Fly to Australia with Me!

How I survived a 22hr travel day

Okay, so many of you have probably take long trips like this before, but this was my first flight longer then, I dunno, 8 hours. This was big! And I am a person with anxious feelings. And every time I mentioned this trip to my mother, she got a worried face, and said “Oh, dear.” But here I am! I made it! Here’s how!

Step 1: Ride high on this image.

Step 2: Purchase compression socks. What do compression socks do? I don’t really know. In my head, they stop deep vein thrombosis, which is what killed Meryl Streep in my favorite movie of all time. If all movies were just this movie, I would be perfectly content.

Step 3: Upgrade your seat if you can. Not only does this mean you can lie down more easily on the 15hr leg from LAX to Australia, but it also means you have access to the lounge, where you can drink as many tiny cans of ginger ale as you want.

Step 4: Plan a good outfit. For me this meant double velour, aforementioned compression socks, and my new Books Are Magic fanny pack to hold my most important things, like my passport and my lip balm and my earphones.

Step 5: Stay awake as long as you can! I watched 14 movies. I watched Death Becomes Her, I watched Moonstruck, I watched Reality Bites. I wrote 1000 words of something. (Not my screenplay. I’m on strike!) I listened to 3/4 of Bill Bryson’s book about Australia.

Step 6: Take a sleeping pill. My husband bought me a headphone/sleeping mask combo that was wonderful. (Okay, he also bought me the compression socks. Step 0.5 is having a husband who can help take care of your anxiety.)

Step 7: Think about Winona Ryder’s perfect face.

Step 8: Don’t have black luggage. How will you ever know it’s yours?

Step 9: Be grateful to the Melbourne Book Festival for putting something edible in your welcome bag.

Off to explore until I pass out! G’day, everyone! I already say some wild kangaroos, so we’re off to a good start.