Everyone wants to visit Europe, right? Of course! However, we know long-haul and multi-city flights can put off even the most well-seasoned traveler. Long flight times, connecting flights, and stops in airports may be enough to stop you from crossing the pond, but it shouldn’t be! Follow our handy tips and you’ll find traveling long distances a breeze – you may even learn to love it. After all, the journey is just as important as the destination.
Use the time wisely
How often do you have hours and hours of time to yourself, uninterrupted by phone calls, distractions, or the internet (though, admittedly, many airplanes do have Wi-Fi now)? Download your favorite Netflix series, Hollywood blockbusters, audiobooks, or even any work you’ve been meaning to do. Then, when you take to the skies, you’ll have plenty of time to watch or take care of all the things you haven’t had time to. You’ll find that the time flies by when you’re invested in a good book, work, or a movie!
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Make your best effort to avoid jet lag by staying hydrated. Did you know that the air inside an aircraft hovers at a humidity of around 15%? To put that into perspective – the world’s driest desert is about 16%! So how do you combat this? Take your own water bottle, or make sure to drink plenty of bottled water onboard. Once through security, you should be able to fill your water bottle at a water fountain or food vendor. Plus, by drinking plenty, you’ll be up and about during your flight, a great way to avoid deep vein thrombosis.
Get your sleep in – if the timing is right
Help fight jet lag by aligning your sleep pattern with the area you’re visiting. If you’re going to be landing in Europe and it’s early morning over there, make sure you sleep on your flight – it would be night time where you’re visiting! It’s important to exercise caution here, though, as timing your nap wrong could mean you worsen your jet lag upon arrival. Just make sure to double-check the local time before going to sleep!
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol may seem like easy ways to relax on a plane, but they’ll dehydrate you and make jet lag worse in the long run. It’s best to avoid caffeine and alcohol before boarding too if you can. Caffeine is likely to keep you awake and minimize any chances of falling asleep for your flight, so stay away from the coffee and stick to water!
Eat light – and healthily (where possible)
There’s no denying that airplane food isn’t the best – we tend to eat it because it’s there, or because we’re bored, rather than out of necessity. Long-haul and multi-city flights can affect your digestive system though (thanks to immobility and increased cabin pressure), so it’s best to stick to light and healthy snacks during your flight. Try to eat foods high in water content to help boost your hydration levels – think celery, apples, and cucumber. Other fruits and mixed nuts will help to keep your energy levels high too.
Dress in light clothing, but take comfy add-ons
Airplanes aren’t known to be the most comfortable, and varying temperatures mean you may switch between feeling too hot or too cold throughout your flight. The best way to stay comfy, and avoid any unwanted temperature fluctuations, is to wear light clothing and carry any comfy add-ons in your carry on. A jumper or cardigan, for example, will help you stay snug but are easily removed if you’re feeling too hot.
Bring your travel must-haves
You know better than anyone just what you need to relax – noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, a soft neck pillow – so make sure they’re packed in your carry-on! The more comfortable you can get on your flight, the quicker time will pass. If you know you’re prone to irritation from airplane noises, whether that’s children, chatter, or other background noise, be sure to plan ahead so you can get some much-needed rest on your flight.
Pre-book an aisle or exit row seat
Getting up and moving around is a great way to combat both jet lag and deep vein thrombosis. If you know you’re a person who needs to move around during a flight, think ahead and book an aisle or exit row seat in advance. An aisle seat is actually not a bad idea to consider, it also makes it easier for your fellow passengers as you don’t have to ask them to move for you to get out. If you need to stretch your legs, it’s probably worth considering a seat with extra legroom.
So, there you have it – our tips to make long-haul and multi-city flights super easy and less stressful! Follow these tips and you’re sure to have a more comfortable and relaxed flight. It’s important to remember to stay awake when you arrive at your destination – don’t go to sleep until local nighttime and fight the need to nap; this will only disrupt your sleep pattern. Other than that – happy traveling!
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Need help with your next multi-city trip with the best multi-city flights? Contact one of our destination experts at MultiCityTrips today. To learn more about how the process of planning a multi-city trip with us works, please check out our video here.
