If you are like me, you will dread those long haul international flights. I am simply unable to concentrate enough to watch the movie – and anyway, the chances are that the movies available are not of my choosing. There is nothing worse than being forced to watch a comedy, which is not funny; or on a so-called “action movie”, which has no action in it at all.

The obvious alternative is to bring a book of your choosing on board and read it during the many hours during the flight. The problem with this option is that the light in the cabin is usually so bad and so misdirected that it’s impossible to read the book without doing some damage to your eyesight!

Enter the new phenomenon of the audio book!

For those who don’t know, an audio book is a regular book which instead of being printed on paper is available in a different medium – that of sound. Instead of reading the book with your eyes, you listen to the book with your ears. And the best thing is that audio books are available on different formats including the popular and portable MP3 format.

You can purchase an audiobook at most bookstores (possibly even the bookstall at the airport) or you can purchase it online and download it to your computer. These books were usually cheaper than their print equivalent.

The range of audio books available today is very large. In fact, most of the so-called “Airport Novels” are available in this format. There is also a huge selection of non-fiction, self-help, reference and classical books available. To get some idea of the range of books, google the term “audiobook store” and you will see what I mean!

Now back to your flight: simply transfer the book on to your iPod (or similar MP3 player) prior to boarding flight, take it on board, and then plug-in your headset and enjoy a book of your choosing without the inconvenience and eyestrain associated with reading a regular book.

For the ultimate audio book experience, consider purchasing a noise free headset. This is because the background noise on a modern jet can be quite loud and might prevent you from hearing the book properly. These headsets are relatively inexpensive and make the world of difference.

Have a great flight!