Going places requires travel. And travel itself isn’t always comfortable. But the seasoned traveler knows how to turn necessity into virtue. With these ten tricks of the traveling trade, you’ll make your next flight ever so much more enjoyable.
1 - Dress the part
Kick off your shoes the moment you sit down. Bring comfortable socks, a warm oversized sweater and a soft scarf. In other words, make yourself at home.
2 - Pick the right seat
Overdid it the night before your flight? Then go for a window seat and rest your head against the wall. If you’re one to frequently go to the bathroom, pick an aisle seat to avoid the wrath of your fellow passengers every time nature calls. And avoid the back rows, as you’ll exit the plane last.
3 - Drown out the world
Unless you’re flying business, plane cabins typically aren’t very inspiring. So break out your earplugs or - even better – your crying-baby-canceling headphones, put on an eye mask and pretend you have the plane all to yourself.
4 - Get up
Even when you managed to score the best seat in the house, make sure you get up regularly. This will not only benefit your comfort, but your health as well.
5 - Keep it fresh
There’s no better feeling than the one you get after brushing your teeth, changing your clothes and putting on some deodorant after or during a long flight. So make sure to freshen up every now and then. The passengers in the seats next to you will thank you.
6 - Charge your devices
The last thing you want is for your iPad to die during the final moments of your favorite series. Charge your devices before your trip. And don’t forget to bring your chargers.
7 - Befriend the crew
When you're confined to a metal tube for 12 hours, being nice to the people that take care of you is always a good idea. A smile goes a long way, sometimes all the way to an upgrade.
8 - Stay hydrated
Pass up on alcohol, soda or coffee. These will make you feel even more tired and dehydrated. Water is the way to go during flights.
9 - Pack a snack
Onboard food service never comes at the right time. But if you bring an extra snack, you’re the master of your own hunger. When you do, make sure to bring something healthy such as dry fruits, yogurts or light cereal bars.
10 - Look on the bright side
When was the last time you had some time just for yourself? A long flight is perfect for catching up on your reading, movies, podcasts or just your own thoughts. There are so many things you can do on a flight, so use your flight time to your advantage.
On your next journey, just sit back, relax and enjoy your flight. Turns out it can be done after all.