Traveling across the globe is an experience of a lifetime. Whether you’re going to visit family or exploring the tourist destination of your dreams, simply getting out of your hometown can be refreshing. But before you begin checking off items on your itinerary, you have to get there.
Some people find flying therapeutic, but for the majority of people, air travel is nothing more than a nuisance. Especially for those who aren’t seasoned travelers, flying can be nothing short of stressful and intimidating. From TSA security to shoving your luggage in the tiny overhead compartments, you’ll be ready to relax after a day of flying.
With a couple of easy improvements to your traveling routine, you can make this process entirely less terrible. After all, you don’t have to be a frequent flyer to act like one.
Prepare Your Favorite Entertainment
Even the shortest of flights will drag on if you’re stuck staring into the clouds counting the minutes until touchdown. According to a recent flight preferences survey, the most popular way people keep themselves entertained on flights is reading a book or newspaper or watching a television show or movie. Treat yourself by buying a movie or book you’ve been dying to dive into but haven’t found the time to.
Charge Your Devices
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget the little things when you’re too busy making sure your liquids meet the airport requirements. If you’re lucky enough to fly on a plane with built in outlets, this won’t be a problem. But don’t take any chances – you’ll need your devices to drown out the crying babies and chatty couple beside you.
Pack a Water Bottle
You’re not allowed to take any liquids through airport security, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a liquid holder. Beverages in airports can get very pricey and the high elevation makes hydration a must. Having an empty water bottle on hand gives you the best of both worlds by being able to fill up at a nearby water fountain before boarding at no additional cost.
Dress Smart
Wherever you’re landing, it’s understandable to want to look cute and put together. However, this can be done without sacrificing comfort. The key here is finding a balance. Odds are, you’re not going to be caught by paparazzi when you step off your commercial airline, so no need to pull out a dress and stilletos. Go for your favorite athleisure and dress in layers to match any climate, you’ll thank yourself later.
Study Up on Your Connections
Connecting flights can be a real pain. No matter how much time you gave yourself to get from one plane to the next, one delay can turn your connection into a mad dash through unfamiliar territory. Look at the maps of the airport your layover is in and map out your journey from one gate to the next. This will give you an idea of whether you should be prepared to sprint to make it or can casually migrate across the terminal.
No matter how many delays and annoying passengers you have to sit next to, the destination is always worth the travel. Keep your mind set on how much fun you’ll have on vacation and your next airport adventure is sure to be a breeze.