My Traveling Tips and Tricks

While I may not be the most experienced traveler, after having flown to and from Germany three times in the past three years (with nearly countless layovers along the way), I'd say I've learned a thing or two. Here are a few pieces of advice:

When in Doubt, Ask!

• Airports can be big and confusing. If you're not sure where your next gate is, it's usually best to just ask. Find someone who works for an airline or even just the airport itself. There is usually someone sitting at the desk just outside of the jet way when you land. Sure, there are signs and electronic boards that can show you the way, but when time's short, I've found it best to just ask someone to show or tell me the way.
• International flights with a ton of layovers can be stressful, especially if you have multiple (checked) bags. In some international airports, you have to collect your checked baggage and bring it to a transfer desk. In some, your bag will be automatically transferred. (From my experience, it seems to only be international airports in the US that do this.) Typically, there will be an announcement made about what you are supposed to do depending on whether or not you have a connecting flight. If you somehow miss this announcement, don't worry! Just ask airport staff, and they will tell you where you need to be!

Press On

•  If you happen to be at one such airport where you have to transfer your checked bags, and one or more of your bags happens to not show up on the baggage claim carousel, don't make the same mistake I did. If this happens to you, transfer whichever bags do show up, and carry on. If you are not at your final destination, there really isn't anything you can do. You will have to file a lost baggage report with your destination airport. (I do have a story to go along with this, but I will save it for another post. It's a doozie!) Basically, if a bag gets lost along the way, don't worry about it. There's nothing that can be done until you arrive at your final airport.

Keep Cash on You

•  Most people have some cash in their wallets, which is a good idea. However, when traveling internationally, it's probably even more of a good idea to have some cash in your destination's currency. If you're going anywhere in Europe (or even have a (long) layover there), it would behoove you to have 20 to 50 Euros on hand. Most banks will be able to exchange money for their costumers (be sure to do it plenty ahead of time, though!). You never know what they on-flight food will be like, and you might need to get something from an airport kiosk to tide you over.

Mix Your Bags

•  This one ties in to the one about losing your bags. If you're flying with multiple pieces of luggage, it would be a good idea to have a mix of clothing in each bag. Don't put all your shoes in one bag. Wear something comfortable, and put something practical or something that goes with everything in your carry on. Divvy up the rest in the other bags. Same thing goes for long and short sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, skirts and dresses. Things you may need in the first week or so should go in your carry on. The rest should be divided up among the other bags. That way, if one goes missing, you won't be SOL.

Pick Your Seats Carefully

•  When booking your flights, take advantage of being able to reserve seats. Is having a view of the clouds and land or sea below important to you? Or do you want to sleep as much as you can on your long, international flight? Then, the window seat might be for you (I don't recommend it to those with small bladders, though). Are you the kind of person who likes to be able to get out of your seat as soon as the plane lands? Then, go for the isle. Do you like being talking to people and don't mind having to (maybe) get out of your seat now and then during flight? The middle seat might be for you. As for me, I like taking the window seat on long flights (the views are amazing!) and the isle for short ones.

Pack a Snack

• You might not always have time during your layovers to buy something to eat. The food on the plane might not be enough or just not to your taste. Dealing with delays and layovers and lost baggage and security checks can be stressful, especially if you're traveling alone. My tip to alleviate some of this stress is to pack a tasty snack! Chocolate and other sweets have worked for me in the past. 

Traveling is awesome, but flying can be a pain. Unfortunately, it's pretty much mandatory (for those of us in the US who wish they weren't, at any rate). Hopefully, my tips, combined with conventional wisdom (keeping your itinerary on-hand, signing up for delay notification texts, dressing comfortably, etc.), will help things run more smoothly for you!

Bis bald!