Crossing a dream destination off your bucket list is a hard-to-beat feeling. You’ve finally saved up, bought your tickets, and the only thing standing between you and that tropical beach or snowy mountain town is a full day (or two) of airplane travel. So how can you ensure that a cringe-worthy amount of hours on a plane doesn’t suck the fun out of your trip? All it takes is a little bit of preparedness to ensure a smooth, manageable and worry-free flight. As the holiday season enters full swing, here’s some of our accumulated experience.

1. Bring your own empty water bottle

2. B.Y.O. Snacks

Many travelers don’t realize that TSA allows you to bring your own snacks on the plane–with a few restrictions. Something protein-packed like unsalted mixed nuts or granola bars work great (avoiding extra salty food will help you stay hydrated). You’re even allowed to bring packaged fruits, cheese and wrapped sandwiches as long as it goes through the x-ray. Do everyone a favor and avoid smelly foods, though, no one wants to be that person (or sit next to them).

3. Lay off the sauce

We’ve already established that flying, in general, can make you dehydrated. Well, guess what else does? Alcohol. Anyone who’s accidentally combined jet lag with a hangover will adamantly advise against it. Find other ways to relax like safe sleep aids, listening to music or a meditation app (just remember, if you use an app or podcasts make sure it works in flight mode before you leave, and download your favorites if it doesn’t). If you do choose to indulge in a drink or two, make sure you’re supplementing it with plenty of water.
Side note: If you’re a nervous flyer and use booze to calm your nerves, it helps to arm yourself with knowledge before taking off. The internet is ripe with useful information about the inner workings of airplane technology, and it’s pretty interesting.

4. Layer up!

Airlines don’t always provide blankets on long flights (and let’s face it, even a slight germaphobe isn’t touching those things). There’s nothing worse than being on a freezing plane with hours left to go, so don’t forget your blankets, socks, sweatshirts, or anything else that will help keep you warm.

5. Stock up on essentials

• Bringing a USB battery pack along while traveling is always a good idea, and it can help in a pinch if you end up in a seat with no USB charging port.
• To aid in avoiding dehydration, bring some electrolyte tablets, chapstick, saline nasal spray, or lotion.
• Try not to think about all the germs floating around inside the flying metal tube full of strangers–just bring along some vitamin c and hand sanitizer/wipes.
• Throw a pen into your carry-on to avoid awkwardly asking your neighbors for one when it’s time to fill out immigration forms (or, bring a few extra pens to help make friends).
• Don’t forget a travel pillow or eye mask for red-eye flights.
• A 10-hour flight can seem like an eternity with a baby crying in your ear the whole time–headphones or earplugs are a must.

6. Choose your seat wisely

Use sites like Seat Guru to pick the best seat (or avoid the less-than-ideal ones). Exit row and premium seats may be worth the extra money and effort on long flights, but it all depends on your budget. If turbulence makes you queasy or anxious, pick a seat over the wing (being in the center of the aircraft actually provides a smoother ride).

7. Keep the important stuff in your carry on

If you’ve never had an airline lose your luggage before, consider yourself very lucky. Keeping toiletries, medications, underwear and basically anything you’d be super uncomfortable without for a few nights inside your carry-on is a no brainer.

8. Don’t assume anything

While this advice really applies to all aspects of life, it’s especially useful while traveling. Don’t take it as fact if your flight advertises in-flight entertainment. I’ve been on plenty of flights where the entertainment system fails–and it’s pretty low on the list of priorities for a flight crew (personally I’d rather have them focused on safety). So stock up on some reading material, movies and music on your personal device so you’re not left to your own thoughts for 10+ hours straight.

9. Move around

Keep that blood circulating. Take a walk to the bathroom or up and down the aisles to stretch your legs. The CDC recommends getting up every 2-3 hours and/or wearing compression socks while traveling large distances to prevent blood clots.

10. Stay positive!

Remember, only you have the power to let something insignificant ruin your trip. Nobody enjoys a delayed flight or lack of drink service during turbulence, but these things are almost always due to safety reasons over which the flight attendants or desk agents have no control. Travel is an experience denied to many, so be grateful for the adventure and try not to complain.