In 5 months I think I’ve logged approximately 60,000 cloud surfing miles. As my friends and family know, I love to fly, and always seek new adventures. This year I have had cancelled flights, nights in airports, amazing conversation with my fellow passengers, some inspiration, and have woke myself up due to my head nodding or hitting the guy sitting next to me. I’ve drooled in my sleep,  I have ordered champagne and toasted myself, and have taken a million plane selfies! Traveling is my passion, and every flight brings a new experience and often a new friend, but I have found my ultimate must haves when traveling- and here I share my top “Travel Tips” with you! 

1) Beware of Coffee– I love a morning cup of joe, and often I fly out first thing, so I buy a coffee at the airport. However I never seem to finish my Americano before boarding and I always ask myself- should I just throw it out, and I always end up taking it on the flight. This all sounds perfect, until I close my eyes and realize I have little drops of coffee on my shirt or pants. My last flight I was wearing a summer dress and lets just say the coffee spilled across my lap- which brings me to the next point…

2) If You Wear White, Have A Backup– I love white! But when I travel it is inevitable that somehow, someway something spills on me. I’ll never forget the time I was in the Phoenix airport with my mom and spilled Dr. Pepper all over me. Luckily I had backup clothing with me! I should have learned my lesson then, but often I need gentle reminders that white is not the way to travel! 

3) Comfort is Key– Upgrade your seat for extra legroom and space. If it’s a three hour or more flight, I always check for upgrades. Often I can upgrade to first class for less than $100. By doing this I have no baggage fees, free drinks, and a lot more space to sleep, write, and quite possibly take another selfie.

4) Earphones- I love music on a flight, especially while I write. When you forget earphones, you are stuck with the pre-packaged airline cheapies, or you buy a $19.99 pair of skull candy ear buds in the airport terminal. I must have a lot of these lying around, because I can’t travel without my earphones! 

5) Anti- Microbial Solution– ewwwww… Germs! They say airplanes have a lot of germs, and well I agree. I use Theraworx. An anti-microbial germ fighter. I’m biased to this product as they are one of my clients, however the product is amazing. I take a 2oz spray to spray my face (it helps keep my skin not looking dry on a travel day), and I carry a 2oz foam to use on my hands, arms, legs… Whatever is exposed… Knock on wood, with the miles I’ve logged this year, I have not gotten sick yet. I believe in protecting my skin- especially in the clouds. 

6) Always Wear Sunscreen– well not on the flight, but always pack sunscreen. I still believe I am 18 and can walk outside and get a nice tan. The fact is, I am not. I can maintain a great tan, but I do need sunscreen at least the first few times in the sun! It’s a staple! Don’t forget to pack it! 

7) Laugh More– delays are inevitable when traveling. Currently I am sitting on a Tarmack because the Chicago airport is shutdown. I’ll be forced to use the restroom facilities on the plane (I hate these!), but I will laugh at myself when I get up and walk the plank to front of the plane. Getting upset about delayed or cancelled flights will not change anything. Everything happens for a reason- take it all lightly. If you get stripped search at TSA, take it as a compliment. Laugh more, and let go of all the things you are not in control of- you’ll enjoy your flights a whole lot more!

8) Hydrate – Like it or not, flying takes a toll on your body. Time in the clouds can make your body swell, so hydrating yourself with water is a good idea. I typically have a water bottle with me on my flight, so I don’t have to keep asking the flight attendant for water. When the drink cart comes around, sometimes I want a coke or a glass of wine, but water is a must!

9) Don’t Be A Grumpy Cat -“I can’t take off my seatbelt, so you can’t sit here,” was actually spoken to me today as I tried to sit in seat 7D. I kindly said no problem and chose a new seat. There is no need to fuss or fret over little things, such as a seat number, just know if the aircraft does not make it, I was in 3B – let that be noted! 

10) Plan B– an extra pair of underwear, a shirt, and deodorant are pretty much a standard. If a flight gets cancelled or delayed, or I volunteer my seat, I reroute and stop in cities where I have friends! So having an extra go-to can get me by in a pinch! Don’t be afraid to ask the airline to reroute a certain way, but have a plan mapped out in your mind.

11) 99 Problems and Security Ain’t 1! – Spend the $100 for 5 year access to TSA Pre-check and Global Entry. It will change your life. No lines, easy access back into the country, and you can keep your shoes on. It’s money well spent if you travel a lot! 

Not mentioned above, include suckers for kids who are screaming because their ears are not used to the cabin pressure, Colgate wisps for fresh teeth at the end of a journey, and an extra battery charger for your cell phone… Personally I love the planes with plugins… This needs to be a request on booking websites. 

Next time you are in the air, I challenge you to a cloud surfing selfie! Tag it with #cloudsurfing and feel free to tag me @allmandy for a personalized response!

Until then… Stay flying my friends!