Ciara’s Top Travel Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) on a Long Flight 🌟

TipsTravel

Feb 1

Written By Ciara M

Long Flight? Let’s Make it Ocean-mazing! 🌊✈️

Hello, fellow ocean explorers!

Whether you're heading to a tropical dive destination or just daydreaming about the ocean, long flights are often part of the adventure. But let’s be real—hours spent in a cramped seat can be less than thrilling. So, how do we make the most of that time in the air? Turn it into a mini-vacation before you even reach your destination!

In this blog, I’ll share some top travel tips, essentials, and a list of awesome ocean-inspired books, podcasts, and audiobooks that will make your flight an experience you’ll actually enjoy.

Top Tips

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! 💧
The dry air on planes can leave your skin and body parched. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your flight. Bring a reusable water bottle to avoid plastic waste and keep yourself refreshed.
Stretch It Out 🤸‍♀️
Sitting for hours in the same position isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be hard on your circulation, too. Set a timer to get up every hour and do some simple stretches. A quick walk down the aisle is great for your legs and will help you avoid feeling stiff.
Pack Snacks 🍫
Long flights can feel endless if you’re hungry. Bring along some healthy snacks—think protein bars, trail mix, or a little chocolate for that midday pick-me-up.
Bring Layers 🧣
Airplane temperatures are always unpredictable. You’ll want to be prepared for anything—bring layers to stay comfortable no matter how hot or cold it gets.
Get Cozy 💤
Nothing beats a neck pillow, cozy blanket, and noise-canceling headphones when you're trying to rest. Treat yourself to comfort so you can nap like a pro.
Ciara’s Essentials for Ultimate Comfort & Care 🌿
Here is a link to my Travel Essentials Amazon List: CLICK HERE! When it comes to feeling your best during a long flight, I always pack a few key items:
- Compression socks to keep my circulation flowing and legs feeling fresh.
- A neck pillow for a little more comfort when it’s time to nap.
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.
- A hydrating sheet mask—because why not get that in-flight facial?
- Lip balm to keep my lips smooth (the dry air is no friend to your skin).
- Hand cream to avoid that parched feeling in my hands.
- Nourishing face wipes to freshen up when you’re feeling a little grimy.
- SPF – If you're sitting in the window seat, you're exposed to 40% more UV rays than on the ground! Always protect your skin with a SPF 30+ sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

Ocean-Inspired Books, Podcasts, and Audiobooks for Your Journey 📚🎧🌊

One of the best ways to pass the time on a flight is by diving into some great reading or listening material. Here are some of my top recommendations for ocean and dive lovers.

Books to Dive Into:

"The Silent World" by Jacques Cousteau – Join the legendary Jacques Cousteau on his underwater adventures. This book is a deep dive into his life and the birth of modern scuba diving.
"The Wave: In Search of the Ocean's Power" by Susan Casey – For those fascinated by the raw power of the ocean, this gripping book follows big-wave surfers and oceanographers as they battle some of the world’s most dangerous waves.
"Shadow Divers" by Robert Kurson – If you're into wreck diving, this is an absolutely thrilling true story about two divers who discover a WWII U-boat off the coast of New Jersey.
"Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia" by Christina Thompson – Delve into the mystery of the Polynesian people and their incredible ocean navigation skills. This book is as much a historical adventure as it is a deep dive into the human relationship with the sea.
"Black Flag, Blue Water" by Philip P. Hager – If you’re looking for some high-seas excitement, this book takes you into the world of pirates, their ships, and the thrill of life on the open water.

Podcasts to Make You Feel the Ocean Breeze:

"The Scuba Diving Podcast" – Everything you need to know about the world of scuba diving, from gear reviews to diving destinations. Perfect for dive lovers who want to keep the adventure going, even while in the air.
"Ocean Science Radio" – Get the scoop on marine biology, conservation, and the latest oceanographic research with this fascinating podcast. It’s perfect for those who want to learn more about the state of our oceans.
"The Dive Locker" – If you're a dive professional or just a passionate scuba enthusiast, this podcast offers tips, stories, and expert advice to help improve your diving skills and knowledge.

Audiobooks to Keep You Hooked:

"The Perfect Storm" by Sebastian Junger – A true story of a deadly storm that hit the North Atlantic, this audiobook will keep you on the edge of your seat and give you a new appreciation for the power of the ocean.
"Blue Mind" by Wallace J. Nichols – Explore the psychological and emotional benefits of spending time in or around water. After reading this, you’ll want to dive in, literally and figuratively!
"The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway – This classic novel about man versus the sea will make you reflect on the beauty of the ocean and the resilience of the human spirit.

Bonus Tip:

Before you board, download your books, podcasts, and audiobooks so you can enjoy a seamless, distraction-free experience during your flight. There’s nothing worse than trying to find Wi-Fi at 30,000 feet!

Let’s Make the Most of Your Flight!

Next time you're about to take off on a long flight, turn that in-between time into a mini ocean adventure. Whether you’re diving into a great book, discovering a new podcast, or learning something new with an audiobook, you'll feel like you’re already exploring the deep blue before you even arrive.

But what if you are delayed?

I highly recommend the AMEX Platinum credit card for frequent travelers. Here’s why it’s perfect for travel:

Priority Pass Lounge Access: Enjoy comfortable lounges with food, drinks, and Wi-Fi during long layovers or delays.
5X Points on flights and hotels booked through AMEX Travel.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Offset costs like checked bags and in-flight purchases.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Skip long security lines.
Fine Hotels & Resorts: Get upgrades, breakfast, and exclusive perks at over 1,000 luxury hotels.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save on purchases abroad.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Coverage for trip cancellations, baggage, and more.
Concierge Service: Access a 24/7 team to help with travel and bookings.