Going on vacation, visitng family, and traveling to new and exotic places are extraordinarily fun things to do. However, one part of the trip most people dread is the long flight where you're sitting in one spot for hours on end. Typically, I take a snooze the entire plane ride, but not everyone has the luxury of being able to fall asleep sitting up.

If the airline you're flying doesn't have televisions, or if the WiFi is really expensive, you can still find alternate things to do during your flight! Here are a few things you can do on a flight to keep your mind occupied.

1. Read everything (and I mean everything) in the seat back pocket.

Most airlines have more reading material than just the safety instructions, like their own magazine, for example. Take advantage of the crossword and Sudoku puzzles in the back!

2. Bring aboard your own reading material.

If you're on the second leg of the route and you don't feel like reading the safety instructions again, definitely bring your own magazine or book. Depending how long your flight is, you can keep your mind occupied for a good amount of time while your imagination travels into a good book.

3. Play cards (or any other game).

One of the most fun things my dad and I used to do on flights when I was a kid was play cards. It may seem outdated, but we had so much fun putting down the tray table and playing a little bit of Blackjack or Poker. No money was involved, of course, just bragging rights!

4. Bring some DVDs and have a movie marathon.

You're more than likely to bring your laptop on your trip, so you might as well pack some of your favorite movies, as well! Watching a good movie can help pass the time, and if you're on a long flight you can have a little marathon!

5. Get your homework done.

If you're going on vacation during the school year, a flight is the perfect time to get any and all homework finished. You won't have to worry about your assignments on your trip, and the flight will go by in a flash!

6. Talk to your neighbors!

Since cell phones and other technological developments have been on the rise, we've lost the ability to strike up conversations with random strangers. If you're sitting next to someone you don't know, it can be fun to get to know them and hear some of their stories. You never know who you may meet!

Sometimes long flights may seem like a drag, but you can make them fun by finding something to do to occupy your mind. Start off the trip on a good note: the last thing you want is to be bored on your vacation!