When going away on vacation and traveling, it’s important to be prepared. As my mother always told me—it’s better to over prepare than under prepare and you’re stuck spending hundreds of dollars to buy things you forgot—or, to fix mistakes you’ve made. Therefore, when I’m traveling to new places, I always do my research and ask for advice from friends I know who travel much more often than I do. Luckily, there are kind and honest people who share their experiences on Twitter and other social media platforms for all of us to take notes on.
Twitter user @KhanStopMe shared that he flies—a lot—and, he learned a lot from his experience that he felt like sharing with those who need it. Amongst the lessons he’s learned, some are vital. Like, for example, never checking bags—it saves you time and money. Also, speed walk to passport control to skip all the people going there, too.
I fly a lot. A thread of what I learned:
• Never check bags. Pack for max 10 days & do laundry.
• Jetlag hits you on the second night. Use melatonin.
• When you get off the plane, speed walk to passport control. You save a minute of queuing for every person you pass.
— taha (@KhanStopMe) February 20, 2019
He added some other tips and tricks—like moisturizing because of the dry air and skipping the movie.
• Cabin pressure & lack of movement is bad for blood circulation. Regular stretches & movement prevents aching.
• Cabin air is dry. Moisturise skin & lips often.
• Watching films dries your eyes quickly, you’ll feel rough afterwards. Podcasts, music & audiobooks are better.
— taha (@KhanStopMe) February 20, 2019
Powerpants=a lifesaver.
• Ask for upgrades at the gate everytime. Sometimes they’re really cheap.
• Noise cancelling headphones are essential.
• Neck pillows aren’t worth the hassle. Eye masks are worth it.
• Always have a powerbank. Don’t count on inflight power or entertainment.
— taha (@KhanStopMe) February 20, 2019
Small snacks are great and yes, always wipe down that table.
• Snacks. M&Ms or Skittles are good.
• Orange Juice is magic. It makes you feel alive again. Bring your own, theirs is sugar water.
• Bring anti-bacterial wipes for the table.
• During school term time, arriving 1.5 hrs before an international flight is fine. Trust me.
— taha (@KhanStopMe) February 20, 2019
Security tips are always useful.
• Passports are pocket sized. Keep it on you from start to finish.
• Always take off belt, shoes & jackets at security, even if they don’t ask, it saves you any trouble.
• All electronics should be in your backpack. Repacking your suitcase after an inspection is a nightmare.
— taha (@KhanStopMe) February 20, 2019
He also added that having good bags saves everyone trouble.
• Have good bags. I use an Away Suitcase & a Peak Design Backpack.
• Always have a shortcut set up to alert someone if there is any trouble upon landing. This is especially important for non-white people.
• Being patient, smiley & friendly go a long way.
What are your tips?
— taha (@KhanStopMe) February 20, 2019
Other users on Twitter began to share their traveling hacks and tips, too—proving that there are a lot of shortcuts you can take when flying or going away anywhere, at any time.
• Bring an empty reusable water bottle – no need to pay for a $5 bottle in the airport or deal with the tiny plane cups
• Be nice to ALL staff because you never know what it’ll get you – staff will go above and beyond for someone who is polite, kind, and genuinely listens
— Always Right About Voter Fraud (@RepubGirlNW) February 20, 2019
Listen to the in-flight safety demo! Disrespectful and irresponsible not to, even if you’re a regular flyer.
— Dimps (@dimplodocus) February 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/ViviFriedgut/status/1098252038226493440
When leaving the plane,if there are people in the aisle who are standing beside or behind you & are ready to proceed -let them go before you get up to retrieve your bag from the overhead compartment.Speeds up disembarking,especially if you are slow & fussing around. Be courteous
— Al Charron (@TheBlade27) February 20, 2019
Compression socks. Even if the flight is only a couple of hours, but especially on intl flights. Your feet and ankles will thank you.
— ironmaynard (@_ironmaynard) February 20, 2019
Take every opportunity to charge your phone.
Sometimes taking a direct flight is worth it (bc the added stresses and time) instead of saving a bit of money making connections.
Taking kalms or other over-the-counter meds can help keep the anxiety to a minimum and help you sleep.— not that bad (@notcerysmh) February 20, 2019
1000% agree – Noise cancelling headphones
For flight delays, missed connections – CALL the airline (sometimes beneficial to call another country during their reg working hrs), don't wait in a physical line
— Jim Birmingham (@jimmychangah) February 20, 2019
There you have it, everyone—now, enjoy your trips!