Bon Voyage!

CEBU, Philippines - My mom used to tell me every time we went on a trip that the best part is the begining, because it is mandatory to enjoy the travelling and not being obsessed with the arriving. And we all know that Moms are always right! Therefore, take it easy and make it work. Please, let your fantasy flow and be ready for the adventure. Specially if you are a single person eager to find love. Open your eyes and heart, you never know who will be seating next to you!

One of the important things to do before going to the airport is to make sure that you have everything with you and won´t be missing anything. That is why you better start your packing with a list. Before having all the clothes, documents and magazine on the bed, make a list, write down what you want to bring with you in your voyage.

What is the perfect travel look?

I will always choose an outfit with a combination of elegance, comfort and glam. Never wear clothes, jeans or lycra tops that are too tight. A mono, or a long spring dress or wide pants with a white t-shirt would be perfect for your travel. Remember that in the plane you might be cold, so please pack a cute cardigan and one pashmina to cover your face while you are sleeping. (It is not very nice to show yourself with an open mouth and so vulnerable.) Your sunglasses will be mega useful, speacially if you wear no make up. Dear friend, don´t be afraid to discover your inner celebrity.

Flip-flops are not allowed if you are a fashionista or you have good taste. One pair of ballerinas or cute sneakers are ok, if those match with your image. Always travel with a clean face and hair. A little bit of make-up will help you to look nicer, but don´t put too much. Less is more, better be natural than look like a clown.

What is inside your purse?

1) Documents: VISA, Passport, ID (in case you are a student, a retiree, journalist, teacher, doctor... because you might be able to use it to visit museums for free), money (dollars or euros), the itinerary, plane tickets, health insurance, credit card and the contact numbers of your travel agency in case of any problem. Remember to have the contact number of the Philippines Embassy. (I am sure you won´t need it, but it is good to know in case of an emergency). Remember that in many tourist places, thieves are very professional, so make sure you don´t leave your possessions unattended. Plan safely where to put your money, maybe in a body-pocket or a separate travel bag. It is recommended not to have all your money in one place. So much better to distribute it properly!

2) One e-book or your favorite gadget to be able to read, listen to music and enjoy the time during the journey. Bring a pen with a notebook to write down everything that comes to your mind, all your wishes and ideas, because now is time for you to dream free. Maybe during the waiting time, you can run out of battery; in this case, be sure to have the charger with you.

3) The prevention socks:

Maybe you travel with slippers or with super cute ballerinas, but without socks. Please, it is vital for your health and safety from infection to bring always with you a couple of socks that you will only use to cross security. In European or American countries, the authorities provide passengers with some kind of plastic socks to pass through the security check. Everytime I travel from Cebu, or Manila, I see hundreds of people leaving their shoes for X-RAY scan, and walking with their bare feet in the airport. That is soooooo dangerous! There are contagious diseases like fungi that might infect you. Please use your brain to protect your body!

4) A trip without a camera is like a candy without sugar, so pack your video and photo devices to make sure you can share your experience in your new Facebook album.

A Smart hand luggage

To prepare a smart hand luggage is not so easy, that is why you should plan ahead. Many airline companies have special requirements on size, so take a look at the airline website. If you get the hard kind, it would be great to put it under your seat and elevate your legs. Make sure you pack useful clothes that could bail you out in case of a baggage delay. I always bring with me at least 2 extra dresses, one pair of pajamas, a bikini, underwear, slippers, and one jacket.

It is necessary to have a small transparent container with all your beauty potions. After September 11 all the aviation rules changed, and for this reason we must know what we can bring with us: the appropriate size of bottles for liquids and what we cannot take with us during the flight. This website will help you: www.tsa.gov

Medications, baby formula/food, and pumped breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Officers may need to open these items to conduct additional screening. So calm down, count until 100 and don´t let these inconveniences spoil your trip.

Air-Wellness

It is very important that you take care of your skin during the trip. The changes of pressure and temperature will damage your body, and it is your job to handle it with love. The most important business onboard is to hydrate inside and outside. DRINK as much water as you can. Would be great to bring with you a big bottle (empty) and ask the flight attendant to fill it with water. From 1 and a half to 2 litres per day would be enough. Your skin will be thirsty, and you will have to moisturize your face and body every 3 hours. A facial water spray is great for this, it can fit in your purse, and is very convenient. 

Don´t forget your lips, eyes and hands. Bring your usual treatments for them but in small containers. The baby wet towels are very good to refresh; a small toothbrush with mineral water will make your smile bright. Don't forget paracetamol tablets and your personal medication.

You will be seating for a long time, so don´t eat too much calories. It is very hard to burn them inflight. Carbohydrates should be prohibited, and also alcohol. Sugar and carbonated drinks are a bad choice. Maybe you are like me, and you don´t like a lot of the food they serve. When you book your flight on-line or at the agency, you should be aware that you can choose your seat and also your meal. I always ask for fruit or a non lactose menu. In my suitcase, I bring with me a bit of turkey or ham, fat-free yogurt, nuts, energetic snacks and some multicereal bread.

It´s duty-free time

If you have connecting flights, once you arrive at the first leg, go to the restroom and change your clothes. Freshen up to be awaked. I know it is not as good as a shower but it is worth it!

I have to confess, I am a duty free lover, not because I buy a lot (just a little, specially if I am traveling with my husband and I see in his eyes NO). I do a lot of fun imagining on those around me and trying all perfumes. I am not particular about smell or brand. I put some all over myself and then I start sneezing. (This is my personal joke and I keep doing it.)

Everytime I enter a duty free store, the Christmas spirit overwhelms me and makes me believe again in Santa, in the 3 Magi and in my Visa card!

It is also quite fun to sit at a coffeeshop and people watch while you are enjoying a capuccino. An airport is full of cultures and secrets. Play up your imagination and guess who are those people and why they are there... This is also a good game to share with your partner and you can create your own telenovela in a second.

If you have a long waiting time, check out the Spa Zone. Gift yourself with a massage, but don´t forget that you have another flight. Make sure you have enough time and you already know where is your boarding gate.

Zest for arriving!

When you walk into an airplane, you should do it with confidence, knowing where is your seat. Please do not block the aisle or act like an uncouth person. Don´t be loud or rude: a polite person will be open to all opportunities. Maybe you can have an upgraded seat, or meet a new best friend or even your future husband/wife.

Remember that in order to avoid a prolonged jet lag, it is healthy to do some exercise on board. Move your body, baby! Hands, neck, feet... GO TO THE TOILET and JUMP or dance to let the blood circulate well.

Whether or not someone very special is waiting for you at your destination, run to the restroom one hour before arrival and make the toilet your personal beauty area. Change your outfit, brush your hair, clean your face, give yourself a cute face with some make-up. Pack the ballerinas and step into your sexy high heels because now you are be ready to impress!

Bon Voyage! (FREEMAN)