The British competed in a year's adventure in 2025, and many UK travelers say they prefer to make a big, annual long trip, rather than multiple short vacations. According to New Research by travel search engine Kayak, 41% of holiday searches are destinations outside of Europe, with Zimbabwe, South Africa and India taking top spots.
However, while long-distance travel is on the rise, flights themselves can be exhausting with limited internet access, restless legs, and seemingly endless hours ahead. However, one travel expert has the ultimate trick to make long-distance journeys feel shorter and more structured. He swears that every time.
Jamie, a travel expert at WildPacks, an American summer camp agency, frequently flies between Scotland and the United States. His secret weapon for tackling long flights is time blocking. This is a simple but effective way to split your journey into manageable chunks.
“Time blocking asks you to make time to focus on a specific task or activity. Long-range flights may seem daunting, but when you divide it into manageable chunks, it's far less intimidating,” Jamie explained.
By assigning different activities to specific time slots, passengers can develop structured plans that help them manage their energy levels, reduce boredom and shorten their flights. It's also a game changer for the family, with the young flyer eschewing the restlessness and the terrifying “Are we still there?” question.
Time blocking works by shortening the flight, breaking the journey to the section stops it from feeling endless.
It also reduces mental fatigue, constantly checking and wondering how to spend time.
Here is an example of the schedule Jamie will use on a 7-hour flight from Manchester to New York:
Time-Cutting (JFK) flight from Manchester to New York (7H 35m)
Take off for up to an hour – Avoid screen time, become comfortable and immerse yourself in the flight experience. 1 hour – determine food and drink options from the bar and dinner service. 1.5 hours – Enjoy some episodes of a movie or your favorite TV show. Depending on the movie and time. 6.5 hours – Start preparing for landing: check the transportation plan, final meal, and be excited about your arrival.
By following this structured approach, Jamie believes that long-distance flights can be a stress-free and even fun part of the travel experience. Next time you're facing a long journey, consider stopping your path to a smoother flight.
