1. Go to the bathroom before getting on the plane
If you’re in a middle or window seat, there’s nothing worse than having to wait to pee because the people next to you are sleeping.
2. Download entertainment before departing
Netflix’s new feature to download shows may be the best thing to happen to travelers. You’ve also got Spotify and even trusty iTunes for music. And if you have a really long flight, download apps that don’t require Wi-Fi to play. Don’t forget to charge your phone before getting on the plane!
3. Bring an empty water bottle
As long as it’s not full when going through security, bringing your own water bottle is handy for staying hydrated. Plus, you don’t have to pay for overpriced water or wait for the flight attendant to fill your mini cup. (Not to mention you’re reducing waste!)
4. Pack snacks
While you can’t bring liquids through security, you can bring prepackaged foods like granola bars, chips and candy, so you have food during and after the flight. Pack healthy food and comfort food because everyone knows airplane food is less than delightful, and who knows what you’ll be able to eat once you’re in your destination.
5. Bring your own headphones
The free earphones airlines give you seem like a nice perk, but they are poor quality, so stock some of your own instead. Noise-cancelling headphones are super helpful for blocking out noise. Pro tip: Download a white noise app and play it with noise-cancelling headphones and you won’t hear anything.
6. Bring a light blanket or a big scarf that doubles as one
Planes can get cold so something to cover up with is nice, and you can also use it wherever you’re staying.
7. Have emergency medications handy
If you get motion sick, bring those pills. If you’re worried about not being able to sleep, look into medications or melatonin for that (sleeping is the ultimate time killer on flights). Bring pain killers too for annoying little things like headaches.
8. Journal about your experience
Writing about your journey and your how you feel makes the hours go faster. Plus it’s a great way to record your trip and remember your experience; it’s crazy how fast you can forget what you did.
9. Sit back, relax, take your shoes off (bonus points for bringing comfortable socks) and enjoy the ride
Just think of how much fun you’re going to have at the destination you’re heading to, or think about how great it will be to sleep in your own bed on the way home!
Photo by Alexandra Hujanen