Traveling offers a world of wonders, but the journey itself can often be a test of endurance. From sitting on lengthy plane rides to avoiding motion sickness on buses and boats, long distance travel certainly comes with its fair share of challenges. When you’re heading to a far away destination, having a few tips for staying comfortable on long journeys is the key to ensuring you arrive feeling your best.
If you’re planning to go the distance for your next getaway and want your journey to be as pleasant as your destination, you’ve come to the right spot! Prepare to embrace comfort, savor the ride, and let each mile be a step closer to unforgettable experiences.
Comfort Tips You Need to Know for Long Distance Travel
Whether you’re jetting off to an island or settling in for a road trip, these travel comfort tips will help you embark on your next adventure with ease. From mindful packing to in-flight strategies, let’s dive into the art of travel comfort!
Dress for Success
Begin your journey in style and comfort by opting for loose, breathable clothing. A cozy pair of sweatpants or leggings, paired with a soft cotton shirt, creates the perfect ensemble for long journeys.
This doesn’t mean you can’t still look good, either! With the rise of athleisure sets and lounge wear, there are plenty of clothing lines for fashionable yet comfortable outfits. The right wardrobe sets the stage for travel comfort.
Make Hydration a Priority
Stay refreshed and alert by prioritizing hydration during your travels. Changing altitudes, climates, and time zones can take a toll on how you’re feeling, but you can combat the effects by drinking lots of water.
Pack a reusable water bottle to sip on during long journeys. For an added boost, consider bringing along supplements such as vitamin C packs and probiotics to mix in. You don’t want to lose a minute of your travel days to illness, so put your health first with adequate hydration.
Read more: Jet Lag Remedies: How to Beat Jet Lag Like a Pro
Have a Seat Selection Strategy
When booking your flight, bus, train, or boat ride for a long distance travel trip, pay close attention to the seating options. Most transportation systems have an array of choices on where to sit when traveling long journeys, so pick which is best for you.
For extra legroom and ease of movement, consider an aisle seat. If you’re seeking a more peaceful journey, opt for a seat away from high-traffic areas. When private cabins or rooms are available, consider the difference in size from the communal areas. It may come with a bit of an extra cost, but your seat choice can make a world of difference in your level of travel comfort.
Carry an Essentials Kit
Create your own sanctuary in the midst of long distance travel hustle by carrying an essentials kit with you. An essentials kit with items like a toothbrush, lip balm, and a cozy scarf can add a touch of home to your journey. Sanitary items like tissues, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer are also must-haves.
If you’re prone to migraines or motion sickness, be sure to bring the proper medication along. For those who struggle with anxiety or panic attacks, speak with your doctor in advance and get a prescription if necessary. Aromatherapy can also help, so consider adding a travel size aroma inhaler stick to your kit, too.
Snack Smart
Snacking is an art, especially on long journeys. Pack a variety of health snacks to keep hunger at bay until you arrive at your destination. Think nuts, fruits, and granola bars for sustained energy. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that may leave you feeling sluggish.
Practice Mindful Movement
Combat stiffness and fatigue on long journeys by practicing mindful movement while traveling. Simple stretches and exercises in your seat can do wonders for your comfort. Take short walks during layovers or just walk up and down the aisle to keep your circulation flowing and muscles happy.
Bring Entertainment
Whether you’re into books, podcasts, or good old-fashioned paperbacks, ensure you have entertainment options that suit your taste. A well-curated playlist or an engaging audiobook can transform a tedious journey into an enjoyable one. Make sure to have a portable charger with you to avoid running out of battery!
While planning your entertainment, keep the internet connection in mind. You’ll be able to access wifi for an additional cost on most planes and transportation modes, but not always. Even so, there are often periods when the connection is down. In preparation, be sure to download your movies, e-books, or playlists ahead of time so you can still play them without the internet.
If you’re like me and use your long-distance travel trips to get work done, make sure your resources will be readily available. Download any relevant research files into a PDF, install Microsoft Office onto your laptop, or enable the Google Docs offline mode so you can still access important documents.
Plan a Sleep Strategy
Sleep is a precious commodity on long journeys. Embrace sleep strategies by packing an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones. Invest in a quality neck pillow made from memory foam, too. Your neck will thank you, and you’ll arrive at your destination free of aches and pains.
A travel blanket is another great item to consider, and comfy slippers come in handy, too. If you create a cozy sleep environment, you’ll be more likely to fall asleep and will arrive feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
Are you planning a vacation and looking for travel tips?
Explore related articles to learn more!