by Christa D. Nader, a world-traveler for the past two decades
For the first time in 10 years, our conference is venturing out of the borders of the United States, and I couldn’t be more excited after the disappointment of 2020’s cancelled plans! It is uncommon for us Americans to be able to travel abroad – our country is quite large, and the costs are so high – and I know what a bucket-list item this will be for so many of our attendees who live in the U.S.
Since I live near several international airports with many options for low-cost airlines, I’ve had the tremendous fortune to go abroad countless times over the past two decades, whether as a solo backpacker, travel nanny, aid-relief volunteer, a sisters’ milestone trip, and of course with my husband and toddler. Considering this, I’m offering several of my favorite, less-obvious tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way to making the best of your trip and start it off on the right foot! I’ve skipped the most obvious ones (like charging your headphones, downloading songs, and getting your ESTA sorted), and focused on a few things you may not have considered yet – some serious, some frivolous…
Weeks/Days Prior to Leaving:
- Be sure to call your credit card companies to alert them of the dates and countries you are traveling to and inquire about any surcharges (called foreign transaction fees) when swiping abroad. Some credit cards waive these fees, so if you have a few, call them all!
- Pretend it’s the 90s and physically write down/print important information such as the address(es) of where you’re staying, your loved one’s phone number and address across the pond, the name and contact number of the INA, confirmation numbers of tickets, etc.. Should you have a dead or lost phone, delays, or an emergency, this will be invaluable, especially so you don’t lose out on events you’ve pre-paid for.
- It’s not a bad idea to purchase an inexpensive RFID pouch or wallet to store your passport, credit cards, etc. in while on the go. This will stop thieves from scanning the chips without your knowledge.
- If you’re planning on buying new shoes for exploring, be sure to wear them several times prior just to break them in. Trust me when I say, blisters can be the straw that breaks the jet-lagged camel’s back!
- Traveling amplifies our stressors. Make a plan of how you will self soothe and remain calm. Try to differentiate between what is important versus what is a crisis. Do you have extreme anxiety, especially considering recent events? Talk to your doctor about these concerns and see if there is anything they can do to help get you through the travel portion, so your mind can focus on the fun you’ll have once the flight is through. When turbulence strikes, remember the Jello theory, and know that you’re safe.
- Look into cell and data service with your mobile company and see if you can add on an international package. If not, Holafly is affordable and easy to set up; they’re available in multiple countries. You can pay for your e-SIM prior to departure and go through the set-up earliest 24 hours before your departure (my last go around I set up at the airport while waiting to board). Then, activate while on WiFi once your feet are on UK soil (as in, at the airport).
- Download Google Maps and “Pin” the addresses of where you’re staying, the nearest public transit stops, and maybe a handful of the things you’re most excited about. It makes mapping the public transit routes super easy by toggling between car, walking, transit, and bike icons at the top of the Directions page. If you won’t have cell service, download “offline” Google maps.
Whilst in Transit
- Wear dark colors (wine + unexpected turbulence = no fun) on the plane. Something that is comfortable but can be dressed up with jewelry and a little zhuzhing in the bathroom once you land. Get compression socks to prevent blood clots, and moisturize your body before boarding!
- Drink a full bottle of water on your way to the airport before you get to security – hydrating helps you during the flight, and aids in jet lag prevention (as do electrolyte tablets like Nuun, which are super packable!)
- Have you considered an inflatable, lumbar support pillow with a buckle strap so it doesn’t slip and you don’t have a back ache, or are you in your 20s?
- For your carry-on, be aware that the 3-1-1 liquid rule is still strictly followed by all of Europe. If you have an international layover before landing in London, you will need that ready to go upon landing for when you go through security again. Having TSA Pre-check does not matter for your return flight either, so be prepared for this, particularly for those who aren’t checking a bag at all. It stinks to lose $$$ in cosmetics, all because they don’t fit into one small ziplock bag and you have to trash them!
- Keep travel toiletries and a little comb or hairbrush, and whatever makes you feel your best, as well as at least one complete change of clothes on hand. It feels so great to freshen up before and after a flight, and if your checked bag is delayed for a day, it won’t feel so upending.
- Have your voltage adapter and charging cords in your bag. All long-haul jets have USB-A ports, and it’s a great idea to charge your phone for the duration of the flight.
- Bluetooth headphones are awesome! … but not for watching “telly” on the plane. Make sure you have a pair that can plug into their TVs. Not all airlines will provide them for free!
- For layovers: the major airports connecting to and from London are huge and are sure to require additional passport control stations (i.e. potentially long lines). In this instance, this is where it’s a great idea to get eyes on the gate first before doing your 20-minute pre-flight skincare routine or grabbing a drink at the bar to unwind.
- This is not medical advice, BUT! Pack decongestant tablets, just in case, if your doctor says it’s ok for you to take them. Nannies always have some kind of illness waiting in the wings (thanks, kids!), and acute, extreme sinus pressure while up in the air (for me) is a pain akin to a labor contraction… except it does not end after 60 seconds. Pack that melatonin as well, if you land at nighttime and find yourself fully awake.
After Landing
- The best advice is this: do not think for a moment about your old time zone, and try not to nap! Freshen up at the airport in London, and go to bed no earlier than 9pm/21hr if possible so you can reset. It’s even better if you can hit the ground running that same day, if only just for a long, relaxing meal. A body in motion stays in motion – you are far less likely to suffer from jet lag if you trick your mind into thinking this is all normal, and the odds are after a long-haul flight, you’ll want to move anyway. Adrenaline, baby!
Practicals whilst in London:
- Carry a packable tote for your purchases – you may have to buy bags for your souvenirs otherwise. If you don’t have one, you’re in luck – they are sold almost everywhere; in particular, Baggu or Loqi are super cute and versatile. And hey, maybe you’ll take them to your grocery store after the trip, if you can remember!
- Always have a snack or two on hand. Sight-seeing all day is exhausting, and if you have a delay and don’t have time to grab a meal between your next timed obligation (say, tickets to a show on the West End), you won’t be shaking with hunger until your next meal.
- The Tube is not 24 hours – don’t get stuck out in Hackney and be forced to take an astronomically expensive taxi back, unless you’re planning on it!
- Most museums are FREE – prioritize taking in culture. The Tate, V&A, and British Museum are not to be missed. See what’s on in terms of shows, as well as their permanent collections, to see what interests you most.
- Plan a time to take it easy – there is nothing better than decompressing in Hyde Park under a giant tree with a mini picnic, sans distractions. Make time to “do nothing” – even just an hour or two is good for not just your calves, but your spirit as well.
While this is a long list, I’m sure there are more niche ideas that I’ve missed! What are yours? Add them in the comments below, and make sure to find me at the conference! I am a former nanny, agency owner, and board member, and I’ll be representing GTM Payroll Services and Insurance. Safe and happy travels!