Welcome to My Blog!
I retired in 2013 after 23 years as an international flight attendant while living and raising two children in Singapore. I became an empty nester in 2018 when my son graduated college, and my daughter started college. I moved back to Singapore in 2018 and once again lived the ex-pat lifestyle, but as it is with ex-pats, most of my ex-pat friends had transitioned. As an empty nester, I didn’t have much in common with the new ex-pat mothers I met. However, whenever I met new people, just as always, conversations evolved around travel once they realized I was a former flight attendant. People often ask me questions and opinions about travel, so in 2020, I decided to blog about it.
I knew my behind-the-scenes view of travel and travel experiences as a woman of color would make my blog different from many other travel blogs. Being a Black woman, my experience as a flight attendant, extensive travel experience, and ex-pat life give me a different perspective. I hope you can learn from these amazing moments in my life and gain insights on how to best prepare for your next domestic and, or international travels.
Please, remember to like and share my blogs with your friends and family!
Your Expert Traveling Coach,
Dr. Donna
Traveling with a non-visible disability
After having emergency brain surgery, I have had some experiences and realizations that I never envisioned. One of the most striking realizations is about non-visible disabilities. The side effects from my surgery are not noticeable, but I consider them a...
Traveling and healthcare
My first experience with traveling and healthcare occurred while pregnant with my son. At the time, I was living in the UK and went to the doctor for a pregnancy checkup. My prior experience of any well-woman checkup included an examining table with footrests. When I...
There’s a reason for airline rules.
As a former flight attendant, I have seen many travelers take offense to a flight attendant’s request to follow an airline rule. I can honestly say that flight attendants do not try to make passengers unhappy. In contrast, happy passengers make for a comfortable...
International travel realities
International travel is a fantastic experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation. It’s been alarming hearing about foreigners, particularly those of color, who have not been given the same opportunity to get out of Ukraine since the start of the...
Unaccompanied minor travelers.
As we approach the springtime, it’s a good idea to discuss young adults traveling and unaccompanied travelers. Often these travelers are minors, but, in some cases, they can be disabled adults as well. As a single mom, I often used this service to have my kids visit...
Why I have a maid in Singapore?
Living in Singapore has allowed me the opportunity to employ a helper, more commonly known as a maid in the US. While this is beyond the imagination for most Americans, both black and white, having a maid in Singapore is a common occurrence. Many Singaporeans have a...
Five interesting facts about Singapore
Singapore is a great place to live as an ex-pat. It has an excellent infrastructure, schools, and healthcare system. It is also one of the cleanest cities I have traveled to and one of the most popular ex-pat destinations. I Have lived in Singapore for more than ten...
Must have travel Apps.
Almost every person has a smartphone and a mobile App they use every day. Many travelers use their phones no matter the destination. But now, more than ever, travelers take advantage of mobile Apps to help them through the travel process. Whether planning a trip or...
Taking sleeping pills on an airplane.
Long-distance flying can be uncomfortable and a chore. Some travelers are blessed to sleep at will, while it can be a chore for others. As a former flight attendant, I have witnessed many scenarios of passengers taking sleeping pills when flying. Some travelers...
Valentine’s Day around the world
The western world is set to celebrate the day of love, February 14th, Valentine’s Day. However, we should understand that not everyone globally celebrates this day the same. While many people worldwide celebrate this day in the western style of gift-giving,...
Traveling with pets.
For travelers with pets, considerations must be made when making travel plans. For many, pets are a part of the family, and traveling decisions are made around the pet's needs. Can the pet be taken on the trip? Will they have to board the pet? How long can they...
Have you ever considered moving to another country?
As an immigrant and having been a Singapore ex-pat, it’s not unusual for me to consider moving to another country. While living in Singapore I met and was embraced by many other wonderful African Americans from all over the world. Leaving my Singapore friends back...