I’ve made no secret of the fact that I am flying to the Caribbean again this weekend. Not because it’s a humble brag but because I am so unbelievably ready for a week away to rejuvenate. I do not want to think of targets, deadlines or anything else for that matter except what cocktails I should be drinking from the extensive menu at the hotel. It’s a long flight, between 9-10 hours and whilst we have the luxury of travelling on the Dreamliner again, like we did to Mexico, you can never be too over-prepared for a long haul flight. I wanted to share a quick, handy guide of how you can get ready for a long haul flight.
1. PRE-BOOK YOUR SEATS BEFORE YOU FLY
You can never be too prepared but there are two things I do not want. One is that I don’t wanna be smelling your 7-hour aged poop and two, I do not want to be near crying babies. It’s a secret in the Travel industry that they try and put families either right at the front or right at the back of the plane, so try get those seats around the middle and not near the stinker. Thank me later.
2. TAKE A GOOD SIZED CARRY-ON
I remember the days when small bags were cool and you could just about fit your passport in it, however, nowadays I like to carry around a large shopper bag or rucksack. My Longhchamp bag is the perfect size for fitting in ticket wallets, hair brush, books, my tablet and more. You don’t want to over pack but having the essentials within easy reach on a long haul flight can be a god send.
3. TAKE ENTERTAINMENT
Most long haul flights have seat back entertainment but for whatever reason someone decides to put you on a flight created by demons where there is none, you could be doomed. 9 hours of staring at the seat in front of you is my idea of hell so it helps to pack extra books, a tablet/iPad with pre-loaded TV series and films and small travel games can come in pretty handy if you are ever dealt this unfortunate card.
4. I’VE NEVER TAKEN MY SKIN CARE SERIOUSLY…
Until now. I’ve been making the conscious effort to look after my skin as I now approach the latter end of my twenties. Travelling can put a real strain on your skin and my skin is already dry enough as it is. Carry a lip balm and a small pot of moisturiser to keep your skin rejuvenated throughout the flight.
5. WEAR LAYERS
You can never be too sure if a flight is gonna be too hot or too cold. I always seem to find myself over heating so I need to make sure I can “strip down” to thinner layers. but also, I love taking a hoody/jersey jacket to cover myself up with like a blanket if I take a little snooze. Make it easier for yourselves!
6. BUY LOTS OF WATER FOR THE FLIGHT
Sometimes you can’t always get the Air Hostesses attention, so when you get in to departures make sure you buy yourself a couple of big bottles of water to take on the flight with you. It’s good for your skin and you need to keep hydrated 30,000 feet above land. I need to practice what I preach here (guilty as charged!) but try keep alcohol consumption to a minimum because it can effect you a lot more at those altitudes.
So there you have it. If you have any handy tips to pass on to me before I travel this weekend, I would love to hear from you in the comments below!
