Traveling long distances can be exciting but tiring at the same time. Here are some tips to help make your flight a comfortable.

• Pack your MP3 or other listening device in your carry on bag along with small snacks like small cheese packages, granola bars, gum, or whatever you enjoy for a quick pick me up. Also pack a good book along with a couple magazines to help pass the time. Hand held games are great for kids although I have seen many husbands happily twitching their way through a game.
  
  
• Make sure you have your luggage tags filled out and placed on your luggage before leaving home. You also might want to write your phone number down on a piece of paper along with the dates and names of the hotels you will be staying at along the way. This is a precaution in case of lost luggage.


• Make sure you arrive at least 3 hours early for your flight. You never know if you might run into bad traffic or have car problems on the way.
  
  
• If leaving early in the morning you may want to book a Park and Fly package with a nearby hotel.  You can stay the night, park your car then be transferred to the airport in a timely manner. Not only is there less stress before leaving but it also adds to the excitement of your trip.


• Dress comfortably with loose fitting pants or outfits that are made with breathable materials, as the temps will fluctuate on board the aircraft. Comfortable shoes are a must since you will be putting on the miles at the airport. Low heeled clogs or slip on shoes will speed up security screening.
  
  
• Be sure to have your passport ready before reaching the check in counter and keep it handy to pass through security. There is nothing worse than standing in a long line with passengers holding up the wait with searching for tickets and I.D.


• If traveling with small children I have found giving them a quarter teaspoon of a decongestant like Actifed or similar will help their ears drums on take off and landings. It is sheer agony for them especially if they have a sniffle. It will also make them sleepy giving you a couple hours of peace.
  
  
• Make sure to drink plenty of liquids, as long flights will dehydrate your body. I know a lot of you don’t want to hear this, but stay away from coffee before and during your flight, it aids in dehydration and will also make it harder to adapt to time changes.


• To help with blood flow take a children’s aspirin before take off and wear compression socks and hosiery to help with your circulation and warding off blood clots.
  
  
• Check the in-flight magazine for exercises you can do right from your seat. Stretch and move as much as possible. Keep your muscles from painful contracting get up and move every few hours.


• Try to get some sleep on the flight so you will feel refreshed upon arrival. Purchase a neck pillow, it well worth the price to keep from getting a sore neck. Earplugs and eye shades are great for drowning out noise and movement.
  
  
• Try to get on local time when you arrive at your destination. Try not to sleep during the day but go to bed a little early to avoid jetlag. Normally the excitement of being there and wanting to sightsee will get you through the sleepiness. I find chocolate really helps, so why not find a small little chocolate boutique and enjoy your first day in style!

 

These tips should help you to feel refreshed and energetic upon your arrival and ready to get out and see all those sights you have been studying about before your trip.

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