How To Get Through Long Flights and Layovers

I travelled 52 hours from Vanuatu to Rwanda (including layovers). That’s more than two days y’all! I didn’t realize how long of a journey this was until it after it was all booked! Long flights and layovers can be a lot! You can say I had to get through a few long flights and layovers on this one. How in the world was I going to survive? Well, I explored many ways to ‘enjoy’ the journey or at least make the most of it. Here are twelve ways to get through long flights and layovers. 

Work, Life Admin, or Blog Post:

Long flights/layovers are a good time to get some stuff done! Get some work done, do some life admin stuff, make a to do list, and if you’re a blogger juggling a full-time career (like I am) draft a blog post or two on your phone or computer. Get something off your to do list. I definitely did some life admin and blogging. Productivity is key! I’m sure someone is reading this and thinking…. how boring. Ha, to each their own!

Movies:

Fingers crossed, the airline you have selected actually has a decent movie selection. Watch all the movies you haven’t had the time to watch. I saw Black Panther (again) and another movie that I don’t remember (I’m not really much of a TV person as you can tell). Binge watch all flight long if you so desire! Movies are also a great way to keep kids occupied on flights.

Playlists:

I made myself some SICK playlists leading up to my 52-hour journey. So if you’ve got some good music (or a streaming service), make a few playlists and jam as long as you want. It doesn’t matter that it’s a 17-hour flight when it’s a party at your seat, right?

Read a Book:

E- Book, Real book, coloring book (for kids). If you’re one to enjoy reading, then pack one for the trip. I actually read two books on this flight and I shared them in one of my monthly newsletters.

Clear your head:

Flying is a great time for me to sort through the many thoughts in my head, I don’t know what it is but there’s something about being in the clouds without everyday distractions (minus a snoring neighbor or something). Sometimes, I come up with solutions or alternative options while flying, I decide to let things go, I come up with blog ideas, or even make life decisions. I always think of loved ones when I fly. I always wonder if they’d be proud of me/us or if they’d be like ‘what the hell are you doing, girl?! I wonder what they’d think of the world as it is today. Anyway this got personal, but FYI…I’m quite the analytical, my tendency to think through things is a blessing and a curse!

Podcasts:

These are my favorite things of 2018. I started listening to podcasts last year but got more into them this year for sure. Not only are they a productive way to commute, or even do things around the home, I downloaded a few episodes of my favorite podcasts and probably listened to 10 on this trip. My favorite podcasts run the gamut from travel (duh), to lifestyle, faith, fashion, career, and finance.

Relive trips:

I often find myself going through pictures from my trips while I’m inflight, reliving memories from the places I’ve been, people I’ve met, food I’ve consumed, things I’ve done. It’s not lost on me that while I work hard and often sacrifice to travel, the ability and means to travel is an immense privilege. Looking back through images (while considering which ones to share sometimes) is often a great reminder of my journey.

Make Friends:

I mean, why not? Admittedly this is often not the case with me, but who says you can’t make a friend while being in flight. My friends have always thought I’d make a romantic connection while in the air but err…hasn’t happened. I usually look like a hobo while flying, except for when its for work, then I might look slightly presentable. I have struck up interesting conversations with people sitting by me while in flight but I actually find I quite enjoy chatting with kids!

Lounge:

I once spent the night at an airport in New York, and spent 12 hours on a layover in Qatar in 2017. No wonder my body aches differently these days! If you can afford it/budget for it, I would recommend staying in a lounge on a long layover. Certain lounges even have shower facilities (that’s the only reason I wasn’t stinking on arrival in Rwanda). Lounges offer food, drinks, TV, showers, comfortable seating areas, decent WiFi. I spent about 12 hours in lounges during this trip, during this time I showered, ate, booked accommodation and tours for the next leg of my trip. PS. Earlier this year, I bought an annual priority pass because I knew I’d get my money’s worth on this trip. I did!

Sleep:

I wouldn’t suggest sleeping for 52 hours but if you’re one that’s able to sleep during flights, by all means get some shuteye! I actually slept more on this trip than I’m normally able to and I’m so thankful. For non-sleeper, try a sleep-aid (I did this for the first time) or a glass of wine.

Write Postcards:

I send postcards every now and then while I’m traveling. Flight times are a great time to ‘bang out’ some post cards if you so desire. I find them pretty easy to write but I’m such a great procrastinator – you already knew this. Can’t really run off the plane to do something else, so sit and write it is!

Get Active:

There are countless articles with tips on how to stay active on long flights. I read them and forget the actual exercises and stick to massaging my calves or just getting up and moving every now and then. Beneficial exercises include lifting your calfs, rotating your ankles, tensing and relaxing various muscles and doing gentle stretches. Try not to cross your legs for prolonged periods.

I’m curious, what are you best tricks for getting through long flights? Let me know in the comments section below! Till next week,

Ms. Heels