Happy Scents

Traveling means vacation, relaxation, communing with nature and making memories. It means unplugging from all daily routines, work stress, and everyday roles. It is one of the lifestyles all of us wants to achieve. For me, I love to see relatives that I have not seen for a long time. Rekindling relationships, life sharing and reminiscing the past. These are the importance of traveling for me in addition to discovering new places. Well, others are a seasoned traveler, they use it as a means to discover a new culture/population and find opportunities. These are the must-haves and way to save:

• Passport ID/ State or Driver’s License/proper documentation.  I used to have just state ID but with the strict policy about immigration even if you are in domestic flights make sure you bring your passport. Sometimes another country is just a bridge away and your relatives want to show you so better be prepared. I have put proper documentation for those who have a student, working, any other kind of visa. Always protect yourself from deportation. “Better be safe than sorry!”

• Plane Ticket/Boarding pass.  Book a flight on a cheaper airline website as long as there is a printed ticket. Make sure it is not a scam website though. Check months ahead because there will be good deals. Find a job who pays for traveling around because business and pleasure can always go together. Find someone who works in the airline industry who can give you a chance passenger ticket. Just prepare to come very early, walk to other gates and wait if there is a seat available. Always bring the ticket or go to the airport at least 2 hrs. before boarding time to check-in.

• Carry on baggage.  Maximize the allowed luggage capacity and weight for packages internationally and space allotment for items you brought and bring back. Paying for excess baggage is a no-no. For carry-ons bring underwear, clothes, toiletries enough to last a day or two. It is for emergency especially if the airline loses your check-in luggage. Those liquids should be in TSA approved quantity and containers. Check the policy.

• Electronics.  Make sure you put in a backpack or safely tucked in your carry-on luggage. Turn it off or put it in airplane mode during take-off. Don’t forget your cameras/smartphones/go-pros to capture moments or else you will be stuck taking mental pictures (no fun).

• Money/Credit Cards.  Even when you have accommodation through relatives, you still have to spend money on things you want to buy or places you will go. You have to pay your part. Buy gifts (pasalubongs) that will fit in your luggage. The sad part is when you do not have accommodation, but I hope you plan ahead. You paid online for an inn, a cheaper but a cleaner place to stay because you only sleep there and always on the go. Any place with good reviews and affordable prices. Choose Airbnb for a longer stay especially if you are going with a group. Don’t you just find accommodation as you travel because they will charge you with an arm and leg!

• Plan Itinerary.   Itineraries are ideally the best way to see the places and tourist spots but usually very time-consuming and tiring. Having a tourist guide to explain everything about the place is additional. Plan and space out the schedule accordingly. You will feel exhausted if you choose activity after activity. If you are good about logistics, you will plan your itinerary just a little laid back with a few rests and local restaurants around.

• Know someone who speaks the language or a local (have contact information ready upon arrival).  This works internationally because people can take advantage of you just when they pick you up at the airport. Unless you are with someone or study even a few languages to keep you and your luggage safe so that you reach your destination. Hire someone who can serve as your interpreter (maybe not) because of its added expense. Just be observant and don’t let your things unattended.

• Wear appropriate clothing.  If you are in the economy, wear comfortable clothing. In business and first class seats, wear business casual especially if you are a chance passenger. They can bump you off from business to economy if you are not well-dressed.

These tips work for domestic and international flights. Have a safe journey and enjoy your vacation!

What is your must-haves and how to save money while traveling?

OF ALL THE BOOKS IN THE WORLD, THE BEST STORIES ARE FOUND BETWEEN THE PAGES OF THE PASSPORT. -Awakenmindset.com