I lived abroad in Taipei from 2003 to 2008 and I currently travel internationally on a regular basis for work. Here are some tips that have helped me make the 10+ hour long flights more tolerable.
My wife and I on our way to Singapore.
Pack light and bring only a small backpack.
Bring healthy snacks.
Always get an aisle seat. This lets you get up and stretch or walk around whenever you need to without debating whether or not to make your neighbor get up again.
Do not help people lift their heavy bags into the overhead compartments unless absolutely necessary. This might seem rude, but after the first time you throw out your back or strain your arm you’ll know why I make this recommendation.
Don’t eat everything they give you and sometimes order the vegetarian option. Plus you'll get your food before everyone else that way.
Wear comfortable clothes with easily accessible pockets.
Bring plenty of tissue and hand sanitizer.
Set your watch to the local destination time before you get on the plane.
Drink plenty of water and a decent amount of alcohol. Having a few beers helps you pass out. Getting even a few hours of deep sleep makes a huge difference upon your arrival.
Get a seat towards the front of the airplane. This way get are first in line when it’s time to get off.
Buy a pair of in-ear noise canceling headphones. They are totally worth the price and are not as bulky as over the ear headphones.
Download a few audiobooks onto your phone before you fly. It’s a much better experience to listen to books instead of turning on your light, disturbing people and reading. Plus you don’t have to carry extra weight.
Make friends with the flight attendants. They will hook you up with water, food, and alcohol. They also have some pretty entertaining stories.
Go to the bathroom first and at off-times. There is definitely a rush of people going to use the bathrooms right after they pick up your trays and just before landing.
Bring a face-refreshing spray. Otherwise the air in the plane will dry out your skin.
Bring your toothbrush and a small tube of tooth paste.
Use the airline provided pillow as a lower-back support. Instead, find a good travel pillow. Try them out in the store and find one you like as they come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and materials. The blow-up ones save space, but can pop over time. The ones that snap in front can support your head from falling forward, but are bulky and irritating.
Use a beanie or an eye cover in case it’s too bright in the place for you to sleep. I prefer the beanie because I can cover up my messy hair after arrival and it pulls down over my eyes for napping.
After you finish all of the new releases, try out a few of the foreign films. You’ll be surprised how many good movies are in there.
Safe travels!
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