Whether you are going for business or pleasure, if you’re going overseas then you should follow a specific guideline on how to prepare for the flight. From protecting your health, entertainment, jetlag, to clothing, there are many ways to prepare for the trip.
One of the first things is to pack accordingly. This is an easy one if you are familiar with the weather of the country you are traveling to. If you are going to Italy in the summer, a very common vacation, then you should pack for the heat. If you are going to Australia during the months of June through August, then you should pack for the winter.
Always bring back ups such as extra underwear and socks. You never know if you have a working washing machine until you get there. Usually the hotels in Europe won’t have the toiletries that you are used to in the states, so bring your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc.
Health is very important when overseas because there isn’t a familiar area with your prescription or the usual medicine that you have so always bring some of the common medications that you use that work for you. For the flight, it can be helpful to bring something for your immune system since you won’t be able to sleep for a while. Like me, I can’t sleep on flights and then its best to stay up until 10pm in the new countries time so you can get used to the time zone quicker. According to Elizabeth Smith on USA TODAY, “[t]o protect your immune system further, Reader’s Digest recommends, that you use doses of echinacea or vitamin C” (Smith). Always drink plenty of water so you won’t be dehydrated. I’d rather have to get up to use the bathroom than to be really thirsty.
Entertainment is key when on those long flights and you are one of those that just can’t sleep. I usually bring my phone with Netflix downloads, a novel, or my DS. According to SmaterTravel, “if you are going to rely on a tablet to get you through two 15-hour flights coming and going, you are going to need new, fresh and absolutely compelling stuff on your tablet to get you through” (Hewitt).
Be prepared for delays. My flight had made it on the ground, but there was no room for us at the gate, so I missed my connecting flight by 10 minutes. So always be prepared for a delay or missed connection. Luckily, there’s always someone working that can help you with those mishaps.
Another important item to bring is your chargers for your electronics. Most airports and planes now have USB ports, so you can charge them. What a time we live in! You never know when you will have unexpected delays, so you want to have your chargers, so your phone or tablet will last longer.
These tips will help you with your international travels. Drink plenty of water, prepare for jetlag, bring your chargers, and be aware of delays that might occur. Air travel can be long and boring, but with these tips it can mean helping your body through the long flight and easing your mind if you are nervous.
Smith, Elizabeth. “Travel Tips for International Flights.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 1 Feb. 2017, traveltips.usatoday.com/travel-tips-international-flights-12519.html.
Hewitt, Ed. “9 Must-Dos Before a Long Flight.” SmarterTravel, SmarterTravel, 13 Sept. 2017, www.smartertravel.com/2017/06/19/9-must-dos-long-flight/.
Wilson, Benet. “Getting Ready for an International Flight? Here Are My Survival Tips.” TripSavvy, Tripsavvy, 15 Aug. 2017, www.tripsavvy.com/international-trip-preparation-tips-54499.
