Passing Time on Long Flights
Monday 23 January 2012 | By Maria Boskovski |
Here are a few tips to keep yourself occupied and survive long, international flights.
1. Learn a couple of phrases in a foreign language
Whether you read a phrasebook and aim to memorise a few sentences or take an mp3 player with audio lessons and aim a little higher, improving your understanding of the local language (of your destination) is always a great idea and a great way to pass the time!
2. Movie marathon
Everybody has a “must-see” movie list, that they never really get around to making time for, right? A few months prior to your travels, start jotting your list down, and organise these movies to watch on your flight.
If you don’t have a must-see movie list, here’s a few travel films that will get you excited for your journey:
7 Years in Tibet -- based on one of several books by Austrian Heinrich Harrer about mountain climbing in extreme conditions, this movie tells the tale of his 7 years in Tibet during its takeover by China.
Amelie -- a French film about a 23 year old waitress living in Paris who tries to spread joy to the people who surround her.
Baraka -- a beautiful movie with no dialogue revealing images shot around the global of animals and humans interacting with the natural environment and the surroundings we’ve created.
L’Auberge Espagnole -- set in Barcelona, the movie reveals the tale of a young Frenchman sharing an apartment with Italian, English, Danish, Belgian, German and Spanish roommates. He comes to learn Spanish, but learns much more about himself.
Before Sunrise -- a romantic about two strangers who meet on a train and spend the evening together in Vienna. The movie explores the accelerated feelings that come with traveling.
3. Catch up on sleep
If you can force yourself to drift into a snooze, you’ll be feeling fresher on arrival, and the time will surely fly by a lot quicker. Ask for a pillow, eye mask and ear plugs if they’ll make you more comfortable.
4. Stretch your legs
This exercise should be done regardless of whether your 16 hour flight is thrilling or boring. Stretching your legs and walking multiple laps of the cabin every two hours or so will help you to avoid blood clots.
5. Make a friend
This obviously relies heavily on who you’re sitting next to. If you’re lucky, you’ll be seated next to someone who is approachable, speaks the same language and has interesting stories to tell. Many lasting friendships can be forged by random conversations on long flights.
It’s easy to strike up a conversation, after all you’re both crossing continents and most likely for different reasons, for different lengths of time, and so on. Be friendly, listen as much (if not more) than you speak, and enjoy the company.
6. Read a book
A book is a great companion on your flight; you can pause at any time and continue reading throughout your trip too. Travel tales make great, inspiring reads when you’ve embarked on a journey of your own. Educational reads about your destination or the world in general are also a great idea. If you’re traveling with a friend, make sure you both carry a book that neither of you have read. That way, once you’ve both finished reading, you can swap books. You’ll have two books each, without the extra weight.
7. Write in your journal
You can reflect on your travels, feelings or experiences. Write an article, poem or story. Make a to-do list, or a don’t-do list. Set goals, plan your future or even draw it. With pen and paper, the possibilities are endless.
8. Listen to music
Particularly if you’re picky with your taste in music, bringing your own audio device is generally a safe way to go. Try french musical group Deep Forest for a moving and relaxing beat; the ‘ethnic electronica’ vibe is soothing, yet inspiring - perfect for embarking on a new and exciting journey.
Travel safe and enjoy the ride!
