5 Top Airplane Travel Tips

1.  Pack light. I know everyone sort of cringed when they read that just now. I know I used to be an over-packer but believe me, it is simply better in so many ways to pack less than you think you should. There should not be a serious dent in your closet when you leave home for that vacation you have been waiting for all year.

Whatever you pull out of your closet for a trip should be halved and even in some cases ¾ of the stuff should be left at home. Packing light to me doesn’t mean going down from 15 dresses to 10 but from checked luggage to carry-on. This can be a huge step for some of you fashionistas out there but it is very worth it in the end.

2.     Don’t Check Luggage. This helps with efficiency and time management with travelling. Once you land you can zoom through the airport (provided customs doesn’t take too long) to start enjoying your destination as opposed to waiting 20 minutes for the luggage you won’t use anyway.

Not only does it make navigating through the airport easier, provided you don’t have anything stashed in that carry-on that you shouldn’t, but it also makes for less stress in the long run for no lost luggage.

As I can attest waiting on lost luggage on a beach in your winter clothes can kill any happy vacation feelings.

3.      Bring minimum liquids. Because you are only bringing carry-on you have to be very conscious of this. I like to bring minimum products because I love to try the various local lotions and shampoos from whatever destination I am visiting. Some people can feel this is expensive but I think it is part of the experience.

 You should already have your liquids in a clear bag; I like a cosmetic bag that I keep in my purse so that I can easily pull it out when going through security. There is nothing worse than trying to remove shoes and dig through your bag with angry commuters behind you.

4.    .   Have everything you need for the flight accessible before you get on the plane. This helps for when you are boarding the plane; you can through your one suitcase up in the storage above and keep the smaller bag with your neck pillow, iPod and headphones in by your feet for easy access. Again this helps eliminate the glares you may receive as people are rushing to board the plane. Nothing worse than stressing because of the lady tapping her foot behind you.

5.        Bring a water bottle and tooth brush. I like to bring a re-usable bottle whenever I fly so I can refill it after security to have on the plane. That airplane air can dehydrate you so quickly and they never seem to want to refill my cup every half hour. Ha-ha. My other essential is my toothbrush and toothpaste, this is also where the water bottle comes in handy, and after a few hours on a plane I like to freshen up by brushing my teeth. I mean really, when is it not a good time to brush your teeth? Not only will your mouth thank you but perhaps your neighbour as well.

Cheers!

Sophie

Sophie In Europe - London Edition

May 2012

London: Took an overnight direct flight from Edmonton to London, only an eight hour flight! Chandra and I were exhausted when we landed but excited to start seeing everything.

One tip: Always book your first and last night's accommodations, you never realize how tired you will be until you are there trying to find somewhere to stay. 

When we arrived it was pouring and chilly; we took the train from the Gatwick airport to downtown and hopped on a double decker bus that you were able to get on and off at different stops to see the sights. We were both exhausted; it was raining so we stayed on the bus and toured around. 

Tip #2: It is chilly in England in May! I used my socks as mittens because it got so cold. Double duty clothing item!!

We eventually found a hotel (very expensive) and settled in for the night to rest. You were able to find wifi very easily in London, at pubs, restaurants and you could pay for it at hotels. The weather report predicted it was going to pour for the next few days so we decided to take the train to Paris but not before checking out West Minster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. I have to admit it was a lot smaller than I anticipated. We watched changing of the guard ( a must for any history buff.)

This was my first trip on my own in full control of itinerary and deciding what to do and see everyday so it was definitely a learning experience. We didn't get a chance to see everything on our list and would definitely want to go back during a warmer time of year.

We didn't find that the people in London were overly friendly, they were not too keen on helping with directions. Our best experience with a local was our taxi driver who took us to St. Pancras International station to catch our train to Paris. He was friendly and entertained us with his accent, teasing us for ours. After Paris we came back to London for one final night. 

We took a tour across the London Bridge, Tower of London, Big Ben and decided to stay outside the city in Surrey. We stayed at the Gatwick Gable End Guest House; it was a cute little bed and breakfast with all the English charm you could hope for. 

http://www.gable-end.com/about-us/

We went to dinner at the local pub: Ye Olde Six Bells a basement pub was charming and rustic, a must see for sure! It was the perfect ending to the trip, english countryside. Can't wait to go back again. 

Stay tuned for Paris Edition. 

The Dream

Not everyone's dream is to travel the world and experience different places and people but alas, it is mine. Exploring the globe has become an obsession passed down from my parents and growing up a Military Brat did not help.

We spent the first six years of my life living in Germany exploring Europe; if only i could remember! I have always felt a pull to Europe and could swear in another life I lived in Italy. 

Most of my time is spent dreaming about other countries, planning trips, looking at photos and trying to learn languages. I don't think it came as much of a surprise to my parents that my sister and I decided to quit our jobs and run away to Australia for a year! So now the countdown is on, 11 months until we run away!

Along with planning for our year away, saving money for the adventure and living a bit until then we have our hands full. 

Never Stop living, always keep exploring!

Sophie