For many of us, the most unappealing thing about travelling abroad is the flight. Sitting squashed up against strangers in the hardest, most uncomfortable, smallest chairs known to man whilst surrounding by screaming children and snoring adults isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, but flying is a painful necessity when it comes to travelling. Here are ten tips to making flying a little more comfortable.
- Dress comfortably
Newspapers and magazines are always full of images of fashion-savvy celebs sauntering through airports dressed to the nines. The reality, though, is that dressing glamorously for a flight is never a good idea – unless you’re flying first class and have your own private bathroom to freshen up in. Swap your jeans or shirt for a pair of comfy joggers from Jacamo or somewhere similar, a t-shirt and some comfy sneakers.
- Invest in a neck cushion
If you struggle to relax and nap on the plane, try using a neck cushion; although they won’t completely overcome the discomfort associated with trying to sleep in an unnaturally upright position, they offer a little bit of support and help to ease neck stiffness and pain during the flight.
- Ear plugs
Block out the aggravating sounds of kids crying, grown-ups snoring and strangers chewing with a pair of ear-plugs. Alternatively, plug a pair of earphones into your phone and sit back with your favourite tunes blasting out in your ears.
- Take a book
A book, magazine or newspaper is a must-have buy when you’re flying. They’re guaranteed to alleviate the boredom for a short while at least. If you get bored easily and you’re a frequent flier, think about investing in an e-reader of some kind; that way you can have hundreds of books on hand to distract your boredom all uploaded to one easy-to-carry device.
- Buy a drink
Frequent fliers will know that the drinks trolley usually comes round just after take-off, and just before landing; they offer a welcome change from the monotony of flying and buying a drink or a snack can boost your energy and take-up a little bit of time. By the time the air hostesses have done their second stint with the trolley and you’ve drank your poison, it’ll be almost time to land – hooray!
- Watch a movie
If you’re not a book-lover, download a couple of movies or your favourite TV-series onto your hand-held device and sit back. If you are using an electronic device, make sure you comply with the airline’s rules and regulations regarding hand-held devices. Some airlines only permit the use of handheld devices prior to takeoff, when the aircraft has reached a steady altitude, and just before landing. If you’re unsure, ask a member of the cabin crew for advice.
- Plan your holiday
Take a notepad and a pen and begin to plan your holiday. What kinds of things do you want to do and see? Do you want to stick to the beaten tourist track, or explore and find something new? Do you want to stick to plain hotel food, or go out and explore local cuisines and tastes? Using your time on the flight to think of what you want to get out of your holiday will boost your excitement and provide a welcome distraction from the monotony of flying.
