How To Be Productive While Flying + 5 Travel Destinations

I recently came across the saying that "plane time is game time". Instead of using a 2, 5 or even a 10 hour flight to watch Netflix or play Candy Crush, use it as time to create, brainstorm, and refuel yourself.

High achievers don't blame their circumstances for their current level of productivity. They apply focus and take deliberate actions to achieve productivity. They take advantage of every possible opportunity to set a game plan and expand their thinking. They don't let the fact that they are 40,000 feet in the air take away their focus. This is their time to get ahead when most will take this time to chill out. Now I am not saying that watching a show or playing Word Cookies for a few minutes is bad, I do this myself when traveling and it's good to have a brief break to clear your mind and have fun, but those activities shouldn't take up the whole allotted traveling time. Instead of getting on the plane and maybe moving up a couple levels on your favorite game, it is just as easy and way more satisfying if you read 10 pages in a self-development book and took a page of notes. Which activity has the capability of transforming your future. If you have goals then it's time to start looking at how you spend your time and energy.

On the past few flights I've been on I've taken the time to briefly observe the other passengers and try and get an idea of how they are going to be spending their flight time. Most will honestly spend the whole flight on their phone, others whip out some fictional romance or Harry Potter book. After observing these fliers, I got to thinking how these very same people complain how they aren't achieving what they want in life, and they just aren't getting ahead. Success has nothing to do with luck and what family you were born into. It has everything to do with attitude and habits.

Today, as traveling season for the new school year approaches and soon after that the holiday season, I want to share with you my favorite ways to stay productive while flying.

Plan ahead. Like anything in life, the only way it will get accomplished is if you write it down. If you want to have productive flight time, then it starts with having an idea of what you want to accomplish. Whether it be creating your blogs editorial calendar, or creating a biz presentation, or filling out you planner for the next week. Whatever it is, walk onto the plane with a game plan. 

Pre-download podcasts and inspirational talks. This is a tip that I love doing. I always have so many podcasts I want to try, but of course I can't just sit down for five hours and listen to five podcasts. Flight time can be great podcast listening time. Before heading to the airport, take some time to download some self-development or maybe some fitness podcasts. (updated podcast list coming soon!)

Get to work immediately. As the cabin prepares for takeoff, since you can't have your bigger electronics out at this time, get yourself ready for work mode by plugging in and reviewing your to-do list.

Plug into motivating music. Pick out a couple pump up songs that really gets your creativity and motivation going. When working I like to play my blogging playlist in the background, because it's a combination of various instrumental music. This helps me really focus my attention and blocks out all those little plane distractions.

Stay hydrated. Keeps me focused. Airline travel creates an increased need for adequate hydration as the travel environment contributes to significant water loss. Dehydration often exaggerates jet lag, which doesn't help in your productivity. So, avoid the sodas and bring your own water bottle. Of course you will need to keep it empty while going through security, but afterwards go fill it up at Starbucks or a drinking fountain. It's said that for every hour flying, you need to replenish with 8 ounces of water.

Create lists. Dream build. I am a list maker. My notes on my phone are even sub categorized. Everything from blog post ideas, future outline for my book, to my seasonal wish list. I have lists for everything. One list that I love writing and I actually started writing it on a plane ride, is my dreams list. I guess you could think of it as a bucket list. If you've never given any thought to what you would love to accomplish, do, see, and achieve in life, then this next flight would be a great time for you to think about it. If money, time, & fear wasn't involved, what would you put on that list.

Read food for the mind. Flight time is an awesome time to knock out another book on your to-read list. It seems like everyday my list grows! I have so many fictional books that I want to read, but I've learned that no matter how fun those books are, they aren't going to expand or challenge my thinking in the way I need in order to accomplish my goals. Grow your mind, change your life. Here are two of my favorite lists to grab book suggestions from: girlboss books & entrepreneur books.

Now, I of course couldn't talk about flying without bringing up some of my top future travel destinations! I love finding new places to add to my bucket list so hopefully you get inspired by some of these GORGEOUS places!!!

What are your top travel spots domestic or international? Any flying tips you want to pass along?