Do you find yourself dreading the long flights that will take you away on the fantastic family vacation you have been planning for months? You know, the flights to Hawaii, Europe or even Australia? The flight everyone is excited for because you will be all together as a family. As you all get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Especially since you have miraculously coordinated the schedules of your children, your parents and even those you are delegating your workload too. Now you find yourself wondering, “What was I thinking? The flight is 12 hours. How are we all going to survive?” So, here are my best tips and tricks for being entertained on long flights.

Keep Occupied on Long Flights for Your Family Vacation

Just like I make an itinerary for my client’s trip and break it down day by day, I want you to have a flight itinerary broken down in hourly blocks of time. As you are setting up your itinerary, remember to allow 60 – 90 minutes for food and beverage service during the first hour of your flight. And then again, when 2 hours are remaining.

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Be Proactive 

While you don’t necessarily do this on the long flight, doing these activities before leaving for the airport, will definitely keep everyone’s patience in check.

– Charge all devices. Cell phones, tablets, laptops, Kindles, portable charger, etc.

– Download books to your Kindle. Although, I recommend downloading movies and tv shows to your tablets or laptop too.

– Download your favorite podcast shows you haven’t had time to listen to.

– Bring some of your magazines from home.

– Pack snacks in your carry-on. You know, the ones your family really likes, so you don’t rely on that small bag of nuts the airline gives you. Remember, no liquids until after you get through security.

– Pack disinfectant wipes. Wipe down the tray table and armrest. Also wipe down anything else you may touch during the flight.

– Pack a small first aid kit. You may not think you need one, but something always come up where you do!

– Pack any comfort items your kids may need while flying in their carry-on.

– Don’t forget to bring along some non-digital items, because too much screen time will not allow for rest.

– Pack a travel footrest.

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Be Productive 

– Clean up your cell phone or tablet. Delete the apps you are no longer using.

– Organize your photos on your devices. You can also delete the ones you don’t want.

– Answer emails with in-flight Wi-Fi.

– Learn new software you haven’t found the time to check out yet.

– Bring your spreadsheets up to date.

– Take care of the last-minute stuff you didn’t get a chance to do at the office.

– Finish your to-do list. An excellent way to check things off, so you can return to reality without a million things to do.

– Bring a notebook and brainstorm future project ideas.

– Learn a language. The Duolingo app has offline and online modes.

Be Creative

– Bring a journal and start writing.

– Color. Adult coloring books are everywhere. And you may just discover your inner Picasso. Although, you can ask the kids if they will let you color in theirs. Who doesn’t love a Disney coloring book?

Be Relaxed on Long Flights

– Use a blanket and your travel pillow. Also, rest your feet on your travel footrest.

– Binge watch the shows you downloaded on your devices. However, you could also listen to those long-forgotten podcasts.

– Read your paperback book or the one you loaded onto your Kindle.

– Read your magazines.

If all else fails, remember, you are on vacation. So, put your earbuds in, put your eye mask on, and get some much-needed rest.

Check out my tips for traveling like a VIP! 

Are you ready to put these things to the test during a long flight for an amazing family vacation?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

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