Passing Time at 30,000 feet

For those who have or have not been on a plane before, I guarantee that it becomes boring and uncomfortable quite quickly. The environment is cramped, cold and dull and you dehydrate quickly. It is not all bad; the view is great, sometimes they have good movies and there is plenty of time for conversation. 

Here are a few suggestions to help you pass the time:

1. Read. You will want to make it a good, long book because it is going to have to last you the whole trip (probably only 1 or 2 books are going to fit into your bag, so make them good!)
2. Watch movies! Most airlines usually have little screens set into the back of the seat in front of you, and sometimes the movies are actually good.
3. Jam out. Bring your iPod or your mp3 player and listen to some tunes while you enjoy the view. You will not believe how much you will miss it if you do not bring it.
4. Write. You might want to bring a journal and jot notes in it throughout the trip, collect autographs, drawings, photos or memorabilia. It is a great way to remember the trip and all the crazy, special people you will meet.
5. Sleep. As of now, we have a long stopover in Amsterdam so you may want to rest up. It will help the time go by faster and depending on the time zones; it may help with jet lag.
6. Talk. The person you are sitting next to, be they on the trip or not, has had an awesome life. They are sitting on a plane to Amsterdam or Kenya just like you, and everyone is impressed when you pull out the humanitarian card. If they are on the trip, then you are going to be spending a month with this person so you may as well get it over with!

By Alanna Cunningham-Rogers