yinzers guide to international travel.
Just a year and a half ago I had exactly zero stamps in my passport despite owning it since 2006. I still haven't visited many countries, but living on a remote island has enabled me to become intimately familiar with eleven different airports in six different countries. Through these journeys I have learned a lot about the ups and downs of international travel as I attempt to make the most of it and not crumple up into a heap of sobbing Jess after my fourth security checkpoint in less than 24 hours.
(Doubt my authority on this subject? This post was written during a 43 hour journey from Washington DC to New Zealand)
On Dealing with Security & Boarding:
- Be kind to security and your flight crew. Sometimes you will come across a sourpuss who makes security or boarding unpleasant no matter how much kindness you throw their way, but if you smile and engage with airport staff as fellow human-beings your trip is likely to be a lot smoother. Who knows, you might even make someone else's day a bit nicer in the process.
- Check to see if your flight allows online check in. This allows you to check in and sometimes even select your seat up to 24 hours before your flight. This service puts you in a shorter, faster queue when it comes time to check in as you will have already received your boarding pass.
- Know what you need to have out before they ask for it. Before each and every security check have your laptop and bag of liquids out, make sure your pockets are empty, and if you are wearing a jumper or coat take it off. Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport in hand, they will ask for this frequently until you complete the security checkpoint and then again when boarding the plane.
In addition to laptops and liquids when going through security checkpoints in the United States travelers are required to remove their shoes as well. I have not encountered this practice in Australia, New Zealand, England, Canada, or Dubai so I believe it is strictly an American thing.
- If traveling through multiple countries, be prepared to go through security and occasionally customs upon disembarking your previous aircraft. There is almost always a toilet and water fountain between the gate your are exiting from and the security checkpoint. Take this opportunity to empty out any water bottles you may have on you or else risk having them taken away.
- Please, oh please, do not be one of those people who crowds the gate. Remain seated until your section is called. By crowding you are just making it more difficult for boarding to occur and annoying your fellow travelers.
On Avoiding Jet Lag:
- Stay hydrated! Bring along an empty water bottle and fill it up once you complete the security checkpoint. Try to avoid caffeinated drinks such as pop and coffee as they will dehydrate you. If you are continuing on to another flight, don't forget to dump the contents of your water bottle out upon disembarking.
- Set your clock to your destination time and begin living out your day as if you are already in your destination. If you have a smart phone you can take it one step further by adding clocks for the timezone of each country you have a connecting flight in.
- If it is night-time in your destination put on sunglasses, if it's past 10pm in your destination, sleep. When it is around 8am in your destination, wake yourself up and try to eat something small.
Our internal clocks are largely regulated by light. If it is daylight in your destination, but dark on the plane, turn on your night light and try to stay awake. It is okay to nap during travel, but I do not recommend doing so anytime between 4pm and 10pm in your destination.
On Comfort:
- Eat a little bit at each meal service. I recommend eating any fruit or salad that may be provided, even if you aren't normally a fruit and veg type of person.
- Pack snacks. Not all flights offer free meal service and sometimes you won't have a chance to pick something up in the airport as your run to make your connecting flight.
- Travel comfortably. My go-to outfit consists of slip-on shoes, comfy harem pants with pockets (perfect for keeping my passport close at hand), and layered shirts. I start with a tank top with a t-shirt over top, and a light cardigan if I get too chilly.
Ladies, don't underestimate the power of the bandeau! I have recently begun traveling in one and find it to be significantly more comfortable.
- Don't forget to pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant in your carry on. After 12 hours on a plane you are going to want to freshen up a bit. Some airports have showers where you can quickly freshen up. The water will be cold and the room itself will be moderately gross, but when you have a long layover on top of a full day of travel a quick shower can make all the difference.
- This might just be a weird Jess quirk, but my body struggles to regulate my temperature while flying so I find it helpful to carry a washcloth to use as a cold compress if I become too warm.
- Stow items such as hats, scarves, and coats in your luggage. These are easy to leave behind as you are rushing from gate to gate.
Staying in Touch:
- Airport wireless is your friend! Many airports I have traveled through offer unlimited WiFi access air-side with no sign ups, others require you to hand over your email address, while still others require you to create a login. Use a throw-away e-mail address for these lest you receive e-mails from Heathrow from now until eternity.
- Some airports have special kiosks that allow you to charge your devices, but oftentimes you can find outlets located around the terminal. Look along the walls and even in the floors. Find one and camp out.
- WhatsApp is quickly becoming my favourite travel app. Free for the first year of service, it works off of WiFi and allows you to call and text friends and family both locally and abroad. WhatsApp is especially great for letting family know you have arrived safely at your destination. The downside? Both parties must have the app installed.
Above all, do your research.
Bonus Tip: Don't refill your water bottles from the toilet in Sydney.
(Doubt my authority on this subject? This post was written during a 43 hour journey from Washington DC to New Zealand)
On Dealing with Security & Boarding:
- Be kind to security and your flight crew. Sometimes you will come across a sourpuss who makes security or boarding unpleasant no matter how much kindness you throw their way, but if you smile and engage with airport staff as fellow human-beings your trip is likely to be a lot smoother. Who knows, you might even make someone else's day a bit nicer in the process.
- Check to see if your flight allows online check in. This allows you to check in and sometimes even select your seat up to 24 hours before your flight. This service puts you in a shorter, faster queue when it comes time to check in as you will have already received your boarding pass.
- Know what you need to have out before they ask for it. Before each and every security check have your laptop and bag of liquids out, make sure your pockets are empty, and if you are wearing a jumper or coat take it off. Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport in hand, they will ask for this frequently until you complete the security checkpoint and then again when boarding the plane.
In addition to laptops and liquids when going through security checkpoints in the United States travelers are required to remove their shoes as well. I have not encountered this practice in Australia, New Zealand, England, Canada, or Dubai so I believe it is strictly an American thing.
- If traveling through multiple countries, be prepared to go through security and occasionally customs upon disembarking your previous aircraft. There is almost always a toilet and water fountain between the gate your are exiting from and the security checkpoint. Take this opportunity to empty out any water bottles you may have on you or else risk having them taken away.
- Please, oh please, do not be one of those people who crowds the gate. Remain seated until your section is called. By crowding you are just making it more difficult for boarding to occur and annoying your fellow travelers.
On Avoiding Jet Lag:
- Stay hydrated! Bring along an empty water bottle and fill it up once you complete the security checkpoint. Try to avoid caffeinated drinks such as pop and coffee as they will dehydrate you. If you are continuing on to another flight, don't forget to dump the contents of your water bottle out upon disembarking.
- Set your clock to your destination time and begin living out your day as if you are already in your destination. If you have a smart phone you can take it one step further by adding clocks for the timezone of each country you have a connecting flight in.
- If it is night-time in your destination put on sunglasses, if it's past 10pm in your destination, sleep. When it is around 8am in your destination, wake yourself up and try to eat something small.
Our internal clocks are largely regulated by light. If it is daylight in your destination, but dark on the plane, turn on your night light and try to stay awake. It is okay to nap during travel, but I do not recommend doing so anytime between 4pm and 10pm in your destination.
On Comfort:
- Eat a little bit at each meal service. I recommend eating any fruit or salad that may be provided, even if you aren't normally a fruit and veg type of person.
- Pack snacks. Not all flights offer free meal service and sometimes you won't have a chance to pick something up in the airport as your run to make your connecting flight.
- Travel comfortably. My go-to outfit consists of slip-on shoes, comfy harem pants with pockets (perfect for keeping my passport close at hand), and layered shirts. I start with a tank top with a t-shirt over top, and a light cardigan if I get too chilly.
Ladies, don't underestimate the power of the bandeau! I have recently begun traveling in one and find it to be significantly more comfortable.
- Don't forget to pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant in your carry on. After 12 hours on a plane you are going to want to freshen up a bit. Some airports have showers where you can quickly freshen up. The water will be cold and the room itself will be moderately gross, but when you have a long layover on top of a full day of travel a quick shower can make all the difference.
- This might just be a weird Jess quirk, but my body struggles to regulate my temperature while flying so I find it helpful to carry a washcloth to use as a cold compress if I become too warm.
- Stow items such as hats, scarves, and coats in your luggage. These are easy to leave behind as you are rushing from gate to gate.
Staying in Touch:
- Airport wireless is your friend! Many airports I have traveled through offer unlimited WiFi access air-side with no sign ups, others require you to hand over your email address, while still others require you to create a login. Use a throw-away e-mail address for these lest you receive e-mails from Heathrow from now until eternity.
- Some airports have special kiosks that allow you to charge your devices, but oftentimes you can find outlets located around the terminal. Look along the walls and even in the floors. Find one and camp out.
- WhatsApp is quickly becoming my favourite travel app. Free for the first year of service, it works off of WiFi and allows you to call and text friends and family both locally and abroad. WhatsApp is especially great for letting family know you have arrived safely at your destination. The downside? Both parties must have the app installed.
Above all, do your research.
Bonus Tip: Don't refill your water bottles from the toilet in Sydney.
