Navigating Airports: It is always a good idea to look at an airport map to see the general layout and to see how you get from one terminal to another. It is usually just a case of following signs, and many international airports will have English translations on their signs. If you have questions, never be afraid to ask for help.
Gate Designation: When ticketed you normally get a gate location on your boarding pass, but it is important to note that gates often change. You should always look at a monitor found throughout the gates and terminal to be sure that your gate and departure information has not changed.
Trackers: Apple, Google, and several other vendors sell GPS trackers that you can place in your luggage so that you can keep track of its location. When you arrive at your destination airport, you can just look at your phone to determine if your luggage made it. If someone takes your luggage or it becomes lost in transport, you can see the exact location of it. The trackers are relatively cheap and can also be used to track keys, your car, backpack, etc.
Long Flight Travel Hacks:
I divide up my flight with entertainment such as movies, a book to read, and sleep. I download the episodes or movies I want to watch on my iPad, so that regardless of the in-flight entertainment, I have something that I like to watch. I also always have a book to read (bonus when that book has the location I am traveling to as its theme).
Sleep is vital on an international flight while crossing time zones, and the more sleep you can get on the plane the less you will feel the effects of jet lag on your trip. You may even want to consider getting some prescription or over-the-counter pills such as melatonin to help you fall asleep, but be sure to check with your doctor first as some of these pills can have side effects or even be unsafe for certain people. If you do decide to take medication, I strongly recommend trying it out at home first so you know how your body will react before using it on a flight.
In most planes, the back galley has a variety of drink options and treats. Just walk to the back and help yourself, or ask a flight attendant to hook you up!
Noise cancelling headphones are great to eliminate the drone of the engines, crying children, and conversation with a talkative neighbor.
Passport: On international trips, it is the magic document that makes everything happen, so it is most important that we pay special attention to it. The key is to develop a routine with your passport, so you always know where it is. Personally, I wear travel pants that have several pockets with zippers. I place my passport in my front right pocket because it is a convenient location to take it out at ticketing, TSA, and immigration. Some people like to use a holder that goes on a lanyard around their neck. When I arrive at a hotel, I place it in a travel document holder and often place it in the safe. Most important is that you follow a pattern that allows you to know where it is all the time.
Passport Copy: It is vital that you always carry a scanned copy of your passport and share it with the person you are traveling with. In the event that your passport is lost in another country, the copy will expediate getting a new one at an embassy.
Health Advice:
Wear compression socks which prevent swelling in your feet.
Stay hydrated even if it means going to the bathroom more often.
Be sure to get up periodically to stretch and walk around.
Wear a mask to reduce the chance of catching any illness.
Be sure that you take any of your regular medications at the scheduled times.
Easy Travel: Go with GVG Tours because everything is taken care of - just relax!!