It’s fun to travel to exotic, distant locations, but let’s face it—the 17-hour flights are a bummer. Here are some tips that will help you entertain yourself on a long flight. These will help prevent boredom (or distract you from any flying jitters).
Learn a few phrases
Learn a bit of the language of the country you’re going to. You can buy a book or download a digital copy to your iPad. Or you can look for an audio phrasebook and play it on your iPod. Those phrases will come in handy when you’re negotiating for deals at the bazaar or ordering food at the restaurant.
Catch quality zzzz’s
Depending on the time zone you’re traveling to, sleeping on the flight may help minimize jetlag. If you have trouble settling down, take a sleeping pill or aid. A sleeping pill or plugs may help block out distractions.
Stretch
Make it a point to get up and move around every 2 hours. This will help prevent blood clots.
Write in your journal
We often document trips in photos but there are some things—feelings, thoughts—that a camera can’t capture. Keep a travel journal, and use the time on the plane to write down your excitement, your questions, or ideas. Why did you choose this country? What are your impressions of its culture and people (you might be surprised at how they change after your trip)?
Read a book
You can get a book at any of the airport stores or you can come prepared and download several into your iPhone or iPad. Why not get travel books or stories? Or a book related to the country you’re traveling to? Or you can download magazines, in case you’re in a browsing mood.
Play a game
There are portable devices like the Sony Playstation or Nintendo, but game apps can turn your phone or tablet into your personal entertainment haven. Look for crossword puzzles, word games, point and shooters, even RPGs—you’ll be so engrossed that you’ll forget the time.