
Traveler essentials
Flying anywhere can be difficult if not prepared.
Sherpa Sean's flying essentials list can help improve almost any flight.
Empty water bottle to fill after security check point. Eye-mask and earplugs. Meds & Melatonin. Earbuds for inflight movie or music. Also for use with your smart phone for pre-downloaded movies. A sturdy ballpoint pen for those tricky crossword puzzles and filing out customs & immigration forms. (Also a great defense weapon.)
I have a lanyard to keep the pouch around my neck as I put my carry-on in the upper compartment. You may want to add a few items depending on your needs and flight time. (Credit card, book/magazine)
My 3 do's before I get on the plane. (1) I wear a t-shirt under a button-up shirt so I can control my temperature better. (2) I try to use the bathroom in the lounge or airport. (3) I will also brush my teeth and wash my face. This last one helps me relax and stay comfortable.
Airplane bathrooms are not the cleanest of places and who knows what time zone it was cleaned and how well. Avoid the plane lavatory! If you do you may want to add hand sanitizer to your flying essentials!
Enjoy the local foods.
Enjoy the local foods safely with some good shopping habits. Eat what the locals eat. Signs of safe food handling and care are sometimes hard to spot. First follow your gut instinct not just your growling stomach. A long line filled with locals is a good sign. In areas with poor sanitation buy the foods you peel yourself. (Bananas, Oranges, Melons are good choices but you will still want to wash your hands and the fruit before peeling)
Bottled water, Boiled water for tea and adding beer or alcohol to water can reduce exposure to water borne pathogens. Lastly listen to your body. The first sign of infection is elevated temperature.

Your experience matters!
If you have experienced travel issues and found a creative solution please share it with us. We would love to hear from you!