12 Essential Long Haul Travel Tips

Long haul travel can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be physically and mentally draining. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, these 12 top tips are sure to help you have a comfortable and enjoyable trip!

1. Plan Your Itinerary Ahead of Time – By planning ahead, you can save money and avoid any last-minute stress or complications. This includes booking flights, accommodation, activities and tours you want to do at your destination. 
2. Research Your Destination – This is a must to make the most of your time there. Look into local customs, currency exchange rates, and any cultural or safety considerations. This will also help you pack appropriately and avoid any surprises during your trip. 
3. Read Reviews! – Going long haul means that this is likely a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so you want to make sure you get it right the first time. Find out where other people have gone, what they did, and what they thought of each tour, activity, restaurant, bar, hotel and hostel! 
4. Pack Smart and Light – Pack versatile clothing that can be layered and accessories with ease. Don’t forget to pack essential items such as medication, chargers, and travel documents. Top tip: Pack a change of clothes and any necessary toiletries in your carry-on in case of lost luggage.
5. Invest in Quality Luggage – Look for lightweight, durable suitcases with good wheels and handles for easy manoeuvring. Consider purchasing a luggage scale to avoid any overweight baggage fees.
6. Use Packing Cubes – Packing cubes are a game-changer for long haul travel. They help keep your suitcase organised, make it easier to find items without having to unpack and repack everything, and they also compress your clothing, allowing you to pack more efficiently!
7. Stay Hydrated – Even short flights can leave your skin dry and your body dehydrated. Going through that for over a couple of hours can lead to fatigue, headaches, and dare we say, constipation! Pack a reusable water bottle, fill it up after going through security, ask for water on the plane, and fill up at hydration stations during layovers.
8. Dress Comfortably – Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing that can cause discomfort during long periods of sitting. 
9. Get Up and Move – Sitting for extended periods of time can cause stiffness and discomfort, and can increase your risk of deep-vein thrombosis.. Make sure to get up and move around the cabin every hour or so to stretch your legs and prevent blood clots. Top tip: get compression socks for your flight!
10. Bring Entertainment – there is a trend for enduring long haul flights with no distractions whatsoever, but believe us, after the excitement of takeoff flights are BORING!  Pack books (e-books are a great space-saver) and magazines, download films, podcasts and games on your phone or tablet. Don’t forget to bring headphones or earbuds to avoid disturbing other passengers!
11. Pack Snacks – Aeroplane food can be dull and expensive, have some snacks to pass the time, excite the tastebuds, and save money.  Granola bars, nuts & dried fruit are ideal to nibble on.
12. Get Some Rest – Bring a travel pillow and eye mask to help you sleep on the plane. Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are essential to block out any distractions.

Expect the unexpected (and get travel insurance!)

Long haul travel can be unpredictable, so it’s important to stay positive and flexible in case of any delays or changes in plans. Keep an open mind and try to make the best of any situation. And remember, get travel insurance! It’ll save you money and give you total peace of mind should the unexpected happen.

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