The travel hacks that keep Elle Macpherson in top jet-setting shape

With 30 years of experience (and counting) as a supermodel, Elle Macpherson has learned more about globe-trotting—and looking fab when you reach your swimsuit-ready destination—than almost anyone on earth. Here, the wellness entrepreneur shares the bon-voyage basics that keep her going. 

I’m constantly traveling for business—and I’ve discovered a number of beauty travel hacks to arrive looking fresh and ready to embrace my new surroundings.

It all starts well before I get on a plane. If I know I’m going on a long-haul flight, for example, I like to do a little prep so I’m feeling my best and am in the right frame of mind for my journey. I wake at 5 a.m. (the usual time, actually) and set my intentions for the day.

It might be that I want to answer all my emails while I’m on the plane, or it might be to take a break and watch a movie. Whatever it is, it’s always good to take a positive approach. It sounds so simple, but it makes such a huge difference.

What else keeps me feeling great on the road? Keep reading for my full healthy-travel M.O.—the beauty hacks and other rituals I rely on to keep me feeling great on the road.

My pre-flight sweat session

I like to do a good workout before a flight; it gets the endorphins pumping. I’ll go for a more strenuous activity like a boot-camp-style workout, long run, or boxing, and it tires me out so I can sleep if it’s an overnight flight.

My carry-on essentials

I love my Schiaparelli travel bag—it’s chic, cheeky, and the perfect carry-on size.

To protect my skin from the drying effects of the cabin, I bring Dr. Sebagh’s Rose de Vie Serum and another Dr. Sebagh product, Supreme Day Cream, which are both nourishing and super hydrating. On overnight flights I’ll also apply an eye cream—it’s a must. At the moment I’m using Dr. Sebagh again! It’s called Supreme Night Secret Cream—it has a cell-regenerating formula that promises overnight results for a bright complexion.

For the chilly cabin air, my go-to is a Banjo and Matilda cashmere sweater—it’s a great Aussie brand.

My in-flight routine

After I board, the first thing I do is take a double dose of greens supplements (I do this post-flight, too). This helps me fight jet lag because my body has the nutrients it needs, and it ensures I have that extra boost of hydration. I also drink copious amounts of water throughout the flight—another way to avoid feeling exhausted later.

My no-fail wardrobe

Obviously comfort is key when you’re traveling, I’m a jeans and T-shirt girl, I love Stella McCartney Adidas trainers for comfort when I board, but I will change into Isabel Marant high-heeled boots when I arrive at my destination. It means I hit the ground ready for meetings and appointments.

I wear little makeup when flying—it’s all about moisturizing and hydrating—so a little lip gloss at the other end is a great way to freshen up. I love Bobbi Brown Sheer Colour lip gloss.

Depending on the time I arrive, and the purpose of my visit, when meetings are planned, and so on, I love to check in to my hotel and then go for a walk or run around the city. It helps me get my bearings, and is a great way of shaking off any jet lag—and start my adventures right away.

Staying fit on the road got a little easier recently, as in-room spinning became the newest perk for the wellness-savvy set. And to keep your (mental) health on point, it all begins with a great packing job—here are 6 flight-attendant approved tricks to make sure everything fits.

Elle Macpherson is a member of the Well+Good Wellness Council, our handpicked holistic health squad with the best advice this side of your own personal guru. The perennial “Australian Girl Next Door,” Macpherson has been a prominent figure in business, fashion, film, and television for the past 30 years, winning scores of awards for her ingenuity and entrepreneurial drive. Today, she serves as the co-founder and creative director for WelleCo, a premium wellness brand known for its alkalizing Super Elixir organic supplements. 

What should Elle write about next? Send your questions and suggestions to [email protected].