One of the hardest things to juggle with moving is packing. It can become a challenge and i've sat countless times on my bed looking at my stuff wondering where to start in deciding what moves with me. I've managed to parcel a lot over already - Joe has to open them up and remind me what i've actually sent however.
A popular question is about baggage and weight allowance. People assume with a visa you get a bigger weight allowance - if only! You book your ticket like every other passenger, no one knows your on a visa until you declare yourself. So like everyone else my weight allowance is 23kg - realistically I kept thinking that was loads, I mean i'm only packing a few cosmetic bits, some converse, couple of books and clothes. Yeah right, I've packed and repacked my suitcase three times in order to get more in and be more organised with the assistance of the bathroom scales, but i'm also working with how much I can physically lug around on public transport to and around Heathrow.
But what do you pack? Michigan gets a bit cold so woolies are a must, I've thrown out socks to try and get other things in, my childhood teddy is packed, as to is Joe's [pictured] the remainder of my compact collection and some nail varnishes. You have to pack your visa paperwork into your hand luggage but whoever invented the size of the packet really didn't take into consideration the average backpack size [its huge]. I've managed to get my Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers book, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and my Road Trip USA book into my backpack along with my notebook, I've been eyeing up the 1Q84 book which looks an interesting read and I'll top myself up with some magazines before hand.
Yet I'm a person with the attention span of a goldfish so nearly a nine hour flight is somewhat daunting for my head sanity, so I'm asking;
Yet I'm a person with the attention span of a goldfish so nearly a nine hour flight is somewhat daunting for my head sanity, so I'm asking;
What tips do you have for self entertainment on flights or general flying tips?
My longest flight so far has only been 5 hours so I'm not going to be overly useful but the fella has had more long haul flights than I have hot dinners, he recommends packing a good book and magazine, iPod (or similar) for when you want a break from reading and a notebook for scribbling in. He also says that if you have a film or two on your iPod some of the latest planes allow you to plug in and watch it on the screen in front of you!
ReplyDeleteJem xXx
I HATE packing and unpacking and moving - I've done the overseas move before, we were assured we'd be fine with luggage allowance as we were working for the airline so both took two cases....and came away with £100 extra baggage charge. Damn you, airport!
ReplyDeleteCheers for the advise Jem, not sure how good Delta is for providing in flight films but we shall see!
ReplyDeleteThat must have been so annoying Lucy! I'm well under the weight thing, but I don't think i'm strong enough to pull much more weight then what is already packed!
I don't think I have ever been on a flight for that long! :) Books are good especially if you get involved in them to the point where you loose time :) I hope you have a great flight and arrive safe!
ReplyDeleteLove, vanilla
If you want to pack more stuff, you could always buy an extra suitcase! My best friend went to the US for a year abroad and she bought an extra allowance for £30, which isn'y bad considering you're going there FOREVER!
ReplyDeleteHaha true! Would be a bit of a hassle getting two down to Heathrow using public transport by myself however. I should be fine, just need to send joe a couple of extra parcels in the post tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI've traveled so much and the longest flight I've been on was 16 hours with a stop in Ireland. UGH torture. Make sure to dress comfy, bring a pillow n blanket, ipod, magazine, book, etc. Anything to keep you occupied. And sometimes when I book flights, I take the earliest or latest ones so that I am tired and can sleep lol.
ReplyDeleteMichigan will be very cold, especially if you are going to be near the great lakes. I was on Mackinac Island in the middle of July and it was so cold that I had to wear jackets and sweaters the entire time.
ReplyDeletefirst of all...thanks for the comment over on my blog. I knew I was going to blog about the move and the packing, then I read your post today. Same thing, only different. secondly.... it is hard packing up a whole house, but I do feel for you and your situation. It must be even harder trying to decide what you are to cram into a suitcase. Not being able to just pack up all your belongings and move it at once,....gotta be tough. I'm only moving a short distance. You? Well, you have a bit farther to go. As for flying tips....I really have no experience there, but I would say....blog/write/read. and maybe get some pics of your fellow passengers. That would be cool. Can you lug your camera on board? HMmmmmm. just a thought. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteROBIN
my-lovelydisaster.blogspot.com
@Sunny, we're down just in the suburbs so I think at the moment going by the weather websites I keep poking lately it's very much like weather here in Yorkshire, sunny or raining and a bit on the cool side.
ReplyDelete@Robin - Yeah it does get a bit tricky when you just see your suitcase and all the things around you that you wish you could take, but I have to remember that a lot of it's just processions and the important bits are coming with me or are already with joe. My "big" cameras coming in with my hand luggage but I don't think i'd be able to sneaky take pictures of passengers, it's a bit big! I've got a few blogging ideas already written down to make up a blog or three out of so I have that to work on. Might write some people watching moments down too!
I absolutely hate packing for a move but i don't really mind packing for a vacation. I agree, it's such a pain in the butt trying to sort out the things that goes with you. It looks like you're doing a great job though. :D
ReplyDelete:)
Carrie
http://readmylifeascarrie.blogspot.com/
I flew to the Philippines 5 or so years ago and brought my DS, 2 books, and a CRAP TON of magazines. :)
ReplyDelete♥ laura
the blog of worldly delights
aaaw teddy! I went to New Zealand and went over the limit and had to throw things out at the check out desk even thought I weighed it at home. I was stressed out and cried and a guy who was flying first class took my hand luggage bag on for me so I didn't have to throw anything out, so sweet xx
ReplyDeleteMy longest flight was 6 hours, to Montreal! I really hate (un)packing too...
ReplyDelete@ Laura - yeah I think i'll have to grab a handful of magazines and a few newspapers to keep me entertained.
ReplyDelete@ Gem - oh my that was lucky! I'm well under the weight but it's still so heavy to try and pull along!
@ Sweet Harvest Moon - ah i've seen the state of my clothes from my poo attempt at neat packing, think i'll have to unpack with an iron to hand.
my longest flight was 11 hours, I literally went through all the films and tv shows they were showing, made a list and watched them till I fell asleep! Xx
ReplyDeleteEep you wear Daisy too! xx
ReplyDelete