Let’s Get Away: Part 2
Travel expands us in so many ways. We get to experience new places, meet a variety of people, learn about different cultures, and discover great food. It exposes us to different ways of thinking or even a slower pace of life. Traveling enriches us, causing us to grow in ways we can’t begin to fathom. I’ve become the person I am today because of my travels, and I am so grateful.
I leave in just a couple of days for a vacation, destination Lisbon, Portugal. One of the perks of living in Europe is exploring places that are only a few hours away by plane and far cheaper than if I was coming from the states. Throw in heavy discounts because the travel industry is trying to open back up and it is fairly inexpensive.
I have never been to Portugal. It’s been on my list for a while now. I’m glad to check this one off! I will write more about my trip next week. This week, I follow up my post on travel tips. I will cover navigating the airport and the flight itself. Let’s get to it!
At the airport:
Make sure you have your travel documents (including Covid info) and passport/ID in an easy-to-reach place.
Know the baggage requirement for your flight and type of seat. Some flights are hand luggage only and some airlines only allow one bag (no additional personal item such as a purse). You don’t want to pay an unexpected checked bag fee because you are over your baggage allowance. If you are going to pay for a checked bag, it is usually cheaper to do so online at check-in or before.
I pack my carry-on so security will go as smoothly as possible. This means that I place my bag of liquids (a 1-quart or 1-liter clear plastic bag with marked containers that are no more than 3 oz or 100 ml) at the top of my bag. My electronics (computer, iPad or tablet, Kindle, etc.) are together and easily removable. I wear shoes that are easy to get on and off. I leave my watch and jewelry in my carry-on and make sure my pockets are empty. I try to read any signage that pertains to what security wants to see out of my bag so I can prepare my bins quickly. You don’t want to be the person who makes folks wait because you are unprepared. If you are not sure, just ask. It’s not a bad idea to have snacks in a clear gallon-sized bag in case they want food separated as well.
Pro tip: be prepared as possible, smile, and be friendly to the security agents. They have a thankless job. A little kindness goes a long way. Also, remember that every airport is different.
After security, I rearrange my bag for the flight, putting the most needed items (earphones, tissue, lip balm, iPad, etc.) close to the top. I also put on my jewelry and watch.
I like to locate my gate right away (if possible) before buying anything to eat or doing any shopping. Take notice of the nearest restrooms.
Make sure your watch is set to local time. If you are going to take a nap, set an alarm so you don’t miss boarding. You want to be touching all of your stuff if you are alone.
Fill up water bottles, get snacks or food if needed. Some flights don’t offer meals or only meals for purchase.
Have extra masks for the flight. Pro tip: a drop of peppermint essential oil on the outside of the mask keeps things fresh, especially on long flights.
Be at the boarding gate on time. Board when your row or boarding group is called. Don’t crowd around the ticket desk while you are waiting. We are all going to the same place!
“I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list.”
On the plane:
Once you locate your seat, quickly put your luggage away making sure you have everything you will need for the flight under your seat. Getting things out of the overhead bin is difficult while you are in the air.
Make sure all electronics are in airplane mode.
Airplane etiquette: The person in the middle seat gets to use both armrests. They have to sit in a less than desirable seat, so this is their compensation. If you are in the aisle or window seat, please only use the outside armrest. Also, don’t put your feet on the seat or armrest in front of you. Please respect others’ space.
Long Haul Flights: I have a routine for longer flights. Once settled, I opt for a movie about 1.5 hours long on the in-flight entertainment center or I chose one that I have downloaded on my iPad. This usually gets me through the meal service. Once the meal service is finished and my movie is done, I use the restroom, take melatonin, pull out my eye mask, and get ready to sleep. I play a podcast specifically designed to help you sleep (I use “Sleep with Me”. Some people use white noise or meditation apps.) I try to sleep until the next meal/snack is served. This helps with jet lag and gives me a bit of rest during a long travel day. When the second meal service is finished there is usually an hour or less left for the flight. I either watch something, read my Kindle, or listen to a podcast until we begin to descend.
Short Haul Flights: Each one is different, and it depends if it is for work or not. I usually listen to a podcast or two during the flight or I read. I might do a little work if it is a business trip. There isn’t much time for anything else.
Deboarding the plane: There are different trains of thought on this. But unless I am in a hurry for a connecting flight, I don’t jump up right away, especially if I am in the back of the plane. I patiently wait my turn. When a few rows ahead of me is starting to leave, I gather my things and exit after those seated in front of me go.
Now that things are opening back up and travel is on the upswing, we are raring to go. I hope these tips help you as you begin to wander out from the comfort of your homes. I, for one, am so excited to explore again. Leave me a comment below to tell me where you are going next.
Enjoy your travels!