In Flight Entertainment - What to Do On That Long Flight

Few things aggravate people more than wasting time and during a long flight it can be difficult to make good use of your time, or simply find a way to pass it. While some people have no difficulties with flying, others find it a difficult undertaking and can be at even more of a loss when it comes to finding something to occupy the time. Many options are available that people tend to forget until they find themselves without entertainment and quite often stuck with either sleeping or reading the in-flight magazine. Preparing ahead of time for your journey so that your time does not feel completely wasted can help to make traveling a more enjoyable experience. Remember that if you experience flight sickness or ear problems (which can cause nausea,) to test your entertainment ideas out before you assume that they will suit you. A good rule to follow is: if the activity makes you feel queasy in the car you will often experience the same feelings in the air; though a flight tends to feel smoother than a ride in a vehicle the pressure can cause you to feel much of the same sickness.

Unplugged Fun:

• Books: Long flights are a wonderful time to catch up on your reading, though you might want to stick with paperbacks as hard cover books can be a bit on the heavy side and are far less flexible to store. Though it can be fun to take books along with in depth stories that help to quickly pass the time, it can be difficult for those who become easily distracted to concentrate; be sure that the book you choose is one that you will not find too difficult to read while in transit. A book is also a wonderful item to have while waiting to board; take off; land and when waiting for connections as it requires no electronics and can be used anywhere at any time.
• Word Games: Like a book a game such as a word search or crossword puzzle can help to pass the time without the restrictions of electronics and many of the booklets available with hundreds of these games included are easily portable.
• Notepad: Though many people have become accustom to working on their computers a notepad for writing; brainstorming or sketching can be a very handy thing to have when a laptop is both restricted and difficult to take out in transit.
• Magazines or Newspaper: In today’s busy society many people don’t often have the time to read through their favorite newspapers or magazines; a long flight provides an often quiet atmosphere for catching up on the latest news or society gossip.

In this age of portable technology there are many devices a person can travel with easily that can make their flight more productive or enjoyable. While access to the internet maybe prohibited on certain flights or at certain times during the flight we are seeing a great demand for this to be available to the general public while in the air. Because access is still quite limited for most people, or in some cases to expensive, it can be a good idea your entertainment without depending on it. Remember that in the case of most electronics you will most likely need to bring extra batteries, or a battery pack and always make sure to bring working headphones so that you do not disturb your fellow passengers.

Techno-time Passing:

• Portable Games: Today’s handheld games are not only addicting, but amazingly detailed. If you enjoy video games this can just the ticket to pass the time away while you level up your character. Remember that you will most likely need to bring extra batteries and always make sure to bring working headphones so that you do not disturb your fellow passengers. Electronic games can be found in various styles and age levels; be sure that you do not choose a game that will frustrate or agitate you as this can make your flight a more uncomfortable one. Also steer clear of any game that will not allow you to pause or save at any time, as you may need to do either quickly.
• Laptop: Many people enjoy being able to get a little work done while they travel and a laptop can often help with a variety of projects. Even when access to the internet is unavailable many people are still able to answer emails or prepare documents to be sent out at a later time. DVD’s and games can also be played on a laptop and can also help to pass the time.
• Portable DVD Player: While a laptop provides many more choices a portable DVD player can be an excellent choice for those that usually have no need of the other options a laptop can provide. Portable DVD players also tend to be smaller and lighter than laptop computers and are commonly far less expensive. While a laptop must often be turned on when going through security it is often not required of a portable DVD player and can for that reason save you some time and hassle before boarding. Making use of a company like Netflix for your travel can be very handy; this will allow you to take DVDs with you that upon arrival you can mail back; if staying for a long enough period of time you can also have new DVD’s mailed to you before your return flight.
• Music: From MP3s to Portable Disc Players, music can be a wonderful and relaxing addition to your flight. Be sure to choose a device that is easily used during travel and won’t take up too much space in your carry-on luggage.

Many people experience car; air and even train sickness; for those that suffer from these queasy reactions to travel it is often best to keep your entertainment selections simple and without any requirements that will require a great deal of movement or concentration:

Do’s:

• Books or other reading materials can be excellent ways to pass time prior to boarding, but will often present problems while in transit.
• Often the best choice for those travelers who experience stomach troubles movies provide a wonderful distraction that does not require a great deal of concentration.
• Much like movies, listening to music does not require a great deal of concentration and can be very soothing; often passengers will enjoy a little sleep while listening to their favorite, light rhythms.
• Allowing yourself to shut your eyes and relax can be a preferred method of passing time especially for those who take medication in order to fly; if possible allowing yourself to sleep can be a wonderful way to get through your journey and avoid your physical ailments.

Don’ts:

• Games, either electronic or not, can often require a great deal of concentration and therefore can spur feelings of illness.
• Working on a computer or by hand, once again, often requires too much concentration; not only will your work often suffer, but more than likely this will cause you to feel ill.

Traveling with small children can be very difficult as the experience can be a little intimidating for small ones. Be sure to have activities that will both occupy and distract them should they be experiencing any difficulty with travel.

• Coloring or Activity Books: Both easily packed and a great long-term distraction this kind of activity can help keep your child occupied during the flight. Be sure that your child is not experiencing any nausea before presenting them with any activities that will require concentration.
• Portable Games: Many children today enjoy a wide variety of games for both entertainment and education; this activity can easily keep your child happy and calm as in many cases they will have played the game before and it will be familiar. Always make sure to bring headphones for your child and never bring any games or toys that cannot be silenced, as you will be traveling with many other passengers (or you might even find yourself annoyed with noise.) Again, be sure that this activity will not cause your child to feel ill when in transit before offering it to them.
• Movies or Television Shows: Children often feel safe when their surroundings are familiar and while you may not be able to provide this on a plane playing their favorite movie or TV show can help to create the same sort of feeling. This can be very useful for children who are experiencing physical problems during the flight as it will require little for them to do other than sit back and watch.

If you are able to fit a few snacks in your bag, this is always a wonderful addition to your travel as you will not be forced to choose from a selection that you do not find especially appealing. Whether taking a road trip or flight, try to take a few of your favorite snacks along, just in case.

Whether you intend to indulge in your favorite video game or thumb through that latest issue of your favorite magazine, planning your in transit entertainment can help to make your travel plans far more enjoyable. Remember to plan for your needs and for the length of time you will be in transit; always make sure that whichever activity you choose to take with you is easily accessed from your luggage once in transit: (e.g.: do not place your book at the bottom of your carry-on bag for a flight, especially if traveling in coach class, as it may be quite a struggle to reach it with the often cramped seating.) Above all try to enjoy your travel time, with a little planning it can be a wonderful part of your trip.

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Why a Vacation Might be Just what the Doctor Ordered

Many people spend a great deal of time planning and thinking about vacations, just to put them off for another year. Too often the expense of a vacation package seems just out of the budget, when compared with the many expenses of our daily lives; or time just doesn’t seem to allow for any absences for amusement. In recent years, medical science has taken a look at just how much a departure from the daily grind can affect your health; showing that not only can a vacation ease your mind, but the health benefits of a week or two away can be staggering!

• Mental Relaxation: Often during vacations people allow themselves to relax more than they ever would at home by putting aside stressful thoughts, as not to ruin the vacation. Projects at home; money problems and even important future events often slip away from people as they settle into a soothing break from their normal lives. The affect of the absence from the stressful day-to-day has helped many people, not only during their vacations, but at home as well. Upon returning from a week or two (or five!) away many people find that they feel refreshed and better equipped to take on problems, that before, seemed much more difficult to deal with.


• Mental Exercise: However stressful and/or exciting a career may be, many people feel that they experience little of the outside world in their daily lives. Taking a break from yours to visit another can be an excellent learning experience; not only will you have an opportunity to learn about the places you visit, but you may just learn something new about yourself during your adventures.


• Physical Training: Believe it or not many people spend a few weeks, or even months, preparing for their vacation by exercising more regularly; often this is due to the fact that the majority of travelers hope to feel attractive and free of any extra weight they may have put on throughout the year to better help them enjoy their getaway. Despite the fact that many people end up taking in a few extra calories on trip, many of them end up in better shape upon return simply because on vacation most people are extremely active.


• Reuniting with Those You Love: Despite the closeness many families share, it can be difficult to spend quality time together when a household gets busy. Vacations offer a unique opportunity to reunite families by exploring completely new ways to interact. Many people find that after spending a vacation together they feel much closer to each other and quite often, get to see sides of the people they love that go unnoticed at home. This focused time is extremely healthy for a family to experience and can go a long way toward helping out any problems that might be occurring at home.


• A Little You Time: When feeling a bit on the outs with yourself a getaway can help a great deal by getting you back in touch with who you are. Often people find that while they must take care of their daily lives they lose a sense of themselves; vacations offer a great opportunity to get back in touch with your hopes, dreams and goals in life, without the constant nagging of your daily life. Many people choose to vacation alone so that they can better acquaint themselves with who they are and perhaps even make a few new friends along the way.

Though it may take a little budgeting and planning, taking a trip away, even if just for a few days can be refreshing for the mind, body and soul. The next time you take a look at vacation packages, on your own, or with loved ones, remember: it might just be the medical treatment you require to have a happy, healthy life.

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