Dear readers,
I am leaving in 13 days, have a 3 day layover in Paris and then on to AFRICA for 3 months!!!
NOTE: I am new to flying. I can count the number of times I've been on a plane on one hand. SO...
I am wondering if you could give me any tips?
What to bring on the long airplane rides?
Are we allowed to wear sweats the whole time? 12 hours is a long time for jeans as is.
How to get rid of jet lag the fastest?
Things to remember?
Should I take a sleeping pill?
How many carry-ons are allowed?
Ok... i think that's all... I'm sure I'll be posting more about my freak outs because it's hitting me that I'm leaving! Hand ova all the advice:)
Buy magazines! I'm a fan of Us Weekly or even People. As to how many carry-ons you can take, most airlines only allow one small carry-on plus a purse or backpack to put underneath the seat in front of you. I fly a ton and I hate having to check my baggage- because it's gotten lost a couple of times, maybe i just have bad luck- so I usually take one carry on and put my purse in a backpack and use that to put underneath the seat in front of me. Say a prayer right before taking off! Wear sweats! I usually stick to comfty pants and a hoodie. I'm usually cold on planes so wear a warm one! But don't overlayer your clothes cuz then you'll die of heat. Since it's a long flight, get up and walk to the bathroom or something every few hours. Or I usually put my feet up on my chair or even up on the arm rests of the chairs in front of me. Keeping your feet down for a long time without moving them around will swell up your feet and that's not fun at all! It's pretty uncomfortable to sleep on a flight-unless youre in first class, which is seriously the best- so bring one of those little pillows you put around your neck to sleep. Bring snacks with you. I think plane food isnt the best so I always bring a little something with me especially when I'm going outta the US. Bring pictures with you. When I was in Uruguay for 2 1/2 months by myself last year, as lame as it may sound, having pictures of my family, friends and boyfriend at the time helped a lot. Keep your toothbrush and toothpaste handy! I have this thing about teeth where I have to brush mine like four maybe even five times a day sometimes. Besides it gives you an excuse to get up and walk around a couple times. Bring MUSIC to keep you entertained. A laptop to watch movies. If you croche, or however it's spelled, you can do something like that. Just think of things that'll keep you busy, I promise the time goes by a lot faster if you're doing something. It takes anywhere between 21-23 hours to fly to Uruguay with a layover of maybe 3 or 4 hours.. but either way, the flight is sooooooooo boring. Anyway, sorry this is super long but I hope it helps atleast a little bit. Have so much fun, take pictures and be safe!!!! :)
ReplyDelete-Paola
Paola's tips are all really great! Been on a few long flights myself... Sleeping on planes is definitely really uncomfortable, so I highly suggest taking a couple of sleeping pills with you. I'll help you fall asleep and stay that way for a while. If I don't take one, I can fall asleep, but don't stay that way, which is the worst. Books to read, coloring books, laptops to watch movies, journal to write in, camera to take pics, etc are all great ways to stay entertained. On all of my over-seas flights, they've had great food and they play movies as well, but don't usually start until a good way into the flight. I guess overall, just make sure to take a variety of things to keep you entertained, 'cause if you're anything like me, and bring just one thing, you won't want to use it... Haha. P.S. I'm WAY jealous you have a 3 day lay-over in Paris! I'm DYING to go, so please take pics for me!!! I love you SO much and hope that you have a safe and entertaining flight! Come back to us safely!
ReplyDeleteHaha ok..
ReplyDeleteFirst off, get to the airport a couple hours EARLY!! Don't worry, my mom and I missed our flight from London to Rome the other day.. let's just say "nine thousand dollars later" turned into a lot more than that!!
Second.. you can take a sleeping pill, but DON'T take Ambian. I can't remember the name of the good ones, but I'll find out and let you know. Those pillow things are super uncomfy and never work, so don't waste the space. Try putting the tray table down and sleeping on that, or leaning your seat back and putting your feet up into the little pocket in front of you!
Third.. watch the movies that they show in the plane.. it makes time FLY. Since you don't really read books, bring magazines and definitely your ipod. I have a good sleeping mix on my itunes I will give you when I get home. You'll need your ipod because chances are, you'll have some kind of baby or kid that won't shut up!
Fourth.. Candy, wheat thins, and gatorade!
Fifth.. wear sweats and shoes that you can take off! Wear a sweatshirt too because you'll get cold for sure. Planes are freezing!
I usually take my purse and then a backpack.. I have a GREAT backpack I can let you borrow! Keep your passport in your purse where it's easiest to get to. Airplanes and airports are always such a rush, so you wan't to have your passport and boarding passes where you can just whip them out fast.. but also keep them secure! Also, wear a watch! As for jet lag... I would try to stay awake as long as you can and get on Africa's schedule.. instead of taking a nap right when you arrive... it will be easier to adjust to the time difference.
Sit by the window if you can!
That's all for now! Good luck! Love you!