| When people say they like to travel, most likely they | | | | booking your reservation that you want a special |
| are referring to the activities they do at their | | | | meal, you can request one from the airline up to a |
| destinations and not the time spent actually getting | | | | few days before the trip. |
| there. Traveling can be arduous, especially overseas | | | | In my travels, I have seen clothes and especially |
| travel and its unavoidably long flights. If you are | | | | shoes that are highly fashionable but quite impractical |
| apprehensive about an upcoming international flight, | | | | for moving through an airport. Then there are people |
| whether it is your first or your hundredth, there are | | | | who go to the other extreme to be comfortable, |
| a few things you can do ahead of time to ensure | | | | traveling in what appear to be pajamas. It is possible |
| your experience is as comfortable as possible. | | | | to strike a balance, dressing in a way that is |
| First, take time to compare not only prices, but | | | | comfortable and practical, while still looking nice. |
| itineraries when booking your trip. Pay attention to | | | | Layers are ideal, since temperatures on planes and in |
| the number of stops, the time between flights, and | | | | airports can fluctuate widely. I tend to travel with a |
| the total travel time. It is not worth saving a little | | | | light sweater or jacket even in summer in anticipation |
| money if you end up doubling your travel time. Keep | | | | of overly air-conditioned environments. |
| in mind that every connection is a chance for | | | | You are allowed a piece of carry-on luggage and I |
| something to go wrong if there are any delays, so | | | | suggest you take one on with you. That said, think |
| minimize the number of stops. Also, make sure you | | | | carefully about what you will need to access during |
| have enough time between flights to make your | | | | the flight. Your carry-on might include a change of |
| connection, especially at the airport where you will | | | | clothes, your camera, your prescription medications, |
| need to clear customs. | | | | and any number of things you want with you, but |
| While booking your ticket, you have the opportunity | | | | that you will not need during the flight. Things that |
| to make choices based on your preferences. In | | | | you might want to access include reading materials, |
| terms of seating, you can usually see a map of the | | | | hand sanitizer, snacks and water, your toothbrush |
| plane and choose from the seats still available. I like | | | | and toothpaste, earplugs, a neck pillow, lip balm, an |
| to sit as close to the front of the plane as possible | | | | iPod or MP3, or anything you will find essential in flight. |
| because that way I know I will be off and on my | | | | Put those items that you know you want at hand in |
| way to my connection that much faster. Think about | | | | a bag inside your carry-on bag. That way, once you |
| whether you want a window, middle seat, or aisle. If | | | | are on board, you can simply take out the essentials |
| you are able to sleep, you might want to lean against | | | | bag, put it beneath the seat in front of you, and |
| the window. If you have to get up to use the | | | | stow the carry-on in the overhead compartment. |
| restroom or just to move and stretch frequently, | | | | This eliminates the need to rifle through your things |
| you might prefer the aisle. Try to avoid sitting too | | | | upon boarding, or worse, at various times during the |
| close to the bathroom since that is obviously a | | | | trip. |
| high-traffic area and can have an unpleasant odor. | | | | Long flights are a necessary reality of international |
| You can also choose a special meal at the time you | | | | travel. Taking the time to prepare a little in advance |
| book your ticket. Most airlines offer a diverse | | | | of your travels can make a world of difference |
| selection of meals for individuals with dietary | | | | during your hours on the airplane. Bon voyage! |
| restrictions or preferences. If you decide after | | | | |