Check out my video here for my top 9 tips for surviving long haul flights to Europe!
Book Your Flights Early And Pick Your Seats!
If possible, splurge for business class or premium economy, or choose economy seats with extra legroom. Also, try to position yourself and your travel companions together to secure a bank of seats to yourselves. Avoid seats close to the bathroom or galley to minimize noise and disturbance.
Adjust To The Time Zone Early
Use an app like Time Shifter to adjust your sleep schedule a few days before your trip. This can help you avoid jet lag.
Wear Comfy Clothes
Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing and layers. Avoid clothing with tight waistbands or belts. Wear compression socks to improve circulation.
Stay Hydrated
The cabin of the airplane is very dry, so drink plenty of water before and during the flight to prevent dehydration. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which can further dehydrate you.
Bring Some Sleep Aids
Find a comfortable neck pillow and bring it - one that won't cause your head to flop around. And remember - the drawstring goes on the back of your neck (not the front)! Get one ahead of time so that you can see how it is and practice with it. Also, bring eye an eye cover of some time. Finally, bring noise cancelling headphones, or old fashion ear plugs.
Move Around
When you aren't sleeping, try to get up and stretch your legs every 3 hrs or so to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and cramping.
Bring Lots Of Entertainment
Even though you will be trying to sleep most of the flight, you should also bring some entertainment with you. While most airlines have entertainment options - sometimes those systems can crash and leave you bored out of your tree (or you just don't like the options they have)! Make sure you have your own entertainment available, and don't forget: headphones, backup batteries (maybe more than one - it's a long flight!), charging cables, etc...
Cleanup In The Morning
About an hour or so before you land, freshen up by bushing your teeth, washing your face, putting on deodorant, changing your shirt. This will help you feel more refreshed and ready to start exploring.
When You Get There - Don't Nap!
Resist the temptation to nap when you get to your destination - DON'T DO IT! Instead push through the day discovering the city you are in and go to bed at a reasonable time in the evening. This will help you adjust to the new time zone.
Do you have any tips or tricks for surviving long haul flights? Comment below!
To book your next dream vacation - when the time is right to travel - reach out to me through email at Alicia@EveningStarTravel.ca, or by calling 587 772 2525. I am located in Sherwood Park, Alberta (a suburb of Edmonton), and am a Travel Advisor specializing in River Cruising, Beach Escapes, and Custom Vacations. I am the owner/operator of Evening Star Travel, and I book travel for clients all across Canada.