calorie-burning hotel room workout. Try this simple yet highly effective 10-minute workout that requires no gym equipment. Do the following in as many rounds as possible within 10 minutes:

5 Push-ups

10 Sit-ups

15 Standing Squats

Minimize rest during the 10-minute duration and do as many rounds as you can physically manage to maximise that calorie burn.

Outdoor Exercise

A great way to get familiar with the area you are staying in is to go for a jog or a brisk walk. Exploring while getting your exercise on is a perfect way to start your day. Check with reception to see if there are local bike hire shops around. This is also a great way to keep your health and fitness on track while also hitting all the local tourist attractions.

Whatever physical activity you do while traveling, the bottom line is to be consistent and stay fit. Aim to match or exceed the amount of time you spend exercising at home while traveling and this will keep your energy levels up. Try and hit a minimum of 10,000 steps a day, which is often more achievable when you travel.

Maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle while traveling and you will enjoy your trip more, plus you will be amazed how easier it is to get back into your fitness routine when you get home!

India boasts countless tourist destinations, but for millions of travellers each year, Goa is the favourite. This smallest state of India has a bit of everything – architectural landmarks, sun-kissed beaches, water sports, bustling flea markets, lively nightlife, delicious food and laidback vibe. So, if you’re heading to India’s sunshine state for the first-time, here are a few tips.

Do not stick to the popular beaches

With a huge coastline spanning 105 kilometres (65.2 miles), Goa is blessed with a plethora of beaches. Baga, Vagator, Candolim and Calangute are the popular beaches and crowded to boot, while there are plenty of unspoilt and unexplored beaches, where you can relax in peace and solitude. Some of them include Kakolem beach, Galgibaga, Hollant beach, Velsao, Ashwem beach, Mobar beach and Butterfly beach.

Practice caution at the Goa beaches

While the beaches are the topmost attractions of Goa, they also pose a few risks. The most common are sunburn and sunstroke. So, in order to avoid these risks, apply high SPF sunscreen, do your sun bathing in small increments, and carry sunglasses and hat.

Point to remember: Goa is quite relaxed when it comes to bathing suits and it’s common to see people with bikinis on the beaches. However, it is important to note that nudity on beaches is not allowed and even punishable under the law.

Also, some of the beaches in Goa (mainly, North Goa) have strong rip currents, especially during monsoons. Such beaches are marked with red flags, which mean that swimming in these can be dangerous, as the high tide can sweep you out to sea. So, heed the warnings and signs, and do not venture into the sea without consulting the lifeguards.

Savour Goan cuisine

Through years of colonisation, many cultures have influenced the cuisine of Goa, creating a fusion of Portuguese, Brazilian, Arab, French, African, Konkan, Chinese, Malaysian and Malabar flavours to tantalise the tastebuds. So, on your trip to this enchanting beach town, do savour the Goan cuisine: Goan fish curry, pork vindaloo, bebinca (Goan dessert), sorpotel, etc. Do not leave without trying the local liqueur, Feni, a spirit made of coconut or cashew nuts. Sample this local specialty in limited quantity, as it is a strong liquor that will get you high real quick.

Explore on two-wheels

The best way to see the sights and soak up everything India’s smallest state has to offer is on a bike/scooter. The roads in the state are well-maintained and safe, so biking around won’t be a hassle. Bikes are easy and cheap to rent, at around INR 250 ($3.83) – INR 800 ($12.27) per day, depending upon the season (off-season or peak) and type of bike (Honda Activa, Bajaj Pulsar or high-end ones, like Royal Enfield). However, rates can drop considerably if you’re renting for more days. Before finalizing a bike, do take it for a test run – check if it is in good condition, brakes are functional, etc.

Point to remember: Always carry your driving permit with you. Helmets are mandatory, so make sure to get one along with your bike. And, no need to pay extra for it, as it’s already included in your daily rent.

Get active

Go scuba diving, jet skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, banana ride, power-scooter riding, knee-wakeboarding etc, or take some yoga experiences from one of the many yoga retreats available up and down the coast. Goa is a perfect spot for trying all this stuff and do not leave without ticking a few of them off the list.

Go beyond the sea and sand

While many visitors are drawn to the beaches, this certainly doesn’t represent the state in its entirety. There’s lots more to see and do here than just that – centuries-old churches and temples, museums, forts, spice plantations, caves, wildlife sanctuaries, and more. Here’s our list of things to do and see in Goa that will help you plan your itinerary.

Also, Goa is home to a truly spectacular countryside that is worth taking time to explore. Goan villages dotted with old Portuguese-style houses, lush paddy fields, spice plantations, waterfalls and quaint environment can be found at the countryside. The best way to explore it is by bike – take a ride along the lush vegetation and the scenic Portuguese houses, and watch a typical day in the countryside unfold.

Explore both North Goa and South Goa

Both North and South Goa have their own appeal. It is highly recommended to explore both the regions as they have plenty to offer visitors. We recommend you move your way north to south. Tick off all the North Goa attractions, and then further move to the peaceful South Goa and make a trip to Vasco Da Gama and Old Goa that are home to centuries-old monuments, churches, temples, museums and islands. Check out this guide on what to expect in North Goa and South Goa.

Play the bargaining game right

Goa has some of the best flea markets and haggling is a part of the experience at these markets. The first price point offered is definitely not the last, so play the bargaining game right. You can find some real bargains here, such as handicrafts, spices, wooden artefacts, carpets, etc. which make for a perfect souvenir.

Say ‘No’ to drugs and do not drink on beaches

There’s a good chance you’ll be invited to beach parties and raves. Keep in mind that many such parties have drugs in circulation. It is worth noting that, by law, possession, consumption or trade of drugs in the state is illegal. And, if caught, you’re sure to land up in jail for nearly 10 years, along with a hefty fine. So, say NO to any such invitation and drugs. Err on the side of caution.

Also, drinking in public places in Goa, especially on the beaches is banned and may land you in jail. So, do not indulge in such an activity.

Remember some basics

Pack wisely

Yes, it’s sun, sea and sand – so pack beachwear, flip-flops, crocs, hats, shades, sunscreen and lightweight clothes. Avoid too much bling and pack some conservative clothing for your temple and church visits.

Keep an eye on personal stuff

This may seem like common sense, but it’s a tip which needs to be highlighted. While you’re relaxing on the beach or shopping, keep an eye on your items, as pickpockets lurk here.

Cash is king

Many small shacks, bars, restaurants and shops do not have credit card machines. So, always have some cash on you (but not too much, though!), or familiarise yourself with the ATMs in your area, so that you can withdraw money easily.

Book accommodation in advance

There are plenty of backpacker hostels and hotels (both budget and luxury) in Goa, it is better to book them in advance, especially during the long weekends and winter months, as things can get more crowded and expensive.