The best laid plans can always end up changing. I am an avid planner and I have been preparing for my trip to Michigan for about a week now. My uncle is a cardio-thoracic surgeon in Kalamazoo, Michigan and I am traveling to shadow him and his colleagues for a week. This is my very first shadowing experience, and I feel like I'm jumping into the deep end. This was also my very first flight as a real adult (!) so it was a little nerve wracking to say the least. My biggest tip is to be flexible and kind to everyone that you interact with in the airport. They have the authority to really make or break your experience, and it never hurts to give a little smile. My connecting flight in Detroit was actually oversold, so I was given the opportunity to take a flight four hours later for $400 in travel credit. I jumped on the chance, and the attendant was so thankful for my flexibility that she DOUBLED the credit and gave me a dinner voucher. Now I am sitting in an Italian-style restaurant doing what I love-blogging. Since I am a newbie traveler, I wanted to offer some tips that helped me, as well as things I wish I would have done.
Travel Tips
1. Bring your laptop and chargers in your carry-on bag. I have a 14-foot IPhone charger that has come in quite handy this trip. Having your laptop also comes in handy if you end up with a delayed flight.
2. Avoid caffeine and soft drinks the day of the flight. They can be extremely dehydrating which can lead to headaches, stomach-aches, dry skin and irritability.
3. Avoid salty junk food that could also lead to dehydration. I'm a HUGE snacker and my favorites aren't always healthy, so I totally understand. But leave the pringles and slim jims at home. Opt for whole foods that will nourish your body.
4. I brought a pillow with me since I thought I might sleep on the flight, but I don't really recommend doing this. It was more annoying to have to carry it around. I would have also used a backpack instead of the large tote I was using.
5. Please, if you do anything, DRINK WATER. Since I have been sitting here blogging, I have (no joke) drank 5 glasses of good old H20. Yes,I have to pee constantly, but I have noticed that I don't feel tired or jet-lagged. I feel alert and motivated. I have also been sipping on some Green Machine from Naked Juice.
6. Dress comfortably, but smartly. Personally, I always feel better when I'm at least a little dressed up. I showered this morning and blow-dried my hair. I also went with a very simple dress and flats that were a breeze to remove when I had to go through security. I wouldn't recommend anything with buckles or laces because that line moves fast. Also, nix the belts and anything else you couldn't remove in 10 seconds or less.
Stay tuned for day-to-day updates!
Emily
