Long-haul travel is becoming increasingly popular among Brits who want to explore destinations a bit further away. About half of us will be flying off to long-haul destinations, be it the Caribbean, Thailand, or Australia.
These trips are always going to offer some incredible experiences, but the fact remains that you still have to get through those long hours in the air before the holiday even gets going.
A long-haul flight is a real test of endurance, especially if you’re travelling as a family. Even the most amazing destination can start to feel a very long way off when you’re stuck in that airplane seat. But, with a bit of preparation, those long flights don’t have to feel like pure torture.
Knowing how to get ready for a long-haul flight makes all the difference. It means you’ll arrive feeling a lot more refreshed and comfortable, so you’re ready to enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Plan Ahead for Little Ones
Preparation is everything when you’re travelling with kids. Flights that stretch across multiple time zones are going to test everyone’s patience, and young children are the most likely to struggle with it.
So, you want to pack enough to keep them entertained during the flight, including their favourite toys and small games that are unlikely to bother other passengers. Also, it’s worth considering snacks because little ones can get picky about plane food. Bringing familiar options with you can be a lifesaver!
Think About Eye Health
Long-haul flights can be very uncomfortable for your eyes, especially for contact lens wearers. Your contact lenses can dry out quickly, which not only makes them uncomfortable to wear but can also lead to inflammation on the surface of the eye. That’s why you generally want to avoid wearing them for long-distance flights.
Ideally, you should use your glasses for long flights. You can still revert to contact lenses for the rest of the trip. For regular contact wearers, this may be a wake-up call, as usually glasses are not always kept updated. So, this is your reminder to arrange for glasses reglazing to your current prescription before your flight.
Also, if you tend to have dry eyes naturally, you may want to pack some eye drops for the plane.
Prepare Your Skin
Just like your eyes, your skin also suffers in the dry cabin. So, it can feel tight and dry, or even irritated on landing. That’s why you want to have some hydrating boosters with you on the plane.
Of course, hydration starts from within, so drinking plenty of water is key. But that’s not all. You can also use hydrating face masks during the flight. Sheet masks and even overnight-style collagen face masks work particularly well to give your skin the moisture it needs. They will also help your skin feel refreshed and plump when you arrive, which is a non-negligible bonus!
Reminder: Keep hand cream and lip balm also in your hand luggage, as you will need those to avoid discomfort.
Are you ready to book your next trip to a foreign country with the family? Then, you definitely want to think about your long-haul flight preparation to keep everyone happy and cared for.
