LONG HAUL TRAVEL
Tips To to make it more bearable & comfortable
As the cabin doors close, I’m relaxed and ready to jet. Flying used to be at the pinnacle of class, and besides the cigarette smoking, it looked like a sweet leg-room flush type of deal. These days they cram you in, charge a fee for checked luggage, give you attitude and rarely get you there on time. Of course, if you’re lucky enough to be flying Business, First or Suites class, read along to see what the rest of us must contend with beyond that divider curtain.
While long-haul travel is typically defined as 6-12 hours or more, I generally sit in the “or more” category. I fly NYC > Singapore > Perth, Australia = 26+ hours, twice a year. My first flight is 18 hours, non-stop. So, I know a little about long-haul.
Hopefully you have a trip planned somewhere far away. Home is our sanctuary, but travel provides adventure and discovery. There’s nothing like discovering yourself at up to 42,000 feet while wearing earplugs. Since you’ll be in this tin can for a while, take some time before you fly to get your ducks in a row.
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS
Research your seat options and choose mindfully. Visit seatguru.com to read seat reviews. Consider if your seat is too close to the bathroom (smelly, noisy, sometimes there is a line) or the galley (noisy, people chatting). A bulkhead could mean less legroom. While you can’t be sure who’ll sit next to you, you can at least be happy with your location.
TAKING OFF SHORTLY
Plan a loose schedule for what you’ll be doing in-flight. To relax, watch a movie while you eat (pre-choose your food-type preference). Check out the entertainment options on the airline website. Pre-download content to your own device. Plan it out. Don’t watch all the great stuff on the way to your destination, or it’ll be a boring trip home.
Factor in a little sleep, mostly napping. Bring magazines, a book and word puzzles to keep your brain active. I enjoy being not as connected to the world while flying, but most long-haul flights come with free WIFI so you can catch up on texts, emails, and even Instagram when you are super antsy at the 14th hour mark.
CLEAN YOUR SPACE
I bring wipes and spray to clean anything I might touch – belt, tray, buttons, arm rests, etc. Imagine that before you was a child with sticky fingers, or someone with a flu.
CLEAR SKIES + A SMOOTH RIDE
I have some go-to items that I won’t travel long-haul without. Most important are compression socks, technically medical rather than comfort, but for long trips they help ward off deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and leg swelling.
I love my Trtl – the best neck pillow invented. It’s a cozy neck wrap that holds your neck in a comfy, ergonomic position. Genius.
Bring your own mini pillow and blanket, I got mine from REI.
A black-out eye mask that has indentations for your eyes – you can open your eyes while wearing them and your eyelashes won’t hit the mask.
Noise-cancelling ear buds or headset is a must, I love BOSE.
Melatonin – I wouldn’t recommend sleeping pills, the odds are you will just nap and be groggy / dehydrated. You need to move around, walk, stretch to beat blood clots.
Moisturizer as recirculated air can make your skin very dry.
Comfy clothes are key. Pack a cute change of clothes to suit your destination’s weather… plus deodorant and body wipes!
SAFE LANDING
Hydrate with water, avoid alcohol and caffeine. Bring a charger, sweater, toiletries, meds and snacks. Exercise the day of travel, and the day you land. Stretch and move in flight. Your body and mind will thank you.
Travel is exciting, but long-haul can be hard on your body. You want to bounce back ASAP so you can enjoy your destination. Have patience, be considerate and kind, and get ready for an adventure!
