Whether traveling for business or pleasure, long-haul travel can be a grind.

But you won't score any extra points for embracing the "raw-dogging" trend of boarding with no books, headphones or any other form of entertainment.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do before your trip to ensure you're entertained from gate to gate.

Hit the Bookstore or Newsstand

Reading is one of the most popular ways to pass the time on a plane so it's no wonder the airport newsstands are always so busy.

Grab a book, magazine or even some crossword puzzles to keep yourself focused on something other than your flight time. Be sure to check out TravelPulse Associate Editor Lacey Pfalz's comprehensive list of the best travel books from the past year.

Get Some Rest

This one is easy but also easier said than done. Sleeping on a plane is arguably the best way to zoom through a flight but it's also not for everyone.

Minimal legroom, noise and other factors make it hard to nap mid-flight so you'll want to pack some comfort items like a neck pillow and earplugs if you're going to give it a try.

A comfy traveler in the window seat. (Photo Credit: undrey/Adobe)

Download Your Favorite Content Ahead of Time

Travelers with music and audio content subscription services like Spotify can download their favorite playlists, podcasts and other content ahead of their flight.

Once onboard, users can open the settings feature and tap "offline" for playback type to listen to their saved songs and episodes without a Wi-Fi connection.

The same goes for tablet users who can download their favorite movies and television shows in advance so they're ready to play without problems at 35,000 feet.

If All Else Fails, Get Creative

Not in the mood to read, listen or watch anything in particular, get creative on your next flight by packing a deck of cards to engage in single-player games like Solitaire or multi-player games with your seatmates if you aren't traveling solo.

You can also pack a travel-sized board game to help pass the time or engage in something productive that you may have been putting off like journaling.

Travelers can even brush up on their geography by navigating the flight map on their seatback screen or mobile device.

While its certainly true that the journey is just as important as the destination, your next long-haul flight doesn't have to be a bore, even without Wi-Fi.

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