Tips for Thriving on Long Haul Flights

One of the most stressful parts of traveling can be flying. It often means early mornings and/or late nights. If you're traveling a long distance it means you will have a really long day ahead of you. These are some tips I use to make sure my flights are as stress-free and relaxing as possible.

1. Be on time. - Have you ever seen someone running through an airport rushing to make a flight? Don't be that person. Be on time, or even better, be early! Sure, you might have time to kill but that's ok. Use it to grab a snack or a magazine. The last thing you want is to start your relaxing vacation sprinting through the airport worried that you might not make your flight.

2. Don't over pack. - Don't get me wrong, carry-ons are important, but they don't need to be stuffed to the brim. Pack the things you need for your flight and in case of an emergency, that's it. It might seem like a great idea to shove those extra shoes or that extra outfit into your carry on, but when you get on your flight and all the bin space is taken you'll rethink. Nothing makes a flight more miserable than sharing your already minimal space with your overstuffed bag for 10 hours. 

3. Hydrate. - "I don't want to have to go to the bathroom all the time so I just won't drink as much." this is what a lot of people think when preparing for a long haul flight. While it might be annoying to have to get up and go to the tiny airplane bathroom it's not as big of an issue as you think. Not being properly hydrated is an issue. It's going to make you feel like crap later on and that's no fun on vacation. 

4. Bring entertainment. - In-flight entertainment can be hit and miss and those earphones they hand out are kinda gross. Bring a book, your earphones, and download the first two seasons of gossip girl on Netflix. Distraction is key for surviving a 10+ hour flight. Don't leave it up to the airline to provide you with entertainment. 

5. SLEEP. - Don't set your expectations too high. It won't be a great sleep, but try to get some sleep. You'll feel a lot better if you've rested a little on your flight. Melatonin is your friend, keep it in your carry on. 

6. Be comfortable. - Long haul flights are not the time to worry about looking cute. Wear the comfy pants and the big t-shirt. Throw your hair up in a messy bun. wear your comfy shoes. You will be sitting in the same position for hours on end. the last thing you want to worry about is being uncomfortable in the clothes you picked. 

7. Stay calm. - There are so many things about air travel that you can't control. There's nothing you can do about delayed flights and storms and uncomfortable plane seats. You can't move destinations closer together or control the passengers around you. You CAN control yourself. Calm down. Go with the flow. Be considerate to the people around you. Be respectful of the airline staff, they're just doing their jobs. You can control you.

I hope these tips help you out on your next flight. Where are you off to next?