RECLINE & RELAX
6 TIPS FOR A MORE COMFORTABLE FLIGHT
WRITTEN BY GEORGE HOBICA
S
ome people settle with the idea that flying is an uncomfortable
experience, but that doesn’t need to be the case. And while there
might not be much you can do about nosey seatmates who steal
the armrest, here are some simple tips that can make your journey a
little more comfortable.
Oman
Oman has been dubbed the next Dubai, but has only a fraction of
the tourists. Beaches on the Arabian Sea, waterfalls and towering
mosques have airlines adding flights, remote luxury resorts open-
ing, and tour companies boosting their offerings. Head here for a
relaxing Middle Eastern escape, whether you want to experience
the desert, the ocean, or both.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Glaciers, waterfalls and cliffside walks are as close as Canada. Hike
national parks, whale watch and bird watch, and counter chilly
coastal breezes with warm Canadian locals happy to recommend
a seafood spot or outdoor wonder. Colorful fishing villages and
untouched landscapes make this eastern province a smart
alternative to popular Alaska glaciers.
Houston
Texas is having a moment, thanks to evolving cities like diverse
Houston — a newly bike-able hub that’s dotted with beer gardens,
museums, manicured parks, and dining options rivaling those in
packed cities like New York and Los Angeles. Houston is affordable
and undiscovered by most tourists, with a walkable downtown
historic district (Market Square), as well as a Midtown rife with
high-end eateries and breweries.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has
been a bucket-
list travel-spot
in-waiting since
its decades-long
civil war ended
in 2009. The
island nation is
a triple-threat
destination,
with safari drives, tea plantations and white-sand beaches
beckoning visitors from around the world. Enjoy Indian-influenced
seafood; learn about the local Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim
communities; and spot elephants and jaguars in Yala National
Park. The Sri Lankan people are eager to share their customs
and are easily accessible if you opt for a local-led tour. B
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANE
We all look at flight times and prices, but have you ever considered the
plane make and model? If not, maybe you should. If you are prone to
altitude sickness when flying, buy a seat on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or
the Airbus A350. The cabins on these planes are pressurized about 2,000
feet lower than on other commercial airliners. You’ll find that you breathe
easier and sleep better on long flights. The interiors of these planes are also
more humid so your nasal passages and eyes, if you wear contacts, will be
more comfortable.
CENTER YOURSELF
If you’re prone to air sickness, try to get a seat over the wings. It’s like
sitting on the fulcrum of a seesaw: There’s less motion up and down.
PLUG ’EM UP
Wear ear plugs, and not just when you're trying to
sleep. You may not realize how loud the engines are
because the sound comes off as background noise,
but according to the American Speech-Language-
Hearing Association (ASHA), the sound is typically
around 85 decibels (dB) at cruising and can reach
120 dB at takeoff and landing. The sound could affect
your sleep, or unknowingly cause stress. If the sound
really bothers you, pick a seat in front of the wings,
which tends to be a little quieter.
SHUT IT OUT
Eye shades are great for sleeping, especially
as seat mates may have the glowing
screens of their phones, laptops or
seat-back TVs turned on during the
flight. PRO TIP: Eye shades also do the
trick for avoiding a talkative seatmate.
NO DRINKS ONBOARD
Hate to kill the fun, but you should avoid
drinking alcohol too. Sure, it may ease your
nerves, but flying already makes you dehydrated
and alcohol only exacerbates the problem. Save
the booze for a toast upon your arrival.
MONITOR SCREEN TIME
Finally, limit (or even go without) screen time.
The blue screens and light can impact your sleep.
Instead, kick it old school with a good book.
Or, better yet, a boring one if shuteye is your goal.
(201) BRIDE | WINTER/SPRING 2018
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