Sleep on the Plane: January 2014

So you're getting ready to go. Exciting! But with the excitement comes the anxiety of packing. What can I bring? How do I pack? What about all those restrictions?

I'm here to help!

Prepare for security BEFORE you go the airport!
Nothing slows down the security lines (and causes more frustration for everyone) than people who aren't prepared or don't know the rules. Wear comfortable shoes that you can slip into and out of. Do not wear shoes that you will have to loosen laces, tie, etc. You will need to remove sweatshirts, blazers and outerwear. So maybe that pull over sweatshirt isn't the smartest idea. You need your photo ID so have it out of your wallet and in your hand. You will have to empty your pockets....that includes your wallet. You will have to remove your electronics from bags. This includes laptops, many times tablets/ipads too, video game players, etc. No sharp objects. No lighters. No bottles of water, even if you bought at the airport. You can buy them once you're inside security. All liquids and creams must be 3oz. (or 100ml) or less. That means leave your big bottle of shampoo or hairspray at home or they will take it. The only real exception is baby formula and prescription liquid medication. It's been more than a decade since 9/11 and though I have always thought by now, this was all pretty basic, I find people holding up the line for infractions ALL THE TIME!!!

Make your life easy. Pack all of your toiletries in your checked luggage. How long will you possibly be without it? Take a small clear ziplock bag (yes, it can be as large as quart size) but keep it light. I can certainly last more than 24 hours without much more than a travel size tube of toothpaste.
When packing liquids, even in your checked bags, you may want to keep them in a plastic bag or makeup case or alternative pocket in your bag. Very frequently bottles will open or leak and you don't want it to ruin your clothing.

You are allowed one carry on bag (no more than 21"in height) and one personal item. Personal items include a purse, a computer bag, a backpack, a shopping bag.
In most instances, you will be charged for check bags and fees can add up quickly. The fees vary by airline and generally increase with the number of bags or weight you check. If you have a bag that is borderline in size (about 21-25 inches) and you want to save the fee, take it with you through security as if you are going carry it on. (but remember, this means it can't contain liquids, sharps, etc). Then when you get to the gate, ask them to check your bag for you and they will generally waive the fee.

If you are headed overseas, you will need a valid passport, an in some cases a VISA. Do your homework ahead of time. The process can take a bit of time. You will need to have 6 months remaining in your passport so check your expiration date. You will also need 4 remaining blank pages. Passports are good for a period of 10 years. VISAs are only required when visiting certain countries but always check if yo need a VISA. If you require one, the process and requirements will vary from country to country and differ if you are traveling as a tourist or on business.

You can apply for a passport directly from the State Department or at some US Postal Service offices.

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/apply.html

If you require a VISA, the process becomes a bit more complicated. Some countries, such as Australia, require US citizens to obtain a VISA before entering Australia, but the VISA is applied for and obtained on line. For most countries that require a VISA, you can google the US embassy for that particular country and send your passport to the embassy, along with all applications, photos and fees. Always make a photocopy of your passport before you send it anywhere and make sure you have a tracking number from your postal carrier. There are services out there that will assist you in obtaining passports and VISAs though they do tend to be expensive but can make the process much easier! I use Capitol Visa Services out of Silver Spring, MD. They have been incredibly helpful and they can expedite the process (for an additional fee) but it certainly makes the process much easier and takes the stress away.

http://www.capitolvisa.com/

One last piece of advice on the international travel. Currency.

Check with your bank and credit cards before you travel. I say this for a few reasons. It's inevitable that you may need some local currency. You have options. You can typically get currency for other countries from your own bank, but there will be a transfer fee and many banks require some advance notice. You can also get currency at the airport, either here or on arrival in other countries but again, they will charge you commission fees. Many times these fees can be high but if you decide to get larger amounts of cash, sometimes the fees are waived. An alternative is to use an ATM on arrival and money will be dispersed in the currency of the country. You will still likely encounter a fee from your bank but it is often times less then the commission at the travel currency desk. Also make sure you check the policy on your credit card. Many credit cards charge a fee for international use and often it's a percentage. You also want to let your credit card company know that you will be traveling and where. Often times, credit cards are declined in international destinations, not because the account is insufficient, but rather the charge outside the US is questionable. It's done to protect you but can be embarrassing and inconvenient when it happens. So do yourself the favor and address it before you leave.

You may also want to visit the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website before you leave and read the restrictions on what you can and can't bring home from your trip abroad. For instance, there are limits to the amount of alcohol and tobacco you can bring.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/

So now you're all set. Board the plane, go explore, keep an open mind and ENJOY the adventure!

Robin

If you're headed to Southern Africa, no trip is complete without a stop at Victoria Falls. Vic Falls forms the border between Zambia And Zimbabwe and can be seen from either side. It is possible to cross the border, though you will need to stop at the immigration post and buy a VISA. It's really very easy, however it will cost you and its cash only. And just bear in mind, TIA (this is Africa) and everything moves at their pace, which is slow to be sure. Be patient, plan for lines or a wait and if you get through quickly, consider yourself lucky and move on.

So why visit both sides? There are definite advantages to both with completely different options and views. In terms of viewing the falls, I find the Zimbabwe side to be far better but on each trip I've taken, I still walk both sides. On either side, be prepared to leave completely DRENCHED!!!

on the Zambia side, you can literally sit at the falls edge

The Zimbabwe side offers more walking trails, more of the falls and, in my opinion, better views.

A trip to falls really is best when experiencing both Zambia and Zimbabwe. In Zambia, the falls are referred to as Mosi-au-Tunya (or translated, "the Smoke that Thunders") and the town itself is called Livingstone. Accommodations in Livingstone range from camps to 5 star resorts. One of my favorite places to stay is the Maramba Lodge. Luxury tents, complete with en suite bathrooms, and electric. It's a fantastic place. Feels a bit rugged but with all the comforts of home and on occasion, elephants come right through camp!

http://www.maramba-zambia.com/

Another favorite, family friendly with all the amenities, is the Zambezi Sun. You can even see zebra walk freely around the resort grounds.

http://www.zambezi-sun-hotel.com/

There is a small game preserve on the Zambia side (Mosi-au-Tunya park) that you can drive through in your own vehicle or arrange a drive. It's very small, no predators and after some real safaris in Zimbabwe, Botswana or other areas in Zambia, you may be disappointed but its great for small children.

For a little excitement, try the adrenaline rush of micro fights over the falls. Batoka Sky offers the "Flight of Angels". It's a 15 minute microlight flight over the falls and it's AMAZING!!! Can't recommend it enough! I did it on my very first trip to the falls 13 years ago and my son took to the sky on a recent trip. They take tons of photos for you, mounted from the microlight.

http://www.victoriafallszambia.travel/Microlight_Flights

I've also done the whitewater rafting on the Zambezi and Shearwater adventures offers a great trip. Make sure you check water levels, as this will impact your trip. Warning: wear sneakers. You will climb down the gorge to get to the river. And after a long, tiring and WET day, you need to climb back out of the gorge, straight UP! Carrying your paddles and life jacket. Not easy but entirely worth it!

http://www.shearwatervictoriafalls.com/rafting/

My son also used Shearwater to buggy jump off the bridge. I'm not so brave!

http://www.shearwatervictoriafalls.com/the-bridge/

A few other, much more relaxed options, on the Zambia side would include an afternoon drink on the veranda of the Royal Livingstone Hotel. It's a great view of the Zambezi above the falls and a specials place to sit back relax and soak it all in.

http://www.livingstone-hotel.com/

Don't forget to try a sunset cruise along the upper Zambezi River. I've taken the African Queen and the sunset is breathtaking!!

http://www.theafricanqueen.co.za/

So there you have it, a sneak peak of the Zambia side but now onto my favorite side.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

My absolute favorite place to stay in Vic Falls is Lokuthula. Lokuthula are self catering 2 and 3 bedroom chalets and are part of the the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Make sure to close up when you leave and lock the door to the kitchen. Baboons come in and help themselves. Not kidding! You'll also find that warthog will roam around your chalet.

http://www.safarinow.com/go/lokuthulalodges/#scrReviews

The alternative option is to stay in the safari lodge, with hotel type accommodations.

http://www.victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com/

Even if you are not staying at either of these treasures, I highly recommend a visit. Plan on going for an evening. Arrive just before sunset and enjoy a cocktail of the deck of safari lodge, overlooking a large watering hole. Take binoculars. As the sun drops, the animals start to emerge and come for a drink. Just sit and take it all in for quite awhile. Then head over to the Boma for dinner. The Boma (or Place of Eating) is perhaps the most unique restaurant you will ever eat at and its a plethora of food ranging from regular old steaks and salads to obscure game meats and "critters". There's traditional entertainment. Grab a drum, let them paint your face, dance and join the fun!

http://www.victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com/restaurant_detailed.html?rcode=1

For further adventure in Zimbabwe, consider getting up close with some of the animals.

You can do an elephant back safari at the Elephant Camp.

http://www.wildhorizons.co.za/elephants/

If you're lucky, you may even get to see Sylvester, the rescued cheetah that calls Wild Horizons home.

Want even more animal adventure?

Consider the Lion Encounter!

I'm a huge fan of big cats and the Lion Encounter and Lion Walk in Zimbabwe was just my first of several up close encounters with big cats. (For Tiger interactions, wait for a post on Thailand). It was an amazing morning and an experience that is hard to top. You actually walk through the bush with a pair of young lions. It's a conservation and rehabilitation project aimed at saving the lion populations. It's educational and exhilarating.

http://www.lionencounter.com/activities/lionwalk

Maybe all these animals are stirring thoughts of a full safari. There are options in Victoria Falls and you will see animals. Even lions, if you're lucky. But let me give you one last suggestion and I promise, I have saved the best for last. Schedule a day trip to Chobe (in Bostwana). Many tour operators offer the day trip and it's just across the border (maybe an hour drive) but they will pick you up and your hotel and you will be transferred in a comfortable air conditioned van. They will take care of all border crossings. I have been to safari parks all over Southern Africa and by far, the two I recommend are South Luwanga (remote Zambia, but no where near Victoria Falls) and Chobe in Botswana. I promise you will see numbers of animals that you can not come close to imagining. The day starts with a river cruise, where you are up close with hippos and crocs and elephants swimming and playing in the mud. From the boat, there were elephants for as far as you could see. I've never seen any animal populations even close to the numbers you will see at Chobe. After the river cruise, they take you to the Chobe Marina Lodge for lunch, followed by a game drive. I've been to Chobe twice and have seen lions with a fresh kill on both visits.

http://www.victoriafallsadventures.com/activities_safari_chobe_day.php