Gettin’ Carried Away

The arrival of the new millennium signified a myriad of changes throughout the entire world.

• Finland elected its first female president, Tarja Halonen.

• The first resident crew entered the International Space Station.

• And I took what would be my first of many trips far, far away from home.

My father had recently moved to the West Coast, and I wanted to visit him. Traveling never really even crossed my mind. After all, I was only 15 years old. All I wanted to do was to see my dad. When I told my mother, she said, “Why not?” I was shocked that she would even consider letting me fly half way across the country by myself. Even though she is extremely protective of her babies, my mom has always given me the freedom to do as I pleased “as long as it didn’t hurt anybody.” So, the day I asked if I could go to Cali, my mom searched and searched for flights and finally booked me on American Airlines. Now, I could sit here for hours and talk about the four short days I spent with my father in Orange County and Los Angeles. However, I’d rather tell you what I learned from my very first solo trip.

Pack light

I was headed to California for only four days. Technically, it was three if you put the two “flying days” together. Anyway, my mom taught me that I only needed the essentials: toiletries, underwear (c’mon, we all need it) a pair of jeans, a pair of shorts, some shirts, a sweatshirt and a dressy outfit… just in case. You always need to be prepared for changes in the weather. Yet, you don’t need to bring four pairs of jeans, three sweatshirts, five pairs of shoes, etc. Not only will you leave zero room in your suitcase for souvenirs, but you also have to keep in mind that sometimes it is you, and only you, that has to lug the suitcase around everywhere. With the airline policies constantly changing, you can only carry on (and check) a bag that holds a certain amount of weight. Also, with fuel prices rapidly rising, you don’t want to incur some bogus surcharge because you just had to pack your favorite sweater, your second favorite sweater and a third “I kind of think this is ugly, but I’m bringing it anyway” sweater.

Pack in advance

I am notorious for packing the morning of my trip. I find myself running around the house, desperately trying to get everything ready, finally finishing with about 30 second to spare. DO NOT DO THIS. If you are taking a small trip, pack a day or two ahead of time. If your journey is going to be long, especially if the destination is considerably far away, start your packing a week early. The best advice my mom ever gave me when it comes to packing is that you should make a checklist. Write down all the things you would like to take, down to the smallest detail. If you want to take cough drops and Q-tips, write it down! If you want to take your red pair of socks and your blue underwear, write it down! As you pack each item, check it off the list. And make sure you take the list with you so that you can double check each item when you pack to come home.

Check the rules and regulations

For the most part, every airline in the United States boasts the same rules when it comes to carrying on liquids. Most airlines will tell you that liquids can be carried on an aircraft in a “3.4-oz container or smaller and transported in a one-quart clear, plastic, zip-top bag. See American Airlines. Most of the airlines also allow one carry-on bag and one personal bag (aka a purse, a backpack, a laptop). There are size and weight regulations for both carry-on and checked luggage. And some airlines even charge you for extra baggage. For example, after May 1, 2008, jetBlue started charging for a second checked bag. Do some research before you book your flight.

Have the necessary credentials in hand

Whether you are showing your driver’s license, your state I.D. or your passport, keep these items in your hand as you approach the ticket agent, the security checkpoint people and the flight attendants. Sometimes, you do not have to show identification when you board the plane. Unless instructed to do otherwise, always have your I.D. out and ready to show airline personnel and airport security.

Breathe

Sure, there are a lot of preparations when it comes to taking a trip. But all the care and concern is worth it. Stranded in your hotel room during a sun shower? Not when you have packed your umbrella! Afraid to hit up the town when the weather suddenly drops 30 degrees? Not when you find that hoodie you packed! As long as you take your time, pack what’s necessary and do your homework, you can rest assured that you will thoroughly enjoy the rest of your trip. You might not want to come home!