If you’ve never flown before but are soon to plan a trip that will require you to board a flight, here are vital tips for first-time flyers you can use. These tips will come in handy even if you’re wondering how to on a domestic flight for the first time and not just for international travel. Therefore, be assured that flying for the first time alone need not be a stressful thing. Once you check out our list of the top tips for first time flyers, you can get a first-time flyers checklist ready.

Set your fears aside and follow use our top tips for first-time flyers with anxiety. These are the best tips for first-time flyers internationally traveling and otherwise.

Tips for Those Flying for the First Time Alone:

When you’re flying for the first time nervousness is expected. But worry not. Just follow our simple but essential tips for first-time flyers and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the experience.

1. Get travel documents ready

Once you’ve dealt with how to book cheap flights, this is the next important step. These is among the most vital tips to ensure your first-time flight experience is a pleasant one. Without the necessary travel documents, you won’t be allowed to board the flight. Make sure you’ve got your passport (if you need one for this trip) and other TSA-approved travel documents in hand. Do ensure to keep copies of these as well just in case you misplace something important.

2. Take care of baggage concerns

Make sure to check the baggage policy of the airline you’re booking flights with. Find out what you will be charged for your checked baggage, the permitted size and weight of the luggage, and other important things. One of the most useful baggage tips for first-time flyers is to pack just a carry-on. This is especially helpful if you’re about to make an emergency trip on a last-minute flight. Just pack the essentials and you can buy anything else you need at your intended destination.

3. Arrive as early as you can at the airport

This is one of the best tips for first-time flyers, especially for those hit with the first-time flying what to expect at the airport query. Generally, it’s best to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours ahead of departure time. But it’s also a good idea to clock in a bit earlier especially if the airport is a big one. It can be harrowing to get through the entire check-in process. Arrive early and do this in peace instead of coming at the last moment and hurrying through everything.

4. Head to the airline desk

The first thing you must do when you arrive at the airport is to go over to your airline’s check-in desk. These is among the most important tips for first-time flyers you must keep in mind. Show your travel tickets, passport, and other travel documents here to confirm your seat on the airplane. Once the documentation is in order, you can also check your baggage here and get any other last-minute flight updates.

5. Work your way through security patiently

Getting through airport security can be a bit of a hassle even for seasoned flyers. Those traveling on First or Business class flights will have it easier owing to expedited check-in. But for those about to board the economy, this is the one place you will need some patience. Follow the instructions passed to you by the security agents and you should be fine. Once done, do ensure you haven’t left anything behind.

6. Move on to the boarding gate

Your ticket will more often than not have the boarding gate number on it. However, one of the top tips for first time flyers is to check the departures monitor for any boarding changes. If you’re having trouble following the signs meant to lead you to the assigned gate, you can also stop and ask an airport employee for assistance. Once at the gate, have a seat until the agent at the gate calls out for the group number that’s on your ticket to the board next.

7. Board the airplane carefully

Boarding the airplane with caution is among the top tips for first-time flyers. When the gate agent calls your group to board, check if you have all your belongings with you before proceeding to board. Once on board, check the row and seat number above (or on the armrest) and find your assigned seat. Stow away your carry-on carefully either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead storage bin.

8. Inflight entertainment

This is one of the best tips for first-time flyers with anxiety – open to inflight entertainment. The type of entertainment you enjoy on the airplane will depend on the travel class you’re in. You will have your own entertainment system if you’re flying luxury class. Many airlines will offer inflight magazines, podcasts, music choices, and movies as well among other things. However, it’s best to bring along your own entertainment such as a book, laptop, music, movies, etc. It’s also a good idea to carry noise-canceling earphones and a sleep mask to help you rest if it’s a long-haul flight.

9. Food and drinks on the flight

Once on the flight, you will be offered food, snacks, and drinks depending on the type of travel class you’re in. Most of it will be free if you’ve paid for it while booking your ticket from USA to India or elsewhere. It will also be free if you’re traveling in First or Business class. Else, you will have to pay for whatever you wish to have. One of the best tips for first time flyers to keep in mind is that generally, cash isn’t accepted as payment so keep a credit card in hand.

First Time Flyers Checklist

If you are flying for the first time, there are some factors that you should be familiar with. The first time flyer tip includes the checklist of the most basic things such as:

• Identity Card (ID Card)
• Hard Copy/ Soft Copy of the Ticket
• Boarding Pass
• Online check-in 24 hours before reaching the airport
• Get the Foreign Currency (If necessary)
• Dress in comfortable clothes
• Put your mobile phone on airplane mode in the plane
• Stay hydrated and enjoy the flight

Not-to-do Tips for First Time Flyers

• Don’t forget to pack your travel essentials
• Never overpack your bag
• Don’t wear uncomfortable/ bulky clothes
• Never forget to keep your headphones
• Don’t pack large liquids in your bag
• Never forget to check your passport expiration date

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do first time flyers need to know?

Answer: The first time flyers should know these facts:

• Get ready with your travel documents
• Be clear with baggage norms
• Arrive early at the airport
• Go to the airline’s desk for baggage submission
• Do security checks with patience 
• Board the airplane carefully

2. What should a first time flyer pack?

Answer: First time flyers should pack necessary clothes, comfortable shoes, toiletries, travel pillows, spare batteries, sunglasses, and other essential things.  

3. Which seat is best for first time flyers?

Answer: First time flyers should choose a window/ aisle seat in the front of the aircraft. 

4. How do you make a first time flyer calm?

Answer: The best ways to make a first time flyer calm include educating the plane’s functionality, understanding the reason for the panic/anxiety, taking a fear of flying course, getting travel insurance, knowing what the turbulence is, arriving at the airport early, and more.

–Travel Diary

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Why are travel tips for couples so important? Well because traveling as a couple can be fun but it can also be among the most challenging things ever. There are a lot of factors that go into making couples travel successful. Your first couple vacation may turn out to be your last as well if not done right. With the number of couples traveling is increasing by the day, travel tips for couples have become all the more important. Keep reading to know to make your couple vacation a success.

Best Tips for Traveling the World as a Couple:

Have you been planning to take your first couple vacation? Don’t know where to begin and how to plan? Worry not, we’ve compiled the best ever travel tips for couples you can use!

1. Keep realistic expectations

You may expect nothing but sunshine and sparkles on your vacation. While that may be reasonable, it cannot always be realistically true. Traveling as a couple brings with it a level of stress and certain other struggles along the way. Things will not be as easy they may seem. You will come across situations that will test your trust in one other. Dealing with the situation together is among the best travel tips for couples that will help cement their relationship.

2. Share packing space

It’s not fair to assume that those of a particular gender deserve more space in the luggage. Whether you’re on a planned vacation or traveling together on last minute flights, ensure that you have equal space to pack your stuff. This will ensure your partner and you both are aware of everything you’re carrying. You can always carry a separate vanity case (for men and women both) filled with personal essentials. This is one of the topmost travel tips for couples.

3. Make decisions together

Leaving just one half of the relationship to make all the decisions could spell trouble. The person making the decisions could get used to calling the shots and leave no scope to the other. Instead, weigh options together before coming to a decision. For instance, one partner could wish to cut costs by couchsurfing while the other doesn’t. Come to a compromise and make a decision that suits both your needs.

4. Split responsibilities sensibly

Splitting responsibilities the right way is among the best ever travel tips for couples. If you are good at maps, then you should take care of the route-and-directions part. Same way, if your partner has a good eye for hotels and other deals, you can entrust them with that responsibility. Before your trip, just check with your partner if they’re comfortable sharing responsibilities this way.

Also Read: 5 Family Travel Tips for a Great Vacation with the Kids

5. Deal with money matters beforehand

This is especially important if you’re in a relationship where one person earns more than the other. Divide your expenses in a sensible way. For instance, one can pay for food while the other can take care of accommodation. If one partner wants to book business class flights for the trip, check if the other is fine with the expense. Else, you can split expenses day-wise. Work out whatever suits you best. Adjust if you find that things are a bit different from what you expected before arriving.

6. Get some alone-time

One of the most important travel tips for couples is to get a bit of time for themselves. You don’t have to spend every waking minute with your other half. If your partner and you are both independent souls, taking off on your own for a bit can help you de-stress. Just going to the store by yourself could also do the trick. It’s totally legit as long as you both agree that personal time is healthy for your relationship.

7. Fight fair

It’s quite possible that there will be days when you will have a fight. That’s alright and quite normal in any relationship. It could be over anything. Dealing with it in a mature manner is among the best travel tips for couples. Don’t call each other names and strictly follow the no-blame-game rule. Listen to each other and empathize. When you see the other’s point of view, you’ll relent easier. Get over the fight quickly as you still have the rest of the trip to enjoy!

8. Do team stuff together

This is among the best tips for those traveling with other couples. By doing team activities together, not only will you strengthen your bond but you will also make other couple friends. Helping each other through tough hikes, water rafting sessions, and other such activities will take you to higher levels in your relationship. This is also among the best road trip tips for couples. You can randomly stop to do something fun together such as lunch at a roadside shack or clicking pictures with the locals while on a road trip.

9. Look out for each other

This is among the most important travel tips for couples when taking off on India flights from USA or elsewhere. When traveling as a couple, we tend to get too excited by everything around us and forget the interests of our partner. Keep a keen eye on their well-being and you will instantly be aware in case something seems off. Be open with each other and give your honest opinion about everything. You don’t always have to agree on everything but you definitely need to respect your partner’s wishes.

–Travel Diary

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Summer travel is a thing of nostalgia for most people who grew up in India. Whether you are traveling to India this summer to relive those cherished memories from your childhood or for a business trip or even for a casual vacation, you must be prepared to face the scorching summer in this tropical country, which is only getting harsher by the year. Here are some essential summer travel tips for you.

Packing Essentials for Your Summer Travel

Ideally, packing should be done according to the season at your destination. When packing summer-friendly fabrics (like cotton) for your summer trip, make sure that you avoid dark colors even if they are made of breathable fabric. Dark clothes that absorb more heat can cause you more discomfort, so stay away from them. Pack enough pairs of comfy pants and loose tops, choose flip-flops and cotton sneakers and don’t forget to include summer travel essentials like sunscreen, hats, caps, sunglasses, scarves, stoles, umbrellas, etc.

Choose Your Destination Wisely & Plan Your Travel Well

Hill stations and other high-altitude towns and villages are the most-preferred summer destinations in India. You can consider planning a trip to lesser-known hill stations such as Munsiyari (Uttarakhand), Kasol or Chamba or Chitkul (Himachal Pradesh), Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh), Yercaud (Tamil Nadu), Kurseong (West Bengal) etc. for a quiet hilly retreat away from the crowds.

Wherever you go, check the weather report of the place (there are many weather sites and apps available) before heading out. Time your sightseeing tour accordingly for a pleasing experience. It is always recommended to avoid venturing out at noon when the sun blazes upon the Earth. Traveling in the early mornings and late evenings also gives you an opportunity to admire the sunrises and sunsets in new locales. And if you are taking public transportation, you can opt for a ride in the air-conditioned metros operational in major cities and towns.

Watch What You Eat

Summer shows its effect on your digestive system too, making it slower and weaker. So, as you make changes to your diet, see that you don’t cut down your carb intake as it is the primary source of energy for your body. And while you feel tempted to taste all those mouth-watering Indian dishes during your travel, keep a check on what and how much you eat. Eat only those dishes that suit your food habits and refrain from deep-fried snacks.

Hydration & Other Health Tips

Drink enough water and never wait until you are thirsty – it is a very basic, yet the most important health tip you cannot afford to ignore when traveling to India in summer. If you can’t drink water every half hour or so, consume fresh fruit juices, but don’t ignore your body’s water requirement. Take citrus-rich fruits and vegetables like oranges, grapes, melons, and lemons. Having ORS packets with you is also a great idea. Try to avoid coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, and other beverages as much as possible. Also, carry a reusable water bottle so you can keep yourself hydrated during the long-haul flight from the USA to India. It also comes in handy if you are planning trekking and other outdoor adventures during your vacation in India.

Must-Haves in Your Travel First Aid Kit

Apart from your regular medications, there are certain common medicines and supplements that you need to carry when planning a summer trip. Multivitamins, fiber supplements, and other sources of instant energy are must-haves in your travel medicine kit to substitute for all the minerals and salts that you may lose during traveling in India in the summer. As you tend to face gastrointestinal problems during this season, it is also advisable to carry medicines like loperamide, bismuth subsalicylate, antacids, etc. just in case. However, worry not as health scares are common when you travel because of the change in weather and food habits, but with precautions and proper care, you can enjoy a great trip in India even during summer.

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When the chaos around you starts to overwhelm you, all you need to do is take a breather from the routine and seek solace in nature’s calm. Set out into the wild and it will set you right! Go for nature walks, hike the mountains, admire the sunrises/ sunsets, relax by the waterfalls, and when the dusk falls, set a camp and call it a day! But, wait.. is this your first time camping? We have some tips for you on how to choose a perfect campsite.

Many factors and careful inspection go into choosing a good campground. Firstly, where you pitch your tent has a big role to play in ensuring a great camping experience. Apart from the scenery and solitude aspects, you need to inspect the campsite in terms of its terrain, accessibility to water resources, potential hazards, weather conditions, etc. If possible, set up your camp on an established campground so you do not harm the fragile ecosystem. After all, sustainable travel is the way to go! Moreover, established campgrounds do have designated spaces for tents, tables, and campfires. Below is an infographic detailing the 10 most useful tips on how to choose a perfect campsite.

Indian Eagle is a leading travel booking company known to offer cheap flights from USA to India. Indian Eagle’s Travel Diary brings to you interesting travel articles, guides, tips, as well as latest travel-related news, updates and other information related to India travel. 

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Chaotic yet colorful, rapidly modernizing yet deeply traditional, India is full of intriguing contrasts, and if there’s one word to describe this incredible place, then it has to be ‘diverse’. A country unlike any other on this planet, the amazing sights, sounds, smells and flavors of India are a delight for the senses. But for a few, it could be a sensory overload. As a first-timer, if you ask any seasoned traveler for tips when traveling to India, one piece of advice you’ll surely receive is, ‘be prepared for the cultural shock’. Well, all we have to say is – acknowledge and embrace the differences; you’ll enjoy and appreciate the true essence of India.

A general idea about the country and a few India travel tips go a long way toward ensuring that your vacation here is smooth and enjoyable rather than confusing and exhausting. But at the same time, remember that too much preparation snatches away the thrill of exploration. So, here are some of the basic things you need to know before traveling to India. What are you waiting for? Go grab the exclusive flight deals and book your flight tickets to India now! Enjoy the rewarding experience that India is and all the while, keep in mind these tips when traveling to India.

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Nothing has been the same since the COVID-19 pandemic descended on the world. While the travel community questions ‘how is travel going to change after the pandemic?’, we would like to know how you would reshape the way you traveled. Wondering if there’s any difference? Well, the latter is more about your conscious decisions as a traveler because it is high time we realized the negative impact traveling can have on this planet and adopted a sustainable approach to travel.

We have seen the world come to a screeching halt due to the unprecedented crisis that had us confined to the four walls of our room. There were widespread reports of the planet healing to a certain degree during this period, which only points out the devastating impact human interference (instead of our interaction with nature) can have on the environment and in turn, our future. Sustainable travel assumes greater relevance now more than before. As the pandemic-hit tourism starts to recover, utilize this opportunity to start afresh and switch to sustainable tourism with the help of these sustainable travel tips.

What you need to do is pay more attention to the choices you make – right from deciding on your travel destination and booking flights to your accommodation, transportation, and food choices during the trip. This infographic highlights 16 sustainable travel tips you must adopt to make tourism more sustainable. But before that, let’s understand what sustainable tourism actually is.

What is sustainable tourism?

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.” In a nutshell, this all-encompassing term means traveling in a way that minimizes harm to local communities, cultures, ecosystems, and nature as a whole.

Suggested Read: Check Out 5 Budget-Friendly Travel Tips for Seniors!

Now is the time to rethink your past travel habits because, in the end, it is all about traveling responsibly. Become a conscious traveler, follow these sustainable travel tips, and enjoy a socially-responsible and environment-friendly vacation hereafter.

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We’ve compiled a list of the most budget-friendly travel tips for seniors who wish to travel. Gone are the days when people wondered – is it safe for elderly to fly. Regardless of whether it’s a solo adventure, a family trip, or a romantic escapade, people who want to travel just travel. So with such fantastic travel tips for seniors around, why should the elderly fall behind? Flying for the elderly is quite achievable with some incredible travel tips for senior citizens. With incredible flight assistance for elderly passengers, many can even make unplanned trips on last minute flights.

Different from the usual solo travel tips, the travel tips for seniors we have here pertain especially to their budget needs. If you happen to be an elderly traveler on a tight budget, read on to know how you can travel hassle-free.

Budget-friendly Travel Tips for Senior Citizens:

Senior citizens with a penchant for traveling generally weigh elderly flying+risks before setting off on a journey. But if you are still hesitant to board an airplane, let us assure you that there is plenty of air travel assistance for elderly. Airlines have so many facilities that make flying elderly passengers an easy task. For your budget concerns, we have some amazing money-saving travel tips for seniors you can check out below.

1. Check for deals on travel websites

Unaccompanied elderly flying is a whole different thing to flying with elderly parent. When traveling with family, seniors need not worry about the budget being entirely on their shoulders. But the elderly flying alone case is quite different. It can be difficult to travel within a budget and saving every penny becomes that much more important. Look for deals on trusted travel websites where you can get them at discounted rates. This way, you just have to shell out the bare minimum and need not pay anything over the top.

2. Travel off-season

One of the best travel tips for seniors budget-wise is to travel during the off-season. Being a senior citizen comes with its own set of benefits. You need not wait for school, college, or work holidays to go on a trip. You can travel any time (and anywhere) you like. When you travel off-season, you can avoid crowds, inflated tourist costs, costly tours, and a whole lot of other unwanted things. Even flights are cheaper in the off-season. All you need to do is pick a good place and book travel when no one else is!

3. Keep a flexible travel schedule

Among the top travel tips for seniors is to make sure your travel schedule is flexible. By being open to changing travel plans, you will be able to save a lot more. For instance, you could snag a great last minute travel deal instead of a really costly one you planned months in advance. But this will only be possible if you are open to changing your plans. You can even switch accommodation at the last minute for a cheaper one. There are several travel websites you can check out which will offer you incredibly economic travel packages.

4. Look for senior citizen discounts

Senior citizen discounts are a part of air travel assistance for elderly. However, even though not all airlines may offer this, certain major ones most definitely will. So it won’t hurt to ask around if there is a senior citizen discount when scouting for economy or business class flights. You can even look for senior citizen discounts when booking accommodation, tours, and other trip packages. There is no downside to looking for discounts and the only disappointment possible is that there won’t be any available. Thereby, one of the top travel tips for seniors is to scout for discounts.

5. Consider house-swapping

House-swapping is one of the best travel tips for seniors who wish to save on accommodation charges. You need not pay an exorbitant amount and stay in a five-star hotel. You can just house-swap with someone at your intended accommodation. The process is quite simple. Go online and check out websites such as HomeLink and Intervac that offer this service. Find someone at your intended destination willing to house-swap with you. For instance, if you’re traveling to Australia from USA, find someone local who wishes to travel to your city. You can house-swap with them for a small fee.

Use these amazing money-saving travel tips for seniors when you next plan a trip. You will be amazed at how much you can save! Look for discounted tours, accommodation, and a whole lot more. Take advantage of flight assistance for elderly passengers and snag cheap tickets. Not only will you be able to save on international flight tickets but you will also have a lot more money in hand to spend at your destination! These budget-friendly travel tips for seniors will help you travel cheap like never before!

–Travel Diary

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Having made too many tiresome flight journeys with their little ones, a lot of people don’t believe stress-free air travel with children is even possible. Taking your kids to new places across the globe, exploring awesome attractions, and learning about new cultures is among the most beautiful things you can do as a traveler. But to get to that stage, you’ll first need to clear the dreaded stage of air travel. However, dreaded as it may be, you can actually tackle air travel with kids pretty easily by doing a few simple things. Here are some top tips for flying with toddlers.

Tricks for stress-free flying with children:

When adults can find flight journeys exhausting, just imagine the kind of rough time tiny tots go through on board. Flying with a toddler on your lap can be among the most difficult things ever. Traveling with a 3-year old on a plane or with kids who’re even slightly older than 3 isn’t easy. But air travel need not be as stressful as it’s made out to be. Just check our tips for flying with toddlers below and make the flight journey that much easier for the both of you.

1. Prep kids for the journey

One of the best ways for stress-free air travel with children is to prepare them for it beforehand. Whether you’re availing India flight deals or deals to another country, this is especially important if it is your child’s first airplane ride. Make sure to let them know they are about to board a plane. The lesser the surprises, lesser the tantrums you can expect. It’ll help immensely if you make the experience of flying fun for them. Show them on a map where you will be flying to. Get them involved in the packing and planning process.

2. Try to book an early flight

If this is a planned vacation you are about to take and you’re not looking for last minute flights, book a flight that departs as early in the day as possible. Early flights are awesome options as they are considerably less crowded and pretty much everybody on board just wants to nap. Since the kids will be up early so that you board on time, they may doze off on board. Your kids sleeping through the flight journey, especially if it’s a long haul one, will be the best thing possible for you.

3. Flying with a toddler checklist

Before you leave for the airport, make sure you’ve packed everything you’ll need. When flying with kids ID is very important so make sure you’ve got this. If you’ll need a flying toddler car seat, make sure you’ve got the most comfortable one for your child. Pack a few light snacks but hold off on buying milk until you’ve cleared security. Also, check your flight status online just to be sure. With that done, you are now ready to board your economy or business class flights!

4. Keep aisle seats for yourself

This one is more from a safety perspective. Seating kids toward the aisle can be troublesome. Tiny hands do not lie still and may reach out to grab something from a passing food and beverage cart. There may be hot coffee or water that could spill because of this. So protect them from potentially harming themselves (or others) and seat them away from the aisle always. This is one of the biggest tips for stress-free air travel with children.

5. Pack surprise toys

Playing with toys is among the best toddler airplane activities ever. However, instead of bringing the toys your kids usually play with, pack something new. Unpacking a surprise is always a fun thing for kids. They’ll play with a new toy much longer than an old one. Keeping them occupied will leave less scope for them to get cranky. This is one of the easiest ways to follow and enjoy stress-free air travel with children.

6. Tackle air pressure

Ear pressure can be an incredibly painful thing for kids to deal with during air travel. Carry ear mufflers when you’re flying with a toddler on your lap. If your kids are a bit older, you can carry chewing gum for them. It’ll help ease the pressure off when the plane descends. It’s even better if you can get your child to sleep before the plane starts its descent.

7. Ask if there are free seats available

Boarding cheap flights only to be flying with a toddler on your lap can be exhausting beyond measure. So when you check-in, ask at the counter if there are any free seats on board. If the clerk at the counter turns out to be helpful, you’ll get your free seat and not have to go through the entire journey with a toddler wriggling on your lap. This is among the must-dos for stress-free air travel with children.

–Travel Diary

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