At The Dragon Trip, we’re used to boarding long haul flights to various destinations around the world, especially Asia – and we can confirm that they can be a pleasurable experience if you do it right. Here is a guide aimed to help you prepare as well as you can for your long journey, so that your flight will be a pleasant one.
Wear a comfortable outfit
When you’re preparing for a long-haul flight, it is crucial to make sure that you dress in the right attire. Comfortable clothes are essential to making your flight more pleasant and will help you enjoy your time on board. As a bonus, wearing comfy clothes will also help you fall asleep, if you need to get some rest. You’ll want to dress in loose-fitting clothing that let you move around freely, find some shoes that can easily slip off, and bring an extra layer because planes get chilly! So, leave those formal clothes behind and pick out your most comfortable trainers and hoodie.
The travel pillow, ear plugs and sleep mask are worth it
Speaking from personal experience, it is worth investing in some decent sleeping gear. The travel pillow definitely eases the process of falling asleep, as your head is comfortably resting on the soft pillow contouring your neck. The ear plugs and sleep mask are the perfect accompaniment for the pillow and help to block out any noise or light that are preventing you drifting off into that peaceful slumber. Your body will be grateful for the small comforts you can provide. Plus, the travel pillow, ear plugs and sleep mask will come in handy on those long overnight trains and buses and for sleeping in hostels – all part of the backpacking experience in Asia.
Bring your own food
If you’re on a long-haul flight, you will most-likely have a meal, drinks and snacks included. However, we highly recommend bringing your own stash of food in case you get a little peckish. Besides, when it’s meal time, you’ll probably be fast asleep with your new sleeping gear!
Hydrate and moisturise
It’s a good idea to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water! Up in the sky, the air pressure can dehydrate you and your skin. Drink plenty of water and pack a good hand moisturiser.
Have a stretch and walk around
Every once in a while, stand up and walk around to keep your blood circulation going. Go to the toilet, walk up and down the aisle and stretch – we guarantee that you’ll feel better!
Bring some hand sanitiser
Hand sanitiser is always an essential when travelling, especially on a group tour of Asia and you never know when you might need it. It is a useful thing to have in case there is no more soap left to wash your hands in the airplane bathroom. Airplanes tend not to be very clean, so we recommend putting some hand sanitizer on your hands just before you eat!
Don’t forget a book or download some movies
There can be lots of waiting around before, during and even after a long haul flight and while many airlines allow you to start using their entertainment system before take-off, some aren’t quite there yet. We recommend bringing a good book and downloading a couple of your favourite movies or TV series.. Reading is a good way to kill some time and also tends to help with sleeping. So if you’re planning to get some rest, don’t forget your novel.
Toiletries
Make sure you have access to your toiletries. You will feel like a whole new person after brushing your teeth – especially if you have a long layover in between flights. Pack your essential toiletries in your hand luggage so that you can freshen up easily – lip balm, a hairbrush, a toothbrush or deodorant. You’ll avoid having chapped lips and static hair – you’ll feel better and fresher!
Notepad and pen
A long-haul flight can drag on sometimes. You never know, you might have an inspired thought, have a burst of creativity or have the urge to write out a to-do list. It might be right time to start your travel journal or diary. You will also need a pen to fill in immigration and customs forms ready for landing.
Reduce Single Use Plastics
Many airlines are working to be single-use plastic free and while some are better than others, no airline has quite achieved this yet. A good place to start is to bring your own headphones or earphones with you so that you don’t have to use the ones provided by the airline, which are only used once. You will also have a more comfortable experience if you are using your own gadgets.
Enjoy your travels!
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