Photo from Flickr by greenfaerietree

Unless you’ve fallen in love with a VW Camper and the lure of the open road, most backpacking trips will involve some flying. It will nearly always be a budget airline carrier who operates awkward routes such as Malaga to Morocco, or Bangkok to Phuket flights.

Short-haul budget flights mean no legroom, a prison-issue foam square pillow and a few noisy kids. It ain’t pretty, but when you’re travelling on a shoestring, it’s usually a case of cost over comfort. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make things a bit more bearable.

1) Wear flip flops, whatever the weather. When your feet puff up like soufflés, you won’t have to wedge them painfully back into shoes.

2) Every time you lick your lips on the flight, they get a little bit drier and sorer. Lip balm is your saviour.

3) Don’t wear jeans unless they’re baggy. Even slightly tight-fitting trousers are merciless. Nobody likes to witness to subtle groin/jean readjustment dance.

4) Bring your own headphones. You’ll probably pack an ipod or something anyway, but if you’ve got an in-flight entertainment system, standard airline headphones are rubbish, like two jaffa cakes stuck to either ear. Most planes now have standard single-hole plug for you to use your own headphones.

5) Pack a pair of socks. Even if the flight is only two hours or so, it’s so much comfier when your feet are snug and happy.

6) Take an eye mask. Just a throwaway cheapie will do. You might look a bit ridiculous but it means you can have the option of sleeping if you want to. The lights are only dimmed for takeoff and are otherwise too bright for sleeping.

7) Ear plugs. Screaming kids, in-flight announcements… you can pretend none of them exist.

8) Never pre-purchase the terrible in-flight meals when you book your flight. You’re allowed to take your own food on the flight, so grab a fancy sandwich before you board.

9) Take a hoodie or jumper with you, even if you don’t tend to get cold. It doubles up as an extra pillow that you can mould around your head and neck.

10) Last but not least: sleeping pills. Somewhat controversial, but if you’re hopping around Southeast Asia or South America, sensible use of certain pharmaceuticals can make the whole experience seem a breeze…