1. Big fluffy blanket from mom's house.... CHECK!
2. Two comfy travel pillows.... CHECK!
3. US Weekly, People, and Instyle.... CHECK!
4. Two good books: The Tea Rose, and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.... CHECK!
5. Cards! Plain old playing cards, and Monopoly Deal.... CHECK!
6. Lotion, eye drops, hand sanitizer, and my travel must-have, spray water.... CHECK!
7. A bag of homemade cookies from Mom.... CHECK!
I already checked the in-flight movies and Invictus is playing, which I've wanted to see for some time now!
When you fly long distances, what is your favorite thing to 1. keep busy and 2. stay relaxed (especially if you are a nervous flier)?
Any tricks?! I'm sure I probably do them already, but, its nice to talk about it to A. get mentally prepared and B. maybe I'll learn something new!
DO SHARE!
Thanks for all the safe travel wishes in the last post! Don't feel like you need to repeat yourself here! You don't. :)I'm just interested to see what your tips and tricks are.
Steph
....next time I make a post, Blonde in Beijing will actually BE IN Beijing! We leave tomorrow mid-afternoon (wish it was a night flight, oh well!) and arrive Beijing time the following day, 2:30pm or so.
I love travelling and I love flighting too, because it's connected and after the flight there is an awesome adventure waiting for me :D and I just love adventures ;)
ReplyDeleteduring the flight, I usually read stupid magazines, listen to music, watch my favourite series... I usually close my eyes and imagine what it's going to be like when we land. oh I want to travel right now :D
have a save trip dear!
http://saladofmylife.blogspot.com
I wish I'd know how to relax on a plane ride.The only time I can somewhat relax is when my husband is with me, otherwise im a nervous wrack lol
ReplyDeleteSo since I cant be relaxed I try to make time go by as fast as possible. First I watch all the movies they offer. Since I always fly Lufthansa, they show the newest movies, so thats good. After that I read a book. I like to bring my portable DVD player too. My husband sent me all the disney movies on dvd, so I watched the old ones ha. I wait for the breakfast, because that means we will be landing within the next hour =)
Have a safe trip and let us know how u managed to relax!
Carla
I hate flying, it just seems so unnatural and strange to me, but I deal with it because I like to travel. I normally read the whole flight and take plenty of snacks.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a safe flight!
Amber @ southernchicdesigns.blogspot.com
I love flying, it always feels like the beginning of an adventure to me. I'm also super comfortable with it because ever since I was maybe 6 or 7 my grandpa would take me out in his 2 person plane and fly my anywhere- lots of times we'd fly over my house and my dad would stand in the yard and wave to us. I always thought that was cool :)
ReplyDeleteMy main issue is BOREDOM. I found a pretty good fix though. In addition to in-flight movies, which I freaking love, my got a Nintendo DS last summer before we flew to Paris and it was great. We had crosswords, Sudoku, card games, Mario, action games, etc. All on that one little thing! It was seriously a lifesaver. Biggest problem was it has a different voltage plug in so we couldn't just pop it in any adaptor or any plug in.
My tip is to not be tempted by the calming powers of alcohol. Every time I drink alcohol on a long flight I always end up regretting it! The headache upon landing is just not worth it.
ReplyDeleteI also take small candy like Starburst or M&M's and figure out how many I can eat each hour and still make them last the whole flight. Then I treat myself based on my calculations. Weird, I know. :)
Safe travels. =)
Sarah
I fly to Asia often (about 10-14 hours from CA) and I always pack Dramamine for motion sickness. It helps you sleep during the flight, and usually I try to sleep as much as possible on the flight so when I arrive at my destination I'm feeling fresh. It also makes adjusting to the time difference easier! I usually take mine with water after I've boarded the plane and it kicks in after 30 mins or so.
ReplyDeleteI also bring an empty water bottle with me (I use a metal one with screw top lid) and once I get on flight I have a flight attendant fill it up with water so I have water with me during the entire flight, since cabin air can be really drying. I wear comfy pants, like track pants and I take off my shoes (but keep my socks on). Every once in a while get up to walk around to prevent your ankles from swelling up and to keep your circulation going.
Have a safe flight! :)
It looks like you're stocked up on the all the necessities! On flights, once I get bored of reading, I usually sleep. Like, ugly, mouth hanging open, maybe even a little snoring sleep. But it makes the flight go by faster!
ReplyDeleteI think you've got things covered :)
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you, wishing you a fantastic safe and swift flight. Only 14 hours until you begin one of most unique and wonderful journeys of your life!
Thanks for the tips guys! I'm taking notes! And I just like hearing what other people do, its calming to me.
ReplyDeleteNoel - that is so cool!
And Andi I like the way you phrase that!
ReplyDeleteJust stumbled across your blog! I like to walk to the washrooms at the back of the plane and do a little yoga/stretching, especially since I usually feel like a pretzel after long flights! : \
ReplyDeleteWine is your friend. Have a safe trip!
ReplyDeletelol Andi! I didn't mention it but I am definitely going to take a xanxax. It helps me calm down and usually makes me a little drowsy.
ReplyDeleteAlison, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment! I think making sure to get up and do some stretching is key! I never do it, but I am going to make a point to tomorrow.
I don't like flying either. I think i will take notes from your list! I always bring a book/magazines and I like to buy the rolls of multi-color fruit lifesavers that they sell at the airport. It seems like the airport is the only place that still sells the little rolls of lifesavers!
ReplyDeleteHave happy and safe travels! :)
Good luck (I also got the package, just in case you didn't see your regular email yet)!
ReplyDeleteI am the type of flier that cannot fall asleep, even on an international flight. Even if the flight is multiple legs, and that means I may be up for close to 20 hours in some cases, and that is on top of however long I was up before the flight took off and how long I have to stay awake after we land... I watch a lot of movies, read a lot of books and try not to go insane.
i'm not so much a nervous traveler but you have most of the stuff down which i would take! i also take my ipod and a pack of gum! gum is for the landing which always hurts my ears! i've also got a tip from a flight attendant who brings grapes with her and she cuts them and uses it all over her face :P but some check-ins don't let you bring fruit :P just an interesting tip haha
ReplyDeletehave a safe flight! :)
Jenny, thats so funny because I was thinking that I bet flight attendants have all kinds of tricks up their sleeves! I wonder what the grapes do! so interesting!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And you'll be pleased to know the shorts are incredibly cheap and from Primark haha.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your flight - I fly back & forth from London to Shanghai all the time so I'm totally comfy with the long haul flights...I carry a lot of the same stuff as you - but my no. 1 must have is my mp3 player and a sudoku book! Keeps me entertained, as does the in-flight entertainment system, even if I do end up only watching re-runs of tv shows.
Hmmm I prefer to stay busy - watch a movie, read a magazine, listen to my music, etc. I'm not REALLY a nervous flyer, but still like to do stuff to make the time pass.
ReplyDelete14 hours is a long time, but looks like you've got some great things to get you through the journey.
Maybe I haven't been following long enough, but, what are you going to be doing in Beijing???
SAFE TRIP STEPH!
A.Co @ A.Co est. 1984
Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested in reading, I made these two posts with a little more info on why we are going:
http://notjustanotherblondeinbeijing.blogspot.com/2010/03/who-i-am.html
http://notjustanotherblondeinbeijing.blogspot.com/2010/03/why-china-more-about-me.html
If you want the short version - my husband's job is taking us there, we will be continuing formal language studies in Chinese (for the past year 1/2 have been studying Chinese at an intensive language school), and traveling all over China & surrounding countries!
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ReplyDeleteSorry I had a typo on my previous comment
ReplyDeletedont forget some gum to chew so your ears dont pop! or maybe some sleeping pills hehe
Have a safe flight gorgeous!!! Glad youll still be blogging when you get there :)
jetleah.blogspot.com
whenever i travel i always gotta have my ipod and a book with me. :) have a safe trip!
ReplyDeletehttp://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
Hmm I forget whether you were able to upgrade to first class or not. If not, what I do on flights to China is not rest at all the night before so that I can "conk out" on the plane. But aside from that, a good book and cozy blanket sound nice! What an exciting and huge change for you ... happy travels I hope you have a safe flight : )
ReplyDeleteGood luck and have a safe flight! I always bring my ipod & a ton of magazines. Also I bring water and some snacks, a few large scarves that I use as blankets, my pillow and a pair of socks. Also I always have gum, body lotion, lip balm, moisturizer and face cream on hand.
ReplyDeleteHave a great one!
Wow! I can't imagine a 14 hour flight. Though I want to go lots of places that require one!!
ReplyDeletehttp://ramblingofasmalltowngirl.blogspot.com/
I, like you, LOVE to travel, but HATE to fly! I always drink A LOT in the airport, AND on the plane (its the only way I can get through it without crying - no joke). I am excited for you, because this is going to be such an adventure! I can't wait to read how it goes!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck! I cant wait to here about how you like it there!!! Just try to relax and have a wonderful playlist :)
ReplyDeletexx
Jessie
http://87life.blogspot.com
nice when ever i travel i think i will take a book, and a video cam
ReplyDeletehave a greatday
i'm going to orlando florida for walt disney world + outlet and malls :) are there any favourite attractions you recommend me visiting?!
ReplyDeleteI rely on crossword puzzles and snacks.
ReplyDeleteHave a safe flight!
I travel a lot between France and Canada (and have been for several years) so I'm quite used to flying. And I usually fly alone so I do need distractions !
ReplyDeleteI'd say tabloids and magazines are a must. Lots of them. And water. And an iPhone / iPod.
I can't sleep in a plane so I usually just watch about 15 of the 100+ movies on demand ;)
on long flights I like to catch up; whether it's reading, writing I have to do, or just catching up on much needed relaxation! When I arrive I feel a bit caught up :)
ReplyDeletehave a safe trip!
steph- I really like to bring a good lip conditioner...I also sometimes have tummy issues when I travel so I always bring some meds with me too :)
ReplyDeletesafe trip! I am so excited for you! :)
xoxo
I got nervous before I left too! You have a straight flight there though? That will be nice. For me, I love magazines, writing in my journal, listening to my ipod, and watching the inflight movies. Good thinking with brining those travel pillows.... that's something I forgot and I dearly regretted it!
ReplyDeleteRachael
p.s. I have a question for you, would you mind emailing me at itssimplelove@live.com? I can't figure out how to work the email function on the blogger profile.
p.s. you have to read that book! Let me know what you think of The guernsey literary and potato peal pie society.
ReplyDeleteOn long flights I usually listen to music or watch movies to keep me occupied :) I don't usually like napping haha.
ReplyDeletesomeone got tagged ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://alwayssummerontheinside.blogspot.com
xoxo
Oh, how exciting!! Looks like you are living quite the adventure. :) I think the books and movies will help you out a TON during the flight. I wish I had advice for you, but I haven't travelled long distance like that in YEARS...hmm...
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear about all your adventure sin China. I have a couple friends who moved there recently and they love it! Actually both are in Beijing! :P
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ReplyDeleteI always bring a jacket (so your blanket will do) as I tend to freeze on flights! and the movies are pretty great for long trips--i saw Dr. Parnassus, along with 4 other movies when i went to Europe recently. Also, good to bring your books/mags. Some people also bring earplugs in case there are screaming babies nearby. have fun!
ReplyDeletehttp://cherylclarke.blogspot.com
I can't say I adore flying either, especially long flights when you can't sleep.
ReplyDeleteI know I would be lost without my iPhone, loaded up with some tv shows I love and noise canceling headphones.
Chic on the Cheap
Oh I feel nervous as hell when I'm to fly! However it's more the taking off and landing that csare me rather than the packing! :P :)
ReplyDelete