How to Survive a Long Haul Flight – and Still be Smiling at the End!

Between Connecting Flights:

So you have a stop over for a few hours in a foreign country?�No fear – take advantage of what the airport has to offer.

Check out the different lounges..

Lounges offer good hot meals, showers and some even have beds where you can have a few hours horizontal. �Every lounge has different pricing structures etc. So perhaps a little research before you go?

I found out that having a shower and feeling fresh made a world of difference…

Walk! Stretch the legs and get a bit of exercise.

What to Wear on a Long Haul Flight:

A long black maxi dress is a must!

Not only is it comfortable and stylish — it can be dressed up at your destination with heels and jewellery, or dressed down with a pair of sandals and a bright headband.

Warm Socks

Planes can get really cold — pack a small pair.

Slip on Shoes

Something you can just kick off or grab when needed.

Big Scarf

Not only can you wrap it around yourself as a jumper, it can be folded into a pillow, or cover yourself as a blanket.

Flight Stockings

Yes they are quite expensive. But they do really help with any swelling your legs and feet might have.

Leggings

I love my black leggings — I wear them under my maxi-dress. �Not only are they nice and warm, they give you a bit of privacy�when you are sleeping and your dress hitches up. �Plus if it is really hot, just slip them off — easy peasy!

Don’t:

Don’t wear make-up on the plane.

It just makes you feel gross.

Don’t wear any jewellery when travelling.

There is no need and it only makes you a target of theft.

How to Avoid Jet Lag:

Drink loads – and loads, and loads of water.

Before, during and after your flight. �The cabins are notoriously dry — and headaches during flying are usually attributed to dehydration!

Sleep as much as you can… at every opportunity in fact!

The more you sleep, the faster the trip will go, the more comfortable you will be!

Technology Hints:

Take two chargers…

Keep one in your hand luggage, the other in your packed luggage. Chargers always go missing — and sometimes they can be hard to find in other countries.

International Roaming:

Call your phone provider to see what kind of deals they can offer you whilst overseas. �I got a great deal through Telstra and for $150 for the week I could use my own phone and number with loads of data — it was perfect!

What other tips do you have to survive long haul flights?

Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney, she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

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