I have done my fair share of traveling in my twenty-one years of living. Spending time in airports has been something I have always looked forward to; I love seeing that transitory stage of everyone either going home or embarking on an adventure. I have been fortunate enough to travel when many adults my age have not had the chance. By no means do I travel often, but just enough that I have become highly efficient in packing my suitcase. During my travels, I have learned a couple of tips that will (hopefully) be useful on your next trip.
1. Know what you can carry.
Don't be the person with a carry-on, a bag, a purse, a smaller bag, a box, and a melting ice cream on one hand. I've seen it. I can't make up something that pathetic. In doing so, the next however-many-hours of travel will be miserable and at the end you will become a sadder and stickier version of yourself. Get a carry-on with wheels and if you need to carry another bag, just put it on top of your suitcase. You're all set!
2. Print yo' stuff.
Technology is great––don't get me wrong––but it has yet to become perfect. As a result, your phone may run out of battery, your computer may crash, the WiFi goes out and you are left standing at a counter looking frazzled. I think this tip is especially useful for people that are going out of the country. Relying on electronics can lead to a variety of stressful situations.
3. Dress comfortably, but not too comfortably.
I think people have this idea of traveling as a hassle and something undesirable. I look at it as a new opportunity. Yes, sometimes it is long and you really just want to get to your destination but also take this journey as a way to present yourself. Men in a suit, women in heels; it just works, you know? Dress comfortably, but maybe leave that sweater with the holes in it at home. I don't know about you, but I love seeing people with great outfits traveling. Make yourself memorable too. Plus, you never know who you might run into. #TravelChic
4. Make a checklist.
Make sure you know where your passport, ID, phone, wallet, and ticket are at all times. It is so easy to misplace one of those items. Have a mental checklist going through your mind. It's better to be safe than sorry.
5. Do not stress.
It is so easy to start stressing out when a flight is delayed, or when they lose your luggage. Take a deep breath, count to ten and think of England.
6. Look over.
After you go through the struggles of take-off, look out your nearest window. The world is about to unfold before your eyes. If you are traveling during the day, take a peek at the hustle and bustle of every-day life. You will soon realize that your problems are not so big after all. If you travel during the night, sit back and enjoy the beautiful display of lights before you. For once, you get to experience all the glory of the city lights. Don't automatically watch whatever film the crew has picked out or read your book; take some time during your flight and appreciate the miracle that flying truly is.
