Tips and tricks for maximum enjoyment on your travels.
There are two types of people at the airport – those who are removing and adding things from their suitcases at the last minute and those who have only one bag plus their purse looking very stylish.
Even though we all love to travel, the actual experience can be a hassle if you don’t prepare luggage-wise. When you’re going to Dubai, your priority should be enjoying yourself, not praying customs will overlook your numerous bags.
Today’s topic, 7 tips to ensure peace of mind and maximum enjoyment on your vacations.
Tip 1: Check Your Airline’s Luggage Allowance.
Most airlines are pretty strict about their weight policies and have luggage limits. For future peace of mind, check this beforehand to make sure you’re not over it (except you have money for extra luggage). You can check your itinerary email or airline’s website for this.
Also note, the higher your class, the higher your allowance. E.g 23kg for economy, 35kg for business class, etc
Tip 2: Get A Scale.
I often wonder how people say they are travelling by air but are not weighing their bags. Like how? To avoid rearranging or throwing away things at the last minute, get or borrow a scale before you leave for the airport and make all necessary adjustments at home. Remember the 23 or 35kg includes the suitcase’s weight so don’t buy a suitcase that is weighing 7kg.
There is a peace that comes with knowing you have underweight bags. It surpasses all understanding.
Tip 3: Don’t Pack Restricted Items!
This is where they get Nigerians the most. At every US customs section, there is always a box where they pour all our indomie. When travelling, make sure to check what items are not allowed in the country, what items are not allowed on the plane at all what items may be allowed but under a certain amount, and what items can only be allowed in your check-in or carry-on bags. From indomie to laptops, perfumes, toothpaste and crayfish (for the people who have that aunty or family member) know what you can and cannot bring on board.
(Note: plane and country are different. Delta will allow you to carry the chicken indomie but customs will na collect it at Georgia.)
Tip 4: Get A Good Bag.
The worst thing that can happen when you reach Nigeria from Dubai is finding out the expensive plastic fibre case you bought is now cracked. This has happened to me ehn. And most of the time, it’s at Nigerian airport that it will break. So jejely invest in a light leather or cloth bag and save yourself the embarrassment. Or if you must carry a plastic bag, try to pad it with cloth or cardboard so it’s not as brittle but even that one it’s in God’s hands.
Tip 5: Lock Your Bags.
This one should go without saying but lock your bags please. Especially if you’re carrying valuables. In fact, if possible don’t pack too many valuables because customs may open your bags for security purposes and Nigeria. Eh.
Let’s just say, if you know you know.
Tip 6: Get Familiar With Cargo And Shipping Options.
This is the ultimate trick that business and rich people use to enter the airport in style and it’s not as expensive as it seems. Ship your stuff ahead. If you know you love to shop in the abroad, send your stuff to Nigeria through cargo companies and have it delivered to your home. This way you’re not dragging all your shopping around the world.
Tip 7: Get Familiar With The Travel Lingo.
Knowing common words used in the travel space like checked baggage, carry-on, in-flight, miles, class, points, etc gives you insider privileges. It keeps you from getting into trouble, keeps you relaxed and confident and you receive respect because they know that you know what you’re talking about. No one can do shakara for you. There’s no shame in asking Google, so ask.
Thanks for reading fam. What other tips help you stay relaxed and obtain maximum enjoyment when you travel? Let’s know in the comments.
#TheGoodStuff serves up some light reading with 2 shots of humor and a dash of sarcasm. This edition highlights the Tips and tricks you need to travel in style, comfort and confidence.
