Now I know I am probably in the minority, and it is not for everyone but I personally LOVE flying; from take-off, to landing, and the long bits in between. But even with that, I can still get a little agitated, bored and sleep deprived during a long haul flight. So I thought I would share with you some of my fave tips which i use to keep me entertained (or you could use them to distract if you suffer from the fear!)
The perfect seat:
Getting the perfect seat is so important if you're going to be stuck on it for a long time. I prefer a window seat myself as you get the best view. However, I know lots of people like the aisle as you can spread out a bit more and get out of your seat easier for a leg stretch. If you're a social butterfly, you may prefer to be stuck in the middle giving you more opportunity to strike up a conversation with someone new! Plus, it means you're more likely to get a spare seat next to you if the plane isn't full. Check out Seat Guru before you check in to get the best seat for you.
My favourite... Look out the window:
How often do we get to see the big world from above looking so small, quiet, amazing and beautiful? Take advantage.
Playing cards:
Now to me, these are an essentially when on a trip but impossible to play on a plane with a tiny table. So why not download a card game on your phone. Solitaire, hearts or poker are all available. Just ensure you get ones playable offline for whilst you're in the air.
The obvious one, a good book:
I'm not a very quick reader and don't read too often, so when I do, I want something I know I'll be invested in. I'm also not one for the kindle thing but if you're travelling light, it does save room and weight. I try to work from recommendations from friends and family when choosing a book, as I think I'm pretty easy to please, plus usually means they will lend you their copy.
Podcasts:
If you haven't given podcasts a go yet, download some and see what you think. You can choose what you listen to based on what you're interested in but make sure you download them in advance of your flight. With Podcasts there's something for everyone. The big hitters currently in the charts are: (my favourite) "My Dad Wrote a Porno" listen to it before you judge the title, you'll be laughing out loud from start to finish, "Serial" real life crime told week by week, "The Joe Rogan Podcast" lengthy interviews with a whole host of guests from celebrities to intellects, 'This American Life' 'Radiolab' and "Revisionist History"; all three super interesting podcasts about culture, history, science and more, these are great listens for anyone hoping to learn something.
I-Player/Amazon Prime/ITV player and all those:
If, like me, you find watching telly and films the quickest way to help you sleep and zone out from the world then you are in the right seat snoozer in the sky. I love catching up with all the latest movie releases on a long haul flight, (in fact I get so excited that i have been known to look up what's showing pre-flight just so I can make a viewing plan...just to, you know, not miss out.) But if you've gone super budget or your flight isn't long enough to warrant a screen then this may not be an option. So A) download a heap of stuff onto a phone/tablet/laptop and taadaaaa, your own, tailored, in flight entertainment. OR B) Get your fellow travel buddies to reenact yours and their fave movie scenes - which we coin 'Stars in the Sky.'
Life admin:
Being stuck in one place for lots of time, is the perfect excuse to get productive and do all your life-min. Write out texts to the people you've been meaning to catch up with, and send them when you land. Sort out your pictures. Update your calendar. Check your accounts. Tick off that to do list.
Plan your trip:
I'm a sucker for a lonely planet book. Read about where you're going and make your bucket list.
Magazines:
Trashy magazines always make the time fly (pardon the pun.) Usually, the cheaper and more bright colours on the cover, the better. I used to always love Puzzler magazines too.
Chat:
If you're travelling by yourself, the plane is the perfect first place to meet someone new. Have a chat with the person next to you, it's always interesting finding out about other people's journeys* If you aren't fortunate enough to get friendly neighbours, why not chat to the crew!? They're probably more keen to waste time than you are, they're at work after all. Plus the chances are they've been to your destination a couple of times so can probably add some ideas to your bucket list. (This tip comes from an insider and all so you know its legit... thanks again Burns)
*Always put safety first: If you're travelling alone, don't share all your plans with strangers! Sounds obvious, but remember, no one needs to know there's no one at the airport to greet you...k!?
Sleep:
Always the best way to pass the time is to catch up on the Zzzzzs. Invest in a decent travel pillow, a good partners shoulder or at least a cozy hoodie and just get comfy (or the best you can anyway.) I'm desperately keen to try out the Ostrich Pillow (We are not too proud to accept free gifts if anyone wants to send us a sample!) Apparently there are a few different versions depending on how deep a sleep you want, but they look amazing for a long haul...
Workout:
We have all been told it is good for us to walk around every so often and stretch your legs. It can also be a pretty splendid excuse to properly get some deep-core exercise in! Whilst you're stuck in your seat, it would be rude not to right!? Right ready... Ok Sit up tall as you can, breath in, breath out and twist as far left as you can. Hold and repeat on the other side. Then sit up tall again, tense your core and bring your foot up a couple of inches using your deep tummy muscles, rather than your leg muscles. Now squeeeeeze that pelvic floor and glutes...long, long. Yep, simple. Now you'll have a great pert tooshie by the time you land, ideal!
Food:
As a flight lover, I'm also (embarrassingly?) a huge fan of plane food. I mean what is not to love? Everything is cuter and more fun in miniature! I love the little ritual of opening up the tiny packages and wincing at what's inside, as mostly, let's be honest, it's pretty gross fodder (sorry airlines). It's like a Russian roulette for the taste buds and juuust sometimes you actually get something half decent, promise!
The old fashioned stuff:
Yep you got it. Pen and paper. It is a winner on a flight and something not to be without. You can write, doodle (or draw if you are a bit more advanced) play squares or noughts and crosses, even be a 'hilarious' prankster and draw on your travel buddies snoring face ...ok maybe the last one isn't such a great idea.
iPod/Spotify:
Goes without saying, download your favourite album, or ones you haven't had time to listen to yet. Or why not try a concept album or audio book for a change? Hey , if you are feeling bold ask to swap iPods with someone sitting next to you...that is actually how one of us made friends with her now housemate! True story.
Stay Hydrated:
Planes have a habit of drying you out, so make sure you keep drinking water so you feel fresh on the other side and can really enjoy your trip from start to finish. Obviously, when there are free drinks on the plane, we always want to take advantage! But particularly on a long haul, make sure you don't go nuts, cause you'll just feel s-h-i-t. There we said it, now it's up to you to be sensible!
Comfys:
Hopefully you've chosen the perfect comfy plane outfit, but one of the most important thing to a great plane outfit is... spares. Pack slippers, comfy socks, spare toiletries, underwear. When you go to the toilet take your basic toiletries with you so you can brush your teeth, and moisturise yourself to baby bottom standard. Especially if you're on your way home... you don't want to loose your tan before you land and can show it off!
Pocket Rockets:
IF you're still stuck for things to do, message us! Comment below, or you can reach us here. Let us know what else you want to read/learn/look at
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