Tips on How to Survive Long Haul Flights (especially with little kids)

Whether you're jet-setting from the Land Down Under to the heart of London or embarking on any other marathon journey through the skies, surviving those 10+ hour slogs requires more than just a stiff upper lip. Fear not, intrepid traveler, for I come bearing a veritable treasure trove of tips and tricks to help you emerge from the other side of that interminable flight with your sanity (mostly) intact.

That exciting, joyful moment when you have a free seat beside you

Embrace Comfort with Reckless Abandon: Comfort is king when it comes to surviving marathon flights. Say sayonara to restrictive clothing and hello to your comfiest, stretchiness attire. Think cozy layers, breathable fabrics, and forgiving waistbands. You may not look like a fashion icon, but hey, neither does anyone else at 30,000 feet. Small person with you? Ensure bub is dressed in their sleepsuit or cozy sleepwear asap. And always, always carry extra changes of clothing for your little one as they will spill their drink and yours all over the tray tables. Guaranteed.

Stretch Those Limbs: Remember to give your muscles a little love throughout the journey. Take regular walks up and down the aisle, do some in-seat stretches, and maybe even indulge in a little mid-flight yoga (just try not to inadvertently karate chop your seatmate in the process).

Stay Hydrated (But Skip the In-Flight Coffee): Hydration is key to combating the arid atmosphere of the aircraft cabin. Opt for water over caffeinated beverages to keep your body happy and healthy. Obviously, a little wine is gonna help your nerves, if you can stomach the tannins at that height. I love my red wine but get a piercing headache if I take one sip of it mid-flight.

Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment: Load up your devices with enough movies, TV shows, podcasts, and e-books. And don't forget noise-canceling headphones to drown out the symphony of snores and in-flight announcements. For kids, download every kids movie and show you know will keep their attention for longer than 30 seconds! For older kids or tech-savvy kiddo's, have lots of apps downloaded that can played with no Wi-Fi needed. Peace.

Snack Attack: Pack a stash of your favorite snacks to keep the hangry demons at bay. Raisins, cereal bars, popcorn? Just be sure to choose items that won't leave you feeling sluggish or bloated or worse, the kids going off their rockers on sugar. And please, consider smells - nobody wants to be that person who accidentally unleashes a egg or tuna sarnie to an unsuspecting cabin.

Beauty Sleep (or at Least Beauty Rest): Invest in a good travel pillow and eye mask to maximize your chances of catching some Z's en route. Sure, it may not be the same as your luxurious memory foam mattress back home, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Also take a light weight blanket and socks as cabin's can be freezing!

Disclaimer - if you have a small person with you, you are very unlikely to get any sleep. You will curse every adult who is sleeping so peacefully around you as your child opens and closes the window blind 46 times every hour.

Now, as for what to pack in your trusty carry-on, consider the following essentials:

• Travel-sized toiletries to combat that inevitable post-flight grime. Facial wipes, hand wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm (my lips get so dry!), eye drops (to avoid red, dry eyes), mouthwash, tooth brush and mini tooth paste would all be helpful.

• A portable charger to keep your devices juiced up and ready for action.

• Blue-tooth earphones or headphones to enjoy your entertainment.

• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated without constantly flagging down the flight attendants.

• Snacks (just remember to check airline regulations regarding outside food).

• A good or magazine for when your eyeballs need a break from screens.

• A pen for filling out customs forms and jotting down those brilliant ideas that inevitably strike at 30,000 feet.

• Sleep pills or Melatonin (but only if you aren't responsible for anyone as those bad boys will knock you out).
  

I do hope this tips help you conquer even the most grueling of long-haul flights. Bon voyage, and may the friendly skies be ever in your favor.