Brits are set for a year of adventure in 2025, with many UK travellers saying they prefer taking one big long-haul trip per year instead of multiple shorter getaways. According to new research by Kayak, a travel search engine, 41% of holiday searches have been for destinations outside of Europe, with Zimbabwe, South Africa and India clinching the top spots.
However, while long-haul travel is on the rise, the flights themselves can be exhausting, with limited internet access, restless legs, and seemingly endless hours ahead. But one travel expert has the ultimate trick to make long-haul journeys feel shorter and more structured, and he swears by it every time.
Jamie, a travel expert with WildPacks, an American summer camp agency, frequently flies between Scotland and the US. His secret weapon for tackling lengthy flights is time-blocking, a simple but effective way to break the journey into manageable chunks.
“Time blocking asks you to set aside time to focus on a given task or activity. Any long-haul flight can seem daunting, but when you divide it into manageable chunks, it becomes far less intimidating,” Jamie explained.
By assigning different activities to specific time slots, passengers can create a structured plan that helps manage energy levels, reduce boredom, and make the flight feel shorter. It’s also a game-changer for families, helping younger fliers avoid restlessness and the dreaded “Are we there yet?” questions.
Time blocking works by making flights feel shorter, breaking the journey into sections stops it from feeling endless.
It also reduces mental fatigue and prevents constantly checking the time or wondering how to pass the hours.
Here’s an example schedule Jamie would use on a seven-plus hour flight from Manchester to New York.
Time-Blocking a Manchester to New York (JFK) Flight (7h 35m)
- Take-off to 1 hour – Avoid screen time, get comfortable, and soak in the flying experience.
- 1 hour in – Decide on food and drink choices from the bar or dinner service.
- 1.5 hours in – Enjoy a film or a few episodes of a favourite TV show.
- 3 hours in – Take 1.5 hours of screen-free time with a book, puzzles, or an audiobook—or take a nap.
- 4.5 hours in – Snack time with something brought from the airport.
- 5 hours in – More sleep or another movie, depending on the time of day.
- 6.5 hours in – Begin preparing for landing: check transport plans, final meals, and get excited for arrival.
- 7 hours in – Listen to a feel-good playlist themed to the destination and enjoy the final descent.
By following this structured approach, Jamie believes any long-haul flight can become a stress-free and even enjoyable part of the travel experience. So next time you’re facing a long journey, consider time-blocking your way to a smoother flight.
