Keep Calm, and Carry-ON!

After speaking to a few of my jet-setting friends, we came up with a list of comfort items that you should consider packing into your carry-on luggage. Before I get into that, something to consider is what you are going to do with your luggage? Check or carry on?

My suggestion is that you should check your luggage. There's nothing more frustrating that lugging your stuff from terminal to terminal, into the bathroom stall, and in line with you for coffee and treats! If you check your luggage, they will put it all the way through to Auckland for you and you won't have to worry about it. If you have a long stopover (more than 3 hours) it's really handy not to have anything to lug around with you.

<<<<PLEASE NOTE: in Auckland, you will be required to collect your luggage and bring it to the domestic terminal which is about a 7-10 minute walk or a 3 minute bus ride. I normally opt for the walk as the weather will most likely be nice and it's good to stretch your legs after the trans-pacific flight!>>>

If you haven't packed a lot and you just have a small suitcase, carry on and a personal item, you might choose to carry on. I'm not a fan on international flights unless I just have a backpack, but some people don't like to part with their stuff. If you have a travel partner, that makes the whole going to the bathroom, getting food thing WAY easier!

If you are checking luggage, a few items that are wonderful to have in your carry-on are as follows. If they are toiletries, just make sure they are travel size and in a zip lock baggie:

1. A clean pair of undies...for that fresh flying feeling!
2. Toothbrush/toothpaste....helps you feel like you are in your normal sleep routine and means you can drink all the wine and coffee you want without worrying about cavities!
3. Moisturizer...priceless. It's gets pretty dry up there. A great way to rejuvenate the skin.
4. Deodorant/wet wipes. 'Nuff said ;)
5. Change for suitcase trolleys in LAX or SF. They are free in NZ, but you might choose to make life easier by grabbing one as you will still have your luggage when you go through customs!
6. SUNSCREEN! You laugh, but the sun is SUPER DUPER strong here. You don't want to burn on that walk from the international to the domestic terminal. Also, it's much cheaper in America, so you may want to buy some and put it in your checked luggage. Put it in a ziplock so it doesn't explode on your clothes! Very important! This is another advantage to checking your luggage. You can bring your favorite products, as long as you check them (and again, put in a baggie! Trust me ;)

That oughtta get your wheels turnin! If you're unsure about anything, just email me!

See you in 2 and a bit weeks! EEEEEKKKKK!

Water, neck pillows and socks

OK! It's time for some practical travel tips for those of you making the long journey to the land down under! The secret is to be comfortable, hydrated, and GET SOME SLEEP. I can't even begin to emphasize how important this is! If you don't sleep on the plane, the jet lag adjustment will be a lot more difficult for you.

Ali said the last time she came to NZ that the flight was one of the best parts because she didn't have to do anything! Think of it as a 4 star hotel with meals, free drinks, and free movie channels in the sky!

My top 10 tips for flying to the other side of the world are:

1. EXERCISE: If you can get in a walk, a swim or some yoga before your journey, it really helps to set you up for sitting down for a long time. I think this is priceless information, and some of you will and some won't, but if the option is there, DO IT! Trust me ;)

2. Time is of the essence! Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, line up for check-in and go through customs. The worst thing you can do to start off a long journey is to feel rushed. If you give yourself plenty of time to check in, get organized and get yourself mentally prepared, you'll be starting off on the right foot. Be patient in the airport and try to help others if they need it. Good travel karma is key!

3. Keep it handy: I like to keep my passport, some cash or a card, a pen (for filling in forms) and my boarding pass in a place that is easily accessible but safe at all times. If you have a little zip pocket on your hand luggage or your purse, this is an ideal spot to keep these items. There's nothing more irritating than having to scramble through all of your stuff at every checkpoint or when you're hungry!

4. Aviation apparel: This is important. You definitely want to wear something comfortable on a long flight. You don't have to be in a track suit or anything (although I highly recommend it!) but you definitely don't want tight fitting anything. Also, layers are key! If you can manage to wear loose fitting pants, a tank top or tee shirt, a longsleeve and a sweater or sweatshirt, I think that's an excellent combo. It will be tempting, but there is really no reason to bring a huge heavy jacket. It will be cold on your end, so the more you can just layer up things you would bring anyways, the better.

I also like to have some nice warm socks on hand for the plane ride. My feet always get cold. If you have any tight fitting high socks (like ski socks) they are good to wear as they help to prevent DVT or deep vein thrombosis which can bother some people.

Also it's nice to have something (like a sweatshirt or down jacket) that you can pack down or use for a pillow if needed. If you are bringing boots or big shoes, I'd recommend wearing them so you don't have to fit them into your luggage. Take em off when you get on board because your feet will swell up in the air.

5. Neck pillow: I can't even begin to explain how wonderful a good neck pillow is. The inflatable ones are ok, but I think it's worth splurging on the microbead one. Some of you got them for Christmas from me...you can thank me later. It means the difference between sleep and no sleep sometimes. If you can get a hold of a sleeping pill or two (Vallium is supposedly the best), it's not a bad idea! Again, it could be a game changer! Sleeping pill + wine = good. Just make sure you hydrate...

6. HYDRATE!: Don't pull a Keek and forget to drink enough water. You may think that since you are  in a middle or window seat that it's not a good idea to drink a lot of water because you won't want to disturb your neighbor, but think again! Not only is it SUPER important not to get dehydrated, but it's good to get up in between movies and stretch your legs, back and muscles. Dehydration takes a couple of days to fully recover from.

7. HEADPHONES: You may choose to bring your own headphones as the ones on the plane tend to make your ears and head sore after a while. I'm not sure if there is a universal fitting for these, but it's something I always wish I thought of! Headphones are also a great distraction. It may seem kind of anti-social, but I normally put my headphones on the second I sit in my seat to avoid getting into a 9 hour conversation with my not-so-interesting neighbor. Once your neighbor has sat down and you've had a chance to suss them out, you may choose to socialize, but it's nice to start off on the privacy foot I think! Chatting the whole ride is a commitment! That said, I have met some very interesting people on planes...to each his own!

8. SNACKS: Don't worry, you will get at least 2 meals on the overnight flight. I think it's quite good to have some snacks with you though like dehydrated fruit, something salty like nuts, and, of course, chocolate. These things make for a nice filler in between meals and give you something to do and look forward to and help break up the trip. For your domestic flights, you might think about buying something in the airport and taking it on the plane with you. Eat healthy when you fly...you don't want to have a gurglie stomache and gastro! Plus if you get the hershey squirts, you'll get dehydrated...and you don't want that!

9. SWAPEROO: If by chance, you are not on a full flight and you see a seat you like better, just ask the flight attendant if you can switch your seat. They are usually happy to oblige, as long as you ask nicely. Also, I like to keep my overhead luggage in a compartment in ahead of me (not behind) as it's easier than getting all the way back to your row only to find that the compartments near you are already full. If you see some space, take it! It's also easier to get your stuff at the end of your flight if it's ahead of you rather than behind you.

10. ENTERTAINMENT: While there will be a great variety of in-flight entertainment, A good book, a magazine and some cards if you're traveling with a partner help break up the flight a bit too. Sometimes, 5 movies back to back can get to be a bit much. A nice trashy magazine is always a good way to divide up your time.

I think that does it! Did I mention how important it is to get some sleep on the plane? If you sleep for at least 5 hours on the overnight flight, you won't have any problems when you get here. We'll keep you up till 9 or10 our time, and you'll be smooth sailing from there. The time difference is enough that you should be able to synch back up pretty easily...as long as you GET SOME SLEEP!

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......


xK