Travel hacks can make life on the go much easier, which is especially helpful for those who travel often for business or pleasure. Luckily, flight attendants and pilots, who spend endless hours in the air and in hotels, use social media to share their tips with others. For example, a pilot revealed a personal routine he follows to ensure a better night’s sleep.
Travel Hack from a Pilot: Expert Tips for a Smoother Trip
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Pilot Ron Wagner shared a helpful travel tip on Quora for those struggling with sleep disorientation. This condition is common among frequent travelers or those who regularly sleep in unfamiliar places, often waking up confused about their location. Wagner describes a simple hack he personally uses to overcome this problem.
Travel Hack to Prevent Confusion:
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Wagner’s practical travel tip is to leave the bathroom light on when staying in hotels or unfamiliar places. The light will help you navigate the room more easily in the dark, making it easier to adjust to your environment and, hopefully, avoid any confusion or panic upon waking.
The Pilot’s Reasoning:
“The room was completely dark, and I needed to use the bathroom. I lay there, wide awake, searching for any visual clue. Nothing. Just utter darkness,” he recalls, explaining the inspiration behind his travel hack. “I couldn’t even remember the city, let alone figure out how to get up. Where was the wall? Where was the lamp? Which direction to the bathroom?”
Adding Perspective:
He went on to explain, “The trick is to leave the bathroom light on and crack the door just a little. The light coming through that small gap will help you get your bearings.” However, Wagner clarifies that it’s not just the bathroom light that works; any light source will do the trick.
The Ultimate Travel Hack You’ve Been Missing
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He added, “If the curtains already block out the light, you won’t need to worry about this, so the real trick is ensuring there’s some sliver of light somewhere to help you remember your surroundings.” He continued, “Even so, there were still times I woke up unsure of what city I was in. But it turns out that just a few visual cues in that little bit of light were enough to jog my memory.”
Sleep Disorientation:
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While sleep disorientation isn’t an official medical term, Very Well Health highlights a related phenomenon known as confusional arousal. Around 20% of both adults and children experience some form of this, typically occurring during the transition from deep sleep to wakefulness. The cause is believed to be linked to brain function, as “different regions of the brain fail to communicate fully,” according to VWH. “As a result, some parts of the brain remain asleep while others suddenly wake up.”
Recognizing Sleep Disorientation:
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Symptoms include:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Aggression
- Staring blankly without speaking
- Appearing to “look through” someone
- Slurred or confused speech
Although it may seem alarming, confusional arousal typically lasts for short periods, usually around 10 minutes, according to VWH.
A Forum for Information:
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Wagner shared his travel tip on Quora. While the reliability of information on the forum can vary, it was created to help people “gain and share knowledge.” Regardless, Wagner’s experience as a pilot adds credibility to his advice, making it valuable for avoiding confusion in unfamiliar places. He’s not the only airline professional offering useful travel hacks. Tips on Quora range from ensuring a smooth flight and being ready for changes in plans, to packing efficiently. Here are some more helpful travel tips to help reduce stress while on the road.
Hold Onto Valuables:
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Never pack anything you wouldn’t be comfortable losing in your checked luggage. This includes valuable items, sentimental possessions, or important documents like your passport. It’s risky to leave irreplaceable items in someone else’s hands, as not everyone will handle your belongings with the same care you would.
Have a Financial Cushion:
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Travel plans don’t always go as expected, so it’s wise to have a backup budget with a few hundred dollars ready. This can come in handy if you need to book a last-minute hotel or grab a meal if your flight gets delayed.
Bring a Power Strip: A Must-Have for Convenient Travel
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Although it may sound a bit too much, this travel tip can be a lifesaver when you arrive at your gate only to find there are no available plugs. By politely asking someone if they’d be willing to swap their charger for your power strip, you can create extra outlets and guarantee that you’ll always have a way to charge your devices before a lengthy flight.
Write It Down:
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It’s smart to note down the address of your destination on paper to input into your GPS or hand to your driver. This ensures they have the correct details. This tip applies to all aspects of your travels, whether it’s for hotel bookings or planned activities. Also, picking up a few business cards from your hotel can be helpful for sharing the address with drivers during your tour.
If you prefer, you can store the information on your phone. However, it’s better to save it in your notes instead of relying on an email, as you may not have service or Wi-Fi until you arrive at your location.
Travel Hack for Packing:
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