Travel: Jamila's Top Ten Tips
Editor's Note: Jamila Young (shown in this picture travelling in the Maldives), is a world traveler extraordinaire and our premier international consultant. Originally from Colorado, USA, she has achieved the status of world citizen living abroad, having spent the last eight years teaching in four different countries and travelling abroad to 35 countries on five continents.
Jamila is currently preparing to join the ranks of volunteer translators for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this year! As a a multilingual, up and coming photographer and blogger, Jamila is now an international correspondent for Goldrush. We look forward to reading Jamila's travel tips, hotel reviews, and the inside-stories frm her off-the beaten-track adventures abroad.
My Top Ten Travel Tips: by Jamila Young 1. Hydration- Hydration is the number one rule. Being hydrated will help with any symptoms of jet-lag, but it will also help with the dryness of your skin and hair after sitting in the recycled air of an airplane. My best advice is to bring an empty water bottle with you when you travel. Once you’ve gone through security, fill it up! 2. Comfort- Being comfortable is key, you are after all enclosed in a small space for hours at a time. Personally, I hate being cold, (and airplanes are guaranteed to be) so I always carry long sock and a coat or blanket with me. Comfort also includes seat placement. If you’re tall, make sure you have the access to the leg space you need. I prefer window seats. 3. Electronics- I’m not one to check electronics in my luggage with an airline. It’s best to make sure all the vital ones (along with their charging cables) are with you in your carry-on luggage. One of the most efficient ways to organize charging cables is by wrapping and clipping them with a banana clip. This will stop them from getting tangled in each other. (below: Power Pack and luggage options from SOOT: Electropack can keep your devices charged off the grid for up to 15 days).
4. Power pack- Invest in one. An external battery will take a lot of stress out of being in transit. Smaller power packs will charge a cell phone once or twice. A larger one will charge multiple electronics a few times. 5. Entertainment- This includes any music, movies, books, or work to help you pass time spent in transit. I always travel with my trusty Kindle, it’s an ideal alternative to carrying around the weight of three four hundred page books. 6. Snacks- Complete meals shouldn’t be necessary, but a snack you know you’ll like and want to eat in the event what’s offered is unfavorable. PowerBars, granola bars, fruit snacks, actual fruit, and small bags of chips or nuts are great for this with minimal mess. 7. Change of clothes- At least one. In the event something spills on the plane or the weather is drastically different at your destination or (heaven forbid) you checked baggage is delayed - you will not be without these. 8. Toiletries: Ultimately, you need something to at least cleanse and moisturize your skin. Body wash, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash and eye drops are always in my kit. Others bring along shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and liquid make up and any other small items that will make one feel pampered en route. (below: Jamila chooses to stay at upscale hotels while travelling, such as the Park Hyatt in Chennai).
9. Online Check-In- Many airlines will allow you to check bags in online as well as choose a seat (sometimes for a fee). The time this will save you in the airline que is invaluable. In general, travelers may check-in 12 hours before a domestic flight and 24 hours before an international. 10. Have a Lifeline: A “Lifeline’ here is someone who knows where you are going and when you're due to arrive. Choose someone you trust who is tech savvy enough to utilize a flight-tracker. I have travelled alone for years now and I always make sure there is someone who is aware I’m on the move. This tip is rarely mentioned, but is definitely worth the peace of mind. See you en route! Jamila Young. (Copyright: Goldrush Magazine)
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