How to Survive a 10+ Hour Plane Ride

So you decided to take an international trip, congratulations! This is a big decision and a highly rewarding experience.

Maybe you're excited about being in a far away place with new experiences and sights. Maybe you're anxious or stressed about what's to come on this journey.

Whatever you're feeling regarding this trip, know that it will bring you out of your comfort zone and you will grow from the experience. This is a fantastic thing!

But first, we are going to prepare you for that long plane ride. You want to ensure a pleasant plane ride because this usually sets the tone for the first few days of your trip.

For the best long flight experience, you want to fly first class. There is nothing like being comforted and catered to while enduring a long flight. The staff ensures you are cozy at all times by bringing you everything you need, any time you want. You get to lounge in a relaxing elongated seat where you can easily fall asleep and not have to worry about leg room or bothering the person beside you.

One of my favorite things about being in business and first class is the business lounge. If you have a layover, you want to be in a business lounge because they have everything you need before and after your flight. This is a great place to recharge and nourish your body with excellent food and drinks. There is always a safe locker to leave your things so you can walk around the airport and connect with/network with other people who are also traveling.

However, if you don’t feel like spending thousands of extra dollars to upgrade to higher class, I have some great solutions for you.

• Bring headphones! Music helps improve mood.

• Bring earplugs, for those crying babies.

• Bring a great eye mask, to block out light.

• Take a melatonin for sleep.

• Create fun games ahead of time that you can play.

• Bring a crossword to keep your brain alert.

• Remind yourself that the destination is worth it.

• Download a guided meditation ahead of time.

• Download soft music that will help you fall asleep.

• Download movies and shows on Netflix, HBO, Hulu.

• Wear a fluffy vest over a sweatshirt so that you can take the vest off and use it as a pillow to sleep on.

• Pay extra for legroom in an exit row.. way worth it for the long legged ladies.

• Don’t sleep too much before the flight.

• Noise canceling headphones.

• Request a window seat so you have the wall to rest your head against.

• Bring a pillow, you'll want to snuggle it.

• Bring your pajamas and brush your teeth to help you feel ready for bed.

• Bring comfort snacks.

• Bring a great book.

• Bring a journal and write in.

• Be extra nice to the staff and other travelers around you.

• Make small talk with the person next to you.

• Keep your passport, cash, wallet and ID on you at all times! Easily done if you wear a belt bag around your waist.

• Have a small pouch of self care items in your carry on. Wet wipes, tissues, face mist, deodorant, perfume, breath mints, toothpaste + toothbrush, hand lotion, facial oil, any medication you need and a hairbrush.

• Bring an extra pair of clothes in your carry on that you can change into after 8 hours. You'll feel better not sitting in sweaty clothes all day long.

• Get up and walk around, stretch your legs as often as you can.

• Buy medical grade compression socks for circulation.

• Drink plenty of water even if you don’t want to- going to the bathroom often is a fair price to pay for hydration. Dehydration can cause a number of issues to your body during and after the trip.

• After the flight, take the entire day/night to recuperate. This means, resting, taking a slow walk outside, feeding your body nutritious foods, taking ginger shots, healthy smoothies, and hydrate as much as you can.

Remember why you are going on this trip and think about how great it will feel once you step off that plane. Hopefully you will be able to sleep for a long period of time, but in case you don't- I hope these tips help you have a more pleasant experience on the plane.