| Whether you are flying somewhere with your family | | | | · Audio: To drown out noisy kids or |
| for a much-needed vacation or solo for a routine | | | | just to relax, in flight audio works like a charm. Many |
| business trip, air travel comes with its own challenges. | | | | airlines offer movies or other entertainment, but not |
| It is very common for people to get bored, restless | | | | all offer free headsets these days. Bring along a |
| or uncomfortable during flights, and these problems | | | | headset of your own – iPod headsets fit into |
| are easily eliminated with a little planning. | | | | most airline audio sockets. You can also, of course, |
| | | | load your iPod or other listening device with music or |
| The best thing you can do to improve your in-flight | | | | stories to keep you entertained on your flight. |
| experience is to bring the comforts of home with | | | | · Reflection: You may want to bring a |
| you. You are always allowed at least one carry-on | | | | notebook or journal in which to record your thoughts. |
| bag, so make it count. Here are some tips: | | | | Away from the norms of your everyday life, you |
| · Sanitation: Although it’s not a | | | | can make use of the chance to reflect by writing out |
| pleasant thought, it pays to consider cleanliness and | | | | goals, plans or other personal thoughts. WORK TIP: |
| plan ahead by bringing sanitary wipes and hand gel. | | | | Even if you are heading somewhere to get away |
| The surfaces on airplanes get touched by many | | | | from all your work-related concerns, flying time |
| different people every day, and that includes the | | | | offers a unique opportunity for you to get some |
| bathroom fixtures as well as your seat handles, | | | | clarity. Consider using this time to ponder your |
| pull-down trays and anything else you touch. Whip | | | | current work set-up, how it can be improved and |
| out your wipes as soon as you sit down and go over | | | | what your professional goals may be for the next |
| the main surfaces you will touch in-flight, and do the | | | | few months and years. No matter what you do for a |
| same when you go into the washroom (never enter | | | | living, there is always room for improvement – in |
| airplane washrooms with stocking feet!). Use | | | | both your performance and effectiveness and well as |
| non-wash hand gel before eating and then again after | | | | your sense of satisfaction – and entrepreneurs, |
| exiting the aircraft. Take these quick precautions and | | | | especially, often forget to step back and work |
| you’ll save yourself from potentially getting sick | | | | ‘on’ their business rather than ‘in’ it |
| on your vacation or trip. Just remember to keep any | | | | all the time. Use this time to get a little perspective |
| little bottles under 100Ml or they will be confiscated | | | | and you may find some new, exciting plans come to |
| at the gate. | | | | mind. |
| · Healthy Snacks: While you may get | | | | · Comfort: Airplanes are very dry, so |
| food on the plane, ensure you won’t be hungry | | | | bring small items such as lip balm, saline eye drops |
| and that you’ll eat what you want by bringing | | | | and nose spray. Drink lots of water while on board, |
| along healthy snacks. Check with your airline or | | | | and keep your skin moisturized. You may also want |
| customs as to whether you can bring food through | | | | to bring a small blanket or scarf and maybe even a |
| the gate, or buy some small items you like inside the | | | | mini-pillow, as many airlines no longer offer these as |
| gate, before boarding. This is especially helpful when | | | | complimentary items, and you find yourself sleepy or |
| the in-flight crew cannot get to you in a timely | | | | cold with no recourse but to be uncomfortable. Also |
| manner due to turbulence or other concerns, and you | | | | consider a sleep mask and earplugs if you plan on |
| feel famished. Try to keep your snacks on the | | | | resting. |
| healthy side, as mentioned – salty snacks will only | | | | · Relaxation: Listen to relaxing music or |
| make you feel thirsty and dehydrated. | | | | meditations to pass the time, and to alleviate |
| · Reading material: A book or magazine | | | | nervousness if you are prone to it. Load your iPod |
| will go a long way toward keeping you busy during | | | | with soothing guided meditations or calming music. |
| your flight. If you forget, you can usually grab some | | | | Some enterprising airlines even offer these as part of |
| reading material at the airport. | | | | their in-flight entertainment system. |