Flying to Europe from Australia this summer? Ten long-haul travel hacks you need
Australians are built for adventure and very rarely back down from a good time. From weekend road trips in search of a beach swim to visiting a mater three hours ‘up the road’, travelling long distances is simply part of the lifestyle. So, while you might assume a trip to Europe would be manageable for an Australian, there’s still a sense of anxiety that comes with it. Whether it’s your first time on a long-haul flight or you’re a frequent flyer, our resident Weekend Edition traveller has curated a list of travel and packing hacks to help you prepare for the many hours ahead in the sky.
Invest in a neck pillow before leaving
I don’t even want to hear about your brave attempt to travel without a neck pillow – it’s arguably one of the most essential items to pack for the long journey ahead. Before you think, ‘I’ll just buy one during my layover!’, chances are you’ll want one much sooner and purchasing it beforehand will likely save you money. Some favourite brands for catching those much-needed z’s while providing excellent neck support are Australian-owned Cocoon Travel Pillow and Trtl. Both options are designed to keep you comfortable and help you arrive at your destination feeling as well-rested as possible.
Sleeping mask to block out the lights and headphones to drown out the noise
Does your seat neighbour want to read for the entire flight? Are the cabin crew keeping the lights on while serving dinner? A quality sleeping mask can be a game-changer when trying to get some rest in the air. A top pick is from Love Nightshift. The masks curve perfectly around your eyes and were originally designed for nightshift workers, so you know they’re built to block out light effectively. If you’re feeling a little boujee, they even offer a silk option that comes in a matching set for you and your travel companion. Headphones are another must-have for any long-haul journey. I recommend packing both wired and wireless options, as in-flight entertainment systems don’t always connect via Bluetooth. Having a backup pair could be your saving grace when it comes to staying entertained during the flight.
Keep moving, keep stretching
Walk the aisle every couple of hours to encourage circulation and help prevent foot and ankle swelling (trust us, it hurts). If you can leave your seat every hour or so, take the opportunity to stretch your legs and channel your inner runway model as you strut down the aisle – at least until the food trolley needs to squeeze past. If you’ve drawn the short straw and landed in the window seat, don’t worry. There are plenty of seated stretches and exercises you can do to keep the blood flowing and help avoid those dreaded cankles.
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Compression socks
Nurses swear by them, athletes wear them and now you will too. Compression socks go hand-in-hand with the stretching tips above, helping to reduce fluid build-up and encourage healthy blood flow back towards your heart – all good things when you’re spending hours in the air. Classic black, white and nude pairs are available from most local chemists. However, if you’d prefer to soar in style, there are plenty of fun colours and funky prints available from Dr.Woof Apparel.
Choose your seat wisely
There’s no magic hack when it comes to choosing the perfect seat – it ultimately comes down to personal preference. I usually opt for a window seat on shorter flights so I can lean against the cabin wall and get comfortable, while an aisle seat is my go-to for longer journeys when I know I’ll want to stretch my legs and move around more freely. If extra legroom is a priority, be sure to select your seat before arriving at the airport. Airlines often charge less for premium seating when it’s booked in advance, which could save you both money and discomfort on your journey.
Stay hydrated
The key to a successful long-haul flight is staying hydrated. Hours spent in recycled cabin air can leave your skin feeling dry and may contribute to headaches, fatigue and sinus irritation. To help combat this, pack essentials like moisturiser, face masks, Lucas’ Papaw Ointment, a hydrating toner and hand sanitiser. Don’t hesitate to press the call button for the flight attendant if you need a top-up of water. Hot tip: if you happen to be transiting through South Korea, stock up on face masks at Olive Young – you’ll thank yourself later.
Pack your carry-on bag as though you might never see your checked luggage again
Because the last thing you want to hear after a 27-hour journey is, ‘Sorry, we’ve lost your luggage.’ However, in case you are one of the unlucky few who does hear that dreaded phrase, you’ll be grateful to your past self for packing a smaller bag with essentials like underwear, a spare change of clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a quick-dry towel and an extra pair of socks.
Pre-download entertainment and offline maps on your phone
Always think ahead and pre-download entertainment on your phone or tablet in case you exhaust the airline’s movie selection or need something to pass the time during a long layover.
Similarly, while eSIMs are generally reliable and Wi-Fi is available in many places (even in some surprisingly remote homestays in Albania), downloading offline maps ensures you can still navigate confidently if you lose connection. This makes it much easier to find your accommodation on arrival without stress. This tip has also helped me feel a lot safer as a solo as a female traveller.
Dress for comfort, always
Think loose, breathable clothing – track pants, hoodies and shoes that are easy to slip on and off are your best friends on a long flight. There’s even a clothing brand called Comfrt that has combined a hoodie and eye mask into one piece, which is a pretty clever idea.
Don’t forget the sarong
I never leave the country without packing a sarong – it’s one of the most versatile items you can take with you. Throw it over swimwear when dining seaside on the Greek islands, drape it over your shoulders when visiting cathedrals in Italy or use it to wipe away your tears when you’re heading home after a Euro summer.
The Weekend Edition does not receive compensation for any brands mentioned in this article. All opinions are based on personal experience and are not professional advice.
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