Long flights are synonymous with fatigue, discomfort, and boredom. The last thing you want to do is not pack your essentials. Sometimes over think it and you’re too rushed to think, at all. Well, today, we’ll do the thinking for you; but that doesn’t leave you off the hook. You have to plan ahead. You have to visualize your trip from start to finish and know what you will absolutely need. Jot down notes and back them up by taking a photo, just in case you lose your hard copy – OR use a mobile app, then email your notes to yourself, just in case you lose your phone.
Long journeys aren’t just tiring – they require meticulous planning to avoid last-minute panic attacks. If you’re traveling alone, don’t be liberal while packing. Prioritize and get creative. Ensure that you have limited luggage. It is advisable to carry a single suitcase as it is easy to maneuver. Take advantage of the carry-on bag option to hold your important belongings close, in case your checked-in luggage gets lost or mishandled. Make sure you know the latest baggage policy for your airline. Also, make sure you use travel size toiletries.
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts that will make things easier the next time you gear up to board a long flight.
Do’s
- Wear comfortable clothing so that you can rest easily. Chino pants or a comparatively loose pair of jeans makes you feel comfortable and enhances your style quotient. Try to avoid wearing jewelry, hair pins, belts, etc. – this will get you through airport security, smoothly. It doesn’t hurt to visit the TSA website for more traveler information.
- Go in for comfortable footwear as your feet may swell up after a long journey.
- Make sure you have an iPod, mp3 player, e-reader, book, magazine, etc. so there are no dull moments during and in between flights.
- A noise cancelling headphone is a boon for long flights, so make sure you have one.
- If space permits, carry a small neck pillow to avoid an aching neck.
- An eye mask can come in handy if you want to take a nap. It is advisable to catch 4-5 hours of sleep on the flight so that you feel refreshed and active, once you land.
- If necessary, carry some medicine to avoid nasty headaches, indigestion, or gas.
- Take some healthy snacks with you, as they come in handy in the wake of flight delays and awful in-flight food options.
- Don’t forget to carry your toothbrush, travel sized toothpaste, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and any other hygiene related products. Don’t forget a few zip-lock bags.
- Pack your lip balm and travel sized moisturizer to avoid dreadfully dry lips and skin after the flight.
- Make sure your money and all your credit cards are secure and in your possession. If traveling abroad, get some currency changed at the airport before boarding.
- Don’t forget to carry your passport and ID card and boarding pass.
Don’ts
- Avoid wearing tight clothes on a long journey.
- Avoid wearing heels.
- Don’t keep any prohibited liquid in your handbag or anything else that is not allowed in cabin baggage otherwise you might have to give it up at security.
Long journeys will no longer be tiring if you plan. So follow these simple steps to trot around the globe with ease and comfort.
~ written by Deepika Sharma Grover