If you’re a slightly nervous flyer like most people, it’s not uncommon to go through a 14-hour flight without a wink of sleep. But that is going to get your business trip off to a bad start. You don’t want to be on the back foot immediately.
A long international flight is actually the perfect time to get some sleep, it just takes a small amount of preparation.
Get Comfortable
On most international flights there is plenty of room to get some sleep. While it’s important to travel light, here are a few must haves for those long flights.
Travel Pillow – during most overnight flights you will be provided with a pillow, but they’re almost always too thin, itchy and sometimes even dirty. Invest in a high-quality travel pillow.
Travel Blanket – again, you might get one provided, but bringing your own will mean that you know it will be comfortable. Putting on a blanket is a subconscious thing that tells your brain it’s time to switch off.
Set Your Watch
Setting your watch to your destination's time will help you with jet-lag and get you in the mindset for your arrival. It seems like a small thing but will help you leave your last destination behind and get some rest.
Take A Sleep-Aid
As long as you don’t become reliant on sleep aids, they are a great way to help you drift off. If you don’t believe in pharmaceutical sleeping aids, there are plenty of natural remedies. Chamomile tea for example. Or you could have a glass of wine.
Read A Good Book
While it might be tempting to watch a few of the in-flight films on offer, a good book is more likely to help you drift off. Blue light emitted from screens makes sleep harder, so give yourself an hour’s reading time before trying to get some shut-eye.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
This amazing technology means you can really switch off from your surroundings. Put on some soothing calm music or perhaps a podcast to help you get to sleep.
Cover Your Eyes
Eye-masks can be bought in almost every departure lounge in the world. Invest in a high-quality one and shut off from all those distractions and lights on board.
Use Some Relaxation Techniques
Even if you sleep like a baby every night at home, an international flight can sometimes be a difficult place to fall asleep. That’s why you should try some relaxation techniques.
If you’re new to this, try a guided visualization technique. Close your eyes, and visualize yourself walking somewhere you know well. Perhaps you’re walking around your home or a favorite holiday destination.
If you’re traveling to Philadelphia on business, make sure to book onto our Philadelphia airport shuttle service to make your journey even more relaxing.
