So I have not told you yet, but I am about to fly to Saigon, Viet Nam, for three weeks again tonight. While you are reading this, I will already be on my way.
As I am considering myself to be a pretty frequent flyer and traveler - as an average student, that is - I learned to fly very smartly over the time. Here is a few helpful and practical tips, that do not cost anything, but believe me, make things more convenient all the way through. Also, I learned to fly very light. I do not jam-pack my suitcase, but let enough space in case my shopping trips turn out to be successful as usual when I travel. This is a very important point, and I try to arrange everything around that.
For the flight itself I recommend
wearing the most comfortable things possible. I use to go for a wide, longer skirt - jeans will become very restricting after a while, whereas in skirts and tights/leggings you keep the necessary legroom (I have done
a post about this already, with a few other points to consider), and can move/sit freely. I, personally, also try to wear something I can let away a bra underneath, because it gets so itchy after endless hours. To stay stylish nonetheless, opt for the oversized look, maybe with the demeanor of an Olsen twin.
Also, think about
the security checks! Wear shoes you can easily slip out and in, you will most likely need to take them off a couple of times. And as more than 100ml of fluids is not allowed on board, try to re-bottle your necessities in smaller PET bottles, for example like
these, or try to do without. Fill your lenses case with the fluid you need, so you can still take your contact lenses out while flying without taking the whole bottle, and buy a small tube of toothpaste in any case. Oh, and also leave your gun and chemical weapons at home. Puh-leeze?
(sunglasses from UrbanOutfitters.com; shirtdress from Tokyo, 1, 2; acid-wash jeans by All Saints from London, 1, 2; sandals by Payless from Florida)As for your hand-luggage, I usually take with me a
big, versatile bag I also use as day-wear bag for being out and about at my travel destination. So it probably should be versatile and go with most of your clothes, even better if it has many little bags in- or outside, too.
I also always take a
big, snug scarf,
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6, with me in my hand-luggage. Mine is so huge, I can use it as a cover when I sleep on the plane, in case the ones the airlines distribute do not suffice, as always, or if it gets cold unexpectedly at where I am, it of course comes in very handy as warm wrap-around.
I usually get really sick of the
food the airlines serve, so taking a few snacks is really important. Also, on long flights you probably get hungry in between meals anyways, so having snacks with you cannot hurt. However, do not let it be chocolate bars and chips only, but sandwiches with salad, or tupperware with your own home-made food.
Lastly, the bf cannot do without his noise-cancelling head-set anymore. It actively reduces all noises around you for a pleasantly silent flight, on which you hear nothing but the music you want to hear. He also told me to recommend
these. I, for my part, can sleep anywhere anytime anyhow. I do like to have music with me, though, as well as an interesting read.
For being far from home and still survive with only the absolute necessary, it is recommended to
plan ahead! Do you still need something (a small tube of toothpaste, maybe?), or are running out of your medical supplies soon? Go buy it, otherwise it becomes stressful, and/or expensive. How will your facilities be equipped? In case of doubt you will need your own towels and bedclothes (youth hostels!). Do you have any particular events you will be attending? So think of an outfit you want to wear for it and pack it. How about the activities you planned, any hiking, or sports? Take sport shoes, shorts, and swimwear. Do not forget about the weather and climate, of course! Sun screen 50LSF for a burning sun, a light rain-jacket, because it is rainy season in Viet Nam now, and it will be hot and humid, and sneakers for tours.
There are some things you might want to leave at home, though. Remember: everything you can have at home you probably can also buy abroad. So for traveling light, and for having nice mementos, like foreign shampoo, or body lotion at the end (once on your way home, you can just as well ditch them),
leave unnecessary baggage home. Only things it would be a waste to buy twice, like nail scissors, or so, would be irksome to buy new. But also keep in mind that if you are visiting friends or family, they will have that knick-knack for you to use.
Other knick-knack, like
cables and adapters for your technical equipment (camera, notebook, walkman) can easily be forgotten. Consider a checklist for those things.
Now comes the most important part:
packing clothes smartly. As said before, I prefer to travel light, thus I only take the absolute necessary, and the very uttermost versatile pieces with me, as well as only the pieces I absolutely adore, and want to have with me (just in case I want to blow minds for any reasons). Also, weather conditions play a huge role when packing, nothing sucks more than having nothing weather appropriate with you when out and about. For a start, here are some super-basic basics I recommend putting on the list:
Always have
a pair of simple pants, like a pair of jeans, or black cotton skinnies,
1,
2,
3,
4,
5, with you, and a
very simple fitted top, like a white shirt or tank. Trust me, there will always be a moment when you wish you had brought pants with you, instead of gazillions of floaty, ethereal skirts and beautiful dresses. As for the top, it will go with
everything - yes,
e-ve-ry-thing! - and can serve as a last resort. Pack
a versatile cardigan, you will
never regret it. You can do no wrong in having a pair of
waterproof shoes with you, preferably light boots. And even if you do not bother to take that big, snug scarf with you I suggested above,
a pretty scarf is always good to keep warm, and to accessorize. Speaking of accessories, take with you
only your favorite pieces. The same goes for your
cosmetics. In a bunch, they are heavy and take lots of space, you do not need that. For layering purposes, an abundance of
monochrome basics is never wrong - like spaghetti tops for underneath, a simplistic black skirt, or a slip dress. To pimp up, pack
a waist belt, it can work wonders with things.
Other ideas for a bon voyage:
Living from a suitcase is annoying, your clothes crinkle, and it can be wearisome finding your clothes in so little space. Consider taking with you those
wire-hangers you get from the dry-cleaner. Those are also the ones I use at home anyways. They are light and do not take much space. 5-6 will suffice. Even if you are staying in a hotel where they provide some, they never are enough for me.
Also, consider stuffing
dryer sheets in between the packed clothes. The clothes tend to smell moldy after many hours pressed in a suitcase, this will prevent them from doing so. Keep it in the suitcase for a constant pleasant smell. As I have read that many dryer sheets might be bad on your health, I thought about perfuming a tissue to do the same job. My mom uses to pack a soap bar to keep a fresh smell.
If you like to
make lists, do one for preparations. If not, do it anyways.
With all that said, for the following three weeks I would like to excuse myself. I want to take this opportunity to take a short semi-break from blogging.
However, I have prepared a few posts in advance that are currently in line, and will, through the high-technical blogger.com-system, be posted automatically without my own doing in that time and fill the gap. I have also promised to stay available via e-mail, due to something pretty important, so I will still be checking comments, and answering them. If I have the time even, and the opportunity, I might as well drop a post by hand. I am hoping for a bunch of pretty neat pictures. In the meanwhile,
enjoy your summer, do not waste it!
