I just landed to JFK Airport a couple days ago from Nairobi (FYI: Kenya Airways now offers direct flights from NYC!)

It was a grueling 14+ hour flight and when you’re restricted to just sitting, there’s not much you can do.

I spend the majority of my waking hours on a long flight listening to podcast episodes and audiobooks.

Here’s what I did to prepare for it—

• Downloaded podcast episodes and audiobooks in advance
  WiFi is often spotty or unavailable on international flights so downloading podcasts, audiobooks, and songs beforehand is a MUST. Some of my favorite Podcasts around self-growth are The James Altucher Show, How I Built This, North Star Podcast, and Freakonomics Radio.
• Packed my Beats headphones with the audio cable
  This helps reserve the headphones battery life and can be used for the airplane movie audio, too. The majority of the flight time, I am listening to podcasts and taking notes on them.
• Brought paper and a pen and my journal
  Way up in the air, away from WiFi and people— it’s a great place to think. It’s just reflect. Write those things down. Your iPhone Notes will do, too.
• Packed 2 books on different topics or genres
  You ever get sick of reading a book and realize it’s the only one you have? That feeling sucks. Options, people. Give yourself options. Also, life is too short to keep reading books that don’t captivate you.
• Dressed in layers
  Nearly all airplanes are cold and I guarantee the blankets they leave at your seat aren’t… really washed. It’s important you dress comfortably and warmly and dressing in layers is the solution. My go-to flying outfit is sneakers, leggings, tee, no bra, hoodie on top, and light jacket.
• Bought at least 2L of water after TSA security and before boarding
  You must stay hydrated on these long ass flights. While the airlines will give out refreshments and drinks, it’s not often enough and the cups are like dollhouse teacup size. It’s not enough. BYOW. Bring your own water.
• Packed a sheet mask for my face
  Your skin dries out so fast when you’re 40,000ft in the air. On long international flights, I’m the crazy person with a sheet mask on her face, head titled back to the most out of it. I really don’t care because 1) the lights are often out for majority of the flight and 2) I’ll prob never see these passengers again
• Packed my own snacks
  This one is more personal but I really hate eating airplane food. I just can’t stand it. I’m pretty good at packing protein bars and trail mixes for the long voyage.

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For more tips & tricks on life and moving, you can read more on my blog kailajlim.com, or follow me on LinkedIn.

Cheers!