7 Long Haul Flight Tips
Essentials, Survival Hacks & Long Haul Flight Essentials
At Wild Packs, we have been connecting young people across the UK (and internationally!) with their dream USA summer camp counsellor jobs for over 15 years. We work with 300+ ACA-accredited camps across the States, providing FREE meals and accommodation, and a 30-day free travel period once camp ends with your J-1 Visa.
Before you kickstart your post-camp travels or begin your camp adventure, you’ll likely face one hurdle: the dreaded long haul flight. Whether you’re flying from London to Camp Timber Lake West in New York or Glasgow to Red Pine Camp in Wisconsin, we’ve got you covered with all the essentials you need for surviving a long haul flight.
Throughout this guide, we’ll share:
- Long haul flight essentials
- How to survive a long haul flight (comfortably!)
- Long haul flight tips for dressing, eating and sleeping
- How Wild Packs simplifies travelling for your summer camp counsellor role
Let’s dive in!
Ready to start your USA camp counsellor summer journey? At Wild Packs, we make flights & logistics simple, supporting you with expert advice & professional tips on long haul flight essentials. Visit our Flights & Logistics page for a comprehensive guide to booking your American adventure! |
1. What to Wear on a Long Haul Flight
One of the best long haul flight tips is dressing for comfort and practicality. What you wear can seriously impact your flying experience, especially if you’re taking an overnight flight spending 8+ hours in the air.
Here’s what to wear on your long haul travel for an enjoyable flight:
- Soft, breathable layers – Think joggers, oversized hoodies and loose clothing. Cabin temperatures fluctuate often, so being able to layer up or down is a travel essential.
- Compression socks – Studies have shown that long haul flights can lead to increased risk of blood clots, so a pair of compression socks is a must-have to reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
- Slip-on shoes – Easy to remove for comfort but supportive when moving through the airport.
- Avoid restrictive clothing – Trust us, the last thing you want to be wearing is skinny jeans when you’re 35,000 feet in the air.
The J-1 Visa is the ticket to your dream USA summer camp counsellor position & at Wild Packs, we provide all the details you need to make it happen. Visit our guide on J-1 Visas: Everything You Need to Know to understand the entire process, from application to approval, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your summer camp counsellor role. |
2. Long Haul Flight Essentials: What to Pack
If you’re wondering how to survive a long haul flight, packing the right carry-on bag makes all the difference. These long haul flight essentials will keep you comfortable, entertained and prepared from take-off to landing.
Here’s what to pack in your carry-on for a smooth long haul flight:
- Neck pillow & eye mask – Absolute musts for getting a good night’s sleep in an upright seat.
- Noise-cancelling headphones/earphones – Block out engine noise, crying babies or chatty seatmates.
- Reusable water bottle – Hydration is key during a long haul flight. Make sure to fill up after security!
- Snacks – Think granola bars, dried fruit and chewing gum for when your ears pop!
- Toiletries – Toothbrush, mini toothpaste, face wipes, moisturiser, lip balm and hand sanitiser help you feel refreshed mid-flight.
- Layers – Even if you’re already dressed smart (see tip 1), pack an extra hoodie or scarf for good luck.
- Chargers & travel adaptors – Don’t get stuck with a dead tablet or phone halfway through your movie marathon.
- Travel documents – Keep your passport, J-1 Visa paperwork and 4 months FREE medical insurance with Wild Packs in an easy to reach folder or pouch.
Our Ultimate USA Travel Guide is your one-stop resource for everything you need to know before your America summer camp counsellor position begins. From the best places to explore in your 30-day travel window to a comprehensive packing checklist, we’ve got you covered. |
3. How to Sleep on a Long Haul Flight
One of the biggest long haul flight essentials to consider is getting a decent night’s sleep – especially if you’re flying overnight or trying to shake off jet lag! Quality rest can make or break your summer camp counsellor experience, so it’s important you ensure your journey is restful and comfortable.
Here’s our long haul travel tips to ensure you get a quality night’s sleep:
- Pick the right seat – A window seat is the perfect place for an in-flight snooze, giving you something to lean on while avoiding being disturbed by other passengers.
- Use a travel pillow and eye mask – Two of the most underrated flight essentials; trust us, your neck and sanity will thank you!
- Noise-cancelling headphones/earphones – Tune out crying babies, chatty neighbours or loud plane noises for an excellent night’s sleep.
- Avoid caffeine and sugar – Drink plenty of water, juice or herbal tea to stay hydrated and relaxed.
Looking for the perfect USA summer camp for your first camp counsellor experience? Explore our Camp Directory, featuring 300+ ACA-accredited camps across the United States. Not only will you make lifelong friendships & gain valuable experience, but we also offer the highest industry-rate salary of minimum $2400! |
4. Long Flight Tips: Mid-Flight Freshness & Hygiene
One of the most underrated ways to survive a long haul flight is in-air hygiene. When you’re spending 8-12+ hours travelling for your American summer camp, feeling clean and comfortable can go a long way in helping you feel human throughout the journey.
Here’s our expert tips to staying fresh mid-flight with a mini-refresh kit in your carry-on:
- Face wipes – Perfect for removing that sticky, tired feeling after a few hours of recycled cabin air.
- Mini deodorant – Instant refresh that’ll help you keep confident from boarding to baggage claim.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste – Brushing your teeth mid-flight is an absolute game changer.
- Moisturiser and lip balm – Cabin air is ridiculously dry, so these will help keep your skin moisturised and hydrated.
- Dry shampoo or a hairbrush – Useful if you’ve got a layover or want to freshen up before your camp arrival.
At Wild Packs, we don’t just talk the talk – we walk the walk! Every member of our team has been a camp counsellor themselves, so we truly understand what it takes to thrive in a USA summer camp counsellor role. Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time for expert advice & guidance, from your application to navigating camp life. |
5. Travel Insurance: Essential Cover for Long Haul Flights
If you’re flying to the US to start your Wild Packs camp counsellor role this summer, ensuring you have travel and medical insurance is one of your most important long haul flight essentials. It protects you from unexpected costs while travelling and ensures you’re covered for the duration of your adventure.
Whether it’s a flight delay, lost baggage or unexpected illness, having travel insurance for summer camp gives you peace of mind. At Wild Packs, we make it simple:
- We provide 4 months FREE medical insurance, included in your Wildpacks fees.
- We offer full J-1 Visa support, from application to interview.
- Our expert team is always available for support and guidance, throughout camp and during your 30-day travel period.
At Wild Packs, we’re proud to offer summer camp counsellor roles to anyone in the world – not just those in the UK! Visit our Costs page to view our program fees, conveniently converted into multiple global currencies. No matter where you’re from, we’ve got you covered! |
6. What to Eat on a Long Haul Flight
It might not be top of your packing list, but planning your in-flight meals and your favorite snacks is one of the best long flight tips we can offer. Staying energised and avoiding mid-flight fatigue is essential to ensuring you’re refreshed and ready for your summer as a USA camp counsellor.
Here’s what to eat on a long haul flight and when to ensure you’re ready for your journey:
- Avoid heavy, greasy meals – Though that fry-up might be tempting, it’s best to skip fast food and opt for something light and filling, such as a wrap or a pasta.
- Eat small meals throughout the flight – This keeps your energy up without making you feel bloated or sluggish.
- Watch your sugar intake – Consuming too much sugar can leave you feeling jittery and tired later on.
- Stay hydrated – Drink water regularly, avoid caffeine and skip alcohol, especially if you want to sleep.
At Wild Packs, we have a wide range of summer camp counsellor roles to match your passions & interests. Whether you’re an expert in sports coaching, aquatic roles, horse riding or creative arts, we can find the perfect match for you to turn your hobbies into earnings this summer. Visit our Positions at Camp guide for more information! |
7. Long Flight Tips: Stay Active & Keep Stretching
Sitting in one position for hours on end is enough to leave anyone with some aches and pains. One of our recommended long haul flight essentials is to incorporate some in-flight stretches and simple movements to keep the blood flowing and your body feeling refreshed.
Here’s some ways you can stay active during a long haul flight:
- Walk around the cabin – Every few hours, get up and take a stroll around the aisle. This helps improve blood circulation and reduce risks of deep vein thrombosis (DV).
- Do simple seat exercises – Try ankle circles, knee lifts or seated leg stretches to keep your muscles energised.
- Stretch your arms and neck – Move your neck in circles, reach for the sky and stretch your arms to relieve tension.
With your J-1 Visa through Wild Packs, you can enjoy an exclusive 30 day free travel period after camp, giving you the chance to explore iconic American landmarks & vibrant US cities. Whether you’re dreaming of sightseeing in New York City or visiting the Grand Canyon, Wild Packs supports you to fully immerse yourself in USA culture. Visit our Travel Opportunities page for more information! |
Enjoy a Smooth Journey to Your Summer Camp Adventure with Wild Packs!
By following these long haul flight tips, you’ll be ready for a comfy, easy journey, no matter how long your flight may be. From packing the right long haul flight essentials to ensuring you’re hydrated, these simple steps will help you survive a long haul flight and arrive at your USA summer camp, fresh and ready for adventure.
Get ready to embark on the summer of a lifetime, where you’ll develop vital career skills, make lifelong friends and treasured memories. Apply today and start your USA summer camp counsellor adventure!