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Travel takes you out of your comfort zone.

Travel takes you out of your comfort zone.

by | May 12, 2021 | 0 comments

One of the most significant and most understated values in travel is that it takes you out of your comfort zone.  Since Covid, I have tried a few things and recently realized that trying new things has been my way of getting the experiences that travel once provided.  Here are a few overlooked ways to help recognize how travel inspires us.

Like traveling to new destinations, trying new things is a way to challenge ourselves and our comfort level.  Especially for those who love travel for the sense of adventure, experiencing new skills without taking a trip can be rewarding in its own way. When you try something new and reach your goal, it can create a sense of self-awareness, similar to the travel experience.

Travel is usually a way to leave our stresses at home and a time to escape our realities, if only for a few days.  Many of us have had no choice but to be confined due to the pandemic; the ability to get away is no longer an option.  For many travelers, journeys have had to be internal with a journey of the mind.  If you have found a renewed interest in mindfulness and meditation, the lack of travel might be why.

Travel creates a more open mind. Travelers tend to be more self-aware and respecting of other people’s values, and it creates more respect for new cultures, people, and experiences.  Traveling allows us to learn and interact with different people and places, making us recognize our shared humanity. It enhances our ability to be more tolerant of differences and become more broad-minded.

Travel helps you to embrace your passions and find value and new meaning in your life. As a traveler, you learn to trust your instincts and follow your path. It allows you to focus on yourself and put your enjoyment first and build your self-confidence.

Traveling teaches you the difference between price and value.  Frequent travelers are more conscious and consider the experiences they will have over the price they will pay.  Consequently, their value of travel becomes more defined, and the more inexpensive option may not always be the best choice for them.

Have you stepped out of your comfort zone lately? How? I’d like to know.

Travel snack ideas

Travel snack ideas

by | Apr 21, 2021 | 0 comments

In a few weeks, my colleagues from the airline industry indicate that some limited food and beverage services will soon return for airplane travelers.  It’s always a good idea to travel with your snacks as airport food is expensive, delays are unexpected but a regular occurrence, and you may have your own dietary needs.  Here are a few snack ideas to keep in mind when you plan your travel to save you money and are healthy for you.

Fruit

Fruit is one of my go-to travel snacks.  Whole fruits like apples, pears, and bananas are great to have and travel well if packed correctly.  Cut fruit is also a great choice, but it should be fully drained of liquid and chilled the night before departure.  Another great idea is to freeze grapes, and they can also serve to keep the other cut fruit chilled.  For security screening, clear Ziploc bags are best.  Please remember that most fruit and vegetables are not allowed into international destinations. You are subject to fines, so please dispose of all your fruit before leaving the airplane to be safe.

Vegetables

Vegetables are also a great idea. Carrot, celery, cucumber, and broccoli are great choices.  However, dips will have to be in containers less than 3 ounces to go through airport security, even if unopened.  Salads are also a great choice, but they do not travel well.  If your travel is over long distances and especially in the summer months, this is not a great travel snack idea. Like fruit, vegetables are also not allowed in many countries so remember to finish or dispose of them before you land in an international destination.

Smelly snacks

Avoid smelly snacks at all costs, and remember you are traveling in a confined space.  Hard-boiled eggs are an easy snack to travel with, but I would not recommend them.  Similarly, meals like smoked salmon and tuna can also be quite smelly and not great choices for travel in public transportation.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are another excellent choice as a travel snack.  Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are great, but if you want to make other sandwiches, it would be advisable to carry disposable condiment packages like mayo and mustard to use when ready for your snack.  Additionally, wrapping fillings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles separately makes for a fresher sandwich when you are ready to snack.

Air pressure and gas

More than anything, remember that air travel often creates gassy conditions for most travelers.  Most importantly, if you know how your body reacts to certain foods, please refrain from them on the airplane.  It creates a better environment, not only for you but for the travelers and flight attendants who have to contend with your problems. Also, many people have food allergies like peanuts, and they can be dangerous for them, so please be aware of how your snack choices may affect others.

I hope this blog post has given you pause for thought in your travel snack ideas.  Have you had any experiences carrying or having to deal with other travelers’ snack choices? I’d like to know.

Travel credit cards.

Travel credit cards.

by | Mar 25, 2021 | 0 comments

There are many different travel cards available, so it is essential to know how they differ and whether they work for you and your travel style.  Here are my five takes on travel credit cards and why you may consider using them.

1.Travel cards usually earn points or miles every time you use them.  Therefore, it means that even though you are not traveling, your simple everyday purchases could be working on getting you to your next travel destination. Some cards even offer double points for using the card at certain establishments or even during specific periods. These points can then convert to discounted hotel stays, airfare, and seat upgrades, to name a few.

2. If travel perks are one of the main reasons you choose a travel card, then it’s essential to read the fine print and understand how you can earn rewards with the card and redeem the rewards. If the card you chose only accrues perks on travel-related spending and you are not a frequent traveler, then consider another card. A card that allows you to earn points on everyday expenditures might work better for saving towards a trip.

3.If you travel consistently on a specific airline, then a specific airline-branded travel card might be worthwhile. Usual perks might include a free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding, a seat upgrade, and the ability to earn elite status with the airline. You are also allowed some perks when using airlines associated with the airline-specific card, such as lounge access.

4.It’s imperative that you join the airline loyalty program and have your travel card linked to that account. As a rule, you should join the frequent flyer program of every airline you fly on as it’s free, and sometimes extra points are given just for signing up.  Also, note that you usually have to join within 24 hours of travel to get credit for the flight taken.

5. Many non-airline branded credit cards have travel perks attached. However, travelers should research what card best suits them and their needs.  Some cards advertise lounge access, but only if you are traveling first-class or internationally. Others allow access but only to the cardholder and one guest. While some only allow lounge access during a specific time before or after a flight. If you happen to be traveling with a family or stuck at the airport for an extended time, having a travel card with perks you can’t use can be frustrating.

Overall, I strongly believe in frequent flyer programs, branded and non-branded travel cards.  As a person who travels often, I choose my travel itinerary based on what best works for me and what card I hold. How about you? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Keeping personal boundaries when you travel.

Keeping personal boundaries when you travel.

by | Mar 22, 2021 | 0 comments

Establishing your personal boundary can be a challenge when traveling as you have to share communal space. However, understanding your and other people’s boundaries is important to having positive traveling experiences.

Travelers must remember that cultural norms often define someone’s perception of personal space, and people will have different sets of meanings and values. When traveling, remember that even though norms are different, you do not have to accept any interaction that violates your personal boundary.

It is important to make sure your boundaries are respected but is it equally important to respect them in others. Your actions and words may be innocent in your personal relationships yet could be construed as rude and offensive to your fellow traveler.

While many may understand the word “no” to mean exactly that, some people and cultures may believe that a no will eventually lead to a yes. Be clear in your interactions when traveling so that there is no question about your meaning or intent.

Remember that being kind and being nice are not the same. Being kind involves being considerate and respectful to others while being nice usually means giving more consideration to others than ourselves. Often, being nice crosses your personal boundary, be kind and say no.

Finally, keep in mind the role of stereotyping in our interactions, especially for women of color who are often seen as exotic and more sexually permissive than other women.

Have you experienced any issues in keeping your personal boundary when you’ve traveled? I’d like to know.

Traveling with younger children.

Traveling with younger children.

by | Mar 14, 2021 | 0 comments

I was an international flight attendant before I had children, so I thought I had all the knowledge I needed to travel with children.  Knowing and doing are two different things. I made many mistakes along the way, and it has been a long time since I’ve traveled with children.  Here are my five tips to help young mothers on the journey.

1. Traveling with pre-made infant formula or breast milk is allowed through TSA.  Inform them in advance that you have liquids for your baby so that you will be processed accordingly.  Not every TSA station, even at the same airport, treats everyone the same or seems to have the same policies at times. Using clear containers for your baby’s feeding is recommended, and having just enough feedings for travel time plush a small extra is usually enough.

2. Airplanes are always equipped with babies and children in mind. Some even have special-size life jackets or supplies and activities designed for children in mind.  What is common, however, is a bathroom equipped with a drop-down changing table for babies.  Use it and not the seat. It’s unhygienic and inconsiderate to your fellow passengers.  Also, don’t hand the dirty diaper to your flight attendant. Use those airsick bags provided and dispose of them in the restroom.

3. Children have different preferences for their feedings.  If your child prefers warm bottles, make it hot before you leave, wrap it in aluminum foil and towels, and place it between diapers.  It will not stay warm forever, but it should last a shorter, distanced flight.  Towels can serve as double duty for cleanup, and you can never run out of diapers.

4. Try to arrive at the airport with time to get through security without the stress of possibly missing your flight.  Give yourself time for the realities of traveling with children and the extra security you may encounter.

5. Traveling with infants allows you a few privileges such as early boarding and gate-checking your stroller.  Use the stroller to get through the airport and to your gate.  Once there, you should check your stroller, so it is not another piece of luggage you need to worry about.  You will not need it in flight, and in most cases, it can be delivered to you when you get off the plane.

Traveling with children is indeed a stressful experience.  However, there are so many ways to make it less so and a pleasant experience.  Have you traveled with children? Do you have any suggestions? I’d like to hear.

Travel and culture.

Travel and culture.

by | Mar 11, 2021 | 0 comments

Travel and culture do not necessarily go hand in hand. They are many people who have traveled extensively but are still culturally unaware due to their unconscious biases. When thinking about traveling, travelers must always be aware that they will experience cultural differences and be respectful of the culture they choose to place themselves in, even if they don’t accept it. Here are five ways to become a more culturally sensitive traveler.

1. Know that culture is not limited by race or ethnicity. People have different cultures based on their upbringings, language, gender, religion, or sex, to name a few. As a traveler, expect to see people who have different experiences, backgrounds, or viewpoints.

2. Know that you will see, hear and possibly feel things that will be different from what you are accustomed to. For example, queuing or standing in line is common when traveling through airports in the boarding process. However, in some cultures, the boarding process can be chaotic as some cultures are accustomed to a “me first” mentality.

3. Know that even though you might recognize your destination for a particular culture, this does not mean that you have to abandon your own culture. Be culturally sensitive as many places are multi-cultural, and you can add value to your destination with your own culture.

4. Know that culture influences people’s attitudes, beliefs, values, and behavior. Try not to judge a person based on what you presume to be their culture; oftentimes, your judgment is based on your own unrecognized bias.

5. Know that travel becomes a much more pleasant experience when you have learned to accept and respect people and their differences. You will become much more open to new knowledge and experiences and add value by sharing your own culture with others.

It has pained me to see the new wave of Asian racism as much as it has been to experience it as a person of color. What I do know, however, is that traveling has opened my eyes to see people as they are and not what I think they are. Has traveling opened your eyes culturally? I’d like to know.