Aaahh..traveling! The thrill you get traveling to never-before-seen locales, the rush of the plane as it first starts to take off, watching the Earth get further and further away as your plane ascends into the heavens..you know that for the next several days, you are off on a new adventure. It is a fun and exciting time in someone's life when they get to embark on a new journey. Of course, as with anything in this world, there are risks that you take when you travel solo. Today, I want to share with you five tips I had learned on how to make your trip go much easier.
1) Be well-prepared
How many times have people been told to always be prepared for your journey. This includes figuring out which clothes to pack, making sure your passport is valid, how much money to bring, any immunizations needed, learning about your destination, etc. When I first was preparing to travel to Malaysia, this was somethng I took to heart, because I had never been to this part of the world. I had a lot to do in order to prepare for this journey, especially since I was making this trip alone.
I had to read up online about Malaysia and Penang, the weather, food, things to do; I looked up information regarding the airline I was flying with--Singapore Airlines, what I could do during my two layovers and the airports I would be transiting through--Tokyo Narita Airport and Singapore Changi Airport. I had get my passport, my immunizations caught up. This list also includes the location, phone numbers and email for the ACS (American Citizens' Service unit) at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. They have the STEP--Smart Traveler Enrollment Program that you can enroll in for free. They have a free app for iOS and Android devices. All in all, it was a big checklist I had to do (in a short amount of time), but it was integral to ensure my journey was as smooth as I could make it.
Wifi--When you land, you want to be able to log in to let your loved ones know you are safe. Most airports usually have free wifi. To sign in, open your browser and you will come to the sign-in page. A tip: at Changi, you have to get a wifi password from the information counter. This is valid for 5 hours and only for one device. If you do have more than one device, you have to get a password for each one you want to have access to the Internet. If your layover is longer than that, just go back to the information counter and get a new password.
For more information on the amenities of these airports, click on the links above. A side note: Changi Airport was rated No.1 airport in the world by Skytrax.
**UPDATE: On our most recent transit through Changi Airport in December, 2016; their wifi access method has changed. Instead of having to go to the Information Counter to get a wifi token as stated above, you now directly access their wifi on your laptop or mobile device. I believe that their SSID (a networking term, it just means the name of the network) is "#WIFI@Changi". After selecting that, then you launch your web browser to any page; of which then you will be automatically redirected to their login page. You will have two options of wifi access: 1) 3 ours and 2) 24 hours. To access the latter option, you must have a local/roaming number, plus you will need to install the latest version of "iChangi" app. It is available in both Android and iOS devices only.
Then, you will input the One-Time password that is sent via SMS after you enter your mobile number on the Wifi login page.
For the 3-hour wifi token, you either go to one of the Wifi Password Kiosks and scan your passport. Then you select the "Via Info Counter/Kiosk" on the login page and enter the password to access the Internet. These kiosks are strategically located throughout all terminals and inside the gatehold rooms. Once the three hours is up, you can renew for another 3-hour pass.
You can also, still, access one of the strategically-located information counters and present your passport to one of the friendly Customer Service Officers. Then, select the same option as you would for the password kiosk. This is also renewable.****
As with any open (unencrypted) wifi network, always practice good vigilance when it comes to your online security. I would advise against conducting any online financial transactions while on open wifi, as your information can be snooped. I am not saying it will definitely happen, but it is a possibility. Be sure that your login passwords are "strong" (ie--a minimum of eight characters. Use lower- and upper-case, as well as numbers and special symbols. Plus, if you have to use a site requiring a login, BE SURE TO FULLY LOGOUT after you have finished your session! Plus, it would be a good idea to change your passwords regularly.
2) Passport Wallet
Make sure that all of your travel documents and money are in a safe place. I recommend getting a passport wallet that you wear around your neck, as to minimize any chance of anyone pick-pocketing.
3) TSA locks and "3-1-1 Rule"
If you are bringing any valuable electronics with you, like your laptop or tablet, do not put it in your checked luggage. Always carry it onto the plane with you. Also, buying a few TSA-approved padlocks to lock up your luggage, laptop case, etc. would be a good idea. If the TSA screeners have to inspect your luggage, they have a special key to unlock without breaking your lock. Plus, if you are travelling from the U.S. with any liquids or gels in your carry on luggage, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) has the "3-1-1 Liquids Rule"--..one small bag of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams or paste..in 3.4 ounce containers (100ml) in a clear zip-top bag. Other requirements can be found on their site.
**IMPORTANT!! Malaysia, as with most countries in this part of the world, use 220V electricity, as opposed to 110V in the U.S. Any dual-voltage devices (ie. laptops, tablets, phones) can be plugged in here, provided you get the correct adapter. Single-voltage devices (ie. hair dryers, curling iron, computer speakers) have to be plugged into a voltage converter in order to be used here.**
4) Jet Lag
If you were like me, you would be traveling eight time zones. Even if you were only traversing, let's say. three time zones, there is always the chance you would be a victim of the scourge of jet lag. Jet lag occurs because our internal clocks, which are synchronized with your home time zone; become dissonant or "out of whack" when flying to a different time zone. Symptoms can be worse if you are flying east.
Even though I was flying west, I would still be at risk of experiencing the symptoms stated below (well, obviously not the LAST one..haha.) According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of jet lag include:
a) Daytime fatigue
b) Disturbed sleeping patterns
c) Stomach problems, such as nausea and diarrhea
d) A general feeling of not being well
e) Muscle soreness
f) Menstrual symptoms in women
It takes your internal clock one day per time zone travelled, in order to adjust to your new time. Since I didn't plan on spending my first week in Malaysia laid up in bed feeling horrible (again..8 time zones= 8 days my internal clock would need to adjust to my new time), I needed to research any tips I could find, which would help lessen any symptoms I could experience. Some of the tips I learned were to:
a) Adjust your time: By that I mean to take a timepiece, be it your phone or watch, and change the time to your destination. By seeing that new time, that gives your brain a cue to start adjusting to the new time.
b) Don't drink alcohol during the long stretches of your flight. I did have a Singapore sling on the second leg of my flight, but I knew I was only crossing one time zone.
c) Stay hydrated. The recirculated air in the cabin is very dry. That can exacerbate symptoms after you land.
d) Sleep on the plane.
Once you arrive at your destination, it is important not to go to sleep right away, especially if you arrive in the morning, as I did. Stay awake for as long as possible, eat something (breakfast in my case) and go take a shower, as soon as possible. This will go miles in helping you adjust to your new time. Plus, after almost 30 hours of travelling, you want to smell and feel minty-fresh so you can start to enjoy yourself at your destination.
5) Be vigilant
We hear all sorts of stories of travellers getting into some sort of trouble because they let their guard down. Now, I know you're excited about being in a new airport and place, but as with anything, you need to practice common sense to protect yourself and your belongings.
When it comes to your luggage, your checked luggage (for long-haul flights) will be "straight checked-in". That means that you don't have to collect and recheck your luggage at your transit point (Changi Airport in my case). Usually, you will have your carry-on luggage with you when you are on your layover. Now, on my trip, I arrived at Changi Airport at 3am local time.
Although the airport, at that hour, was relatively empty; I still made sure to always keep an eye on my luggage that I was carting around, as well as my surroundings. When I would sit down anywhere, I would always keep my luggage in front of me and rest my legs on top. That way, I didn't have to worry so much about anyone sneaking into my luggage. When you leave an area, make sure all of your belongings are packed and locked up.
Also, when you are in the airport, do NOT help anyone, even sweet old ladies or little kids. Now, that sounds mean, but you never know if they are just bait to lure someone to get into trouble. Don't even offer to hold water bottles for anyone. If you encounter anyone that says they need help, just go the information counter and notify the proper authorities.
Remember to practice these tips to help make your journey a memorable one (for the right reasons). Be careful out there and happy travels! Bon voyage!!
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