Oscar Wilde once said, ¨ Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets¨ and that is what
I have been doing for as long as I can remember. Traveling was always used as an incentive in
my household, when something good is done you are rewarded. My parents have always given
us the best vacations even though they are not planned thoroughly. I consider myself a pro
because of years of traveling and months on understanding what is needed for a perfect trip.
Most of the information I provide is based on an indian household but great advice to anyone
reading. Here are some tips to keep in mind while you are enjoying life in a whole new place and
maybe you will learn something new from me.
(Credits:Elizaveta Galitskaya)
1. Always bring extra baggage that is empty.
- Whether it be a luggage or a small duffel bag, you will need it eventually.
Everytime my family and I travel we end up coming back with 2 times the stuff
we originally had. It can be extremely frustrating when you are at the airport
unpacking everything in front of an audience to make sure each one of your
luggages is under 50 pounds. What is even more embarrassing is when everyone
is staring at what is inside your luggages.
2. Never volunteer yourself to something you will regret later on. (aka.Kanto Aunty)
- My dad volunteers a lot of luggage space to distant relatives but when it is there
time to pay back the favor, heads are turning the opposite way. In an indian
household, paying for parcels to be shipped to India is really expensive and we
take the cheaper route by sending it with someone heading that way.
3. Pack an extra pair of clothing in your carry-on just in case your luggage doesn't arrive at
baggage claim.
- A couple years back, I had gone to India for a month and when we arrived, my
luggage was nowhere to be seen. I didn't pack any clothes in my carry-on leading
me to shop for clothing in india. That was the worst shopping experience i have
ever had because they didn't have sizes based on american sizes. That evening, I
was jumping on my hotel bed and my pants ripped in half. It was at that moment
where I swore to pack a pair of clothing in every siblings carry-on just for safety. (
I was heading to the Temple, Which made it worse.)
(Credits:Chris Lininger)
4. Bring a comfy jacket or blanket while on the plane, you will need it.
- I as an individual, prefer not to wear jeans on a long trip because I find them
uncomfortable and definitely not soft. I always bring a big comfy jacket on my
trip even if I'm going to a hotter place. I get cold easily but for some reason the
airplane is always freezing. I promise you, you'll need the jacket on your trip.
(Credits:Gary Leff)
5. Check for candy and chips at the end of your flight.
- When I am traveling internationally, I don't sleep. I'm always munching on
something and watching the newest movies and shows uploaded. At the end of
every flight, The flight attendants keep different and foreign chips and candies in
a cute basket in the back and believe it or not, I never end up eating it because it
looks too cool so I just keep it in my home until it's time to throw it away.
6. Take food and toiletries back home, it's really fun to use and try things out (My guilty
pleasure)
- Most of my house is filled with toiletries and cookies or sweets from different
countries, especially Asia. When it is time to leave any country, My parents
always take us to a Duty Free shop and we pick a bunch of different cookies that
look delicious or cool so we can try it out back at home and order the ones we
really like from online. My dad loves to bring different shampoos, bar soaps,
lotions, and body washes back, which leads to our bathrooms decked out in
foriegn items that smell really good. Many people who stay as guests in our house
are always asking where we get specific items and we always laugh because no
one really knows what it is. We have a body wash that says Body Milk, I really do
hope it's a body wash.
(Credits:Snigdha)
I have traveled to over 15+ countries throughout my life and I can say that I have learned a lot on
how to have a peaceful flight there and back with no interruptions. Not all of my advice is as
helpful as it can be but I do hope many benefit from it because it has helped me a lot. I am not
the best traveler and to be 100% honest, I pack the night before a trip. Even if it's a month long,
or a road trip, I will pack at the last minute and leave the house a huge mess. If you plan on going
on a far away, long trip, heed to my advice and have fun, but also take notice of the problems
you do face so you will be ready in the future!
I definitely share and understand your passion for traveling, I enjoy myself, to be able to get out and explore the world, one of the best opportunities you can engage upon. I also definitely understand traveling within an Indian household haha, it’s funny to me sometimes. Have fun on future travels
ReplyDelete-Nikhil Rama
Hey Keke, this is great, honestly I needed this because I also pack the night before. It's a habit and quite frankly, it doesn't help because I forget the smallest things that I mean to pack. I agree on bringing an extra luggage bag because sometimes I come back more than I go with, so that helps. Love it. - Mary Ojo
ReplyDeleteHello Keke! Although I'm not an avid traveler myself and COVID-19 further suppressed my desire and future plans to travel, I still would love to visit countries like Japan and Thailand. Your post definitely covered all the essentials for such kinds of travelling! Whether it be advising the reader to bring empty duffel bags or packing extra clothes in a carry-on just in case luggage gets lost. Your anecdotes between the steps also add value to your post, make it more relatable, and ultimately easier to remember all of the tips you give. Great post!
ReplyDelete-Jordan Lin
hey keke I will definitely carry on some of these tips when I travel myself. I am that one person who always packs last minute and stresses over what to bring and what's too much and too little. Thanks for the tips hopefully they will be useful when I decide to pack last minute again, lol.
ReplyDelete- Daniel Boehl
Hey Keke,
ReplyDeleteI defenitely plan on traveling in the future (especially when COVID goes the way of the dinosaur), and I'll take your tips in mind when I travel. I only remember little snippets when I went to Taiwan to see family in 3rd grade, though when I'm older I'll need to be able to figure out international travel myself.
Blessings,
David Roebuck
I see myself travelling to different places in the future and this is very helpful to know especially because I have some really bad habits with overpacking. Thank you for sharing this helpful information!- Aidan Tapia
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your How-to! With the vaccine eligibilities rolling out and restrictions being lifted, I'm sure we could all use a much needed vacation. This guide was helpful, and my favorite part of your guide was your tip to bring an extra piece of luggage. That is so true! Especially if you're traveling internationally, you want to bring home as many goods as you can, because they are so different and cooler than what we have here in the US, lol.
ReplyDeleteKeke, I really like this how to. I'm pretty jealous of you being that you've traveled to so many different places. I myself could not pack for a long trip without someone making a list for me because I feel like I'd get too stressed out and forget to pack all of the things I need. I never knew flight attendants left food at the end of a flight, so hopefully I can pick some up during my trip this summer. I will surely have to use this information in the near future. -Layna Griffith
ReplyDeleteHi Keke! I love traveling too and I really liked this! It is both informative and entertaining and you mentioned some really good tips, like bringing an extra bag and extra clothes. Great job! - Maia vonHempel
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed reading your writing about tips to travel. No matter what, I always end up packing last minute and is a fact that will forget small important things. I totally agree with your point to pack an extra pair of clothing in your carry-on just in case your luggage doesn't arrive at because from experience it is really convenient since you never know if your luggage gets to you in time. I really like how you included your personal suggestions and experiences to engage the reader. - Arnav Singh
ReplyDeletebaggage claim.
Wow this is an absolutely amazing entry! All of these tips are quite valuable and some that I have even taken to heart every time I have traveled. This is one article I can honestly share with anyone who has never traveled as it is such a thorough and helpful list! - Johnny Luna
ReplyDeleteHi Keke! As someone who actively travels as well it's nice to see the exact same things my family and I do on vacation. At first I thought it was weird with the way my parents seemed to be over prepared for everything when we went abroad, but it's saved us multiple times in the past. Your guide can help a lot of unexperienced travelers in the future. good job!
ReplyDelete-Caitlin Munar
Hi Keke, as a non-experience traveler I say this is quite helpful for the future. I would have never thought to bring a empty luggage or duffel bag for future treats or products. And you seem very credible as you traveled to over 15+ countries and provided detailed advice from your personal experience. When the time comes and I am able to travel I will definitely follow your advice!
ReplyDelete-Elisea Armado
This is definitely very hopeful, especially since I'm going to travel this summer. I was in real need of this. Thank you. - Angel I. Gonzalez
ReplyDeleteHi Keke, these tips are something that I can ACTUALLY USE. I have tried looking up "travel hacks," or what-not, but it usually has the stereotypical "bring snacks on the airplane," or "bring enough money," which is totally obvious. Also, having been to more than 15 countries is impressive! I aspire to travel to that many countries as I grow older and have more time to myself. Thank you for sharing. - Keilan Hooper
ReplyDeleteI love the emphasis on preparation and how you build upon how credible you are since you've traveled to many different places. A lot of the advice you gave is very helpful and I will try to implement these strategies over the summer. - Luke Phillips
ReplyDeleteHi Keke, I really appreciated how you included many tips that most people would forget when traveling. I found this very helpful especially as someone who does not travel that much, and when I do, I usually wait till the last minute and end up under packing. -Saffiya H
ReplyDeleteHi Keke, I found this guide super helpful! I also think its really cool how you've been to 15+ countries! If covid weren't a thing, I would definitely have made use of all your tips! - Somi Nebedum
ReplyDeleteFrom someone who loves traveling and plans on doing so in the near future, I found this very informative and couldn't agree more!! Thank you and great job!!
ReplyDeleteI definitely enjoyed your piece. It was very informative and helpful! I hope to enjoy traveling myself this upcoming summer!!- Valerie Rivera
ReplyDeleteThis is very helpful and descriptive, I often travel to Indonesia but because it costs so much money to check in baggage, I would always have to pack my clothes and gear for 2 weeks into a duffle bag that always just barely fits within the carry-on dimensions. - Dwayne
ReplyDeleteThis was very helpful, you gave some great tips! I'll be sure to try and remember this the next time I travel.
ReplyDeletehi Keke! Packing an extra bag is a great idea, hopefully I can put all these tips to use over the summer. COVID has made my travel bug 10x worse!! - Kendra Rolff
ReplyDeleteThis was very helpful!These tips will definitely help me travel with family and friends in the future! -Abbie Asalu
ReplyDeleteAs someone who lives in a large family who travels often, these tips are very helpful! There have been a lot of instances of either a lack of luggage space or missing clothes, so I'll be sure to remember these tips! Good job! :) - Angelique Maylad
ReplyDelete15 countries... crazy! I wish :) These are some great tips for travelling, some I didn't think of! Next time I travel I'll definitely remember some of the things you said. -Nora Mahmoud
ReplyDeleteKeke, I appreciate the insightful quote that you provided as your hook. You bring relatable advice such as making the airport wait for you as you empty out your bags for the limited weight. I have never traveled out of the country and I appreciate the extra baggage on carry-ons advice--I did not realize that baggage claim can be lost. In addition to this, the candy basket is something unheard of; that is such an amazing welcome as you explore a new country. Overall, you are an amazing, helpful, and witty mentor that will prepare me for my next flight! Great job, Keke! -Laylah Perez
ReplyDeleteThis is super helpful because I wouldnt have ever thought of doing half of whats on this list of tips. For example, I went to Florida a few summers ago and my luggage was the only one that didnt arrive on time, It was super hot and humid and I was in a hoodie and sweats the entire time because I thought I'd be able to change as soon as we arrived. Of course, I was wrong. So thank you for making me realize that these are all important traveling tips!
ReplyDeleteThis was very helpful especially because I love traveling as well and going places. I plan on going to different countries in the future as well. I was very shocked when you said you have been to 15+ countries and I'm still here..... ;_;
ReplyDeleteLoved your advice!
-Rebekah Diaz
This is helpful for anyone that is traveling especial the point that you made about regretting helping out because when they don´t repay the favor, you will start feeling hurt. Thank you. -Chinaza Obi
ReplyDeleteAah reading this reminded me of pre-Covid days when I travelled a lot as well. I believe this is a very important "How-To", because it can be very annoying when you are unprepared during a plane trip, especially a long one across the world. We have a lot of the same traveling procedures haha. One other thing I like to have in my carry on are slippers that are easy to put on during the plane ride. You did a good job on this, and that quote in the beginning was a nice add-on as well!
ReplyDelete- Chloe Baronia
Hi Keke! I really hope to travel in the future and this piece gives some great advice! I had never even thought to keep extra clothes with me in a carry-on, that is super smart. Thanks for the awesome tips!
ReplyDelete- Isabel DeVille
You did an amazing job, writing throughly, and describing everything clearly. Also, as someone who travelled frequently pre-COVID, I totally agree with this advice, so good ethos too :D - Tyler Vidal
ReplyDeleteHi Keke! I really loved all of your advice. Especially number 6 hehe the last sentence for that one gave me a good laugh :) I especially appreciate how you also gave short clips of your own experiences with each advice. By doing so, you were able to give tips on traveling while also telling us your story.
ReplyDelete- Donna Laan
Thank you Keke, for this information. Its been like a year since i have been on an airplane and I really miss the excitement of traveling. With your guide i can be well prepared. Thank You. - hashim
ReplyDeleteHey Keke! I travel a lot as well, and your advice is really useful and accurate :)) I'll be sure to pack extra empty luggage from now on so that I can pack more in my actual luggage now. This list was also super comprehensive so thanks for compiling it!
ReplyDelete-Aubrey Peterson
I absolutely enjoyed reading your piece. I travel about 2-3 times a year so I will definitely be trying out some of these tips. Great work! - Csea Wagner
ReplyDeleteI plan to travel soon and I have no previous experience. This was definitely helpful and well thought out. I would've never thought of bringing extra luggage. Thank you for sharing! -Arianna Perez
ReplyDeleteI will be completely transparent with you, this was extremely helpful as well as relatable. I travel quite frequently to Florida to visit family and let me tell you, I completely forget rule #1 and #5 from time to time. Number one from negligence, five because I tend to sleep on my flights. Thank you so much for sharing, and i'll make it a goal to take as many snacks as I can before landing!
ReplyDeleteRyan Carter
i never knew that someone could've needed this much information for traveling. thank you for educating us and giving us helpful advice!
ReplyDeleteHAHA I very much enjoyed reading all your traveling tips especially as an inexperienced traveler as myself. I think it's amazing you've had as many opportunities as you've had to travel, so whenever I do travel I will be using your tips. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour “how to” concerning packing & traveling was very detailed & descriptive, it's interesting that you visited 15+ countries. I wonder what countries you visited & how you spent & enjoyed your time there. I will definitely take some of your tips as I can somewhat tend to be a terrible traveler sometimes, great job Keke! - destinye jones
ReplyDeleteThis was very informative and thorough on how someone should travel. I am going to be traveling by plane for the first time soon, so much appreciated!
ReplyDelete-Marissa Rivera
These tips are very helpful! They're not just average ones that everyone already know, there's some great advice. I plan on traveling a lot soon and i will definitely take note of this. - Nia Martin
ReplyDeleteHello, I really liked how your tips were very detailed and informative. They weren't like the ones that you usually see online which made then unique. Plus, I always have trouble packing so this will really help me in the future. Good job!
ReplyDelete-Diane Rodriguez