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My 10 Top Long Haul Flight Tips

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Long haul flying isn’t something I relish and so, with a trip to Australia looming (I’m in the UK), I decided to have a plan in place (very unlike me).  So, without further ado, here are my top 10 long haul flight tips to help me arrive refreshed and combat jet lag:

  1.  A Cashmere travel wrap - expensive (but keep an eye on ebay – I bought mine for £85.00 and it was brand new) but it’s my top must-have.  Doubles as a evening wrap on a chilly evening.
  2. A massage ball - it’s important to keep moving and keep your circulation going.  Flight socks are compulsory  for me but I’m also taking a massage ball. Roll it around under your feet or pop it behind your shoulders for an instant in-flight massage.
  3. Mack’s Ear Plugs – these are the best.  They’re made of silicone and  you can mould them to fit over your ear.  I find them so much more comfortable than the tiny ones that you stick in your ear canal.  These are great for swimming and diving as well.
  4. Sominex – this is a sleep aid.  I’ve tried Melatonin in the past but found it hasn’t worked for me.  There’s a bit of research about it which suggests it’s a waste of time but I know plenty of people who swear by it.  Sominex works every time for me.
  5. A new one for me – Jet Ease, essentially a food supplement – the manufacturers claim that it contains five vitamins helpful in countering the stress of jet travel.  Dosage is 1 tablet every couple of hours.  I’ll let you know if they work!
  6. A fast dry towel. I was sent this towel a couple of years ago by Discovery Trekking  and have used it on every holiday since.  My flight to Cairns includes a couple of stops where I’ll have time to grab a shower.  It’s takes up little space and dries super quick.
  7. Since I’m on the subject of showers, a bit of a treat is some Dr. Hauschka travel products – natural skin care which smells divine :-)
  8. My trusty Jet Rest pillow.  I’ve tried loads of travel pillows, blow ups, micro beads, but none has come close to being as comfortable as the Jet Rest – trust me :-)
  9. Neals Yard Night Time Remedies to Roll - chamomile and lavender to  help me relax.  Again, I’ve used this product for years, every day.
  10. My eye mask – I’ve tried loads of these.  The standard airline issues are always too tight and scratchy but I had a lucky upgrade to First Class with Korean Airways and found the first class version to be one of the best I’ve ever tried!  Thanks Korean Air :-)
Add to that list my iPad for movie watching, music listening, blog article writing and to make sure I get some headspace.    Have I missed anything off the list?

Smile

scubadviserI’m Jackie and, with my partner Rick, am founder of Scubadviser which is just like TripAdvisor but for divers.   I’m going to Queensland courtesy of Queensland Tourism and Darren Rose (Problogger).  I’ll be blogging from the Great Barrier Reef so, sign up for my updates  – I’d love to share my journey with you.

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  • Kara

    Great tips! I need to find my travel pillow….. see you soon! 

    • http://www.scubadviser.com Jackie Hutchings

      Yes Kara, this time next week …… :-)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=553761552 John Topham

    I don’t use  an Ipad – I hate anything apple. I take my netbook so I can review, sort, enhance or delete all those underwater photos on the way back (and the rest of the holiday photos of course but they’re not as important).
    I have about a dozen films on the hard drive too (500 GB – another advantage over a tablet) helps pass the time.

    • http://www.scubadviser.com Jackie Hutchings

      Ah, a photographer :-)  I know many underwater photographers who happily spend a whole flight sorting and deleting and just enjoying the process.  It’s part of the holiday for them.  I’ve never got the hang of taking photos underwater (to be honest, I’m not that good on land either)  Maybe one day :-)

      • http://www.shorttraveltips.com/ Vi @ Travel Tips

         Hopefully you’ll have some pictures to show from your trip to QLD :)

  • azchipka

    Those doing long haul flights should also check with the airline as to what is provided to save yourself some space in carry on bags. I know that Quants and New Zealand Air do a cover a number of these in the the premium economy cabin and a couple of them in standard economy. I think the biggest tip for long haul flights is finding a good long haul airline that still values customer service.

    • http://www.scubadviser.com Jackie Hutchings

      Yes, I agree. Standards vary enormously across airlines.  I’ve just checked what Quantas provide in economy – toothpaste, toothbrush, sock and eyeshades, together with the standard pillow and blanket.  Glad I’m taking my own :-)

  • http://www.scubadviser.com Jackie Hutchings

    I have one more vital item to add to the list (having just done a very long flight with lots of babies)…. sound reducing headphones!  After an 8 hour flight to Singapore which I shared with a very grumpy baby 2 seats in front of me, I bought a pair of these headphones in Duty Free and had a much more relaxed flight back to the UK!  Highly recommended (unless you’re lucky enough to travel First Class where they give you a pair of Bose headphones!)