I'd consider myself to be a pretty experienced traveller, particularly when it comes to solo plane journeys. I've had my fair share of opening up to strangers who sat next to me for eight hours, learning all about their home towns and their current trips. But my favourite type of person to sit next to on a plane is older ladies. They will always have great stories about their lives (and grandchildren), they will always be interested in my job, particularly when it comes to the world of social media. But best of all, they always have the best travelling hacks! [1]

The most simple but best hack I learned was on one of many trips to the US to visit family. During the flight, after we'd been given our hot towels, the lady next to me began using it to clean the tray table, TV, and arm rests. I immediately asked, "Do you always do that with your hot towel?" and she said it's the dirtiest place on the plane, so it's an easy way to clean it, mess-free. She told me I should do the same, so obviously I followed this wise woman's advice!
Whilst the towels don't contain any antibacterial chemicals, I thought it's got to clean some of the surface, right? On my flights since, I've done this every time. Whilst you won't get a hot towel on your next RyanAir, it's a good tip to remember for other flights. Or even bringing wet wipes can help ease those germophobe thoughts.

To the very nice lady I met flying from London to Michigan, thanks for the lifelong tip.