Prevent and soothe dry skin when traveling this winter season

woman bothered by her skin

The cold weather can be a nightmare for those who suffer from dry skin.

The low humidity and harsh winds can leave your skin feeling itchy, inflamed, and just generally uncomfortable. If you’re dreading the winter season because of your dry skin, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we will discuss the best ways to prevent and soothe dry skin when traveling this winter season. We will also provide a few tips on how to keep your skin healthy and hydrated all season long. So read on, and enjoy your winter vacation without fussing over those dry patches!

Drink lots of water

One of the best things you can do to prevent dry skin while traveling this winter is to drink plenty of water.

When you’re dehydrated, your skin becomes dry and itchy. So make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

Use a portable humidifier

Combat dry skin by using a portable humidifier.

A humidifier puts moisture back into the air, which helps to replenish the moisture that’s been lost due to the colder weather. This can not only help soothe dry skin but can also help relieve allergies and cold symptoms.

There are a variety of humidifiers on the market, so be sure to choose one that’s best suited for your needs. Some are small and compact enough to fit in your travel bag, while others can hold a significant volume of water. Whichever one you choose, make sure to use it regularly and overnight to keep your skin from drying out.

Wear comfortable clothing
packing clothes for travel

Image Credits: escape.com.au

Try to wear comfortable clothes that won’t rub against your skin. Loose-fitting pants and long-sleeved tops are good options, as are natural fabrics like cotton and linen.

Apply a hydrating gel, cream, or lotion

Pack a small tube of hydrating gel, cream, or lotion in your carry-on bag. The low humidity in airplane cabins can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it feeling dry and irritated.

To help combat this, lather on a hydrating cream before takeoff and apply it throughout the flight. This will help refresh dry skin and keep it hydrated. When you land, apply a hydrating moisturizer to help further lock in moisture.

Take shorter showers with lukewarm water

Take shorter showers with lukewarm water instead of hot water and moisturize your skin immediately after showering while your skin is still damp.

So, what are the most suitable ways to soothe dry skin when traveling this winter season? First, make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water. This will help to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Second, use a humidifier in your rental car and hotel room. This will add moisture to the air, which will in turn help to keep your skin hydrated. Third, wear comfortable clothes that won’t irritate the skin. Fourth, apply a creamy, hydrating moisturizer to your skin regularly. And lastly, shower with lukewarm water and avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers that can strip your skin of its natural oils. Have a wonderful winter holiday!

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Tips for traveling light on your winter holiday

Changi Airport

You’re getting ready for your winter holiday and you realize that you have way too much stuff. 

It’s time to weed out the unnecessary and figure out how to travel light. There are a few things to keep in mind when trying to lighten your load.

For one, think about the activities you will be doing on your trip. Another thing to consider is the temperature changes at your destination. There are ways to reduce the amount of weight you’re carrying without leaving anything important behind.

Here’s how.

Stick to a color scheme

Sticking to a color scheme will help you to be more organized and efficient with your packing.

Start by picking two or three colors and then mix and match different items that match those colors.

For example, if you’re going with a monochrome color scheme, you could pack a white top, black bottom, and grey outerwear. And for ladies, don’t forget about accessories—a colorful scarf or a pair of fun earrings can instantly brighten up an outfit.

Edit your beauty routine

The holidays are a time when we all want to look our best, but that doesn’t mean you have to overpack your beauty bag.

Start by editing your routine down to the essentials. Pack your beauty basics and bring along a moisturizing lip balm and hand cream. And don’t forget sunscreen—even in the winter, you need to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

If you wear makeup, pack the products you can’t live without, but leave the rest behind. You can always buy new makeup when you get to your destination. And if you’re worried about scrambling to find your stuff in your suitcase, consider packing your beauty products in a ziplock bag.

Make a list and stick to it
travel packing list

Image Credits: travelingchic.com

If you know what you’re taking with you, you won’t be tempted to pack unnecessary items. A good way to avoid this is to make a list of the items you need and then stick to it. If something doesn’t make the list, don’t bring it. It’s as simple as that.

Invest in versatile pieces and roll your clothes

When it comes to packing for your winter holiday, the key is to invest in pieces that are versatile and can be worn in multiple ways.

That way, you can pack fewer clothes and have more room in your suitcase. Another packing tip: roll your clothes instead of folding them. It will take up less space and they will less likely to have creases.

It can be tough to pack light for a winter holiday—after all, you need to consider the day and night temperature fluctuations. But with a little bit of planning and some smart packing tips, you can travel light and still have everything you need. Here are a few tips we’ve mentioned earlier: pack clothes you can layer so you can adjust to the temperature changes, choose versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched, and bring along essential items that you can’t live without. With these recommendations in mind, you can pack everything you need into a suitcase and be ready for your winter holiday.

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How to keep your sanity when traveling with a workaholic spouse

man working at the beach

You’ve been looking forward to this family vacation for months, but your workaholic spouse is already stressing you out. It seems like they’re just not into it, and you’re worried the whole trip will be a disaster.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few tips for how to handle a workaholic spouse during family holiday trips.

Lay down expectations

Before your trip, sit down and talk with your spouse about your expectations. Let them know that you would like them to be present (both mentally and physically) and that you need their help to make the trip enjoyable for everyone.

If they’re unwilling to change their behavior, you may need to reconsider whether or not traveling together is the best idea. A workaholic spouse can put a serious damper on your holiday spirit.

Create a realistic itinerary

If you can open up a dialog and come to a mutual understanding, then there’s no reason why your trip can’t be just as fun as you imagined.

So what can you do to keep your sanity during your next family vacation? First, create a realistic itinerary. Make sure that there are plenty of activities that everyone can enjoy, without having to drag your spouse along to participate in every single one of them.

Second, try to relax and enjoy yourself. It’s not going to be easy, but don’t hesitate to speak up if things get too stressful. You deserve some quality time with your family too, and you shouldn’t have to put up with a workaholic spouse.

Schedule some “me” time
infinity pool view

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Carve out some “me” time during your trip:

  • Connect with friends or family members who are also in town. This is a great way to catch up and relax.
  • Take some time for yourself each day, even if it’s just for an hour. Use this time to practice yoga, read a book, or take a swim.
  • Find activities that interest you and do them solo or join a group session. This can help take your mind off things and give you some much-needed downtime while your spouse works.
Let go of the things you can’t control

Don’t drive yourself crazy. It’s not worth getting angry or frustrated over something that’s out of your hands. Just relax and go with the flow—you will both be a lot happier that way. The key is to not let the workaholic spouse ruin your holiday trip for you.

It can be hard to travel with a workaholic spouse who is always on their laptop, but it’s not impossible. With a little bit of patience and planning, you can make the most of your family vacation. Try to schedule some downtime for both of you during the trip. Set and stick to some ground rules ahead of time, such as no work talk during mealtimes. If they slip up, don’t be afraid to remind them of the rules. We know it’s not always easy to travel with a workaholic spouse, but with some effort, you can make the most of your family vacation.

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Should you still wear a mask on the plane if it’s not required by law?

majority of people wearing masks on a flight

Singapore Airlines said that unless they are flying to or from a place that requires masks, travelers would not be obliged to wear them on flights. This policy on the use of masks while flying adheres to the most recent regulations.

But should you still wear a mask if certain flights don’t need it? Many people who are flying soon are debating whether to wear a mask. Allow us to discuss the safety concerns and more if you are also sitting on the fence. Hopefully, this will give you a slight peace of mind.

Safer than you think

Experts in infectious diseases observed that aircraft ventilation requirements are stringent and that no significant COVID-19 clusters have been linked to flights thus far. In essence, flying commercially is significantly safer than most people realize.

This is because a three-minute air exchange occurs repeatedly in an aircraft. More than 50% of the air entering the cabin is entirely outside air, while the rest is passed through hospital-grade HEPA air filters, which remove more than 99% of airborne particles. Therefore, it is nearly impossible for virus particles to be wandering through an aircraft, strictly speaking.

Levels of risk vary among people
travelers at Changi Airport

Image Credits: straitstimes.com.sg

Nonetheless, the risk that different people face from contracting COVID-19 may affect their choice to wear a mask on a flight. People who are younger or who have just recovered from COVID-19, for instance, are at lower risk.

It would probably be a good idea for those who are immunocompromised or who have never been infected before to wear a mask the whole journey. This may apply to transplant recipients or cancer survivors who are on diverse immunosuppressive medications.

How to take safety precautions pre- & in-flight

There will always be two teams—mask-up and mask-off. For those who want to better protect themselves by wearing a mask, go ahead. Or if you’re feeling uncomfortable sitting beside passengers who are not putting on masks, there are safety precautions you can take.

A mask that comfortably covers your nose and the sides of your face is what you want to wear. An N95, a KN95, or a layered cloth mask can be suitable choices. Bring additional masks, sufficient sanitizers, and disinfectant wipes in case you need to change your mask or sterilize your hands or surrounding surfaces.

Try to arrange shorter flights and have your meals settled before you get to the airport to prevent having to take off your mask unnecessarily. Before boarding, steer away from congested places to get a short snack or drink some water if feasible.

Have a lovely holiday but don’t forget to still keep up with your hygiene habits. Stay safe, everyone!

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COVID-19 updates for those planning a trip to Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea

back view of women wearing hanboks

From mask-off in most indoor spaces to allowing non-vaccinated travelers to do away with the seven-day SHN (Stay Home Notice) quarantine period on arrival in Singapore, countries around the globe have also begun lifting measures slowly.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re heading to Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea soon.

Japan
street of Japan

Image Credits: timeout.com

Japan has maintained stringent border controls for a longer period than many other major markets, and only in June did it start to let visitors enter on the premise that they did so in tour groups and with guides.

Beginning 7 September, travelers from all nations will be permitted to enter the nation as part of package expeditions without the need for tour guides. Japan will also increase the daily limit of visitors to the nation from 20,000 to 50,000. Additionally, visitors who have received the necessary vaccinations will not require pre-departure COVID-19 testing.

Taiwan
Tea houses on the Juifen mountain in Taiwan

Image Credits: traveltalk.dk

Taiwan is expected to loosen its border restrictions by the end of September, or at the latest, early October, according to the chief of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), who remarked last month.

The CECC also eliminated the pre-flight COVID-19 PCR test requirement as of 14 August. On-arrival PCR testing, a three-day quarantine, and a four-day self-initiated epidemic prevention period would still be required, though. Additionally, those who acquire COVID-19 overseas will not be permitted to travel by air to Taiwan within seven days of their positive test results.

South Korea
Busan in South Korea

Image Credits: traveldailymedia.com

The majority of South Korea’s pandemic-related restrictions were lifted in the first half of 2022, similar to Japan, but the country has continued to impose some of the strictest border controls, necessitating the proof of a negative coronavirus test result obtained before departure from all incoming travelers.

However, beginning from 3 September, visitors entering the nation will no longer be required to take the pre-departure COVID-19 test. However, as a minimum precaution put in place to stop the entrance and spread of any variety from abroad, travelers are still required to undergo a PCR test within the first 24 hours of their arrival in South Korea.

At Incheon Airport, Gimhae Airport, Jeju International Airport, or a medical facility close to your lodging, you may undergo your PCR test. Travelers are urged to stay in their accommodations until they obtain a negative PCR test result, according to the embassy. After that, record the results of your on-arrival PCR test on the Q-code website.

A seven-day quarantine is necessary if the results of the on-arrival test are positive. Short-term visitors will complete their quarantine at a designated quarantine center. You can call the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) at +82-2-2633-1339 if you have any inquiries about quarantine.

Bon voyage!

Editor’s note: All information published at the time of writing is accurate.

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