Wellness tips for international travel at Brisbane Airport

Whether you are flying for holidays or for work, your time in transit doesn't have to be a chore. At least not at Brisbane Airport's International Terminal. Start your holiday right with these wellness tips and experiences that will have you feeling fresh for your flight.

Pre-flight rituals are different for each individual. Some want to relax, some want to finish their deadlines in silence, others want to do some shopping, and some just want some delicious, healthy food. Whichever is your preference, I’ve found options for everyone, including tips for your actual flight that will keep you feeling fresh for when you arrive at your destination. 

Healthy pre-flight food

Whether you have time to sit down or looking for a grab’n’go option, you don't want to take your chances with in-flight food.

If you are in for a long-haul flight, you want to fuel your body in the right way and avoid the sugar highs and lows mid-flight. Of course, I don't expect you to starve during the flight, so if you’re looking for nutrient-dense and dietary friendly options before take-off, check out my list below.

Corretto Bar & Cafe - this place is a superfood heaven and the perfect option to get your pre-flight foodie fix. Corretto's menu is packed with nutritious options and dietary preferences. They cater to gluten free, dairy free, vegan and nut free requests and can adapt the menu to suit your needs. Coretto is also located before security, so if your friends and family enjoy superfoods and healthy options as much as you do, it's the perfect spot to enjoy each other's company before you say goodbye. 

Windmill & Co - Windmill & Co is the perfect chilled out option, with much less hustle-and-bustle and a delicious menu. The menu varies  from 'I'm starting holidays, let's get pork sliders' to lighter breakfast options and is also a dietary friendly menu. If you are flying in the morning, I recommend the omelette (vegetarian option available) or the gluten-free granola. For lunch or dinner, your options are practically endless. From halloumi salad, vegetarian pizza, Greek coleslaw, slow cooked lamb and even refined sugar free baklava. Honestly, this is one of my favourite places in the International Terminal to sit back and relax pre-flight. 

Boost Juice - Let's be honest, most in-flight food isn't going to have that many vegetables or nutrients. Get your dose pre-flight at Boost Juice. My favourite is the Two and Five Blend Juice or the Pure Eden. Both filled with all the fruit, veg, vitamins and minerals that you need to keep your body nourished during your flight. 

Pre-flight healthy experiences

Lotte Duty Free - You may be focused on settling into a lounge with your own space but let's not forget about the incredible range of products available in Lotte Duty Free that can support pre-flight, mid-flight and post-flight freshness. 

Any flight crew member will tell you the secret to maintaining your wellbeing during long haul flights is hydration. Hydration, hydration, hydration! Lots of water is an obvious one, but your skin also needs a little loving. Picking up a tax-free Hydrating Face Mist is going to be the best investment for your holiday. That and noise cancelling headphones (available at Lotte Duty Free and essential for maintaining sanity during your flight). 

My favourite brand of choice when looking for something to hydrate my skin is Jurlique. They have a range of hydrating mists and moisturisers, serums and eye care products designed to make your skin glow and show no signs of travel fatigue. I love the Rosewater Balancing Mist for pre and post flight. If you’re a nervous flyer, grab some Lavender Hydrating Mist to help settle the nerves and calm you into an as-good-as-it-can-be mid-flight nap or sleep. I always use lavender oil or balms for flying, they help me relax and fall to asleep easily (both during flight and at home). It is an absolute game-changer if you haven't already tried it. 

Plaza Premium Lounge

Airport lounges are an oasis of comfort, peace and quiet and unless you are a frequent flyer, you might not be sure about how to access one. Each lounge has its own rules with who can enter, but the good news is everyone can enter the Plaza Premium Lounge. It will cost you a small fee and might cost less if you are flying with associate airlines, but you can guarantee it's worth every cent. If you’re in a rush to finish a deadline, there are dedicated office booths with all the power points you need, and if you just want some peace and quiet, there’s a range of spaces including egg chairs (my personal favourite). Not to mention floor to ceiling windows that are perfect for people and plane watching (if that's your thing!). Plaza Premium Lounge offers food and beverages, perfect for a little cheese platter and wine if you are looking for some help to unwind.

Makeover at MAC

I mean, who doesn't like to feel that little bit special before their flight? Not only can you purchase tax-free make up for your holiday, you can get a touch up pre-flight or even a full fresh face of makeup. Having your make up done before a short flight means you are ready to go when you arrive, hello holidays! I wouldn't recommend a full face of make up for a long haul flight, as you need to keep your skin hydrated and moisturised, but the ladies at MAC Cosmetics are more than happy to give you the inside tips and tricks for when you arrive at your destination. 

Here's to feeling fresh after long haul flights!

CREDITS

• Feature image: Coretto Cafe & Bar has many healthy dining options | Photo by: KB Sugarfree
• Read more airport guides by KB Sugarfree
• 5 spots to have a dinner date at Brisbane Airport