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Traveling long haul can be equal parts exhausting and exciting. It doesn’t matter whether you’re off to a far-flung destination or you’re just flying across the world for work. Spending 10 hours in transit isn’t glamorous, and it’s not always fun. Between the cramped seats of economy, the dry air of the plane, and the skipping of time zones that makes your body question reality, it’s very easy to arrive at your destination feeling like a disoriented zombie.
Long haul flights don’t have to be a dreaded endurance test though. With the right tricks up your sleeve, you can make sure that traveling long haul is comfortable, entertaining and refreshing.Here are 10 tips to help you to make the most of your next big journey.
- Dress like a pro. When it comes to long haul flights, there’s no such thing as fashion. Think cozy, stretchy, and layered. Long haul travel is all about comfort, so make sure that your clothes are breathable and pack a light sweater or hoodie for unpredictable airplane temperatures. There are some airlines that like to crank up the air con and other airlines that will do the opposite. If you make sure that you’re also wearing slip-on shoes, you’ll find them a lifesaver at security. Compression socks are also not the most glamorous, but your legs will thank you later.
- Hydrate. Airplane cabins are drier than the desert. There are toilets on board a plane, so don’t be afraid to hydrate. Skip out on the sodas and limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. These are sneakily dehydrators and you don’t need to have them in your system for a long flight. Bring a refillable water bottle and make it your mission to sip, sip, sip your skin and energy levels as well as your internal clock will all work better when you’re well hydrated.
- Bring something to entertain you. When you’re going on a long flight, you might want to rely on the seat back entertainment screens that have games, movies and TV shows. But what do you do if those screens are not working? Having something to entertain you, such as a Sudoku book or other puzzle books can really help. You could also download an audio book or podcasts onto your phone in advance so that you can cover the entirety of the flight.
- Embrace the power of snacks. Airplane food can be less than inspiring. Avoid hunger induced crankiness by packing your own healthy snacks. Think fruit, protein bars or crackers. Think things that aren’t easily going to be squished in your bag too. And don’t forget some gum or mince. They’re great for freshening up and helping with ear pressure changes during takeoff and landing.
- Put together a comfort kit. You need a kit for comfort for long haul survival. It should include a neck pillow and eye mask, some noise cancelling headphones or earplugs, lip balm, moisturizer, a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, and a pair of comfy socks. You don’t need to take up much space in your luggage for this either. It’s amazing what a small zip up pouch can do for your in-flight sanity. And make sure that you put your moisturizer for your face in there too.
- Get your body moving. It’s not just uncomfortable to sit still for too long, it can actually be quite risky if you’re on a long flight. Every two to three hours, go and stand somewhere at the back or the front of the plane and do some stretches.In seat stretches are great, but you need to get your legs moving to help with blood flow. Ankle rolls, shoulder shrugs, and standing toe touches are subtle moves that you can do without drawing too many stairs. Other passengers will also have the same idea, so don’t be afraid to get up and do them.
- Get some sleep. Sleeping on a plane is not easy to do, but if you have the right comfort neck pillows and blankets, you should be able to manage it. If you’re lucky enough to be able to snag a whole row to yourself, you could lay down and get comfortable for the flight.
- Pick your seat wisely. If you can, choose your seat in advance. Window seats are good if you want to lean and snooze, but if you’re on a long flight, they can make you trapped if somebody next to you is asleep and you need to use the bathroom. Aisle seats are better for stretching breaks and bathroom trips, so avoid seats that are too close to the lavatory and consider paying a little extra for extra leg room if your budget allows you to. If you’re lucky, you may even get a row to yourself, which is the Holy Grail of long haul travel.
- Change your watch to the local time. As soon as you board, change your watch or phone to the time at your destination. It’s a psychological trick that helps your brain to start adjusting early. If you try to eat and sleep according to that time, even if it feels a little bit weird, jet lag won’t stand a chance.If you want to stay connected abroad without the hassle of swapping SIM cards, you can learn more about eSIM options that make international travel much more convenient.
- Stay positive in your head! Nobody loves sitting in a metal tube for 13 hours, but a positive mindset can make a big difference to you. Instead of counting the minutes down, think of the journey as part of the adventure. Bring the book you never have time to read or challenge yourself to five Sudoku puzzles in a row. Write a list of everything you’re excited to see or do when you arrive, too, because sometimes just shifting your perspective from endurance test to bonus downtime makes the trip more bearable.
Long haul travel is not for the faint of heart, but once you get into the rhythm of it, you can find it easier than the last trip you took.
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Cindy is the top Akron Blogger with her own take on awesome brands for families, where to vacation for families, a beat on local activities and family fun, a knack for getting moms to share , and a house that is always 2 weeks away from a complete remodel!