Whenever you're traveling by plane or taking long road trips by car, bus, or train, you often end up looking tired and disheveled. Motion sickness, fatigue, and the discomfort of cramped seating only make you appear more frazzled. However, you can still maintain a relaxed look without compromising your style by choosing wrinkle-free clothing, layering, and moisturizing your skin. Opt for simple yet elegant makeup and hairstyles when traveling, so you can still look fabulous upon arrival. Take advantage of travel time to rest and recharge. Don’t forget to freshen up before you reach your destination.
Steps
Select Comfortable and Stylish Clothing

Prioritize wrinkle-free fabrics. Choose soft, breathable materials to stay comfortable throughout the day. Knit fabrics are ideal for travel, as they’re easy to wear and can be rolled up for packing. Stretchy fabrics also hold their shape better than pure cotton. Synthetic fibers are another great option, especially if you want moisture-wicking properties.
- Avoid linen, as it wrinkles easily.

Wear your favorite outfit. Put on one of your favorite outfits to feel confident while traveling. It’s likely that this outfit is comfortable, or else it wouldn’t be your favorite.
- For women, opt for a maxi dress paired with a cute jacket. This combination allows for easy movement and is also stylish. Alternatively, choose leggings with a long top and a trendy scarf.
- For men, go for dark jeans paired with a polo shirt. This way, you can still look neat while wearing a t-shirt, without the tightness of a suit or button-down shirt. Alternatively, wear a thin pullover hoodie and comfortable trousers in neutral colors, like black or navy blue.

Layer your clothing. Layering is ideal for long trips, as you can add or remove layers depending on the temperature in the car or on the plane. This approach is helpful when there’s a temperature difference between your departure and arrival locations. Add a scarf or a hoodie to your outfit, and remove layers if you get too warm.
- Bring a jacket to keep warm on the plane and save space for other items in your luggage.

Enhance your outfit with accessories. In addition to choosing comfortable clothes for your travels, you can make your look more stylish. Create a more striking appearance by adding a patterned scarf or a youthful handbag to your outfit. Wear a few necklaces to accentuate your look, or a stack of bangles for added flair. You could also add a patterned headband or oversized sunglasses to complete the look.

Choose comfortable shoes. Pick a pair of comfortable shoes that complement your outfit. Avoid wearing brand new shoes on your trip. Get used to the new shoes first, to prevent blisters or other issues.
- Wear slip-on shoes or shoes that are easy to remove. These are practical if you’re flying, as you’ll need to take them off at airport security.
- Bring socks to keep your feet warm. Opt for moisture-wicking socks, such as those made from bamboo fabric.
Choose suitable makeup and hairstyle

Moisturize your skin. Regardless of the climate at your departure or arrival destination, keeping your skin moisturized will help maintain its health and beauty. Apply body lotion along with a facial moisturizer that includes SPF protection.
- Don't forget to use hand cream during your journey. Choose one with a scent you love, as the familiar aroma will help you relax.

Choose a comfortable hairstyle. Some people prefer tying their hair, while others like leaving it loose. Pick the style you enjoy, but keep it simple; don’t spend hours styling your hair, as it will fall flat or become messy once you arrive. To keep hair out of your face, braiding your hair is a simple yet stylish option.
- If you’re heading to a humid area, use a smoothing serum before styling your hair to prevent frizz.

Keep makeup minimal. Many people choose not to wear makeup, as it’s not necessary to look glamorous on long trips. If you prefer not to skip makeup, remember to apply primer beneath your foundation to keep it in place. Choose neutral eye shadows, add eyeliner if desired, and finish with mascara. For a bit more brightness, choose a bold lip color.
- Keep oil-absorbing blotting papers in your purse or carry-on to reduce shine on your face.
- Don't forget lip balm to keep your lips soft and smooth with a natural shine.
Make the most of your travel time

Sleep on the plane or in the car. Sleeping while traveling has a huge impact on how you look and feel upon arrival. Try to take a nap during your journey, or at least rest. If you have trouble sleeping, use an eye mask and meditate or simply relax and rest your mind.

Stay hydrated. It's crucial to stay hydrated while traveling, especially when flying. Drink at least one glass of water every hour to help you feel energized and look more refreshed. You can enhance the taste by adding mint or fruits to your water if you'd like.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption during travel. Limit yourself to just one drink, like a glass of wine.

Choose healthy meals or snacks. It’s common to pick up fast food for the journey or pack snacks, but these options won’t help you feel or look better. Instead, opt for healthy meals or snacks throughout your trip. Some ideas include:
- Sandwiches or wraps with your favorite filling
- Easy-to-carry fruits like apples, oranges, and bananas
- Seeds, nuts, or a mix of grains and dried fruits
- A small salad
- Carrots and celery sticks

Freshen up before arrival. Brush your teeth, chew mint gum, or have a mint to freshen your breath. You can also use deodorant and a little perfume for added freshness.
- Carry a small spray bottle with water and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Spritz this mixture on your face to brighten your skin.
Tips
- Minimize stress during your travels by being well-prepared and having everything you need on hand.
- Get plenty of rest the night before your trip. This will help you look energized and feel refreshed.
- Style your hair in the best way possible, or keep it comfortable. Don’t worry about what others think—just be yourself, as mentioned earlier.
Warning
- Avoid wearing tight or uncomfortable clothing such as skinny jeans or short skirts. While it’s important to look good, comfort should be your top priority during your trip.
