As an international student in America, I do get lucky sometimes and have the opportunity to travel and go home. I am actually very excited because I get to go home this winter break. I have not been back in Barbados for an entire year so I'm looking forward to seeing some of my family and friends. I've never had really bad experiences traveling, and there's no way that I would describe myself as a traveling expert. But I would say that I have traveled enough to have picked up a few tips that I would like to share some of my advice with you. So in no particular order, here goes:
1. I have heard horror stories about layover flights with people missing the flight because of delays or their baggage not reaching the final destination. So I try to avoid layovers as much as much as possible. For example, when flying home to Barbados from Howard University I could either leave from DC and do a layover in Miami before I reach home, or do what I normally go and travel to New York by bus first, and then take a direct flight from there home. When travelling on a bus, make sure you choose one that does not have a luggage limit so you can take the baggage you want, as well as Wi-Fi connection.
2. Speaking of baggage, if you are traveling alone, please be smart about the number of suitcases that you can carry comfortably by yourself. When you get to the airport, there should be carts etc. to help you, but think about traveling to and from the airport as well.
3. One of the worst experiences that I have had traveling was when the airline lost my suitcase. I was shocked because I had never really thought about that as a possibility until it happened so I was definitely not prepared. So now I know that it is a good idea to put your number and mailing address on your suitcase in case it gets lost and some good Samaritan might mail it back to you. Also more importantly, the airline will ask you to name three items that you have in that suitcase so that they can give you the right one of they find it, so it is a good idea to know what is in each of your suitcases.
4. Now one of the most important things in my opinion when it comes to travelling is to dress comfortably. You are going to be sitting in one place for a while and it will only make you more miserable if your clothes are uncomfortable. I like not wearing makeup on the flight either. Truth be told, if you are one of those people who sleep all the time, your makeup might get ruined anyway. If you have somewhere important to go when you land, then my advice would be to bring makeup in your carry on, set a silent alarm before you land, and apply your makeup then.
5. Remember the rule about liquids in your carry-on (no more than 100 ml). I forgot one time when I was traveling and they threw my favorite makeup remover in the garbage.
6) When going through security, I like to be prepared so that it goes smoothly. I like to wear shoes that are easy for me to take off and put back on to save time. I avoid wearing belts, jewelry or anything that would make the sensor go off if I forget it on. When approaching the security, you should start taking off the things you can to make the process smoother. Also plan out the number of bins that you will need for you stuff so that you don't have to go back and get another bin and hold up the line. Remember to take your laptop and your electronics out of their cases. I have had to waste time at security so many times because I forgot to take my laptop out of the case.
7. Speaking of technology, I have learnt that it is a good idea to keep things like your chargers and the electronics you need in your carry on items and not in your suitcase. Most airlines allow you to bring a carry-on and a personal item. I've been taking my laptop as my personal item recently and it frees up space in my carry on for other things I might need. Also since I don't like using Internet on the plane, it is a god idea to download a few movies or books to help pass the time. I also prefer travelling on airlines such as JetBlue, where each passenger gets their own personal television screen in the pack of the seat and movies, television channels, and radio are provided.
8. Especially if you know that you have a long flight you should bring things in your carry on that add to your comfort. One time it was colder on the plane that I expected it to be and I had to purchase a blanket while on board. The blanket was thin and uncomfortable and I wished I had brought my one. Some people also bring neck pillows and eye masks so that they can rest comfortably.
9. Try to get to the airport on time. This makes a huge difference in how you spend your time there. You could either get there late and be rushing with the stress of possibly missing your flight over your head. Or you get there at least two hours before your flight so that you can check-in, go through security and find your gate, which might be far away, and still have time to grab something to eat or go to the bathroom before your flight.
10. Last but certainly not least, make sure that you have all of your travel documents and that they are close at hand when you are checking in and going through security and customs. Also make sure that your passport and other documents are up to date. A few years ago I went to check into my flight to New York and I handed over my passport. To my surprise the airline worker handed it back to me and said that my passport was expired. The look on my face must have been priceless. When the passport was checked before I only looked at the date that my visa was expiring, not the date that my passport was expiring, since there two things are separate. I was devastated, but luckily I was able to get on a flight for the next day so I had to go get an emergency passport done.
Overall no one really loves travelng. It's all about the destination but not the how to get there part. If you follow some of these tips, then your traveling experiences should improve. Happy travels!
