To get to some of the world’s most exotic and glittering destinations, you have to be prepared to put in the hours, and in this case, that means sitting on a plane for much longer than you would do if you were going somewhere nearby.
Everything in life has a pay off, and if you want to visit these beautiful places, then you need to accept the extra time you need to travel. Of course, long-haul travel is more comfortable than economy short-haul travel but there are also things you can do to make your journey more entertaining, better on your body, and easier overall.
Get enough sleep beforehand
It’s so important to be well rested before you embark on your journey, and having to get up really early in order to arrive at the check in desk on time is not the best start.
The best solution? Stay at an airport hotel the night before your flight and wake up right next to check-in. Time you’ve saved travelling to the airport can be spent catching some extra Zs! You’ll start your journey refreshed, relaxed and ready to see the world!
I personally love staying in airport hotels the night before my flight. It gives me a chance to unwind and prepare myself for my next new adventure. For great deals on airport hotels in the UK, check out airporthotels.com. I use them whenever I fly from the UK and it always manages to get my journey off to a good start. If you’re flying from Gatwick, make sure to check out the Hilton hotel.
Prepare!
Pack your hand luggage with things to make your journey more comfortable. For instance, some warm socks in case you get cold feet, a cardigan or hoodie, a neck pillow, an eye mask, a few of your favourite sweets, load up your Kindle or iPad with entertainment, and remember to invest in a back up battery in case you run out of charge halfway across the world.
Being prepared will not only make sure you’re entertained and comfy, it will prepare your mind for your upcoming adventure.
Have a proper sit down meal at the airport
You need to be at the airport a little earlier for a long-haul flight, so take a little time to sit down and enjoy a proper meal before you board the plane. This means you’re passing the time, but you’re also making sure you have a nutritious meal, instead of sticking with fast food options. Being full up before you leave also means you’re not going to be snacking whilst you’re on the plane, and helps to regulate your blood sugar.
Keep active
Get up and walk around the cabin a little or try some inflight exercises. This will mean you feel better when you land, you’re at a reduced risk of DVT, and you’ll actually find the time will pass faster as a result.
Long-haul flying might take a while, but let’s face it, nothing worth doing in this world is ever easy.
