While 2020 hasn't exactly been the best year for all of your overseas travel goals, 2021 can be the year that you make your next adventures happen! Where do you want to go?
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a newbie just getting into the traveling game, we have some advice to offer. Where are you going to go? How are you going to get there?
Believe it or not, we suggest a red-eye flight. Red-eye flights always seem miserable when people do them in movies or on television, but in reality, if you plan them right they can be great.
Wanna get on board with that idea? Keep reading for a few tips on red-eye flight travel and all of the places you could go once you have them in mind.
Why Take a Red-Eye Flight?
So it's true, red-eye flights mean that you're out and about while the rest of the time zone is supposed to be sleeping.
If you wake up early or skip going to be for this, you might be cranky. The airport stores will be closed. What gives?
Well, you're going to have less traffic getting to the airport than if you were to go at a "normal hour". Have you ever stressed about missing your flight just because of how long it was taking to get to the plane?
The flight is also more likely to be empty, or at least emptier. Getting through security will be such a breeze that you'll wonder why you never took red-eye flights before.
Red-eye flights are often cheaper than their waking-hour counterparts because they're so unpopular. Best of all, when you're looking into overseas travel, a red-eye flight means that you can get to your destination with a full day ahead of you if you time it right.
Taking red-eye flights is one of the most underrated travel hacks.
How Can I Make the Flight Bearable?
Many people skip out on the red-eyes because they worry that they'll be too uncomfortable. This is a reasonable fear. If you're too uncomfortable on planes or you worry you'll never sleep while flying, a red-eye can seem like a one-way trip to spending the first day of your vacation passed out in your hotel room reeling from jetlag.
We've got a few red-eye flight tips that might help.
Tip 1: Bring Comfort Items
Sleeping on a plane isn't as easy as sleeping in bed. You're going to want to sleep through your flight, so make it a comfy rest.
Many planes will provide you with a complimentary blanket and pillow, but these are usually flimsy things that are better suited as blankets for the beach or picnic blankets later on.
Bring your own blanket, even if it's thin, so that you can wrap up and be warm throughout the whole flight.
You can get plenty of comfort items to bring your trip up to the next level. Whether you need pillows, cushions, backrests, or more, there will be something to suit your needs. Check it out here!
Tip 2: Skip the Drinks
All flights have that snack and drink cart rolling around soon after the flight takes off. It's tempting to grab a coffee or a tea, especially when it's so late and you're so tired!
Remember, you want to sleep. Even a decaf coffee might trick your brain into thinking that it's wake-up time and your efforts to sleep through the night will be shot. If anything, opt for water or an herbal tea if they have one.
You might be thinking that alcohol is the answer, but you'd be wrong there too.
While a nightcap might make you sleepy, it can also do the opposite. With the inherent lack of hydration in the plane, you could get a headache before you get sleepy. Leave it to water or anything else that can leave you either neutral or relaxed.
Tip 3: Aim for a Window Seat
Ah, the treasured window seat. When you take a red-eye flight, you're more likely to get it. If you're able to choose seats, getting the window is worth it.
If you want to sleep through the night, you don't want to be jostled around. If you're on the end seat, you need to get up every time someone in the other seats needs to get up. You also might be accidentally nudged by the snack cart.
The middle seat is a bit better, but there's still one person at the window seat that may want to move around. Take the window and sleep freely. But where are you going to be when you wake up?
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh doesn't get enough credit. If you're going to take a flight somewhere overseas, this beautiful city is a great place to start.
It's full of monuments and castles to explore and the sea of green from every tall building is beautiful to see.
There are frequent festivals to engage in, the sound of bagpipes wafting through the air, and plenty of fun pubs and restaurants to check out. Definitely worth the red-eye.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a popular travel destination. It's affordable to stay and eat there and there are so many beautiful sights that if you can make it, you don't want to miss out.
You can stay in a beautiful villa that looks right onto the beaches. You can sign up for beachside fitness classes or just lounge in your infinity pool with a mimosa all morning.
The food is often made with fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables and it's more affordable than it would be in other popular destinations.
Bali gets a lot of tourism, check it out!
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is the city that everyone thinks of when they think of Japan. It's the country's modern cultural epicenter for everything from food, to fashion, to music.
Check out the Harajuku district for the famous street fashion that Tokyo is known for. The Akihabara district is full of toys, collectibles, and clothes in shops that may remind you of your favorite cartoons.
Or, venture just outside of the city for a more traditional side of Japan. When you leave the metro, you can visit smaller towns and cities. Without the cluster of the big city you'll be able to enjoy the shrines, nature, and the quiet peace that Japan has to offer.
Where Are You Going in 2021?
Are you taking a red-eye flight overseas in 2021? If you're able to, why not make it happen? Use these travel hacks to visit these awesome destinations in the new year. Start making your travel plans now!
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