What to wear on a long trip by plane or train

Preparing to travel by plane or train for any length of time poses a series of dilemmas. You might wonder how to cope if your luggage is misplaced or you may be more concerned about how to dress for differing climates. Read on for valuable advice on how to arrive prepared and ready to go.

Deciding what to pack and what to wear

Deciding which clothes to wear and which ones to pack is easy when you consider the following questions:

• Are you leaving a cool climate to arrive in a warmer one, or vice versa?
• Do you have any mobility issues to consider?
• Does your body temperature fluctuate easily?

Small things matter

We've all experienced the embarrassment of being asked to remove our shoes going through airport security. To deal with this, consider wearing socks while you’re in transit. If you have mobility issues, consider a comfortable pair of slip-on shoes during your train journey or mid-flight.

Clothing to consider

Items of clothing that do not travel well include jeans, figure-hugging clothes and skirts. Instead, wear loose-fitting layers, which can be added or removed depending on the temperature, and a pair of circulation socks. You may want to invest in a pair of comfortable pants, teamed with a long-sleeved top, baggy sweater and scarf.

Equip your carry-on baggage with essentials

Knowing which items to bring on board in your hand baggage may save you from distress and disruption while you’re in transit. Consider wearing a pair of foldable slippers while you’re on board, and bring a spare set of underwear and socks, any necessary travel documents and a small amount of currency applicable to your final destination. It’s also a good idea to bring your travel insurance policy, so that you can refer to it in case of an emergency. Assistance to Blue Cross members is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.