The long plane rides to destinations that are in different continents are the only downfall of planning such vacations. If you are looking at a far off exotic destination like Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong or Bali, your plane rides can be at least 24 hours and even up to 30 hours.
Though the food is typically better on long flights than you would anticipate, you can't eat the whole time; even flying in first class can be a boring and long chore.
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. If you're on a 30 hour flight the last thing you want is to be trapped in the middle row; book your flight in advance and make a request for an aisle seat.
3. Walk around the plane. Sitting in one place all day cannot only be uncomfortable; it can be bad for your health. Get up on a regular basis and walk around the plane to keep your circulation flowing.
4. Buy a portable DVD player or better yet an iPod. Airline movies almost always suck. These days you can buy your own portable DVD player for less than $100. Then you can choose what you want to watch. A great idea is to buy an entire season of one of your favorite television shows. West Wing, 24 and The Sopranos are all available on DVD and will kill many hours of flight time.
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. Keep a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost.
8. If you can afford it, get a business class seat. It really does make a difference. Most of the airlines offer mileage upgrades if you buy a full coach fare. It is most definitely worth the spent miles to have a first class seat on such a long journey. The ability to actually lie down and relax will not only make a difference on your body but on how you adjust to the new time changes once in say, Thailand.
9. Don't worry about how fashionable you look while on long flights. Instead wear loose fitting clothing that you find comfortable.
10. Before you get on the plane get as relaxed as possible by stretching your legs and just generally getting comfortable for the long haul.
11. If you would like to listen to your own music bring a device such as an iPod. The selection almost always lacks with the built in music and video provided on flights. The last half dozen or so trips I've made to Thailand I have noticed a number of people listening to iPods. I always have mine.
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 cheap Melbourne hotel when really you should be able to just collapse into your hotel bed.
Author Resource:
Carlye S. Donovan grew up in Melbourne and now lives and works in Sydney. She travels all over the world and writes for numerous travel magazines and online travel sites in addition to keeping her own blog where she does a review on every budget Melbourne hotel she stays in.
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