First Time to Fly International?
7 Helpful Hints

I've been blessed to do quite a bit of travel over the big pond in the past 6 or 7 years, and if you're like I was on that "virgin voyage", the unknown can bring a wee bit of trepidation mingled with the excitement.  

In the past few months, I've had several folks approach me with questions about this experience as they prepare for a trip abroad. Not that I have all the answers (and even when I think I might, the game rules change!), but I've made enough mistakes to feel confident in sharing what I have found to be pretty good advice for the novice.  

Tray tables up, seat belts secured, and here we go...! 

Tip #1: Book through a reputable airline 

With all due respect to the cheap-o type websites out there, we've found that the same, and maybe even better, deals can be had on the big boy airline websites.  Unfortunately with all the major airline-gobbling-up-major-airline take-overs, those bargain basement fares rarely seem to exist anymore.  

Booking with a major as far out as possible from departure will generally get you the best flight for the buck, but more importantly, your chances of getting ripped off by hidden fees, no change policies (without paying as much as you paid for the ticket), etc. are lessened. 

We tend to stick with Delta for European travel for 1.) the Sky Miles, 2.) the ability to change for a reasonable fee if need be, and 3.) an upfront baggage  policy  (and never have we had lost luggage with these guys, plus it's now possible to track your luggage via their app - cool!).  However, that doesn't mean that you can't depend on finding something decent on a comparison website; just read the fine, finer, and finest print carefully!  The good folks at Travel Chimp have compiled a nice little guide for using these sites:  http://travelchimps.com/transport/find-the-cheapest-flights.php, as well as some tips for best days to fly, etc. for the best fares.

And BTW - Skyscanner looks like a great app; guess what I'm downloading as soon as I finish this blog?! 

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Tip #2: Packing

That age-old dilemma...what to pack??  I don't care how many times I've had the joy of preparing for a trip...I always lament over what to take!  Probably more of a gender induced issue, but I have learned (yet seem to repeat my mistakes) a few things that might help you. 

Rule Number One is PACK LIGHT. The mantra is lay out all you intend to take -- then brutally cut it in half.  You'll still end up with more than you need, most likely.  Now I'll be honest, I've tried this, yet I always sneak a few things back in.  Did I need them?  No.  Did I enjoy hauling that extra weight on and off cars, trains, planes, buses, up and down stars, through dark allies at night, in subways, etc. ?  You know the answer.

So pack weather appropriate, pack light (you can always wash things out...I'm getting better at that routine), and realize that no one really cares what you're wearing as long as it's not offensive to the culture you're sharing in. And find one really good pair of walking shoes (which for me is still an ongoing quest for the "perfect travel shoe"...current favorite is a discontinued Clarks Privo, but this style may be next on the trying out list!). 

Rule Number Two:  Buy a luggage scale.  After having been one of those highly annoying people who slow down the line because they have to shift items from one suitcase to another, we are now the highly annoyed people standing by when others have to do this, thanks to our trusty little scale.  Why add extra stress...or an extra 100. fee...when you don't have to?  You're welcome. 

For added ideas, these links will take you to some great little packing videos and tips:

Want to know how our hero soldiers do it?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1cjDdmwdV8

I've watched this one over and over -he blows me away!  http://bit.ly/1Cgm5gY

If you're a little OCD --  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwXWoDn0FQk

This one's more like a documentary, so if you have time - pop some popcorn, pull up
a comfy chair, and let travel guru Rick Steve's packing expert tell ya all about it:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEGHdQGz0ug

Note:  Many travelers opt for carry on, but we find it's not really worth it for international travel.  Our current favorite bag is a High Sierra rolling duffle with backpack straps - just in case you really have to break into a run for that train or the gelato shop before they close.

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Tip #3: Dress for comfort

What NOT to wear (inthecapital.streetwise.com)

If you're flying across the eastern pond, anything less than 9 hours in a tiny little seat (unless you fork over a king's ransom for business class) is not to be had.  So -- striving to induce comfort is pretty darn important.  

I've tried longer skirts: not a good idea in the cupboard size airline restrooms - too much material to interact with the gazillion germs languishing about. 

I've tried jeans: nope. 

I've tried dresses:  just too freakin' hard to sit "lady like" for that long

I've tried yoga type pants: again, the flared bottoms drag that bathroom floor too much - ick. 

I've tried the gamut of clothing options, and suffice to say I think I have hit on my go-to for international flying:  comfortable leggings (polyester seem to work better than cotton) over a loose fitting tunic layered over a tank or camisole; a pashema type wrap that can play the role of stylish scarf or extra blanket; comfortable slip on, closed toe shoes (with socks in my carry on bag for sleep time).  This ensemble not only looks cosmopolitan stylish, but it's super comfortable and allows me to contort in the numerous positions one must contort in for 9+ hours to keep blood flowing and joints from freezing up.  Oh.  And earrings.  Always earrings or I don't feel dressed.  Small dangles that won't jab my head, secured with those little plastic slip on thingys seem to do the trick.  

Now you men-folk could go with what I've recommended above, but well... you might do better with Marty's outfit of choice:  Dockers with a knit shirt....or those "fishing" style pants and shirts if it's warmer weather.  However, be warned:  the multiple pockets on those things always seem to shout "Frisk me, man!"  to TSA.  

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Tip #4:  That carry-on bag

Sometimes a backpack, sometimes a large tote, my carry-on is always filled with certain items that are my security blankets in the sky. 

My must-haves:  

* an extra bottle of water (bought after security)

* a comfortable sleeping mask (many airlines give you one - better than nothing, but not super comfy)

* ear plugs or ear buds (again, the airlines often give you these gratis, but...)

* a travel pillow (one is usually supplied by the airlines, but blah, blah, blah...) - my current pillow of choice is a nifty inflatable one called the TravelRest - I broke it in our last flight to Italy; liked it! 

* a few snacks (apples, granola bars, crackers...and maybe some chocolate - okay, always some chocolate)

* any prescription drugs, plus the Tylenol PM I use to help me sleep on-board

* No Jet Lag - a homeopathic remedy that really has made a difference for me (tease alert: more on anti-jet lag methods in an upcoming blog...)

* of course, a good book or your Kindle or iPad loaded with reading material

* a few toiletries: travel toothbrush/toothpaste, hand lotion, face wipes, mascara (always!), and maybe a little foundation and blush to freshen up once we land -- generally we hit the ground running and work in a little sight-seeing, eating, etc. in that first day.  Gotta look spiffy!   

* if possible, some small bills in euro: that first cappuccino is calling as soon as our feet hit European
soil! 

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Tip #5: Expect some awkwardness

courtesy www.elitedaily.com

If you've flown, you've been there: the squirmy kid kicking your seat for 3 solid hours, the snoring man who doesn't understand your shoulder is not his pillow, the nonstop talker who insists on sharing every detail of her last surgery, the screaming, non consolable infant, and so on.  Subjected to any of these for a long-haul flight, it's easier to understand some of those airline passenger horror stories that make the nightly news.  

What to do, what to do??  Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot one can do if stuck in an cursed seat.  I have seen passengers successfully request to be moved, but that's an option that requires the good luck of open seats...far, far away from your original seat. So the few times we've been cast the lot of victim, it's out with the earplugs and let the flight attendant bring you copious amounts of that free wine (yes...you read right; there is generally no charge for beer and vino on international flights!).

Ways you can avoid being annoying?  Well, certainly don't mimic any of the above-mentioned, even if you do feel like screaming and crying because that airline food just ain't yo'momma's cooking. 

I try to time my restroom visits to coincide with the person occupying the isle seat; I reeeeally try not to knock the seat in front of me if I'm pulling out my carry on; I gently recline the seat so I won't knock anything off the table tray behind me; I try to smile and be kind to the flight attendant even if we do get stuck with Nurse Rachett of the skies.  It all kind of boils down to that good ol' Golden Rule, and truly it's an "all for one, one for all" for that brief magic carpet ride at 35,000 feet. 

I'll have the cabernet, thank you...

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** On one particularly nerve-wracking flight, I had to either 1.) contain myself somehow, or 2.) go freakin' ballistic.  Fortunately, I chose option 1. and wrote some cathartic verse to appease myself.   Check it out at  "Ode to the Flight from Hell" 

Tip #6: Standard operating procedure goes like this...

No matter the scenario, if we know a little on how things go down in a new situation, we feel more at ease.  So here's a quick summary on how most airlines plot the course...

It's more like an ant hill disturbed by a mean kid's stick as everyone clamors aboard, fills overhead bins, pushes carry-on's under the seat, and generally unruffle their already tired travel feathers.  However, once settled in, a nice atmosphere of anticipation takes over, and it's not long before you've finished with the little movie on safety (Delta gets high marks for their comically stylized ones of late), and a smiling attendant brings a hot "towel" for your hands and face, followed by the gratis earphones and sleep mask.  

A dinner choice follows shortly...I'll almost bet it's "Would you care for Pasta or the chicken?"... and drink service.  Once cleared, find a good movie on the individual screen (some older models are still flying that have the drop-down cabin style screens...meh) or read a bit, while you settle in for some chillaxin' with hopeful sleep to follow.  This is when I usually set my watch to the time zone I'm heading for.  

Somewhere closer along to the destination, there's generally a snack, and about an hour out from landing a light breakfast is served.  Time to freshen up and get ready to step out to your awaiting adventure!  

A precise depiction of what to expect ;-]

And finally...Tip #7

Don't forget to take those airport and on-board selfies to blast all over social media and post in your blog!!  :-D  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  
(but if any of the companies I've mentioned wish to send me some free goodies, go for it!)