When a trip I’m taking involves more than 10 hours of travel time – not counting any unforeseen delays – I approach it much differently than a quick flight within the continental U.S. or one that takes me from coast to coast. Spending the better part of a day getting to and from a destination is taxing, but add an overnight leg to the journey, a lengthy layover or an impossibly long flight to the mix, and it’s easy to end up cranky, tired, hungry or bored to tears. But none of those things have to happen.

I recently took a trip that involved a five-hour red-eye followed by a six-hour layover and another three-hour flight, and the experience got me thinking about tips for travelers on long-haul journeys. Here’s a list of ideas to help you the next time you’re embarking on such an adventure:

1. Food: Bring it with you. Don’t count on the airline to provide anything except the seat you’re sitting in. I always pack granola bars and make a sandwich or pick up something post-security at the airport before boarding a plane. (And though this may sound like a small point, I’d recommend skipping extras like tomatoes, lettuce and other sog-inducing veggies. There’s nothing quite as depressing mid-flight as a squishy sammie with wet, disintegrating edges.)

2. Drugs: Few travel experts will ever recommend over-the-counter remedies in public forums – it’s just such a touchy subject – but I’m trying to keep it real here. Almost everyone I know who travels long distances takes something to help them sleep. As long as your body can handle it, a safe (and legal) sleeping aid can make all the difference when you’re in the air for six or more hours. Just make sure to stow all your valuables and buckle your seat belt before you zonk out.

3. Noise-canceling headphones: I can’t praise this wonder of modern technology enough. Yes, they can be expensive (it’s really nice when your husband’s client gives him a pair for Christmas and he never uses them, so they become yours). But don a pair during your next long-haul flight, and I doubt you’ll ever go back. Suddenly, sniffling neighbors, crying babies, yapping seatmates and beverage-yielding carts become muted rumblings largely obscured by white noise. Oh yeah, they make music sound great, too.

4. The outside world: When an extra-long layover threatens your sanity, find out whether it’s feasible to venture outside the airport and into a nearby town for a few hours. Most airports in major cities around the world will have a decent means of transport for reaching the city center. Instead of spending five hours haunting the waiting area by your gate, you could see a new place – even if you only have time to grab a bite to eat before heading back to the airport.

5. Airport lounges: If leaving the airport is unfeasible for some reason – or even if it’s just something you simply don’t feel like doing – check with the airport’s lounges. In many cases, paying the day pass fee is worthwhile, especially when you’re traveling outside the United States. While many U.S. lounges offer basic business services, snacks and a place to hang out, international lounges are known for providing more extensive amenities, including showers, full-service restaurants, spa treatments and free cocktails.

6. Airport hotels: These days, more and more airports have onsite hotels designed to accommodate travelers with long layovers. In the UK, Yotel is leading this trend. In Amsterdam, check out Citizen M. But even a good, old-fashioned budget hotel near an airport will do the trick. On a recent trip that challenged me with a six-hour layover after an overnight red-eye, I headed for the nearest Days Inn, got a relatively cheap $79/night rate and passed out for four hours. Later, the hotel’s free airport shuttle took me back to the airport in time for my flight. Already checked in, I just headed to the gate with my boarding pass. It made all the difference when I reached my destination later that day. If you plan to do this, keep in mind that an unannounced 5 a.m. arrival can throw some hotel front desk staff for a loop. I’d recommend researching your options before the trip, calling the hotel directly to make a reservation and then confirming your reservation the day before you arrive.

How do you triumph over the traumas of long-haul travel? If you’ve got a great tip, share it with us. Or email me at lsanders (at) kayak (dot) com.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 5th, 2008 at 4:35 pm and is filed under Air Travel, Hotels, Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.