Travel Hacks for First Time Travelers-AKA-email to my mom.

"I'm an idiot, I can bring sunscreen with me to meet you at the airport; I'm going to need to wear it anyways. Sorry for being a grumpy ass about that.

Something small for entertainment: a book, journal, sketchbook, tablet, phone, et cetera. They will have movies on the plane and normally the selection is great on good airlines. You will however need headphones. If you aren't sleeping, movies on a plane are the next best thing to do. I can't read much on planes because I get nauseous.

Ah ok! Sorry I forgot about getting nauseous because I figured out all the preventative stuff and forgot why I did it.  So this is what I did: candied ginger chews, no reading, make sure I was padded and comfy. (thick jacket, scarves) reusable water bottle, make sure to fill it and keep it filled. Drink lots of water.

It will get cold! I'm sure there are both practical and scientific reasons for this. Make sure the clothes you are wearing for the plane trip are VERY comfortable and allow for swelling. People take their shoes off during flights and you are welcome to follow the recommendations of your doctor on that one. I have a few opinions because I've tried a few things. If you have anything like UGG boots, highly recommend. Shoes that are supportive, warm, and can accommodate swelling are what you want. Also breathable socks and clothes. Layers are your friend. It will be hot here so people might look at you like you're crazy but they don't know you're being tricky and clever.

flip flops/sandals

1 pair of shoes for walk/work. If you happen to do any of that. If they double as your plane shoes, added bonus.

Oh! So if you only want to bring a few things and prefer to just buy stuff here because it will add too much bulk, we can mail anything you buy here back to you in the United States.

Things I have so you don't need to bring: summer and work clothes. I have all the clothes and we are more or less the same size. All my current clothes are stretchy. Sun Block, (I'm buying more next week), any bathing products (except personal deodorants. toothbrushes and the like)

I have a bunch of books you can read in a bunch of categories so just one for the trip is fine.

You might want: neck pillows, snacks, empty water bottle (you can't bring more than 3oz on planes in your carry-on but if you bring an empty bottle there are water bottle filling stations in lots of airports), drugs that help you all get through life. Supplements (keeping lots of nutrients in your body makes everything easier to manage) On that note I highly recommend those Vitamin C packs invented by a school teacher. They can really make the difference between a cold or not sometimes. One for before your flight, one for when you arrive and a few more in case you are feeling down or fancy.

I can't think of anything else at the moment, let me know if you have any questions."

shout out to Getty Images for this gem of a featured images. My search for "crazy lady with computer" brought me pure magic.

https://www.gettyimages.com