So You Want to Escape to Melbourne from LA? Here's the Lowdown on Flight Time (and Maybe Avoiding Jet Lag)
Ever looked at a picture of a koala chilling on a eucalyptus tree and thought, "That's the life for me!" Yeah, me too. Except that little slice of paradise is about 7,971 miles away in Melbourne, Australia. And let's face it, hopping on a pool float for that trip isn't exactly feasible.
Fear not, fellow adventurer! This post is your one-stop shop to figuring out how long you'll actually be stuck in a metal bird hurtling through the sky to get from La La Land to the land of Vegemite (don't worry, we'll discuss that later).
Buckle Up, Buttercup: The Skinny on Flight Time
The Short Answer (Spoiler Alert: It's a Long Haul): A direct flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne can take anywhere from 15 to 16 hours. That's a long time to be crammed next to someone who insists on mansplaining the plot of the in-flight movie.
The Not-So-Short Answer (Because Let's Be Real): If you're looking to save some cash, you might consider a flight with a layover. These can add some serious extra hours to your trip, though. We're talking anywhere from 20 to 30 hours (think: binge-watching an entire season of your favorite show...on a plane).
How to Avoid Looking Like a Crumpled Tissue By the Time You Land
So you've booked your flight, mentally prepared yourself for airplane food, and stocked up on enough hand sanitizer to fill a bathtub (because, ew, airplanes). But how do you avoid landing in Melbourne looking like you wrestled a badger in the baggage compartment?
- Hydration is Your BFF: Airplane air is about as dry as a raisin in the Sahara. Glug water like it's going out of style.
- Move Those Muscles: Sitting for hours is a recipe for a stiff back and angry blood clots. Get up and wiggle those toes every hour or so.
- Sleep, Glorious Sleep: Try to adjust your sleep schedule to Melbourne time before you even leave. Melatonin is your friend here.
Bonus Tip: Packing Like a Pro for a Long-Haul Flight
Let's be honest, nobody looks glamorous on a 16-hour flight. But you can at least be comfortable! Pack loose-fitting clothes, comfy socks, and an eye mask. A good travel pillow is worth its weight in gold (or at least airplane peanuts).
And finally, a word to the wise: pack some entertainment. Download some movies, podcasts, or audiobooks to keep yourself from going stir-crazy. Just avoid anything too scary; turbulence and a horror flick are not a good combo.
So there you have it, folks! With a little planning and some self-care, you'll be saying "G'day, mate!" to the beautiful city of Melbourne in no time. Now get packing, and remember, the adventure starts the moment you step on the plane (or maybe after you survive the first round of in-flight turbulence).
