Road Reveals: How to Handle a Long Day of Flights
It's no surprise that going to Hawaii from Eastern Canada takes a long time. I've done it once and needless to say, I was exhausted by the time I got to Hawaii, I was also on a class trip, so that could have been a factor. Anyways, since then, I've learnt. Don't get on a plane without a few necessities to keep you occupied and ready for sleep anywheres. Here is a list of items I will be taking on my carry-on and why I love them so much! Trust me, on a five hour fight, you're going to want at least one of these. Also, below, I've included a list of things you can do in an airport to make the time fly.
1) A sturdy backpack with lots of pockets and storage spaces.
2) A bag of toiletries. In a small clear bag, place all your liquids. Make that easy to remove, so you can show it at the security check point. In a regular toiletries bag, place all the solid items you will use.
What's in my liquids bag: - GinZing Refreshing eye cream to brighten and depuff. 15ml
- GinZing Energy-boosting treatment lotion mist to energize dull, tired skin. 30ml
- GinZing Energy-boosting moisturizer to hydrate my skin. 15ml
- Vaseline because I have a very dry nose.
- Blistex Medi-care lip balm for my lips.
- Aveda Stress-Fix body lotion for my hands. 25ml
What's in my normal bag:
- Mini Brush from Crest to brush my teeth. They are pre-packaged with toothpaste in them.
- Face wipes to remove access oils throughout the day.
- An orange infused sheet mask to brighten my face.
- Nail file for when my nails inevitably crack.
- Small hair brush.
- Aveda powdered dry shampoo.
- Hand sanitizer wipes.
- Advil and other pills.
3) Sleeping necessities: Travel blanket, neck pillow, eye cover, and ear plugs.
I know, it seems strange to bring a portable blanket, but trust me, you will want one on long flights. I will be brining a fleece blanket I got at Walmart for $6. Also, it comes in handy when you want to sleep in the airport.
As for the neck pillow, I personally hate microbeads, the kind that blow up, and the ones filled with cotton. I like the memory foam ones that provide a lot of support and clasps at the front so I can switch the back of the pillow to the front to lean on it.
I also will bring an eye cover and ear plugs to cancel out any light and noise to get a better sleep. Regular ear plugs generally work, but wax ones are optimal for noisy flights.
4) Technology. An obvious choice, but one that comes with a lot of work, especially at security check points. I will be brining my camera in a portable bag because I don't want to bring a big bag. I will also bring my Ipad, so those two things will need to be removed. Then I have my Ipod, and cell phone. All of these things have chargers and cords as well.
How will I pack it? I got a camera travel back that will hold the body of the camera, and one lens as well as the charger for the battery. For the Ipad, Iphone, and their chargers, I like to take a small toiletries bag and place them in there to remove quickly and place in the plastic bucket. I have had issues in the past because they couldn't read what I had in my backpack, so I like to remove them and make sure the security people know whats going on. Also, wrap the cords for more space in the toiletries bag.
5) A book. I am a book worm, I love to read, I will always travel with a book. However, I can't bring all my books with me in my checked bag because that is too heavy. I'll normally pack a few in my checked luggage.
6) Underwear. I can wear the same clothes for 24 hours, but do not ask me to wear the same underwear. It's too gross. Just bring a baggy for your old ones and tuck them away in a small pocket.
7) Empty water bottle. Water fountains are still a thing and buying a water bottle after every flight is too expensive.
What to do in an airport:
1) Connect to the WIFI and binge watch your favourite show.
2) Find a stretching video and stretch out your body. Those flights are long and your body shouldn't sit for that long.
3) Take it up a notch and find an easy workout video to get your heart pumping a bit. Trust me, your body will thank you and who cares who's watching.
4) Read the book you brought.
5) Go shopping. I'm not sure why, but I love buying magazines in the airport. Or getting a coffee. Or window shopping. Way more fun than just sitting in your terminal.
6) Take a nap. Personally, I enjoy finding a relatively comfy seat, lean back and place my feet on my backpack so nobody steals it. Just make sure you don't miss your flight!
7) People watch. Someone must look interesting to watch.
8) Google what to do in your airport. Did you know some airports have art exhibits now?! Or self-guided walking tours?
9) Have a meal at a sit down restaurant. Relax, you're on vacation!
10) Get a spa treatment... ooh that could be a lot of fun.
11) Get a drink. Whichever you choose.
12) Walk around and discover the terminal.
13) Meditate.
14) Fix yourself up a little, enjoy the moisturizer and nail file and give yourself a mini spa treatment.
15) Talk to someone new and ask them where they are going.
Thanks for reading,
Samantha