Up in the Air

In a few weeks, 80 girls from my school including myself will be flying to Eastern Europe for a historic 9 day vacation starting in Budapest, followed by Vienna, Prague and ending in Munich. It’ll be my first time visiting Europe and I’m extremely excited to be able to take a break from schoolwork and deadlines. Although I’m no stranger to airports, jet-lag and layovers, travelling definitely takes a toll on our bodies, our mood, our energy and our sleeping pattern. The flight from Montreal to Budapest is approximately 9 to 11 hours depending on how many stops we have and which airport we arrive or depart from. The time difference is 6 hours, so it’s definitely noticeable and I expect the first day to be a little challenging. To help me prepare for my European adventure, I thought I would compile a list of a few tips and tricks I like to use when I’m travelling.  I’ll limit this post to the flight portion of travel because I will get more into detail about tips and tricks for airports, hotels, sightseeing and dining out in another post.

 

Stay hydrated: The air on planes is usually very dry and tends to accelerate dehydration. Drink plenty of water and use eye drops if your eyes dry out easily. Keep lip balm and a travel size container of hand lotion in your carry on.

Keep it moving: The change in pressure and the time you spend sitting can make the flight very uncomfortable. Improve blood circulation by getting up and taking a stroll up and down the aisle. Stretching prevents aching and can also help reduce fatigue.

Bring toiletries: After a few hours of travelling, it’s pretty normal to feel uncomfortable and uneasy. I like to bring a toothbrush, mouthwash, deodorant and some moist wipes to feel a little fresher. It also helps if you’ll be sleeping in the plane. Going to bed without brushing your teeth is NOT pleasant.

Never a dull moment: After the excitement of departure fades, flights get pretty dull. To avoid getting bored or making the trip seems longer than it is, bring magazines, reading material, music, cards or a travel guide to keep you busy.

Get some rest: If you’re landing in the morning, those in-flight hours are precious sleeping hours. Bring a sleeping mask, comfy socks, ear plugs, a small pillow or a shawl to make the flight as restful as possible.

Embrace the chaos: Sometimes you need to let go of things you can’t change. Leg room is often limited and you won’t always get the window seat. Sometimes you’ll be stuck with an overly chatty seatmate and you’ll be unable to sleep. Remember that the plane ride is only a small part of your journey. Make the best of what you’ve got.

Keeping the peace: Remember that travelling in a group is different than travelling alone. Your mood will influence and be influenced by others. Complaining and judgment of an activity or a situation will worsen the mood and the experience for everyone. Despite the fact you might dislike some of the people you’re travelling with, try get the most out of the experience.

I’m definitely looking forward to this little getaway. I’m expecting to take loads of pictures and make beautiful memories. Have a lovely week!