Traveling is a skill, one you have to develop over time. It teaches you a lot about yourself and constantly pushes you beyond the edges of your comfort zone. There’s so much unknown, and you have to learn to roll with it—to stay calm, think clearly, and solve problems as they come. But if you keep an open mind and stay attentive, you start to see that every place has something to teach you—about the world, yes, but also about yourself, and about the many people who call this planet home.

When your budget can’t handle the strain of a first-class fare, then the first 8+ hours of your trip are relegated to noxious food, cramped foot space, narrow aisles, and a bathroom shared with every other passenger enduring the same misery. After more than a decade of making multiple long-haul flights a year, I’ve learned there are a few key items that you just can’t do without. These 10 simple items will help take your long-haul flight experience from brutal to bearable.

Short-term apartment stays are a great alternative to hotels when it comes to your accommodation needs. Not only does this give you a more authentic experience in the city you’re exploring, it can help save you money in the long run. If you’ve never considered this option before, I’ll give you a few great reasons why you should keep this choice front and center on your travel radar, especially if you’re visiting Brisbane.

Paris really is a once in a lifetime experience, whether or not it happens just once in your lifetime. But all the opulence and a lifetime’s worth of expectations can make that first encounter seem a bit overwhelming. So, let’s break down a few things that will help you make the most out of your first time in the City of Light.