So, you’ve packed your bags, downloaded your tickets, loaded up your car and you’re about to leave your house. That’s when it hits you, “what the heck are we going to do for 9 hours on a plane”?
The first couple times I flew internationally I was truly excited to board the plane, get in my seat and dive into all the movies the airline had to offer. I loved having my very own mini movie theater all to myself. — I still love it!
But, movies come and go. And unfortunately, if you fly often, you’ll start to realize that sometimes the movie selection the airline provides doesn’t always go or come as quickly as you’d like. That coupled with the fact that you may not want to watch an uncensored version of Deadpool 2 with someone’s toddler setting next to you might change your mind on what you feel appropriate watching on a plane.
But have no fear! We have the answer. …or a few of them anyway.
OPTION 1 – Books on Tape (remember those)
Nowadays books on tape are a thing of the past, but downloadable options like Audible are the perfect way to brave the friendly skies. They have thousands of titles, categories and options to choose from and better yet you won’t have to worry about covering your screen when that uncomfortable sex scene comes on. P.S. It’s even worse when the captain announces something over the PA in the middle of that scene and your screen locks up…yup, had that happen once.
One other thing I love about Audible is if you do have a long flight and end up falling asleep, to you can simply rewind your book when you wake up and pick-up where you left off.
Do make sure you download your titles prior to liftoff however, it can be a real drag to put your headphones in only to realize you forgot to queue anything up. – Use the link below to download Audible now.
OPTION 2 – Get Yourself a Podcast
Podcasts are always a great thing to keep in your back pocket for any occasion. I can’t count how many times I’ve been on a plane, or in a cab, or behind someone in line at the grocery store…I digress. Podcasts are great, short-format, content that can keep you entertained for hours if necessary. Below are some of my favorites.
Lore:
You may have seen Lore on Netflix or Amazon Prime, but Lore the podcast, in my opinion, is even better. Why? Because you get to visualize the stories in your own mind, and the narrator has a voice that will quite literally lull you into the reality of the story.
Lore dives into dark historical tails (werewolves, vampires, witches and the like) and put the spin of reality on them by telling the history behind how these mysteries became, well, lore.
This American Life:
Always a fall-back for me. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a bad podcast from them. This American Life is typically an hour long (great for flights) and usually takes on a 3-act theme where each act covers a different story. The stories unfold as documentary-styled interviews and each one is compelling, intriguing, and has you begging for more. It’s been around since 1995, and has hundreds of episodes to choose from. Start from the beginning or pick one at random, you won’t be disappointed.
Serial:
Originally airing in 2014, Serial centers around a 1999 murder of a high school student. It documents the investigation and trial in a real-time feeling that will have you begging for the next episode. Season 1 is by far my favorite, season 3 is great as well. For some reason I couldn’t get into season 2, but that didn’t stop me from listening to season 1 again!
Up and Vanished:
Similar to Serial, Up and Vanished is a real-time disappearance investigation that’s documented week-by-week. Very quickly you’ll get drawn in, and once you’re there there’s no going back. There’s something about the narrator that keeps me coming back for more.
OPTION 3 – Download Some Netflix
Is it sad to say that I didn’t even realize this feature was available until about a year ago? At home Netflix is our go-to TV outlet. What I didn’t know is that you can download entire seasons of content right to your phone (or whatever mobile device you prefer to use)!
Before a trip I’ll generally stock-up on good programs and then binge them throughout the trip, both one the plane and at the hotel if I’m staying in a place that doesn’t have English-speaking programs.
The other great/interesting thing about Netflix is that each country has different content that you can download. Soooo… Once you get to your hotel room, in say, Amsterdam, log onto the wifi and see if they have anything new. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve watched entire seasons of content in one week away from the States.
OPTION 4 – Get Crafty
If you’re the creative type, a long-haul flight might be just the thing to get focus on what inspires you! Michaele often crochet’s or journals, while I get out a pencil and paper and draw/illustrate (okay, sometimes I’ll use iPad and Procreate, but you get the idea). Whatever your into, if it’s your passion, it can be a great way to pass 2-3 hours without even blinking.
Hopefully these ideas will keep you busy and inspired through your next travel adventures. What do you do to keep entertained? Post a comment or email us. We’d love to hear from you, and if it’s a really good idea maybe we’ll even write about it (giving you credit of course)!
Cheers,
-Casey
