4. Surviving an International Flight

Traveling from Denver to Tel Aviv via Newark (United Airlines) involves a long-haul segment (10-12 hours overnight from EWR to TLV), crossing 9 time zones eastward.

Carry-On Bag Contents for the Flight
Focus on essentials for the long-haul flight from Denver to Tel Aviv. Ideas:

• Comfort Items: Neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs, compression socks to prevent swelling, light blanket or scarf.
• Entertainment and Productivity: Books (e.g., Bible or travel guides), downloaded movies/podcasts, journal for reflections, and games.
• Snacks and Hydration: Non-liquid snacks like nuts or energy bars, empty water bottle to fill post-security.
• Essentials: Passport, boarding pass, medications, charger, change of underwear, toothbrush/toothpaste (travel-sized).

Pre-Flight Preparation

• Dress for comfort: Wear loose, layered clothing (e.g., leggings, hoodie) to handle changes in cabin temperature. 
• Bring compression socks to reduce swelling.
• Hydrate and rest: Start drinking extra water days before. Avoid alcohol/caffeine pre-flight. Get good sleep the night prior—arrive rested.
• Essentials kit: Pack noise-canceling headphones/earplugs, eye mask, neck pillow, moisturizer, lip balm, toothbrush, and snacks (e.g., nuts, fruit) since airline meals may be limited.
• Pre-adjust for jet lag: A few days before, shift bedtime earlier by 1-2 hours nightly. Set your watch/phone to Israel time upon boarding.

In-Flight Strategies

• Stay hydrated and eat light: Drink water (avoid heavy/salty meals to avoid dehydration and bloating.
• Move regularly: Walk the aisle every 1-2 hours and do stretches (ankle circles, shoulder rolls) to improve circulation.
• Sleep strategically: The EWR-TLV leg departs afternoon US time but aligns with Israel evening/night—dim lights, use eye mask/headphones, and try to sleep most of the flight to arrive at "morning" local time.
• Entertainment and relaxation: Download movies/podcasts/apps beforehand (United has in-flight screens, but personal options help). Avoid screens if aiming for sleep.
• Freshen up: Brush teeth, use facial wipes, and change into fresh clothes/socks mid-flight for a refreshed feel.

Combating Jet Lag (Eastward Travel to Israel, +9 Hours)
Eastbound flights often hit harder—expect fatigue as your body "loses" time.

• On the plane: Sleep if it's nighttime in Israel (your outbound overnight flight is ideal for this).
• Upon arrival: Expose yourself to morning sunlight.  Stay active all day—no long naps (limit to 20-30 minutes if needed).
• First days: Get natural light; stay moving in the day time, consider low-dose melatonin to sleep at night.
• General recovery: Jet lag typically lasts a few days.

The next blog covers shopping and souvenirs