HOW TO SURVIVE A LONG FLIGHT – TRAVELLING, AND LIVING IN OZ

You have been accepted for your course in Oz. Your visa is also ready.

You are completely packed.

You are simply waiting for the date to come, go to the airport and get to the plane that will bring you to Australia. Your dream of studying and living Down Under is very close now.

It doesn’t matter which country you are coming from (unless you are coming from New Zealand) the flight will be long.

These are our tips to survive a long flight:

Choose an aisle seat.

This is our preferred seat. You can stand up without bothering anybody. However the window seat gives you a nice, solid wall to rest your head plus you won’t be disturbed by passing beverage carts.

Avoid the middle seat.

Don’t forget to do your web check-in 48-24 hours before departure (believe us, you don’t want to be stuck in the middle).

Sit by the plane’s wing.

Experts & frequent flyers claim that these seats experience less turbulence, given that they’re closer to the plane’s centre of gravity.

Pack earplugs and noise cancelling headphones:

you wont hear the kids crying and its more likely you will be able to sleep.

Download relaxation music or meditation sounds:

Sounds can block our ambient noise, as well as help you relax and sleep better.

Charge all of your devices Don’t leave this to the last minute.

There’s nothing worse than being stuck in an airport with a dead phone. Make sure you do this the night before & bring a power pack (for extra battery)

Stay hydrated:

Make an effort to drink water during the entire flight  even if that makes you go to the toilet. In fact this is actually good for you because its recommended that you move often to avoid deep vein thrombosis.

Avoid coffee and alcohol:

These will dehydrate you further, and make you irritable.

Wear comfortable clothing:

A pair of jeans & T-shirt is always a good idea.

Pack a nose spray:

You’ll be in a closed space with lots of people for many hours. These sprays avoid germs and its less likely you’ll get sick (plus they smell nice)

Eat light and healthy

Pack a couple of protein-rich snacks that will keep you feeling full longer. Think almond protein bars.

Avoid eating heavy food: Research says that it’s harder to digest while in the air, so although it’s okay to eat, you might want to eat just before boarding. Try to eat only salads while on the plane.

Request a special meal

Don’t forget to do this especially if you are a vegetarian or have special dietary requirements. The other perk is that you will be served first.

Wear layers:

Air conditioning in Long flights is always on and cold.  Make sure you don’t forget your a warm jumper.

Bring an eye mask:

Blocking out light helps you sleep, especially when they turn on lights for the early breakfast wake up.

Wear compression socks:

These will help you avoid swollen feet and ankles, leg pain, and even blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (happens when you’ve been seating down & in the same position for too long.

Bring lotion & lip balm.

Dehydration (as we already mentioned) happens in every flight. This is the result of being stuck in recycled, pressurized air (which has almost 0% humidity). They way you can counteract this is by applying hand lotion, face spray, and lip balm.

Try to sleep in the plane.

You’ll get used to the new time faster (avoiding jet lag as much as possible).

Once you land Down Under

Do the following:

IF you arrived to Australia IN THE MORNING: Take a power nap of one hour MAXIMUM. Its going to be hard waking up. BUT you have to do it. Go out immediately and start exploring your new Australian City. Do not go to sleep until after 9pm (even if you are struggling).

IF you arrived to Australia IN THE AFTERNOON/EVENING: Go to sleep at 9-10pm.

IF you wake up in the middle of the night: DO NOT TURN ANYTHING ON. Just try to sleep more. You eventually will. Turning the lights on or turning your mobile on will wake you up even more.

Want more tips on how life will be in Australia? Things to do and other practical issues? Check out some tips on how to pack your bags

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Find out how and what to pack for a long flight (which every trip to Australia!)