Long Journeys: Secrets for a Pleasant Trip
Are you worried about sitting for hours? Do you feel uncomfortable and restless, even when you know the journey will soon be over? Do you regularly get bored during travel? If you’re like me and answered yes to these questions, this article is for you. I dread any situation where I have to sit still for long periods. Yet, I’ve made it through very long journeys and survived. Here, I’ll share my tried-and-true tips for surviving a long trip.
But first, what qualifies as a long journey? By plane, the longest route is Singapore to New York, covering 15,332 km in 18 hours and 45 minutes. By train,the longest feasible journey connects Lagos, Portugal, to Singapore (19,000 km, taking 21 days with 13 transfers). If you’re not a fan of transfers, the longest direct train route is the Trans-Siberian,, from Moscow to Vladivostok: 9,289 km over 7 days. I had the pleasure of taking this journey in 2019, and despite the time spent on the train, I loved every second of it. I’ve also taken long train trips in Vietnam, Sweden, Germany, and Bulgaria (although the last two were due to train delays rather than night trains).
Table of Contents
Before Leaving
survivre un long trajet
I’ve already discussed the importance of travelling light in my article on backpacks, so feel free to check that out if you need more tips. One key element in travel preparation is comfortable clothing. From head to toe, your outfit should help you feel at ease. Can you imagine spending hours with shoes that hurt your feet? Or in those stylish jeans that are just a little too tight? When traveling, prioritize comfortable clothing..
When I took my journey on the Trans-Siberian,I was very impressed by the other travelers. As soon as they boarded the train, they would change into comfortable clothes. Of course, this is harder to do on plains or on shorter trips or daytime trains. That’s why it’s essential to prepare in advance. Prioritize comfort over style if you can’t manage to balance the two.
Don’t Forget in Your Carry-On:
- Medications
- Chargers for your gadgets
- Hygiene products
- Gum, candies, mints
- Hand sanitizer
- Glasses or contact lens solution
- A book, newspaper, or crossword puzzles to pass the time
- Toys for children (if you’re traveling with kids)
- Headphones for you and for your children
- Snacks and water to stay hydrated
During the Journey
To avoid complete numbness and promote blood circulation, staying active during a long trip is essential. Get up occasionally to walk a bit, wiggle your toes, and gently flex your ankles and knees. In short, move as much as you can (without disturbing others, of course). It’s also crucial to stay well-hydrated during the trip, even if it means frequent stops (if traveling by car) or visits to the restroom. Hydration will encourage you to move more, too.
If you plan to sleep during the trip, bring a travel pillow,blanket, or eye mask to create a restful environment. Experiment with different positions to find the one that suits you best.
After the Journey
After arriving at your destination, you’ll likely be tired. My advice is to schedule at least a day for rest to combat jet lagthat disorienting state when your internal clock seems to go on strike. It’s like your body is playing a trick on your mind. But hey, you can’t really blame it—it’s just trying to adjust to a new time zone, which can be quite a challenge.
So, how do you deal with this traveler’s nemesis? First, adopt the local rhythm as soon as possible, even if it means falling asleep at 5 p.m. or having breakfast at midnight. Your body will thank you for giving it this temporal lifeline. Second, try to get as much natural light exposure as possible. While it might feel counterintuitive when you’re exhausted after a long flight, a little sunlight can help reset your internal clock. Finally, stay hydrated and try to eat light. Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol, as they can disrupt your already fragile sleep.
It’s Not the Destination that Counts, It’s the Journey
And here we are at the end of our journey through survival secrets for long trips. You now have a survival kit full of tips to combat boredom and fatigue. Whether it’s using time-zone strategies like a superhero or managing the discomfort of cramped seats, you’re fully equipped to turn your next long trip into a memorable, stress-free adventure. And if you need help or advice in planning your next journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to my services of travel planning expert 🙂
For more useful information
To find your plane ticket :
I can recommend you use ExpediaI trust them with my own travels and when I am working with clients
For your hotel reservation
I invite you to look into Hotels.fr they have a large choice of bookings and your client services are always available
Pour trouver des activités sur place :
I use either viator or GetYourGuideThe two plateforms offer a large choice of activities at reasonable prices
To rent a car
I recommend discovercarsTheir prices are competitive and they have a great customer service
Need more inspiration?
Get a look at my other blog articles to discover the Balkans and the rest of the world
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