Travel like a Shoob

Shoobie: (n.) 1. Regional nickname denoting a tourist. This term originated in the 1920's when tourists visiting the beaches were easily identified by the shoeboxes they brought to carry their lunches. 2.Any person who looks out of place while at the beach. Usually identified by the wearing of socks with shorts and flip flops and/or a severe sunburn.

I first heard the term “shoobie” on the 1999 cartoon “Rocket Power.” My sister and I quickly adopted the name as our own and now refer to ourselves as “shoobies” or, for short: “shoobs.” This is because most places we visit, we are tourists and therefore experience various struggles.

As a self-proclaimed travel blogger, I figured it was about time to write a post about traveling. On no means do I consider myself an expert, but I have collected some shoobie tips during my travel experiences and am happy to share them here.

THE FLIGHT:

Booking a flight is first and foremost: always check multiple sites and set up price alerts. I like Google Flights because it gives you options like: “Europe – 2 weeks” and shows you an actual map with different prices depending on the country, and a calendar with different prices depending on the date. Another good one is Skyscanner – enter your departure city and then select “everywhere” as the destination and the website determines the cheapest places to fly in the world depending on your dates.

I always choose the cheapest flight (duh) so sometimes my travel days can be long. One time when I flew home to Wyoming from school, I had to travel from Atlanta to Los Angeles to Salt Lake City to Idaho Falls and then drive. Struggle. My most recent adventure had me visiting Iceland before I landed in Dublin.

If you’re scheduled for a long layover, do some research about the airport beforehand. Most have websites that include terminal layout and locations of stores/restaurants. One time in Germany I paid twenty euro for a lounge that greeted me with TVs, coffee, mini Nutella packets and a hot shower.

Once your flight is booked, download the travel app and figure out how much checking a bag costs. Budget airlines can be sneaky, so watch out for added prices for carry on bags, seat assignments, etc.

THE SUITCASE:

Now you have to figure out what you’re going to bring because, hello, you have to look fashionable in your instagram pictures. I think we’ve all made the mistake of bringing WAY too much stuff and I’ve definitely convinced myself to bring items that were super unreasonable (a sequin dress for Costa Rica, 9 pairs of shoes for one week in Cancun, tank tops for spring in Ireland, etc.) If you can’t see yourself wearing it at least three different times on your trip- I don’t advise bringing it. Basics are best: pack clothes you can layer and that can be dressed up or down. Less is more, and leave room in your suitcase for goodies you bring back from the place you visit.

Not to sound like my mom, but pack comfortable footwear- it really makes all the difference. Always bring extra underwear. *Krafty tip: fold them neatly and tuck the bundle inside one of your sneakers to save room. Another good idea for saving space: roll or accordion-fold your clothing and leave the most wrinkle-prone items for the very top. Pack a plastic bag for dirty clothes, especially if you’ll be gone for a while and won’t have access to laundry. I also tuck dryer sheets in my suitcase to help keep my clothes smelling fresh!

I secure my toiletries/liquids in ziploc bags, and not just for the TSA guys. One of the worst feelings is opening your suitcase only to find that your bronzing sunscreen has spurted all over your new top (yes it happened.) Before you leave: always double-check everything. Items I forget a lot: phone charger, make up remover wipes, band aids, enough socks, etc.

THE AIRPORT:

Check in online because it saves time and stress. Having your boarding passes downloaded on your phone is less hectic than scrambling for papers as you stand in front of the person who checks your ID. Advise your banks that you’ll be in a different state or country. The last thing you want is to arrive in Mexico and strut over to the ATM only to realize your card is locked and you have no access to any money (yes it happened.) I also advise changing currency at a bank before you leave, as airports tend to overcharge for the exchange.

Once you arrive at the airport, ALWAYS check the flight board to see where your gate is. Although it’s stated on your ticket/app, double check because flights change. You don’t want to walk all the way to terminal 3 only to discover you’re meant to be on the other side of the airport (yes it happened.) If you’re concise with your packing, security check is much easier. Move quickly but be patient and smile at the people who are helping you through- their job isn’t easy and it’s even harder when people are pushy and rude.

After I make it to my gate, I plop myself down and wait. *Krafty tip: pack your own snacks because airport food is WAY overpriced and the magazine stores aren’t notorious for having healthy items. When everyone starts to board, I am always the last one in line. I would rather wait in a chair with lots of leg room than rush onto the metal bird where I will be spending a large amount of time. (Unless you fly first class- board that baby and cuddle up in those nice blankets.) I also drink a lot of water and go to the bathroom before I get going because it’s much easier off the plane than on it.

Being comfortable while you travel is obviously important but one thing my dad always stressed is the importance of looking put together. Wearing comfy clothes is possible without looking homeless. Another item I always travel with is a big scarf. Airports and airplanes get chilly and scarves can not only serve as a fashion statement, but also work as a bunched up pillow or blanket.

THE FLIGHT:

Once you’re settled into your seat (I hope you’re next to a cutie) and it seems as though most have boarded, ask the flight attendant if it’s a full flight. If it’s not, try to spot an aisle with two seats free- you can change seats and have a bit more room to stretch out. I’m not the best for sleeping tips because it’s impossible for me to catch any shut-eye when I travel. Once I flew 16 hours to Hong Kong and didn’t sleep but 30 minutes. Ear plugs, headphones, eye masks and medicine can all be of help but I personally haven’t found the magic trick yet.

I never drink alcohol on a flight as tempting as it might be and I try to avoid the nuts/pretzels. (Booze and salt dehydrate you and can make you bloat, especially at a high altitude.)

Looking fresh after you step off a long flight is difficult but doable.

The main reason we look tired after flying is because our skin is dehydrated. If I’m taking a red eye or flying internationally, I take off my make up and apply a super hydrating cream all over my face, neck and hands. (Even if there’s that hot guy next to you- do it. Fresh skin takes precedence over flirting.) Ask the flight attendant to fill up your water bottle and keep sipping the whole flight. Before the plane lands, I try to brush my teeth, spritz some fresh perfume and apply a couple swipes of mascara. I always take a moment of gratitude when we touch down. Nothing is promised- flying safely and being able to board a plane in the first place is something to be grateful for.

Like most things, traveling is over-glamorized. It’s stressful, tiring, and cramped. Social media never shows the long lines, smushed airplane cookies, language barriers or misplaced bags… always remember that it’s ok to feel frustrated when you’re going new places. All my struggles (delayed flights in Germany, losing luggage in Cancun, clogging toilets in Costa Rica, throwing up in Taiwan, almost getting arrested in Prague, crying in Paris, getting lost in Holland, etc. etc.) are now my best stories.

Listen folks: traveling is not just beaches, nice hotels and museums. Traveling is learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Book a flight and go.

“Your life unfolds in proportion to your courage.”

besos,

Krafty