Even though traveling is one of the best things to do in the world, some people may find it stressful. Especially for us kids. Going through the train station or airport to reach another country or simply another city can be very intimidating!
Luckily, this article will help you become a more experienced traveler. Use some of these tips to boost your traveling confidence.
First things first, make sure your passport is valid before exiting a country, so you do not have to renew it. My mother and I were once on our way to Vietnam last summer, but unfortunately, we discovered my visa to Vietnam had expired! We were in the airport in Hong Kong when the airline worker told my mother that I would not be able to fly due to my expired visa. It was a stressful few hours; I would not want the same to happen to you. Avoid this same incident where you are not permitted to travel because of your expired Visa or passport! Be helpful and ask your parents if your Visa/passport is valid before traveling. Sometimes, parents forget, too!
Another thing you can do to stay sharp while traveling is pay attention as you go through security, immigration, and customs! This will also spare your parents the burden of having to worry about you getting lost or being left behind. Remember Kevin from the movie Home Alone? It would be helpful for you and your parents if you watch closely as your passport gets scanned by the immigration officer or when you have to place some of your belongings inside carts to go through security. It’s good to make sure, after you put some of your belongings inside the security carts, that you have all of them again.
You can also ask questions as your parents lead you through the airport, so you can know yourself what is going on without having to always rely solely on your parents. Not only will you be able to navigate yourself when it is needed, but knowing what’s going on at the airport will prepare you for when you grow up and begin traveling by yourself. After some time of paying close attention, you will become an airport expert.
Pack just the right amount of things you will need. Although packing a lot of items to be very prepared may seem like the right thing to do, you may find that overpacking will serve as an inconvenience when traveling due to the heaviness of your bag. My family always tries to pack carry-ons to avoid waiting at baggage claim. There is nothing worst then waiting at baggage claim after a long flight, I would rather go straight to my adventure or take a long nap at the hotel. However, do not underpack either; pack appropriately, and if you still have enough space, you can even pack a stuffed animal or toy as a reminder of home.
It is also important to keep yourself entertained during the flight by downloading movies or shows. Though some long flights have entertainment options, you can never be sure, so if you plan on watching a movie during your flight, download some before you enter the airport, just in case. Make sure all your devices are completely charged up, your Kindle or iPad! If you worry that your movies will not work, you can pack some playing cards to play with your neighbors on the plane to enjoy yourself. You can also download some podcasts to listen to as you look out the window and enjoy the scenery. (Unless you are sitting in a middle seat or aisle seat).
There is another one of Clark Yap’s articles for you. As always, stay tuned, and stay reading!!!
Images: Clark Yap
