Probably, you've been dreaming of visiting that location at the top of your bucket list, however, never taken the plunge because the distance and travel time is putting you off. We know the feeling, but it doesn’t have to be as bad as you think it is; in fact, with some insider’s tricks and tips for long flights, you'll be good - or, at least good enough that it feels worthwhile once you touch down in the glorious sunshine of Cancun, or Honolulu! 

Read on to see the best tips on how to survive a long-haul flight, and then get on and book your dream destination!

Some airlines simply perform better when it comes to long-haul, from the comfort and size of the seating, to the standards of food and service. If you have more money to spend, consider upgrading for improved seating and food. You can use Skyscanner to compare airline prices for your route on the dates you want. Do your research on the airlines that service your flight route and choose one that meets your requirements and suits your budget.

Window seat or aisle seat? The back of the plane or the front? Near the restrooms, or in the emergency exit aisle? Trust us, where you sit on your flight will have a way bigger impact on your journey than you’d imagine. Try and select your seats as early as your airline will allow. One of the best tips for long flights would be using the detailed seat maps on SeatGuru to help you choose a seat that is perfect for your needs.

If you’re a family traveling with kids, booking your seats early could make an even bigger difference to your journey; if you can manage to get the whole family sat together, you can more easily share the responsibilities of caring for your children during the flight.

Pack your carry-on the day before your flight to avoid the hectic rush in the morning before traveling to the airport. Keep all of your important travel documents and a pen where you can easily access them, either in a small purse or folder, or a zip-up compartment in your bag. Pack some spare underwear, and a pair of slippers that you can pop on once you’re on board. A mini hairbrush, moisturizer, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste will all make you feel more human on your journey – just be sure to opt for mini versions to stay within liquid restrictions.

Check to see if your airline provides travel pillows and blankets – if not, it may be worth investing in some to make it easier to sleep. You would be able to find some packages, like the ones from RestedTraveler. It includes a cozy blanket and travel pillow, as well as a sleeping mask and a pair of foam earplugs so you can catch a few winks, even if the noisy people in the row behind you are chattering! Definitely one of the most useful tips for long flights ;)

If you’re traveling with your children, be sure to pack smartly for them as well; a spare change of clothes, sick bags, wet wipes, and if they’re young, some nappies or pull-ups – just to be on the safe side, even if they’re toilet-trained. Also, be sure to bring them a cuddly toy and some picture or coloring books to keep them busy on the plane. Check out our other top tips for traveling with your kids here.

If you’re stopping over somewhere en route to your destination, then you could be spending anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours in another airport. Do some research on where you’ll be spending this time. A lot of airports have mini hotels or ‘nap pods’ for people who are on long layovers, so you could book yourself in for a few hours to get some shut-eye and maybe take a refreshing shower! Some quick and simple research on your stopover airport could point you in the right direction for a shopping spree, a gourmet meal, or a much-needed mid-journey massage – you’re on vacation after all!

Comfort is the most vital aspect of surviving a long flight; ditch the contact lenses for your glasses and wear loose trousers and lots of comfortable layers that you can put on or take off on the plane according to temperature changes.

Wear your chunkiest flat shoes to ease weight and space in your main luggage – you can kick them off once you’re in your seat, where you’ll put on compression socks to avoid health risks that are presented by long-haul flights, such as blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. We suggest putting some soft slippers on over the top for trips up and down the aisle to the restroom.

We also recommend not wearing jewelry for your flight – it will only set off the alarms at security anyway. Pack it all in a pill dispenser to keep it from tangling, and stow it safely in your hold luggage, ready to be worn for a romantic, beach-side dinner date in Playa del Carmen!

Jet lag can have a really detrimental effect on the first couple days of your vacation, so it’s important you take some key measures in advance to prevent it from hitting you too hard.

As soon as you’ve boarded the plane, set your watch and phone to the time of your destination, so you can immediately start adjusting to your new time zone long before you arrive. If it’s daytime where you’re headed, stay awake – read a book, or make use of the in-flight entertainment, or if you’re on a business trip, then make use of the time to get ahead with some work! If it’s the middle of the night where you’re headed, then try and get some shut-eye.

Take a look at our top 15 tips for dealing with jet lag!

Long flights are super de-hydrating, so make sure you take measures to counteract this, including avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Bring an empty, reusable bottle through security that you can refill on the other side for the airplane and take advantage of free beverages available on the flight. Bring some moisturizer, lip balm, and hand cream to keep your skin hydrated too. If you really feel like pampering yourself, pack a 5-minute no-mess hydrating sheet mask! Trust us-your body will appreciate these tips for long flights.

Striking up conversation with the people sat around you not only breaks the ice for what could otherwise be an awkward and silent 16 hours but can also be a really enjoyable way to waste some flight time, especially if you’re traveling solo! You never know – you could make a friend for life!

This is a valuable tip, particularly if you’re flying with kids! Airplane meals can be a little hit and miss, so pop into one of the airport shops to stock up on fruit, healthy granola bars, trail mix and some sweet treats to get you through the journey if the flight food isn’t to your taste.

It’s important to keep your blood circulation up on a flight due to the air pressure and seated position. Most airline magazines will have some ideas for seated exercises that you can do, such as foot flexes or ankle and wrist rotations, but it’s a good idea to get up around every 90 minutes for a quick stretch and a short walk up and down the aisle to get your blood flowing.

There is no shortage of things you can do to keep yourself entertained on a long flight. Check in advance if your airline provides in-flight entertainment, and if it’s good quality. If not, load up your phone, laptop or tablet with your favorite TV show, and treat yourself to that long-awaited episode marathon while you’re on board. Bring your own headphones for movies and music so you don’t have to purchase the lower quality airline ones. Make use of the time and get lost in a good book on your Kindle, or finally read that paperback you got for Christmas.

A pack of playing cards or some pre-downloaded podcasts could provide hours of entertainment, as could a puzzle book or a coloring book. You could also pass the time by mastering the basics of the local language! Download a free app like Duolingo before your flight and you can brush up on your Spanish before you arrive in Mexico!

Now you’ve taken the time to read our top tips for long flights, go ahead and book your flight, and enjoy the journey to your dream destination! Don’t forget to take a look at our resorts site to find the most luxurious accommodation to check into once you arrive!