7 simple tips for a hassle-free airport experience

Travelers used to look at flying as a great adventure. Now, we often see it as a chore to endure before the real trip can begin. Here's how to ensure that your next flight will be safe and pleasant:

These days, few airlines offer free meals; you're probably out of luck if you're flying economy class or you're on a relatively short flight.

• The meals and snacks that airlines do offer are not only unsatisfying, but unhealthy to boot.
• Tuck a turkey sandwich, pasta salad, apple or whole-wheat crackers and low-fat cheese into your carry-on bag along with some napkins and a plastic fork, if you need one.

Time can easily get away from you while you're flying if you're sleeping or watching an in-flight movie, but it's important to get up and be on the move now and then, especially on long flights.

• The next time you fly, wear a digital watch with an alarm, and set it to go off 60 or 90 minutes after takeoff.
• When the alarm goes off, stroll to the restroom and back, then reset your alarm to go off in another 60 or 90 minutes.
• Repeat this exercise throughout the flight to make sure your body stays loose and comfortable.

Catching a plane involves a whole lot of hurry-up-and-wait.

• While you're waiting for your plane to board, use that spare half-hour to tool around the terminal, rather than grabbing an overpriced chocolate bar from the newsstand.

Even if the flight attendants on the plane come around with the beverage cart, you should drink more often than that to avoid dehydration, which can give you a headache and possibly raise your blood sugar.

• If you have to get up more often to use the bathroom, that's not a bad thing.
• Don't buy your water before you pass through security, though, or you may be required to throw it out.

These are seats you can only book once you're at the airport, and you can do it even if you already have a seat assignment — something not many people know.

• In an exit row you'll have more room to stretch your legs.

To keep the blood flowing, do these simple foot exercises every half hour.

• With your heels on the floor, lift your toes up as far as possible. Hold for a few seconds, then release.
• Next, lift one foot slightly off the floor and draw circles in each direction with your toes. Repeat with the other foot.
• Finally, lift one heel as high as possible.

You don't want to risk airlines losing the luggage with your meds in it, so keep your meds safely with you in your carry-on luggage.

• The temperature in the baggage bay is also very cold, which can affect your insulin.

Flying can be a stressful, nerve-racking experience. The best thing you can do for yourself is minimize the toll a long flight takes on your mind and body by being as prepared as possible. These simple tips should help minimize stress on your next big trip. Now you can enjoy your vacation!