With summer vacation in full swing, it's time to go on that anticipated Hawaii trip or Europe backpacking trip. All your hotels, flights, and transportation methods have been sorted out. Now, the only issue is getting to your destination.
Several screaming toddlers, a few hyperactive young boys, and many rude passengers later, you finally get off the 12 hour plane ride with only 2 hours of sleep. Day 1 is basically ruined.
It doesn't have to be this way. Here are a few tips and tricks to help make these dreadful flights bearable:
1. Lower your standards
As sad as it sounds, if you're flying economy, it will not be a pleasant trip. From having to climb over people just to use the bathroom to trying to calm the screaming toddler next to you, the flight will most likely be a fiasco. Be aware of the fact that literally anything can happen - I've had toddlers climb on top of me and also passengers who constantly stuck their hand behind their chair to cover any movie I was trying to watch - and keep an optimistic mindset. If possible, try to sleep through as much of the flight as possible.
2. Bring earplugs/earbuds/your own music
Chances are, you'll want to tune out all the noise around you on the airplane. Whether it's the unbelievably deafening noise of the airplane engine or just the voice of the woman talking extremely loudly three rows ahead, having your own music to listen to will definitely make the trip a lot more fun.
3. Bring an empty water bottle to fill up and keep in front of your seat
Liquids are not allowed past airport security, and bottles of water within the airport cost an arm or a leg. Bring an empty water bottle to the airport and fill it up at a water fountain once you're inside! Although airlines offer water and drinks on the flight, having your own water bottle saves both time and energy when you're thirsty on the plane.
4. Request aisle seats
If the flight lasts for longer than 2 hours, try to get the aisle seat. The window seat is always a tempting choice since you get to see all the wonders beyond the airplane cabin when you're 30,000 feet in the air, but when that urge to go to the bathroom comes, you'll have to get past everyone between you and the aisle. Aisle seats not only allow you to get up and walk around easier, it also offers more leg space when no one's walking up and down the aisle.
5. Bring a neck pillow
Some airlines offer small cushions for international flights, but humans don't naturally sleep in an upright position. For many, this causes neck problems and most of the time it's hard to even get any good sleep on the plane. Invest in a neck pillow and your life will never be the same again. You can just clip it onto the side of your backpack when you board, so no need to worry about it taking up your backpack space.
