Flights

Before the flight: start shifting your schedule towards the new time zone 3-5 days in advance. During the flight: drink water (dehydration worsens), avoid alcohol and coffee, set your watch immediately. After: go out in the sun in the morning (eastward shift) or in the evening (westward), do not nap during the day, go to bed at local time. Melatonin may help.

Your rights (for departures from Russia): meals for delays over 2 hours, accommodation for delays over 8 hours at night / over 6 hours during the day. EU (EU261): compensation of €250-600 for cancellations/overbooking/delays over 3 hours (not force majeure). Request written confirmation of the delay. Keep receipts for food/hotel. Submit a claim in writing to the airline.

More legroom: emergency exit (age/language restrictions), first row of the cabin. Quieter: in front of the wing. Less turbulence: over the wing, closer to the center. Fast exit: at the front. For sleeping by the window. For access to the toilet — near the aisle. SeatGuru.com — maps of specific aircraft with reviews of seats.

Start with a plan: dates, budget, priorities (what is essential, what is optional). Then book critical items in advance.

Practice for “Flights”: make a list of documents and deadlines (visa, insurance, reservation, vaccinations). This prevents 90% of problems.

Answer for “Flights”: use the 70/30 rule — secure 70% of the route, leave 30% for spontaneity and relaxation.

For “Flights”: useful to have 2–3 alternatives (flights/hotels/route) in case of disruptions. Backup plan saves nerves.