Flights are not the most exciting things one can do. While you can watch the clouds pass by or watch an in-flight movie, you may lose interest fairly early on. However, there are many things you can do to make a flight more interesting. Here are just a few to get you started.

Read

There’s no better time to read a book than on a plane! Even short flights are great for reading, as you can get through a few chapters in no time. Bring a book you really enjoy and the time will fly by quickly, making the flight a successful one. Or, bring a book that will teach you something. In just a short time, you could be well on your way to gaining some important knowledge.

Work

Of course, if you want to get ahead, try spending some time working on the plane. This can be really useful for people who are traveling for business, as working on the plane allows you to have an easier time relaxing as you disembark. Just keep in mind that in-flight Wi-Fi is not always free and may not be very reliable; you should prepare to work mostly offline when possible.

Sleep

Depending on your flight’s length, departure time, and whether you’re crossing any time zones, it can be a good idea to sleep on the plane. However, planes are not always the most comfortable, and the provided pillows and blankets may not be sanitary. Make sure to bring everything you need to sleep well, so you know you’ll sleep well.

Create

Like to write or draw? Flying may not be the ideal time to polish a piece, but it can be a great time to start a rough draft. Get in the zone and let your creativity run wild. The flight will pass relatively quickly once you get started.

Itinerary

It’s never a bad idea to run over your itinerary while on the plane. This can be a big plus if you have a complicated trip with one or more layovers. It is also a big benefit if you have activities or meetings planned on the same day as your arrival.

By choosing a few activities to bide your time, you’ll set yourself up for an interesting and productive flight. Next time you travel by plane, don’t rely solely on entertainment to pass the time. Instead, try planning out 1-3 activities you would enjoy while flying.

When traveling, not many people consider how they’re going to get to their destination. However, it can be important to weigh the pros and cons of each method, to make your travels as smooth as possible. Let’s break down a few of the most common forms of transportation and their positives and negatives.

Plane

Pros

Flying by planes is one of the most common forms of transportation. You can travel nearly everywhere in the world by plane, making it a top choice for people looking to travel internationally. Within some countries, you can also travel by plane, making it a good choice for people living in larger nations. Flying also means you can truly be a passenger, as the time between takeoff and landing won’t be interrupted.

Cons

Everyone knows the disappointment of flying with a crying baby, but that’s not the only negative. The cost of flights can be incredibly high, especially if you’re traveling a reasonably short distance. Additionally, security checks can be tedious and take a long time, meaning you can easily spend more time getting screened and waiting around than flying.

Car

Pros

Unlike any other form of transportation on this list, you have full control over your itinerary when you travel by car. You can make stops as often as you need to, you can eat what you like, and you won’t be surrounded by total strangers.

Cons

Traffic is the biggest inconvenience when driving. Missing exits or having to stop for gas can also be an inconvenience. Furthermore, you can’t fully relax while driving somewhere, so your vacation won’t really start until you arrive at your destination.

Train

Pros

Train rides are very scenic and can be an experience in and of themselves. Some can also be reasonably priced, compared to flights. Trains can go shorter distances than planes, making them a good choice for short-term trips. Additionally, trains are a great form of transportation if you’re looking to travel to several places in a close geographical area.

Cons

Train rides can be expensive at times, so you’ll have to carefully map out your plans ahead of time. Trains may also take longer to reach their destinations, and you still may have to deal with crying children.

Bus

Pros

Bus rides are similar to trains in that they are a great option for shorter distances and spontaneous travel. Buses also tend to be one of the more inexpensive choices. You also may have fewer limitations on bringing on food and drinks, and you know where your luggage will be the entire time.

Cons

Buses are slow and can run into traffic just as easily as cars. This means traveling by bus is not always a reliable option when your itinerary is time-sensitive. And, just as with trains and planes, buses may be uncomfortable and have annoying passengers.

Next time you travel, think carefully about how you want to get to and from your destination. Make sure you pick the option that works best for you, as transportation can make or break the start and end of your vacation.