🛫 Surviving (and Thriving) on Long Flights: My Favorite Travel Hacks
- Tiffany Short
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read

Let’s talk long-haul flights. You know—the kind where you cross an ocean, question your life choices, and somehow forget what day it is somewhere over Greenland.
As a travel advisor, I’ve logged a lot of miles. And while I love the destination, I’ve learned a thing or two (read: the hard way) about making the journey a whole lot more comfortable. Whether you're heading off on a dreamy river cruise, a corporate retreat that doesn’t suck, or a Christmas market-hopping adventure, these are the travel hacks I swear by to help you land feeling fresh-ish instead of feral.
🎒 1. Pack Like a Pro (Because You Are One Now)
Your personal item is your lifeline. Think of it like your in-flight survival kit—because it is.
Here’s what always goes in mine:
A big ol’ water bottle (empty through security, filled right after)
Lip balm, moisturizer, and hand cream (planes are basically moisture-sucking vampires)
Compression socks (sexy? No. Necessary? Absolutely.)
Travel-size face wipes and deodorant (don’t be that seatmate)
Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs (and backup earbuds—because airlines love technical difficulties)
A scarf or light blanket—because airplane temps are more unpredictable than reality TV plotlines
🛏 2. Turn Your Seat Into a Sleep Sanctuary
OK, “sanctuary” might be a stretch—but we’re aiming for nap-friendly here.
Bring a neck pillow you actually like. Don’t cheap out—your spine deserves better.
Download a sleep or meditation app before you board (I’m looking at you, Calm and Headspace).
If you're sensitive to light, grab a comfy eye mask.
Set your watch to your destination’s time as soon as you board. It helps trick your brain into adjusting early.
🧼 3. Be a Germ Ninja
Airplanes = flying Petri dishes. I don't make the rules.
Wipe down everything. Tray table, armrest, seatbelt buckle, the whole sticky situation.
Use hand sanitizer liberally, but also wash your hands when you can. (Yes, I know the airplane sink is scary. Be brave.)
🥪 4. BYO Snacks (Because Airline Food Is... Airline Food)
Unless you’re flying first class with champagne and truffle popcorn (in which case, please take me with you), pack your own snacks. Think protein bars, trail mix, or even a fancy sandwich if you want to feel like you’ve got your life together.
Bonus: You’re not at the mercy of meal service, which never comes when you’re actually hungry.
🎬 5. Download Everything Like Wi-Fi Doesn’t Exist
Because it barely does.
Movies, shows, playlists, podcasts, ebooks, audiobooks—download them before you leave your house.
Don’t forget your chargers and a portable power bank. Outlets on planes are a gamble at best.
💡 Bonus Hack: Stretch + Hydrate = Survival
Set a timer to move every 90 minutes. Walk the aisle, stretch your arms, pretend you’re doing important yoga. Your body (and circulation) will thank you.
Also? Drink water like it’s your job. That mid-flight wine might be tempting, but it’s gonna dry you out faster than airport air on a winter morning.
Final Thoughts (Because We’re All About the Journey)
Long flights don’t have to be miserable. With a little prep and a few smart moves, you can arrive at your destination ready to adventure, not just recover.
Need help planning where to go next? Or want to make sure your flights are as comfy and well-timed as possible? That’s what I do. ✈️
Let’s make your next journey smooth from takeoff to touchdown.
📲 Schedule a planning session with me📩 Or drop me a note at Tiffany@dragonflyjourneystravel.com🧳 Come hang out in my travel tribe on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.j.short
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