Hello Everybody
This is the final week of our 6-week travel series. This week we will talk about preparing for long-haul flights.
Long haul flying in economy class can be downright unpleasant at times. Its long, its cramped, and you just can’t sleep. The only good thing is you can binge watch movies (if you haven’t already seen them!).
The best advice it to start preparing for your journey well before you excitedly board that plane. Here are a few tips that will help:
* When you are booking your flight, consider if it is worth paying a few extra hundred dollars for a flight that is 11 hours rather than 16 hours. Routehappy helps by rating the quality of certain flights. For instance, they look at newer planes with bigger seats, shorter routes and other alternatives.
* It may also be worth paying up-front to select your seat when you book the flight. For instance, you may wish to secure an aisle seat so you can readily get up and walk around without hassle and disturbing others.
* On the flight, wear shoes you can easily take off. Take your shoes off for the flight as it allows you to move your ankles and feet more readily, decreasing your chance of DVT.
* My Lofty Pillow is a travel pillow recently released to give head and neck support when sleeping while sitting. It has had great reviews and looks far more comfortable and supportive for the neck than the traditional travel neck cushion. I haven’t tried it myself, but it may be worth a go.
* Before you fly, pre-hydrate. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water in the 24 hours leading up to your flight. This is often tricky as we are at our busiest getting all the last-minute packing and organising done. Often, we get on the flight dehydrated, so be aware and drink plenty before you travel.
* Plan an exercise routine to improve your general strength and conditioning before you fly and travel. It will help your resilience to jetlag and your general well-being during your travels. This can be as simple as a few strengthening exercises and a brisk 30-minute walk daily in the months leading up to your travels.
* Try these simple exercises when you are flying:
o Seated:
* Foot pumps – point your toes down, then pull them back as far as you can. Repeat 10 times.
* Overhead arm stretch – reach your hands up to the roof as far as you can. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
o Standing:
* Extension – every time you get up out of your seat, put your hands on your hips and arch your back by pushing your hips forward. Repeat 5 times.
* Heel raises – when standing, lift both heels off the ground, keeping your knees straight. Repeat 10 times.
Hope this is helpful. Enjoy your journey
Deb
