Survival Guide To Traveling By Air or Sea

             Last year around December I took a trip to Europe. I had never taken such a long trip before and now that I’ve done it I have a few things to say about traveling by air and by sea.

The first plane we took was truly remarkable, reclining seats that folded all the way into a bed, T.V. screens in the headrest in front of you that featured games and recently released movies and not to mention a delicious three course meal that was mouth watering. The turbulence was a little nerve racking but once you get used to it it’s smooth sailing.

My advice: Stay up the night before so that you can sleep through the flight because your connection flight is never as comfy as the last one and sleeping isn’t an option; unless you enjoy sleeping on your partners shoulder.

After a thirteen hour flight and a long nap we landed in Germany where we skillfully exited down a hundred stairs like we were the Beatles onto the tar mat. Once all of us were off the plane we waited in below freezing weather for a bus to pick us up and take us to the airport.

My advice: Even though it isn’t that cold where you live always pack clothes that might be too warm because huddling with eighteen of your family members is apparently a dead giveaway that you’re an American.

            We landed in Barcelona and were taken to our beautiful hotel. As soon as we got there we ransacked the room unpacking everything, scoping out the room, checking out the view and figuring out how to plug in all three of our stuff with only two outlets with one adapter. Apparently even though you use an adapter you’re hair dryer can and will blow up on you.

My advice: Grab a hold of someone who speaks the language and call the front desk to ask about a converter. I know it sounds like they do the same thing but believe me when your hair is wet, it’s freezing outside, and for some reason your hair is still frizzing all because your hair dryer is burnt you’ll realize that a converter and an adapter are two completely different animals.

            After a few days in Barcelona we boarded our ship, the Azamara Journey, we settled into our rooms. That night was the worst night of my entire trip; it seems that even though I never get car sick, or motion sickness the rocking of a boat did not agree with my stomach. My cousin and I both got sick and had to get shots to stop the vomiting and help us sleep.

My advice: Never underestimate the power of a rocking boat and a full stomach; they hate each other. Defiantly know who to call if someone gets sick while on board; my cousin called the cleaning crew and not the doctor because that number wasn’t on the speed dial like housekeeping was.

            My trip was life changing, absolutely amazing but I think that had someone given me this advice before my trip it would have gone more smoothly. I urge all those who have to opportunity to go overseas to take advantage and spend all the time they can there. I am so fortunate that my Uncle was able to send my family to Europe to celebrate my grandparent’s fiftieth anniversary; without him I don’t think I would have gone to Europe anytime soon.