In my last post I think I mentioned that my Japan trip was completely by myself getting there. Once I got there I had an uncle stationed at the Atsugi Naval Air Facility so my aunt, uncle, and cousin are the ones who took me sightseeing (which is absolutely wonderful to have in a country where the culture and cultural customs are so different)! So after flying for the first time ever and doing it by myself, as well as having to go through another country's customs and catching a bus to a train/subway station I compiled a little bit of a list of some things to do when traveling alone.
- Practice carrying your luggage in the outfit you'll be wearing while you're flying. I realize that this sounds ridiculous but when you're traveling internationally through big airports con artist can pick out someone who is vulnerable and nervous by how they carry their luggage. So be a pro at it. NOT TO MENTION it just makes having to catch your flight at the other end of the airport much easier if you can expertly carry your luggage.
- Practice going through security checkpoints. You have to take off anything on your person that has metal on it and your shoes. This includes belts, jewelry, piercings, fanny packs, and backpacks. If you have children under the age of 8 or you're with a senior citizen they are not required to take their shoes off. If you have a laptop, it has to be out of its case however if you have an iPad it can stay tucked away where it is. You cannot have anything liquid over 2 ounces in your carry on items. They will take them and throw them away so no pop, water, face cleansers, toothpaste, contact solution, or mouthwash over 2 ounces. You can have as many 2 ounce containers and you can fit in that carry on though.
- Wear a comfortable outfit while flying. Even if you're meeting someone at the airport who you would like to impress, unless you have to be at a meeting 30 minutes after you get off the plane, wear something comfortable. I wore sweatpants and flip flops and took a jacket because it can fluctuate temperature really quickly on a plane.
- Invest in that neck pillow. Find one you like too, don't just pick the cheapest. If you're able to use one (some people just don't find them comfortable) it will be your best friend.
- Pack a carry on even if you don't think you'll need it. If you're visiting and sightseeing you're going to buy souvenirs and it is expensive to ship big packages internationally. Take an empty carry on even and do the complementary checking to your end location that they offer before take-off. It is well worth it to not have to pay for international shipping. Trust me.
- Purchase the in air WiFi. Given it is only for domestic flights, it keeps you busy. The international flights have complementary movies, TV shows, games, and radio.
- Pack your own headphones, sleep mask, and face wipes. It is worth it because you'll want to have comfortable headphones, you'll probably want to sleep but the cabins are lit up and you will start to feel gross at some point during your long travel time.
- Be conscious of others around you. No one likes a loud talker, snoring person, or someone who takes all their elbow and legroom.
- If you can manage it it is worth it to try to get a seat at the front of your cabin or on the aisle seat. When a restroom break is needed it makes your seat mates hate you less. Especially if you have a small bladder like I do.
- Pack fruit and foods you like to snack on that are low in sodium. Also take an empty water bottle and fill it up at the water fountains. No one likes swelling up like a balloon.
- Make copies of all your important documents and keep them in 2 separate places. I kept a small fanny pack type item that I could hide underneath my clothing HOWEVER during security checkpoints you will have to take things like that off because of the metal zippers so make sure it's something that can be taken off and put back on quickly. If traveling with a passport you hold onto that like it is your beating heart because if something happens and you get stranded there are Embassies (for America especially) EVERYWHERE and your passport is your ticket back home. No passport = Excruciating annoyance getting back into the states. Make sure when boarding begins to have all your identification and tickets ready as well.
- Even if you're doing mobile check-in and getting your boarding pass that way, print a copy just in case something happens to your phone. Also make sure you bring your electronics chargers.
- Make a checklist of everything you've packed and in which suitcase/carry-on it's in so that way when it's time to head back home you don't get halfway back and realize you've forgotten something!
Traveling alone isn't scary you just need to be prepared when you do it. People travel by themselves everywhere everyday! Hopefully some of these tips above will decrease some traveling anxiety and help you out!
Thanks,
CNicely
P.S. - If you're flying into Seattle from the East Coast on a clear day you can see Mt. Saint Helens from the left side of the plane.
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