A flight to Australia is about as long-haul as you can get from the UK, and may seem daunting if it’s your first 24 hour flight. With restrictions still in place on hand luggage, it is vital you think ahead to make your flight as enjoyable as possible. I spoke to Travelmood, which pecialises in flights to Australia, to give you lucky long haul travellers tips for surviving the flight and find out how you can look refreshed at the other end.
Choose a comfortable flying outfit…
Loose clothing is important, as you’re going to spend a lot of time sitting down. If you hope to sleep during the flight, consider putting a pair of jogging bottoms into your handbag. You can change into these in the plane toilet and change back into your smart denims just before landing.
If travelling somewhere warm in winter, put a pair of flip-flops in your hand luggage to slip onto swollen feet when you step off the plane. Air-conditioning can be chilly on long-haul flight so wearing layers is a good way to adjust body temperature, and a pashmina provides instant warmth and style.
Slather on mosituriser
Pack a quality moisturiser in your hand luggage and reapply during the flight – as skin can get very dry during long-haul flights. Apply a moisturising lip balm and drink lots of water to keep hydrated.
Hand luggage essentials
An iPod full off new and favourite tunes, an interesting read and glossy magazines are all essentials for long haul entertainment, especially when travelling alone.
How to get much needed sleep
When traveling to a far flung destination try and sleep as much as you can on the flight. An eye mask, lightweight blanket and inflatable neck pillow are sleep essentials and earplugs can help block out the surrounding noise.
When you board the plane ask the flight attendants if there are any spare seats left …this could result in getting enough seats to lie down on. To get the best sleep, avoid caffeine and consider herbal sleeping tablets to calm flight nerves. A pair of warm socks will also help to keep you snug whilst you snooze.
What to avoid when flying…
Try and avoid heavy meals before and during the flight, its best to eat little and often. Fizzy drinks, caffeine and alcohol can all contribute to feeling groggy once you land…so if you can resist, avoid these too.
How to avoid jet lag
Jag-lag is a horrible and disorientating way to start your holiday; taking precautions to minimise it will lead to a happier start to your holiday.
As soon as you get on the plane adjust your watch to the time of your destination, so that you are eating and sleeping according to the hour on arrival. Once you get to your destination get a little exercise and try and stay awake until night time.
You can but only try…
Smile sweetly, be polite, complain about your bad circulation and flying nerves and see if you get a free upgrade!
For further details on long haul travel visit www.travelmood.com or www.austravel.com
