Stuck-Somewhere-Up-Above Travel Hacks

Stuck-Somewhere-Up-Above Travel Hacks

1. Water is one of the many blessings we have down here on Earth. Some people in third-world countries would kill for a bottle of water to have to themselves. Hell, some people in your own country probably would, also. If you’ve ever flown before (whether it’s a 10 hour long-haul flight or a 2 hour short-haul flight), you know flight attendants never come through the aisles as much as you’d like. I advise buying a bottle of water while in the airport (you can’t get outside bottles in through security unless they are actual bottles — not Dasani or Fiji bottles, I’m talking about your own actual bottle you have purchased without liquid inside from a store) and taking it with you onto the flight. Water (and drinks in general) is not offered as often as we all would like while on flights. Having your own water bottle not only ensures that you have water when you want it, but when you do get up to ask the flight attendant for more water, you can fill up an entire bottle instead of having only a little cup. This will ensure you get up as minimally as needed throughout your flight to fulfill your drinking needs. (Please keep in mind it is highly recommended to get up and walk around at least once every couple hours so no blood clots form in your legs from being kept still for so long. Besides, nobody likes feeling pins and needles all through their legs because they took a 30 minute nap with their legs crossed and cut off all circulation).

2. After getting pick-pocketed for $400USD in Jerusalem on Shabbat one year, I thought no matter where I had my valuables, they wouldn’t be safe. But then I started thinking more realistically and figured there had to be another option for me. And there was! I always made fun of people who wore fanny packs, but that was before I realized how convenient they are. You can keep your phone, passport, keys, money, and whatever else you want inside of it. Honestly, I even have one at home for when I walk my dog. I leave mine hanging on my frontside so everything will stay in my vision ensuring it’s safety. Having a fanny pack also saves sometime while going through security (having everything in one place rather than spread out in your pockets and other places).

3. Bring a spare notebook or sketchbook. Writing and drawing is a great way to pass at least an hour or more on a flight. If you have WiFi onboard, you can look up directions to your accommodations if you haven’t previously, or look up things going on in town around the time you land, then using your notebook or sketchbook to write down this information. Buying WiFi onboard isn’t necessary, but it may help pass the time along a little bit more quickly. Long flights can be miserable, and there’s only so many movies and tv shows you’ll want to watch.

4. Try to remember to bring a pen or two with you and leave it someplace accessible (this is where the fanny pack can come in handy). If you’re leaving the country, upon arriving in your destination you will be prompted with customs forms to fill out. Flight attendants will have pens, but not more than 10 or 15 — with a plane filled with 300 other passengers, you won’t have fun asking to borrow the same pen ten other people just previously asked to borrow.

5. When you see there’s about 30 minutes left in flight before landing in your destination, I suggest you get up to use the bathroom. You want to essentially just beat the pilots announcement of landing. Once he makes this announcement, it’s over for quick bathroom trips. So many people will start to get up to use the bathroom when this announcement goes off. This means you’re bound to have to wait behind at least 3 or more people who are not only going to the bathroom, but are also possibly washing their face and brushing their teeth.

6. Although terribly annoying to carry around in the airport, neck pillows will save your butt (not really, but will save you from getting a stiff neck) on a flight where you want to sleep. Whether you’re laying your head on the window of the plane, leaning back on your seat, or resting your head on the little tray for your food, there’s no way your neck is 100% comfortable that entire time. In fact, I bet it probably didn’t feel too comfortable from the very start. Neck pillows will help you fall asleep easier, stay asleep longer, and prevent you from waking up with a stiff neck. They’ve easily become an essential part to my travels.