FIRST:  Congrats for stepping out...

You know people who travel, and you've seen pictures... Your trip is booked, and you're hype. Now what?  Before you go overboard let me give you some tips.

Unless you are a professional model, beauty professional, or a Real Housewife of insert City here... then you may not need to take a lot of stuff on vacation with you. So here is your personal invitation for Team carry-on and the Carry-on Club.  In other words, if you coordinate your outfits you will not need to check a bag.

Some Exceptions include parents traveling with kids and those going on a winter vacation where more clothes and equipment are necessary. Those who live life in photo-shoot-mode are likely to take as many changes of outfits, shoes, and beauty necessities as they require and will likely require at least 1 checked bag.  Just be clear about the airline/cruise baggage policy regarding size, weight, and quantity. Most airlines allow a carry-on that can be placed in overhead bins (if you're not in basic economy), plus a personal item that can go under the seat in front of you. Many airlines charge to check bags.

Keep in mind that waiting for your checked bags at baggage claim is no fun.  Also, make sure that your transfers from the transport hub to your choice of accommodation can fit all of your baggage for your entire party. Not even an Uber XL will fit 4 people and 10 bags.

So pack and be fly. Do it, and tag us #welive2fly on social media  . Just make sure your logistics match your fly.

Stay Fly Tips for Packing:

1. The temperature in the sun does not always match the evening temperatures. Bring something slightly warmer for the evening that matches your theme.
2. Many vacations include a celebratory night of fancy dressing. Bring that evening clutch that fits your cute backup flats.

Airport Logistics:

Google your flight number before heading to the airport so you are clear which terminal your flight departs from.  Some airport terminals are specific to international or domestic flights. Some terminals are dedicated to only one airline and others are shared. You don't want to go to the wrong terminal. It is not always easy to walk to the next one. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

Arrive at the airport 3 hours before an international flight is scheduled to depart or 2 hours before a domestic flight, especially if leaving from a metropolitan city. TSA Pre-Check used to get you through security very quickly, but now a LOT of people have TSA Pre-Check. Going through security,  you'll have to remove shoes (unless you have TSA Pre Check in the US), belts,  jewelry,  jackets/coats and everything from your pockets. Anything metal will sound the alarm. Be cute without the accessories on this day.

You want to make sure you get through security in as little time as possible.  Keep your laptop accessible to take out of your bag and have your liquids together in a bag ready to separate from the rest of your belongings. Make sure that you print your flight itinerary so you know your flight details going and can prove you have a return flight (coming back). Having a return flight is a requirement to enter some countries.  They'll let you visit,  but don't want you setting up shop to stay without prior approval.

Stay Fly Tips for Airport Security:

1. The law limits liquid/gel items. Buy refillable travel size smell good, cleansing, and hair products if you want them in your carry on luggage.  Target or Walmart make travel-size easy. Items too large (above 3oz or 100g) go in the garbage if they make it to the security checkpoint.
2. Wear socks.  Traveling through, from, or into the United States requires you to take off your shoes unless you have TSA PreCheck.
3. Do wear long pants,  you don't want your skin on those seats.  Opt for an outfit that doesn't require a belt.
4. Do not wear clothing with metal designs or studs.  Triggering the alarm leads to an intrusive pat-down...

Time Zones:

Your destination may not be in the same time zone that you live in. The difference between the time at home and the time of your destination/location is important to note when you want to call home. More important when you're feeling a little tired or aggravated (it's called jetlag). Many cell phones adjust automatically once you land,  but I recommend using the clock app on your phone to add your destination's time to the phone.  It's important to eat and sleep using the destination's time zone. This will reduce the jetlag that you experience.  Super important when going to a continent east or west of yours. Traveling North or south presents fewer jetlag concerns.

If you can sleep in a chair,  schedule your eastern bound international trips to fly overnight and to land as early as possible during the day. This will help you enjoy as much of the city you land in as possible.  and reduce jet lag... Plus,  you won't have to navigate a new place at night.

My first trip to Europe, I flew during the day and landed after nightfall.  Now I take overnight (red-eye) flights and happily sleep the entire way. I wake up mostly rexfreshed, and ready to enjoy a full day.  Many airlines offer lay flat seating in Business Class and First Class (not all). Comfort or Premium economy seats will give you more leg room, hip room and a little more room to recline.

Stay Fly Tips for Time Zone Management:

1. Drink plenty of water and skip the alcohol even if it is free.  With alcohol, your body will take longer to adjust to your destination's time zone.  If you don't care about being awake during daytime hours, proceed and enjoy!!
2. The bigger the difference in time zone,  the longer your trip should be.  Give your self enough time to get over the jetlag and enjoy the destination.
   US<->Europe min of 5 days
   US <-> Asia min of 10 days

Customs:

If you've booked your flight to an international destination, you should already have a passport. If not,  do not pass go,  do not collect $200, go directly to a passport office. The regular process can take up to 8 weeks (when there is no backlog). The expedited process can be shortened to 2 days if you're located near a passport processing center. Expediting will cost you an additional $60 but an excellent option if traveling less than a month from now.  Go to the Department of State site, no need to pay for a service that saves you no time or effort.

Your destination may require a visa which requires extra processing time.

If your passport has been sitting around collecting dust,  be sure it has enough time left before it expires as per your destinations regulations.  Check with the Department of State for your visa requirements.

Once your on that flight,  flight attendants may pass out customs forms. If they do,  read it carefully and thoroughly on the flight.  The flight attendant may or may not be able to answer your questions.  Don't be angry if they won't or can't help,  it's not their job.

The forms usually ask for the vessel number of the flight coming into the country. This is on your ticket flight number/cruise ship name (ex: AB 123). Some forms will ask for the address you will stay at in their country. This is the address of your hotel, rental home, family, friend, couch surfing lender, cat sitting assignment, pad exchange... whatever helps you sleep at night.  Just be prepared.

The forms usually ask for your passport ID#,  if you have loads of money or retail items to sell, are bringing food with you and what countries you visited on this trip.  Ideally, they don't want you introducing new germs or infestations into their country so they avoid importing fruit and animal products.   Most countries also require a picture,  fingerprint scans and additional questioning at a second point before exiting the airport.

Stay Fly Tips for Customs:

1. Fill in customs forms on the plane. It saves time and allows you to think through each question.
2. Follow directions, not people. Most countries have a line for citizens and a separate line for foreigners (you're the foreigner this time).
3. Be courteous, kind and patient. Lines may be long.  Accents and smells may differ from what you're used to. No loud outbursts for any of the reasons listed above. This is not the attention you want in the customs area. And remember, you're a guest in their country.

Taxis:

In almost every place around the world, the airport is a place to make money.  People offering to help you with your bags want a tip. In some cases, they want your bag.  Be aware that you are not in Kansas anymore... you get it... not home. 

People,  usually men sometimes stand inside the airport and ask if you need a taxi. Say no.  Make sure your agent organizes a pickup service,  order an Uber or comparable service, or go to the official taxi stand.   These people will pressure you and sometimes take your bag to their car, which will be a trek through the parking lot because they are not official taxis.  Tell them no, and BE LOUD if they persist. TAKE OFFICIAL TAXIS,  unless you are very very comfortable and or know the person picking you up.  You might be safe with a stranger just hustling to feed his family and you may not.  Don't risk it.

Stay Fly Tips for Taxis:

1. Organize your airport pickup before you arrive. At least know what your options are.
2. Google Uber or Lyft for your destination before you arrive.  If they operate with good reviews, order 1 as soon as you leave customs. Many countries outside of the US and Europe have free wifi at the airport.

Phones and Service:

Your phone may or not work at your destination. If it does, it may not be free.  ROAMING costs can be scary $1/minute $5/mb of data.  Those add up 😕 but you have options

Stay Fly Tips for Phone Service:

1. Contact your mobile company to see if they have an international plan you can temporarily add to your account.  This will likely be cheaper than just using the first signal you find abroad.
2. Get a second phone that allows you to add a local chip/sim card.  Buy a local chip/sim card at the airport,  they usually come with minutes and data options. Great option if you plan to travel internationally often.
3. Free international service plans are now available. The most popular options I have seen are T-mobile and Google-Project Fi. Both work in over 100 countries.
4. Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi!!
   Research the airport's Wi-Fi so you know the cost and or password before you land. Use Wi-Fi calling to let your family know that you've landed safely (depending on the time it is at home, texting may be best).
5. Use apps like Whatsapp or Facebook messenger to send pictures, texts, and app to app calls for free.