When you're traveling to destinations like Thailand, Hong Kong, Melbourne and Bali the flights can be quite time consuming, up to 30 hours sometimes even. This is the only downfall when you plan to visit locations overseas.
Being in the air for that amount of time is never fun; even if you are flying first class. While it's true that the food on long haul flights is generally better than you would expect, you can only eat so often.
No matter what happens you will be delighted when your plane finally touches down in your exotic destination and you get to stretch your legs. Still, there are some things you can do to make your trip less of a torture.
1. As fun as it is to unwind with some alcoholic beverages, wait until you're in your exotic destination to get into the booze. This is because alcohol dehydrates you, affects you more in a pressured cabin, can alter your perception and even makes it harder to achieve a good sleep.
2. Book your flight early and request an aisle seat. You do not want to get stuck in the middle row on a 28-hour flight ever.
3. It's not uncommon to walk around the plane a little bit so don't feel like you aren't allowed. It is very uncomfortable to just sit in a seat for 30 hours and is also bad for your health. Every once and while, go for a little wander around the plane to keep your body circulation flowing.
4. Look into getting a portable DVD player or a mobile multimedia platform. Instead of sitting through a movie that isn't very good you can now watch something you would rather watch like perhaps your favourite TV show or some movies you've been meaning to watch. This isn't necessary on flights like Virgin or British Airways that give you your own screen with many choices, so you might want to check the plane you're on and its features.
5. Ask your doctor if you can take Ambien, Xanex or Valium. These prescription drugs can help you sleep for hours with minimal side effects.
6. If you are a smoker, go to the pharmacy and buy a nicotine patch. You don't want to go crazy dying for a cigarette.
7. Be prepared in case your luggage gets lost by keeping a change of clothes in your carry-on bag.
8. The ability to purchase a business class seat really does make a huge difference due. Furthermore, most airlines will give you a mileage upgrade if you go with the full coach fare. On a long flight the ability to be able to relax and lay down will not only make you more comfortable but it can also help you with adjusting to the time difference in your exotic location.
9. Remember that you're on a long flight and not a hip club. Wear comfortable clothing and save your fancy outfits for your destination.
10. Stretch at the gate before you get on the plane so your muscles are as relaxed as possible.
11. Like the movies on flights, the music is also quite limited. A good alternative to the boring airplane music is to use an iPod with your favourite music on it. The last five or so times I went to Hong Kong I have noticed a number of people now listening to music or watching movies on their iPods. Having your own brand of entertainment that you control at your fingertips can really make a difference when you're on an airplane for 24 to 30 hours.
12. Another added bonus if you purchase a business class seat is that they generally have showers in the airport lounges that you're able to use. Taking in a shower before the last leg of your trip can refresh you, relax you and help with comfort.
13. One of the most important things is to make sure you have your hotel already booked and waiting when you get to your destination. You don't want to end up flying half way across the world and then when you finally get to your destination of say, Melbourne, have to frantically try to find a Melbourne hostel when really you should be able to just collapse into your hotel bed.
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