Less than two
Monday, November 20th, 2006
In less than two weeks, I will be leaving for Japan. But before that, I will host a big Thanksgiving dinner at my house. Most of my energy is going towards that at the moment. Also, lots of greatly enjoyed energy going into spending time with UltraJimbo, who arrived yesterday. I have been doing a little shopping and a little planning, but mostly I have been panicking. Anyone got some good travel tips for me on what I should bring, what to expect on the plane ride, and anything I should know, or that would make my trip easier or more enjoyable?
Yours, UltraMom
By UltraMom at 06:12 AM
Link to this post here!
On my last plane ride I got airsick really bad so I would advise taking dramamine. Also try to sleep on the plane. It really helps with jet lag. Tell UltraJimbo hi for me.
A few days before flying and on the plane, drink lots of water. If you’re allowed to carry your own, bring a liter bottle with you so you don’t have to ask the flight attendants. Don’t eat too much of the airplane food - they overfeed you to put you to sleep. Bring moisturiser if you have dry skin. You’ll appreciate having a toothbrush in your bag, too.
On board, take off your shoes. You feet will swell in flight and taking off your shoes is more comfy. Slip them back on when going to the bathroom, or bring an extra pair of socks or light slippers.
Keep your carry-on very small and check all your luggage. This makes is so much nicer to walk down all those long corridors at the airport. If you’re going to check one bag anyway, why lug a smaller suitcase around? Check them both! I usually take a largish handbag on the plane with a mini toiletries kit, a book or two, water, and my travel documents. And Zoupi, of course.
The only cure for jetlag is days spent adjusting at your destination. It doesn’t really matter whether you sleep on board, watch movies or read. When you arrive, force yourself to stay awake until a reasonable bedtime, get up at a normal morning hour (you might find yourself awake at 3 am when you first arrive here - try to go back to sleep) and get into the sun as much as you can to try to reset your internal clock. They say for every timezone you cross, you need a day to adjust and I’ve found that to be about right. It gets better after a couple of days, but you’ll still feel a little laggy for longer.
Pack light - the UltraKids have laundry facilities! You’ll bring your special event outfit but other than that, three bottoms and five coordinating tops will give you outfits for a couple of weeks. I usually pack 2 pairs of shoes that are comfortable to walk in, easy to slip on and off, well broken in, and that go with the coordinating outfits.
It’s cool here (daytime highs in the low 60s) but not terribly cold. Long sleeves, a sweater and medium weight jacket will do, though in Tokyo it’s fashionable to wear a scarf and gloves at the first hint of chill…
Thanks so much, Jessica and Kristen for your tips. I can tell they will be valuable ones. I look forward to meeting you both soon.
You know, actually one of my suitcases may be taken up with stuff Bob wants me to bring for him!
My travel tip is to wear your pj’s on the plane. Comfort is the most important thing. Also, take a sleeping pill. See you soon…
My travel tip is to wear your pj’s on the plane. Comfort is the most important thing. Also, take a sleeping pill. See you soon…