Before The Flight: Start your journey well rested. A long-haul flight is much easier when you’re feeling refreshed. Get a good night’s sleep before your departure, enjoy a light meal before boarding and give yourself plenty of time at the airport so you can begin your journey feeling relaxed and comfortable.Order a special meal ahead of time. If you have a dietary requirement, request a special meal when you book. Available options may include gluten-free, lactose-free, diabetic, vegetarian and vegan meals. Advance requests help ensure the appropriate meal is available for your journey.Build a carry-on comfort kit. A few small essentials go a long way: an eye mask, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, a travel pillow, lip balm and moisturizer, and any medications you might need. Toss in a toothbrush too – a quick brush before landing can make you feel human again.
Layer, layer, layer. Cabins run cold, then hot, then cold again. Loose, comfy layers (think T-shirt, sweater, warp or scarf) let you adjust easily – no need to dig through the overhead bin for different clothes.
Prep some good entertainment. Other than sleeping, it’s the best way to make time pass fast. Bring a book, and load movies or games onto your phone or laptop. While most planes have in-seat screens, the movie selection may not be to your taste – or the TVs might not be working.
While most planes have in-seat screens, the movie selection may not be to your taste – or the TVs might not be working.
In the Air:
Switch the clock in your brain. Help your body start adjusting before you’ve even landed: eat and sleep according to what time it is in your destination.
Move, stretch, repeat. Sitting still for hours slows circulation and can leave your legs stiff and achy. Get up every couple of hours, do ankle rolls and seated stretches. Your body will thank you when you land.
Hydrate like it’s your job. Cabin air is famously dry, and dehydration is a big part of why long flights feel so draining. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security, and keep sipping throughout the flight. Easy on the coffee and alcohol – both make dehydration (and jet lag) worse.
After You Arrive:
Resist the urge to nap. As tempting as it is, try to push through to a normal local bedtime on your first day. A short walk outside in the daylight will reset your internal clock faster than a nap, and it’s a lovely way to get your first glimpse of somewhere new.
Ready to put these tips to the test? Practice your long-haul routine on one of our incredible tours. Check out Japan with Okinawa & Taiwan join our Ancient Kingdoms of Southeast Asia tour, or discover the wonder of Down Under on our Australia & New Zealand itinerary.
Browse all our upcoming tours and start counting down to your next adventure.
