great dupes emily’s favorite outdoor pieces

Home Decor

Great Dupes: Emily’s Favorite Outdoor Pieces

Drescription

Ithink I can say that the majority of us love looking at beautiful homes filled with beautiful things that are often outside of our budgets. It’s both aspirational and sometimes a bummer because WE WANT THOSE BEAUTIFUL THINGS TOO. The good news is that there are so many products on the market, including so many incredible dupes or near dupes to give us the same/very similar look…but for smaller budgets. And I’m sure that it’s no surprise that Wayfair is the place to find them. I’m never not pleasantly surprised that when I’m creating a “look for less,” Wayfair always comes through. It’s actually wild. So, since summer is upon us, we thought we’d put together a very compelling “look for less” of some of Emily’s favorite pieces. Let me show you that you can easily get “the Emily look” for an affordable budget:)

Let’s take this awesome sectional from Wayfair. It’s big, has that great slatted back detail (so it’s pretty at any angle), and I love that warm medium-toned wood color. The only thing that could be a little tough, depending on your budget, is the pricetag, which comes in at $3,199. But guess what I found after an easy little search on their site…

…these much more affordable beauties!! I know that they aren’t exact replicas (which is good TBH), but they give the same vibe/look/feel. The Suvada Wide Outdoor L-Shaped Patio Sectional has that sweet wood “X” detail that is perfect for a farmhouse, casual traditional look. I also love the long bench cushions. Oh, and not for nothing, but there’s a savings of $2,459 compared to Emily’s. Then the Acacia Outdoor Patio Sectional is a little more expensive, but you’re still saving $2,299 (!), and it has the wood slate detail. This one leans a little more modern if that’s what you’re looking for. They are also both highly rated!

Let’s move on to her poolside lounge chairs. Emily has the loungers from Neighbor, and as someone with an outdoor sofa from them as well, I can attest to their quality… and their heftier price tag. The lounger is currently priced at $1,475. So I went on a mission to find a couple of affordable options that looked extremely similar, and here’s what I decided on:)

I love the Strausbaugh Outdoor Acacia Chaise Lounge because the wood tone is similar, and it has back wheels like Emily’s for moving them around easily. Then personally, I really love armrests, so that was a factor too:) But we’re here for savings, and boy, are these much more budget-friendly! These loungers are $1,170 LESS. You could get four and still not pay as much as her one. But if you are someone who doesn’t like armrests, the Scheiner Outdoor Acacia Chaise Lounge is so great. They have over 600 4.5 stars, and the savings are even better since you get two for $449, which, if you were able to buy them individually, would be a difference of $1,251.

If you’ve been following since the mountain house days, then you know Emily Henderson loves hammocks…a lot.

Emily originally paid almost $400 for the one in the photo, and that’s without the stand! So these two options are not only really cute, but they are more than half the price. If you’re looking for an EHD-approved, affordable hammock, then look no further than these two. Your summer will absolutely be upgraded if you can nap in the shade while gently swaying:)

Another important Emily outdoor tip is to have a patterned moment like this umbrella. Emily tends to be partial to a bold stripe:) But her umbrella was almost $400. So when I found this one on Wayfair for a fraction of the price for the same size and tilt function, I was beyond excited. Yes, you would also need a stand, and this cutie is only $42, so done and done. That’s still more than a $300 saving on the original.

Another item from this part of Emily’s backyard are those sweet folding dining chairs. I love the mix of wood and metal, and these ones from Wayfair are almost identical…but of course, more affordable. Emily’s were $300 for two, so you can save $50 with these. Every dollar counts, and these have a perfect 5-star rating:)

Lanterns (especially black metal and glass ones) are another Emily Henderson outdoor staple. As you can see above, she styles them in outdoor entries, dining areas, by lounge zones — there isn’t an outdoor area she won’t try them, ha. But some lanterns aren’t cheap. Luckily, I found ones that look expensive but aren’t, AND come with candles.

I’m sorry, but being able to purchase two outdoor lanterns with candles for $38 is WILD. The small one in the photo above is $88, and that definitely does not come with a candle. So yes to lanterns, and YES, to affordable ones. They just add such a great amount of visual interest and layering, plus, when lit, a pretty ambiance!

Another outdoor decor piece that is super impactful but can easily get pricey are tall planters. They are so helpful in framing a doorway, an entry, a zone, etc. Emily uses them all of the time, and Exhibit A is by her front door above. Those were bought at a local nursery, but let’s just say she wouldn’t have categorized them as affordable, as opposed to these ones that I found…

The white ones are made of resin and are that sleek shape that goes with any style. They also come in a few other colors if white doesn’t look best with your home. I also wanted to show you these black ones because they could lean a little more modern traditional and are such a great price. For a set of 2, both of these options are at least half the price of many on the market!

For Em’s newest outdoor space, her outdoor kitchen, she chose those awesome POLYWOOD counter stools. Wayfair sells this version too! Oh, and if you love the style but need a dining chair height, they have these:) However, to save some more dollars, I found a really great option that’s $64 less per stool.

And here they are! Slightly more modern but still has the slatted look and green color. I think these look great, but they also come in a few other colors!

Another common dream I feel many of us have is a porch swing. I’m not sure what movie or show infiltrated our brains, but boy, do I want one someday. This light wood one Emily has is great, but as you can imagine isn’t the most budget-friendly, coming in at $2,195. Let me show you what Wayfair has:)

Well, what have I been tellin ya? That wood bench above is so pretty and almost $2,000 LESS than what’s on her front porch. A total steal! But if you are worried about wood and harsh weather, we know that POLYWOOD is maybe the most durable outdoor furniture available, so while not a natural wood tone and a little more expensive, the cream one on the right has the right style look and is still over $1,500 less than Em’s.

This little upper deck patio is one of my favorites, too, so I had to include it. This chair is also a favorite. It’s comfortable, so chic, and of course, not inexpensive. But that’s what’s also awesome about Wayfair, they have pieces like this one from Blu Dot, but if you want something similar in a different budget, you can find this…

It’s not “the same”, but also feels the same, you know? I love how this chair is also low, has a similar metal frame, and while it’s a different material, the natural fiber also wraps around the frame. Oh, and it’s also $1,345 less than the Blu Dot one. Not bad!

Hope this was helpful as you’re gearing up for the warm weather! What’s also great about Wayfair are those fast shipping times, so no time wasting waiting for your dream outdoor space. Thanks to Wayfair for sponsoring this post and for making it so easy to create a truly great space. Happy sourcing, everyone!

Love you, mean it.

Transitioning your Fashion for the Seasons

As you may know I have a partnership with thredUP that involves me playing a lot of dress-up. Read all about why I partnered with the world’s largest online thrift store, here. If you hate clothing then skip this post and come back Monday for design content, but if you find yourself sitting, wondering ‘how does Emily Henderson transition her striped dress from winter to summer’ then you can check that box off your bucket list because that answer is FINALLY going to be answered (keeping in mind, I’m “transitioning” here in Los Angeles, so there’s not a heavy snow jacket in sight). We all know that layering is key both in home and fashion, so that’s pretty much what I do here. First up – the pink shift dress – for work and play. Emily Henderson Transitional Fashion Pink Dress This whole experience was great for me because I rarely curate my outfits and I mostly just throw things on as soon as one of my two kids lets go of my legs, 2 minutes before I should be out the door. For this first outfit, I tucked a short and fitted chambray underneath this thick pink shift and wore my no-longer-available blue menswear duster with some booties. EDITThredUp_AB-6164 Then I de-shirted, added my go-to mules (which I wear almost every day) and spring sprang. EDITThredUp_AB-6187 That bag is from Fashionable, and it’s a b-corp company (meaning that they are invested in making the world a bit better) so if you are interested in that bag, I highly suggest it. It’s just so pretty. Most of the clothing is no longer available but you can troll through thredUP to see what similar pieces you can find. Meanwhile we put together a get the look (tip – the chambray shirt we chose I love but I just realized that it probably isn’t fitted enough to work underneath a dress, so make sure to get something stiff and fitted to layer). Below is the outfit that I would say is the biggest risk for me, and in many ways not me. I mean, I love a culotte on those fashionistas but I fear that they don’t look nearly as good on most of America as they do on models. HOWEVER I do kinda like these electric blue mom pants. The sweater is not something I would normally gravitate towards but heck, we were in a playful room so lets put on something playful, no? Emily Henderson Transitional Fashion Floral Sweater I do, however, love a boxy top on a fitted short/skirt or skinny jeans (and yes those are shorts, I’m not wearing THAT mini of a mini). EDITThredUp_AB-6800 That is the first time in SBEH history that I’ve worn my hair up in a bun. Don’t know if I’ll rotate it into my constant ‘wavy loose hair down’ or ‘unmade hair + hat’ repretoire, but even I was like oh man, it’s nice to see her doing something different with those locks. Now to a more typical ‘me’ outfit – the old striped boxy top + wide leg jean combo. EDITThredUp_AB-6294 These jeans were pre-Elliot jeans, and while my post-2-baby body may not be rocking them as well as I used to, I LOVE them and feel good in them. If I could duplicate that sweater I would. I love the fit, despite the 9 stains it now has that I pretend to not notice. Emily Henderson Transitional Fashion Jeans Winter = sweater/closed toe, summer = blouse/open toe. It’s not rocket science but it is kinda fun to see, right? For those of you not interested in non-design content, here! I’m holding flowers! They are for you to forgive me for a fashion post. EDITThredUp_AB-6350 For those of you interested in fashion, here are some get the looks: Lastly, and maybe my most favorite – The ‘playfully outdoorsy neutral flea market’ outfit. EDITThredUp_AB-6445 Fun fact, I’ve had that Old Navy jacket since I was 23 – which was like FOUR YEARS AGO (jk) and I still wear it. This one was about the dress (which was actually a maternity dress, that I still wear) and how I wear it in winter and spring. Emily Henderson Transitional Fashion Stripped Dress Fall/winter = pants, boots, jacket, and hat. Spring/summer = jean jacket, colorful bag, and mules. My I’m having so much fun in that outfit! And my how very short that skirt is . . . I don’t typically rock a colorful bag, but this outfit kinda wanted it and it’s making me start to rethink my ‘only camel, nude, and black leather bag’ subconscious rule. EDITThredUp_AB-6605 There you go. Again with this dress make sure that it’s thick enough to go over your jeans without doing that annoying things that jeans do underneath longer dresses. This post wasn’t sponsored by thredUP, although I did steal all the photos from them :) So if you are looking for a VERY affordable way to hunt and find used but quality clothes, head to thredUP. Otherwise all the links here are for similar clothes as well. There you go, folks. You get it – more layers, more warmth, closed toes, and more coverage in the fall/winter. Brighter colors, less layers, and apparently MUCH more leg in the spring/winter. Thanks to thredUP for giving me an excuse to get my model on. It was actually far more fun than I thought it was going to be. *P.S. As you know I am very fair skinned, so I do a spray tan called the ‘Versa Spa’ on level 2 (but it’s probably different everywhere – so try before some sort of important event). It’s way better than the mystic, but so much cheaper, faster, and more natural than airbrush (at least for us pale people – they ALWAYS over do me). It takes me 4 minutes from parking to back in my car and makes me feel a little better about showing so much skin. I know a lot of you have asked about it on Instagram or in comments so I figured I’d give them some unpaid endorsement.

The Cool Slip-On-And-Go Shoes We Are Into – 25 Ballet Flats That Are Both Trendy And Comfortable

Guess who’s back on her ballet flat search?? Me:) But I’m not the only one on the team. Look. We love a cool boot, a fashionable sneaker, but sometimes you just want to slip on a cute flat to feel slightly more put together as you’re rushing out of the house. The last time I was all about ballet flats, I was on the hunt for the mesh version, and boy, did I find one I loved. Because of that deep love, I may have worn them a little too much. It’s kinda like when you only have/wear a single pair of jeans and the inevitable upper thigh hole emerges from constant friction. I want to avoid that intense amount of wear and tear and have a few more easy-to-wear, stylish shoe options. And to me, there’s nothing easier than slipping on a ballet flat. So come see what my research divulged as well as one pair I did purchase:) The Day Glove I wanted to start with the pair that Emily had not only in this color but also in navy. She bought them for our big shoot and loved how easy they were to pop on and off. I love how simple but slightly modern they are. I really like the toe shape and in case tan or navy aren’t your colors, they have 13 other options to choose from! They do recommend going up a half size from your normal size. These give a perfect classic basics look. Faux-Leather Ballet Flats But if we’re going to talk about classics then to me this ballet flat is the epitome of that. Ok, maybe if you added a strap then it would be “peak ballet flat” :) This is also a very sleek shape but has the addition of the traditional thin bow. I don’t think you could go wrong with these and they also come in three other neutral colors if pink isn’t your style. Oh, and did I mention they are $20!! Leather Ballet Flats + Sway Square Toe Ballet Flat This deep burgundy isn’t just a beautiful home color trend, it’s also very much happening in fashion. I am very in love with both of these options. The pair on the left this that classic style but really feels special in that dreamy color…plus that price is not bad. They do also come in tan. Then the pair on the right are on my list!! I learned about Alohas from Emily years ago and not only are their shoes extremely cool, I really love their commitment to sustainability. And while there’s the extra step of tying the bow, I think they are unique without being “too out there”. This pair also comes in two other colors and if you are a half size, they recommend sizing up. Oh, if you love this color I also found a really pretty woven version for $80! The Day Ballet Flat I love velvet. Like a lot. So these puppies are on my list too! Aside from the leather pair above, I’m not a huge ballet bow gal, but for whatever reason, I really like it when the flat is in a velvet. Just think how cute these would be with jeans and a white T-shirt?! Effortlessly cool. Plus, this version is on a great sale, which makes them that much more enticing… They also come in seven other colors, but not all are on sale. The Greta Ballet Flat What a beautiful blue! This shoe is a Madewell bestseller and Emily had their leather open-weave one from last year. She’s traditionally not a huge ballet flat wearer so I very much trust her when she likes one. These are great for either a dress-up or dress-down situation which is real nice – neutral enough but also a little pop of color. But if blue or velvet isn’t your style they have six other colors/designs at varying prices. Go check em out! Valley Black Sole Ballet Flat + Poppy Mary Jane Flat These might not totally be my cup of tea style-wise but at the same time they are so much fun! Those yellow ones are so freaking sweet but I think would also look rad paired with a simple jean and a plain tee. They are from a small shoe brand we love – Intentionally Blank. Emily has known them from when they first opened and I have two of their clogs I wear all of the time. So big stamp of approval from us. Oh, they do come in other colors if you aren’t a yellow person. Then the blue ones are made by Areosoles which makes me think they are likely very comfortable! These ones are also a bit more affordable and have that buckle so you don’t have to worry about tying the bow perfectly every time. It comes perfect! They also come black. Reyes Ballet Flats + Mary Jane Square-Toe Ballet Flats Now, when I first saw this white pair last year I almost hit purchase. I saw them on a gal I know and fell for them hard. They are really elongating which I also loved. I honestly don’t know why I hesitated so maybe I’ll fix that soon:) Also, white isn’t always the easiest color to care for but they come in eleven other colors and patterns in case you were curious. Now for the other pair that’s $100 cheaper (!), these Old Navy ones are so cute. I like that the toe is a little squared off, there’s no bow but still has the classic strap. Plus, that red color is so good and very fun. However, if red is not for you they come in six other colors. Leni Brown Suede I think I’m adding a fourth (OOPS!) to my list because wow wow I love these! I’ve always been a brown fan so these would work seamlessly with what I already own. Plus, these are real slip-on-and-go shoes. But why I really love them is the shape of the opening. Sleek and chic. I’m very impressed, Steve Madden. They also come in four other colors. Kasey Flat I know the point of a ballet flat is that it’s FLAT. But this heel is still pretty low and is the star of the whole shoe. I really really love it. Very quiet luxury but a statement, you know? They say, “I know style but I’m not in your face about it.” So yes, I want these too. And while this is just my opinion, I’ve always found Sam Edelman shoes comfortable. Oh, and they come in a cream that’s on sale for under $100. Vana Ballet Flat + Jessie Flat At some point, I’m going to get a sliver flat because it’s such an easy and fun way to make a simple outfit unexpected. And this one is so understated which I really love. Plus, the shape of this Franco Sarto flat is so beautiful. But if you love the shape but not the color it does also come in two other options. The Jessie Flat I just saw in person because my friend was in town and wore them. They are bolder statement but in such a fun way and the shape is also so good. They actually look even better in person. These are also from Freda Salvador which is an incredible brand but definitely pricey. And while these aren’t cheap by any means, they are about 50% which is a pretty big deal. Just saying in case you were interested:) Matilda Ballerinas I BOUGHT THESE!! The first thing you should know is that I’m not really a leopard print gal (shocking, I’m sure:)) But in high school/college I had a pair of Steve Madden leopard “fur” loafers that I loved. They just made any simple outfit a lot more fun. Sadly, they got too beat up and had to be trashed. This means I’ve been living sans leopard flats for over a decade now! Then for my birthday last year, my sweet (and very generous) cousin gave me a $100 gift card to Sezane. I was so excited but also so nervous to choose something which is very typical of me. When I would look I kept coming back to these flats, remembering the good times with my loafers (rip). So I did it, I bought them and they will arrive early next week! They also come in black, which I debated between, but knew my heart wanted to go for the leopard. Very excited to wear them if you can’t tell. The site does say that if you are between two shoe sizes, choose the size below. Otherwise, choose your usual size. Dream Team Mary Jane Flat This is the same shoe in two different colors because I liked them equally:) I love the pointed toe and thicker strap with the buckle. It makes it feel ever so slightly punk (?) lol. Basically, it has a little bit of edge that I’m into. Plus, that price is awesome! They also come in two other colors – light pink and silver. Mellie Mary Jane Flat Even though this one is sooo similar to the one right before, the toe on this one is more rounded. It’s totally a personal preference. I tend to prefer more of a square or a point. But a rounded toe is perfect for others. You really can’t go wrong with either…well, I guess you save $20 if you get these:) They also have two other material options. Arissa Woven Ballet Flat Now let’s get into my other favorite version of the ballet flat – the woven ballet flat! These are right up my alley! That brown leather is such a pretty, warm tone and the toe shape is a dream:) While a woven ballet flat could be considered more spring and summer, these leather ones are good easily through fall (weather permitting, of course). They also come in two other colors. Light Woven Denim Nina Flats Ever since I saw Em wearing her light blue suede over-the-knee boots (which I am saving up for) I haven’t been able to get light blue shoes out of my head. I think they are the perfect mix of fun and chic. These cuties are prefect for the spring and summer. Can’t you see it!? I think they may be a bit darker in person because of the styled photos on the site but honestly, that may make me love them more. Definitely go check out those shots because you WILL want them (or maybe don’t if you’re trying to not buy more shoes:)) They do come in five other colors but are in leather or velvet. Arissa Woven Ballet Flats + Bleached Beechwood Michaela Flats For my natural material lovers, the flats on the left are so pretty! Can’t you see yourself, strolling along in a beach town for spring break in these? Or feeling like you’re on spring break because these cuties on your feet? That’s at least where my head is at. Ha. The reviews do say that they run a little big so keep that in mind. Then the ones on the right, are also extremely cute and are ideal for the warmer days ahead. I had a pair of slip-on flats in a similar color and material and wore them so much. They went with everything! A big thumbs up and they also come in one other color. Ruby Buckle Ballet Flats + Woven Leather Ballet Flats If you’re someone who wants a woven look but something a little different/unique, the pair on the left is perfect! The color is what is unexpected about them. I think it’s just a cool color and a great shape. They also come in what they call “sunset ochre,” which is like a burnt orange-red. Also very cool. Then, for the final pair on the right, I know they are more in the “mesh ballet flat” category, but I loved them too much not to include:) The open weave is just enough to be super breathable but not too “look at my toes!” and the criss-cross straps are so freaking cute. And because my “list” is clearly endless, two of these (especially the white ones) are on it. Oh, those also come in two other colors, and the reviews say they run big. So while my ballet dancing days are far behind me, I will be cosplaying a ballerina for probably most of the year and beyond. There were also some stunning satin options, but even for me, those felt like they would get ruined after about one wear. But if you love the idea of that, these were my favorite:) Talk about looking like a ballerina! Ok, happy ballet flat shopping.

Introducing The Next Room…Robyn’s Welcoming Patterned Dining Room Reveal

This dining room reveal is one of my favorites ever, and not just because it was for one of my best friends in the world (but that probably helps). It turned out so gosh darn elegant and yet livable. If you missed their living room reveal (which you’ll see a peak of below) head there first for the background and the befores) because today is focused on this jewel box of a room that I’m so proud of (and jealous of, TBH). Remember, the move-in before was colorless, pretty charmless, and cozy-less. So we had a clear directive – but that doesn’t mean it was fast, cheap, or easy (nothing ever is). It took a year, a fantastic partner (yes, perks to being my friend), and a lot of meetings squeezed in to make it happen. But you can see the potential, right? The big window that frames Mount Hood, the pretty original floors, the built-ins – all just needed some color and point of view. The dining chairs were 10 years old (and falling apart), the chandelier was honestly fine (but sold on FBMP now), and the rug felt too boho for this elegant room but the table? Oh, that heirloom table that’s been in her family for generations was so pretty so we knew that we’d keep that. You can see here the connection between the living and dining room here, with a shared color palette of such warm tones, mixed with so many blues and greens. The dining room properly draws you in, while being totally balanced with the living room – not one room feeling heavier than the other. Almost like magic! (but not magic at all, LOL, it’s a hefty combination of effort, intuition, risk-taking, mistake-making, time, money, and experience…so easy!). Introducing The Dining Room… Kaitlin Green blew me away with these photos – the vibe is captured so perfectly! I think my favorite thing here is the rug with the wallpaper – neither “matching” necessarily and both rather busy, but because they are both classic and even historic, it now looks so vintage and original in here. I feared that it would be too much (especially with the other Persian rug in the living room) but now I see that when you are using such classic motifs and are wanting an old-world vibe, this is the way to go (and let’s be clear the tones and colors work really well together – a lot of complementary tones, not just random). See the full video tour here (just wait for the ad to play…thank you!) The Pretty Brass Chandelier We almost kept their chandelier because it was “fine” but boy am I glad we didn’t. This one is so incredibly beautiful and the slate blue shades make it feel so updated, while the finish and the shape are classic. You can customize the drop, the finish, and the color of the shades (we almost did the burgundy but Robyn got scared and I complied). We kept it high enough to see the view from the living room, but low enough to still feel connected to the table. It’s perfect. And I apologize to those of you who hate it when we photoshop out recessed lights – While I didn’t ask Kaitlin to I am so grateful she did as they can be distracting if they are wrong, stylistically. One thing we could have done is replace them with brass spotlights but they were done spending money and making decisions, and since they didn’t mind the recessed lights we left them and just photoshopped them out for cleaner shots). New Dining Chairs + Antique Table FTW The wallpaper is a classic William Morris pattern (that Rejuvenation sells!) and it was Robyn and Ryan’s first choice so YAY!!!! I loved it too so it was a real win. The chairs are a nice modern pairing to the more detailed/decorative table legs and the black finish added a nice depth and edge to the room. The wishbone shape is not only super ergonomic but the roundedness always adds a nice contrast to a rectangle table. We knew that we couldn’t do a bold piece of art in here, and no gallery wall (too busy + there is one in the living room) so we hung this gorgeous huge mirror which obviously reflects a lot of light and adds so much elegance. The brass frame works so well with the hardware and the chandelier (obviously) and that rounded cut-out detail in the corner keeps it from looking too simple and modern (by giving it a vintage vibe). I know I’ve been harping on the dark blue paint color, but it sure is so perfect, especially with the unlacquered brass handles popping off. We chose a hardware (The Ladd Collection) that has a little bit of detail, leans more elegant than utilitarian but still feels fresh and modern. My goodness, did this elevate this built-in a lot. I styled the credenza with winter branches, a big bowl of mixed pears, family photos in frames (From World Market), and a vintage set of the perfect-toned glassware and carafe (from Stars Market in Portland – although I saw very similar ones from World market the next day that were much more affordable lol). We put a nice classic candlestick lamp in the corner to balance out the branches, draw your eye, and provide a nice ambient glow. We brought over my beautiful inventory of tablescape pieces (that are from Anthropologie for the most part) to style it all out and boy did it look so pretty. Again, all the tones just work so well together. I think this tour isn’t complete without some before and afters: What a difference a year makes. They are sooooo happy and grateful (me, too). Here’s one more of Robs and I for those of you who like to see best friends being unabashedly affectionate :)

How to Avoid Getting Sick on a Flight—Before, During, and After You Travel

It’s almost summer vacation season, which means air travel is picking up and airports are getting increasingly crowded. This means being in close proximity to a lot of people—some of whom may be sick and decided to fly anyway. “People are exposed to all types of germs when traveling, especially in a contained space like an airplane, where germs can spread easily in the recirculated air, or in crowded public spaces like airports, where many people are touching the same surfaces,” says Dr. Robert Biernbaum, DO. But no one wants their trip ruined by catching something on their outgoing flight. Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid getting sick when you fly. To help you plan for your next trip, we spoke with two physicians who provided tips for staying well when you travel. Dr. Robert Biernbaum, DO, chief medical officer at WellNow Urgent Care Dr. Karla Robinson, MD, a family physician and the medical editor for GoodRx Before You Travel To avoid getting sick when you fly, you’re going to need to start preparing before you step foot on a plane. Here are a few things you can do in advance of your trip. Boost Your Immune System Keep your immune system healthy by drinking plenty of fluids, managing stress, eating a vitamin-rich diet, and getting plenty of sleep and regular exercise, Biernbaum says. “These healthy habits help strengthen your body’s natural defenses so you’re better protected when you’re around crowds and touching shared surfaces at the airport or on the plane,” Robinson adds. Stay Hydrated Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water for a few weeks leading up to your flight. “While staying hydrated is definitely important for your overall health and immune system, drinking a lot of water the day before your flight isn’t a magic fix,” says Dr. Karla Robinson, MD. Instead, increase your water intake in the weeks leading up to your trip. There’s never a wrong time to start drinking more water! Choose Your Seat Wisely If you have a chance to choose your seat ahead of your flight, you may want to be strategic about it. For example, a 2018 study found that for multiple reasons, people sitting in window seats are less likely to be exposed to germs. A 2022 study drew similar conclusions about sitting in the back of the plane. Stock Up on Supplies According to Robinson, it might be helpful to stock up on common medications for cold and flu symptoms before your trip, in case you start feeling sick while you're away. Also, pack healthy snacks and an empty water bottle that you can fill up at the airport to stay hydrated throughout your flight. During Your Flight But you’re not off the hook once you board the plane. Here are some ways to avoid getting sick during your flight. Wear a Mask “Some of the top ailments we see are respiratory viruses,” Biernbaum says. If you’re serious about not getting sick, a face mask is your best bet. “Wearing a face mask is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from respiratory infections like the common cold or flu—especially in crowded planes with recycled air,” Robinson explains. Wash and Sanitize Your Hands In addition to washing your hands with soap and water whenever you use the restroom, bring a travel-sized hand sanitizer and use it frequently, especially after touching surfaces like doorknobs, handrails, elevator buttons, and public transportation handles, Biernbaum says. Wipe Down High-Touch Surfaces Bring a few disinfecting wipes with you and wipe down commonly touched surfaces such as tray tables, armrests, and seat belts, Biernbaum says. And it’s not just to protect you from respiratory viruses. If you’ve ever seen a parent change a baby on a tray table, you know why this is important. After Your Flight You’re not in the clear the moment you step off your flight. Here’s what to do after you deplane. Wash Your Hands It’s a good idea to wash your hands in the airport after getting off the aircraft. And keep it up throughout your trip. “Regular hand-washing is key,” Biernbaum says. If a sink’s not available, use hand sanitizer. Keep Up Other Healthy Habits It’s easy to throw your regular schedule and healthy habits out the window when you’re on vacation, but Robinson says that’s not a good idea. “Staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and eating nutritious foods can help your immune system stay strong after travel too,” she explains.