What to do on a long flight: unlock your creativity
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There’s a moment of thrill when we book our tickets for that long-awaited trip. The destination is calling, the itinerary is taking shape, and the excitement builds. But then comes the part we often forget to prepare for: the flight itself. Six, ten, maybe even fifteen hours in a confined space. How will we survive this without numbing out to back-to-back movies?
If you're a mindful traveller like me, you probably want every part of your journey to feel meaningful (including the hours spent in the sky). So instead of zoning out, why not zone in? What if your next flight could be a launchpad for creativity, clarity, and purposeful flow?
Here are refreshing and mindful ideas of what to do on a long flight (beyond watching a series or reading a book) so you can arrive not only at your destination, but also closer to your creative self.
What to do on a long flight to boost creativity
1. Journal and plan with intention
Even if your trip hasn’t started yet, journaling while on the plane can already spark creativity and clarity. If you planned the trip yourself, this is a perfect time to review your itinerary, bucket list, or loose plans (without distractions). Personally, I don’t like planning every step of my journey in advance, but before I travel, I do write down a list of places I want to visit and things I want to do. Once I’m on the plane, I take the time to assign those items across the days of my trip. That way, I’m not wasting precious time figuring it out once I arrive.
If carrying a physical notebook doesn’t appeal to you, you can absolutely journal digitally. I use Notion for both work and personal planning, and it’s a fantastic tool for travel journaling too.
Another mindful journaling activity? Setting up a habit tracker for the trip. Think of one or two light, motivating habits you’d like to follow while you travel, such as: doing 10 minutes of movement each day, reading 30 pages of a book, or choosing two healthy meals per day. Don’t turn it into pressure or perfectionism: this is about staying aligned with your values, not about “performing” productivity. Set up a simple table or chart where you can tick off the habits as you go. It can feel surprisingly grounding, even while you’re far from home.
2. Declutter your digital space
Most of us travel with cluttered phones, full of old screenshots, random notes, duplicate photos, or unused apps. A long flight is the ideal time to clean up that digital mess. Start by:
Deleting screenshots you no longer need.
Organising your photo gallery into albums.
Renaming folders or rearranging your note-taking system.
Unsubscribing from old mailing lists.
Cleaning your contact list.
Removing any apps you haven’t used in months.
Doing this clears space not just in your device, but also in your mind. You’ll land feeling more focused, with a phone that’s lighter and more ready to capture new moments.
3. Listen to creativity-boosting binaural beats
If you’ve never tried binaural beats before, now is the time. These sound frequencies work by playing slightly different tones in each ear, creating a perception of a third tone in your brain. Depending on the frequency, they can help you enter different mental states. Alpha and theta waves are especially known for enhancing creativity, flow, and focus.
You can pair these beats with almost any other activity in this list, like journaling, creating a vision board, or even just gazing out the window. The results? You may feel more open, relaxed, and mentally spacious.
4. Revise your travel documents and details
This isn’t the most exciting activity, but it’s definitely one of the most practical. Use a few minutes of your flight to mentally rehearse where your essential travel information is stored. This will save you stress when it comes time to go through customs or immigration (especially in unfamiliar countries). Review things like:
Your accommodation address and booking confirmation.
Contact details for someone in the country.
Your return ticket.
Your travel insurance information.
Prescriptions for any medications you’re bringing.
Entry requirements (such as visas or arrival cards).
Yes, you’ve probably got all of this somewhere already. But by mentally running through it and knowing exactly where to find what, you’ll move through arrival checkpoints with more confidence and calm.
5. Meditate in the clouds
Meditation on a flight doesn’t need to look like sitting cross-legged with your eyes closed. If you’re by the window, simply watching the clouds pass by while breathing deeply is a meditative practice in itself.
Still, if you prefer guided meditation, pre-download a few sessions before your flight. Many meditations are designed to be short and deeply calming; perfect for tuning out the noise and tension of air travel. Some even work with eyes open, which is great if you feel uncomfortable meditating in public.
✨ Tip: Let the flight attendants know you’re not to be disturbed. Some airlines provide a sticker or card to place on your seat.
6. Create a digital vision board
With or without onboard wifi, you can start building a vision board digitally. Use apps like Canva, Pinterest, or even your photo gallery to collect images that reflect your goals and desires. These can be related to your travels, lifestyle, creativity, or career.
Because travel often puts us in a reflective and open state of mind, vision boarding mid-flight can be surprisingly powerful. You’re literally in transit, moving forward… And so is your imagination.
7. Map out a dream project
Is there something you’ve always wanted to start but never got around to? A digital product, a blog series, a book, a community offering? Use this focused, interruption-free time to finally get it down.
Start by revisiting your short- and long-term goals. Then ask yourself:
What do I actually want to create?
What does the finished version look like?
What are the main steps or phases to get there?
What’s one small thing I can do right after I land?
The airplane is a cocoon of possibility: use it to plant the first seeds of a new creative direction.
8. Colour your way into flow
Adult colouring books are not only acceptable: they’re therapeutic. The repetitive motions of colouring can be meditative, calming your nervous system and opening a space for free-flowing thought. If you don’t want to pack a physical book and markers, simply download a colouring app and use your tablet or phone.
Many apps today offer intricate mandalas, landscapes, or nature designs that are perfect for mindful colouring sessions. No expectations, no outcome. Just peaceful play.
9. Write letters you’ll never send
Here’s a deeply reflective exercise: write letters to people you’ll probably never send them to. It could be a past version of yourself, a future client, a person you’ve lost, or even someone you never got closure with. Let your thoughts pour out without editing. These “unsent” letters can help you process emotions, surface memories, and even inspire writing projects or inner healing. And who knows… Some of them you might eventually decide to send.
10. Double-check for prohibited items
This is especially important if you’re flying to countries with strict biosecurity laws like New Zealand or Australia. Before you land, do a mental sweep of everything in your carry-on and checked bags. Check for:
Fresh fruits.
Seeds or grains.
Packaged snacks.
Any organic or agricultural material.
Even a forgotten apple at the bottom of your bag could result in a hefty fine. Customs authorities in these countries are very strict, and even if it was an honest mistake, you’ll still be responsible. A few minutes of checking before descent can save you money and hassle.
Final descent
Long flights don’t have to be hours lost to boredom or mindless distraction. With just a little intention, they can become sacred pockets of time. This is perfect for unlocking creativity, reconnecting with yourself, and preparing your soul for what’s next. Whether you journal, colour, plan, or meditate, you might find that the real journey starts before you even land.
What if your next flight wasn’t just a commute, but a creative ritual?
If you're flying to Aotearoa, you’ll want to read: Why New Zealand is perfect for a spiritual reset. And if you're going elsewhere, this might just convince you to make New Zealand your next destination.
About the author: Thaíz Lara is the creator behind New Hermits, a New Zealand-based storyteller who believes in the power of story and soul-filled travel. After living in 5 countries and exploring 60, she has come to understand that the most meaningful journeys often begin within. Learn more about Lara.
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