Sydney (12)

Australian national carrier Qantas has announced to the press that it will be launching its first A380 flights from October. Whilst the dates of flights are not fully confirmed as yet, the first aircraft is likely to fly some of the long-haul routes served by its current 747 fleet. Anyone wishing to travel to Melbourne from LA is expected to be the first to benefit. Singapore Airlines introduced a premium to those booking new tickets on the A380, however, they honoured the lower cost tickets bought before the announcement of routes. If you are buying a fully flexible ticket for this route, it may be a good idea to buy the ticket now, just in case they start charging a premium for the A380. Just make sure the flight is refundable if your plans change.

Regular travellers amongst us know that the glamour of travelling soon wears off when faced with a long-haul flight, a packed schedule of meetings, and when the only hope of seeing the city you are visiting is in the taxi ride to the hotel. Added to this, travelling to the other side of the world can place unnatural pressures on your body. Sleep deprivation, poor hydration and lack of movement during the flight can all take its toll. Here are some tips for staying healthy so that you return home in good shape and feeling good.

Before you travel, make sure you are fully immunised. Go to your GP to make sure you are all up-to-date with your jabs.

Travelling in business/first class may offer you more comfort and space, unfortunately though, it doesn't negate the fact that you will be spending up to 24 hours in a relatively sedentary position. Common problems include: headaches, sore throats, dryness in the skin and throat, coughing, muscle aches and popping ears. These are primarily caused by the drier air (air is kept drier to reduce the spread of germs and to reduce the risk of corrosion within the airframe), the pressurised cabin and the general lack of space onboard.

Prevention is better than cure:
Drink, drink, drink - don't reach for that glass of Chardonnay, instead ask for a bottle of France's finest water instead. Frequent and regular sipping (rather than gulping) can keep you hydrated and happy whilst keeping your throat moist and your immune system strong. If you do want to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Remember that the effects of alcohol are exaggerated in the air.

Stretch your legs - whilst airline regulations and the lack of floor space will leave you feeling more like a battery chicken rather than free-range. Try to get up and stretch your legs once every couple of hours.

Exercises to avoid DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) will be presented in the aircraft reading materials and/or radio channel so you can also get extra tips to get blood flowing

Leave the suit in the suitcase - you probably aren't going to meet a client on the plane so leave the suitcase for carrying your suit. Wear something comfortable, particularly make sure that it is not tight (to allow blood to flow) and you take layers (so that you can stay warm if it gets cold). If you must meet clients as soon as you leave the airport, then use the airline arrivals facilities (if available) or even the toilets in the baggage collection area. After all, you (and your suit) will look a lot fresher as a result.

Take off your contact lenses and keep your face moist. The last thing you want is uncomfortable contact lenses and extra red eyes when you wake up. Keep fresh with moisturiser (no one will think less of you for using it). Remember the lip balm as well.

Change your time zone as soon as possible - don't wait to you hit the ground in order to change your time zone. Try and get as close to your destination time as soon as you can. Whether it be the night before your flight or onboard. This will save you valuable 'jet-lag adjustment' time when you land. If you are planning your travel itinerary remember the old adage "west is best" when it comes to jet lag so if you can, choose to go west.

If unwell, don't say farewell - If you are sick, try to postpone or cancel your trip. Flying places unnatural pressures on your body so symptoms can feel more exaggerated. You will recover a lot better on land and in some countries (such as Hong Kong), you will be scanned on your way to immigration and therefore risk being quarantined or turned around if you are ill anyway.

On the ground: Eat healthily - keep to the fresh foods and salads when you first get off the plane. Your body needs the nutrition and water to keep you fresh and build up your immune system

Check the hotel exercise facilities - before you book your hotel, see if there are any gym facilities. Make sure they are free or included in your package. Hotel pools can also be an attractive way to reduce stress and unwind at the end of the day.

Go for an early morning/late evening jog - most major hotel chains have jogging route maps, so give your lungs a well deserved breather and get outside for some sun (if in the morning) and fresh air. Ensuring 30 minutes a day will keep your heart healthy and get your body ready for day ahead.

Do some simple exercises in your hotel room - in the absence of the above and if you really don't have time, then there are few simple exercises you can do in your hotel room. Set a towel on the floor and do: Push ups, sit ups, plank (balancing as if doing a push up without the movement), star jumps, lunges (balance a book in each hand, stretch out and set forward whilst bending your knees). Do each exercise 8 times and change exercise. Repeat 3 times.

When visiting Sydney the temptation is to stay in the Rocks (the district the world thinks of as Sydney). Don't, it's a tourist trap. Instead, consider Kings Cross or Darlinghurst. These districts are the heart of Sydney. Not as pretty but much more fun.

Use the Sydney Harbour - Manly ferry (a commuter route) as a means of seeing the best of Sydney harbour and north shore. It's much cheaper than the tourist trips and lasts longer!

From experience, the best thing to help me feel fresh after a long-haul flight is to get a nice hot shower. I would recommend that people make use of airline's increasingly common arrival lounges, particularly if you are in a connection and have nothing else to do. Have a shower and you will be ready for the rest of your flight!

Great view. If you're from out of town, you can sign in as a guest downstairs for free.

Just five minutes from the Central Business District, but away from the main tourist throng, the Park Hyatt has a superb location right on the edge of the water at Sydney harbour. They have a full business centre and wireless internet access in all the public areas. They also have a 24-hour butler service and the rooms are really comfortable.

The Australians are sports-mad, so if you really want to impress a client, then book a private box at Sydney Cricket Ground. It’s one of Sydney’s main sports stadiums and doesn’t just house cricket, but also rugby league and rugby union matches, as well as Australian Rules Football. A corporate box will entitle you a two-course meal, unlimited drinks throughout the game and half-time snacks.

There is an amazing, high-ceilinged bar called The Establishment on George Street, where Sydney’s stockbrokers hang out. It has massive cast-iron pillars and a 42-metre white marble bar. This is a bit on the big size, so if you want a more intimate feel, head upstairs to The Hemmesphere. It’s pricier, but is there’s much more lounging going on.Sydney

The restaurant Forty One at the top of Chifley Tower has private dining rooms, which are ideal for dinner or lunch meetings. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and the city’s impressive skyline, and the food is also excellent – it offers a six-course dinner menu with wines chosen by the sommelier.