Travelling by air can be an exciting experience, but it often comes with its share of stress. From navigating airports to dealing with flight delays, here are our tips to help you enjoy a smooth and relaxing flight.
1. Pre-plan your Arrival
One of the best ways to reduce travel stress is to plan ahead. Checking in online (where possible) prior to arriving at the airport can help avoid those long queues. Make sure to research your airline’s baggage policies to avoid any unexpected surprises at the check-in counter. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to ensure plenty of time for any unexpected delays. Arriving early also means you can relax at the airport and enjoy a coffee or a wine before take-off to put you straight into holiday mode. If you have lounge access, this gives you extra time to enjoy the facilities!
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2. Pack Like a Pro
The best way to avoid the feeling of ‘I feel like I’ve forgotten something’, is to create a packing list. A list is a great way to make sure essentials like passports, travel documents and medications aren’t forgotten. Using packing cubes or ziplock bags are a great way to keep track of where things are in your luggage, as well as maximising space!
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3. Comfort is Key
Comfort is crucial to starting your flight stress-free. Wearing comfortable clothing and footwear will help you get in the mood for your upcoming holiday. Consider bringing essentials like a neck pillow, an eye mask, and a scarf that doubles as a blanket to help you relax during the flight. Make sure to keep hydrated too! A refillable water bottle is a great way to make sure you keep your fluids up.
Images courtesy of Unsplash - Dmitry Ganin
4. Escape with some Entertainment
Long flights can be tedious, so make sure to bring some entertainment to make the flight fly by in case the in-flight entertainment doesn’t appeal. Make sure to download a few movies, TV shows or audiobooks on your device before you arrive at the airport. A good book or magazine is also an excellent way to keep yourself entertained. Pair with some noise-cancelling headphones to block out background noise and enjoy your entertainment.
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5. Zone Out with Some Zen
Not everyone enjoys the thrill of flying, and practicing relaxation techniques can help reduce some of those pre-flight nerves. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listening to calming music can help you stay relaxed throughout your journey. Check out apps like Calm or Headspace, which offer guided meditations and can be useful during the flight.
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Travelling can be exhausting so it’s important to be kind to yourself. Get plenty of rest before your trip and bring some of your favourite snacks to nibble on. If something unexpected happens, remember that it’s all part of the adventure. Happy travels!
To start planning your next holidays, check out our favourite holidays or get in touch with one of our travel experts
1300 854 897 | holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
