Wellness Travel Advice

It's important not to forget the damage that the sun can do to your skin, especially if you're not wearing proper protection. There are many remedies to soothe sunburn but it's better to avoid it altogether and stock up on sun cream before you go, preferably with a minimum of SPF 30, and make sure you reapply it frequently.

If the signs of sunburn do start to appear then here are some effective home remedies:

• Water - Apply a cold flannel to the burnt area or take a cool shower or bath to soothe your skin. Drink some water to help replenish the water that was lost through sweating.
• Painkillers - Aspirin or Paracetamol can help to relieve the pain of the burn and ibuprofen will help bring down the inflammation.
• Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera is very good to use on sunburn as it has powerful inflammatory qualities; it'll not only soothe but it'll also help relieve redness.
• Moisturise - To help soothe your sunburn use a light moisturiser to re-hydrate your skin.
• Severe Sunburn - Severe sunburn may require a burn cream or a special burn dressing, which will require a trip to the doctor.

If you're flying to a faraway destination, you may suffer some jet lag as your body struggles to adapt to the new time zone. In some cases, it can affect your appetite, digestion, bowel movements and blood pressure.

But here are some ways to help reduce and prevent jet lag:

• Sleep - Get plenty of sleep the night before your flight, especially if it's early in the morning.
• Water - Drink plenty of water before and during your flight to make sure you stay well hydrated.
• Caffeine - Try and limit your caffeine intake so you can get some rest during the flight.
• Change your watch - Change the time on your watch to your new time zone as soon as you arrive to help your body adjust more quickly.
• Stay active - Try and stay active during your flight; take a few strolls around the cabin and do some stretches, which will also help to avoid deep vein thrombosis.