Hawaii is perfectly remote, and while that’s one of the island chain’s charms, it also means that no matter where you’re coming from, you’re going to have a long flight there and back. There’s nothing more disheartening than getting to your vacation destination totally wiped out, or coming home from your trip more exhausted than you were when you left. Fortunately, there are things you can do that will help you feel ready to go, even after the longest flights.
Drink Water
Flights are super dry, and as a result, it’s easy to end up dehydrated. Even a short flight can leave your body in serious need of H2O, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after your flight. If you’re worried about frequent bathroom breaks, try to pick an aisle seat – that way, you won’t have to climb over anyone when nature calls. If you’re stuck away from the aisle, remember that it’s better to have an awkward moment now than it is to be exhausted post-flight.
Bring a water bottle along on flights to stay hydrated.Try to Sleep
Not everyone can sleep on planes. If, however, you’re one of the lucky ones who can, take advantage of it. Any sleep you can get on a flight is better than no sleep – bring along noise-reducing headphones and an eye mask to help make the process easier. You can also take sleeping pills or melatonin supplements, but these can leave you drowsy even after the flight is over.
Avoid Alcohol
Although it may seem tempting to have a drink on the plane, avoid any alcohol during and immediately before your flight. Alcohol dehydrates you and makes it harder for you to rest. Yes, you might fall asleep when you’re drunk, but it’s a lot harder for your body to access REM sleep and properly recharge. If you avoid imbibing in the air, you’ll be a lot more energized once the plane lands.
Walk you’re
If you’re not able to sleep on the flight, make sure you move around periodically. This does two important things: One, it helps you keep your energy up. If you’re sitting for a long time, your body starts to get lethargic – this is great if you can get some rest, but terrible if you’re just sitting down, awake. Two, it helps you reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. While this is pretty rare, sitting for long periods of time on flights can cause you to develop blood clots in your lower legs. Even a little bit of standing and walking dramatically reduces your risk.
Freshen Up
Once you land, head to the restroom. Here, wash your face and brush your teeth. These actions may seem insignificant, but they can have a huge impact on how you feel. Airplanes can lead to feeling gross and dirty, but these simple tasks will make you refreshed and ready for your Hawaiian vacation!