Even the most experienced and easygoing travelers can get bored on long flights. Factor in the limited space and few opportunities to stretch your legs, and it’s hardly a surprise that so many travelers dread the restlessness and discomfort of long flights. But if you love to travel overseas, don’t worry, we have good news! Long flights don’t have to be boring.
Here are 10 of our favorite tips for keeping yourself calm and occupied on long flights.
Plan Your In-Flight Entertainment
Nothing passes the time faster than a movie marathon or binge-watching session of your favorite TV show. Plan your viewing itinerary ahead of time, and make sure you’ve got everything downloaded and ready to go. Most airlines also offer in-flight entertainment with movies, shows, and games. Be sure to check with your airline ahead of time.
Adult Coloring
We often think of coloring as a children’s activity. However, it’s also fun for adults! According to the Cleveland Clinic, adult coloring even has some brain-boosting benefits that can help you feel calm. These include directing attention away from yourself – and whatever’s stressing you out at the moment – and relaxing the brain. Plus, the low stakes of coloring mean it’s guaranteed to be pleasurable – even if you color outside the lines.
Play Cards
When was the last time you played a card game? If you’re traveling with a companion, a game of rummy is an excellent way to make the time fly. If you’re traveling alone, however, we recommend a good old-fashioned game of solitaire.
Listen to a Podcast
While reading can be tiresome, listening to a podcast is easier on tired eyes. Plus, there are so many categories to choose from you’re guaranteed to find one that piques your interest. From true crime to lifestyle, news, comedy, and so many more start browsing your options before your flight to find one you like.
Whether you’re looking to learn something or simply want to be entertained, the right podcast can keep you calm and entertained for hours.
Start a Travel Journal
Travel journaling has many upsides, including gathering information, enhancing your memories, and serving as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Before leaving for your trip, set an intention to keep a travel journal. You can begin journaling on your flight, which is an excellent way to organize your thoughts, channel your energy, and make the time pass by quickly.
Move It
Scheduling routine time to move around can alleviate boredom along with the aches and pains that kick in after extended periods of sitting. But even if you can’t leave your seat, you can still keep your blood flowing with some simple stretches.
One more reason to love these in-flight exercises is that they are discreet and non-disruptive to others.
Meditate
While moving your body is one way to ease the stress of travel, so is moving your mind. This Kundalini meditation is an antidote to boredom. It will help you find your center and maybe even some gratitude.
An added benefit is that the seated Savasana at the end feels so good it might put you into a peaceful sleep.
Get Organized for Your Trip
Before catching your flight, you were probably occupied with packing, settling affairs, and making various arrangements. Once you’re finally up in the air, you’ll be able to shift your focus to the adventure ahead.
Between researching famous sightseeing spots to filling your itinerary with the best restaurants, the more you plan in advance, the better you’ll be able to hit the ground running when you get there.
Learn the Language
Traveling to a destination where the residents speak a different language than your own? A long plane ride is a great opportunity to boost your skills. Whether you choose a traditional book or a fun and interactive app like Duolingo, these last-minute lessons will be fresh in your brain when you land.
Make Time for Self-Care
Flying can dry out your skin and leave you looking (and feeling) less than your best. So why not build in some spa time? From de-puffing eye masks to moisturizing lip balms to skin-softening spa gloves, these in-flight pick-me-ups restore and rejuvenate.
Just make sure all products are TSA-friendly and be sure to avoid no-nos like heavily scented products.
Speaking of self-care, there’s another way to ensure a smooth flight: flying with Business Class air travel. From first class flights to Paris to the best business class flights to popular destinations all over the world, Business Class has first class travel deals that will get you where you’re going in style and for less.
To save up to 60 percent on business class flights to Europe and other wonderful destinations, shop Business Class today.
