Kids! So, you’re going on your first plane ride. That’s a pretty big deal, huh? Here’s a list of some important things you’ll want to know for your flight. 

First Things First: 

Breathe

If you’re feeling too nervous or too excited, that’s okay. It happens to everyone. Even adults get anxious. Or, people who have flown a bunch of times. All you need to know is that you hold the control right inside of your body. 

Here’s a quick exercise to practice:

As soon as you notice your body tensing up, take one hand and place it under your belly button; Take your other hand and put it on your chest. Then try filling each spot up with as much air as you can, but slowly. Imagine you’re filling up two balloons. Once they’re filled up, hold them there for three seconds. 1, 2, 3. Then release. Notice how your hands move up and down with each breath you let in and out. 

Do it as many times as you need to feel better.

If you relax too much and fall asleep on the plane, that’s okay. It only means your ride will be shorter and you’ll get to where you’re going faster too.

Important

Mom and Dad will handle the important stuff like tickets and identification. You only need a passport if you’re flying internationally. 

Remind them to get to the airport early enough. Rushing to catch a flight is only funny in the movies. 

Wear slip-on shoes: You will have to take your shoes on and off at the security checkpoint and it’s a pain to tie and untie laces. And wear socks! (Because the floor is lava. Also, the floor is gross.)

What You Should Bring 

A Jacket

Sometimes the airport is chilly- pack a jacket. If you don’t want to admit to your mom that she was right and you are cold, just say you’re wearing it because you don’t feel like holding it. 

Or, bunch it up; You can use it as a pillow during the flight. 

Gum 

Your ears might pop during the take-off. You’re climbing heights pretty quickly, and the plane is working hard to adjust the cabin air for you. It’s only for a few minutes, but it can be a tad uncomfortable- or annoying. Chewing gum helps a lot. Plus, its fun to blow bubbles. 

Something you Love

Bring something familiar, that reminds you of home, and makes you feel safe. But, maybe don’t bring the thing you love the most in case you accidentally lose it. 

Just saying!

Something to Do

Traveling takes time. Bring a book to make the time go by faster. 

Or, play your electronics. (In airplane mode.) This is the one place nobody minds. It keeps you busy and the flight quiet. Everybody wins.

Snacks

They offer snacks on the plane, but it never hurts to stash a few more.  

A Journal

How else are you going to remember every single cool thing you do while you’re away? You can even save admission tickets, and small knick-knacks from different places to paste them in your book, like a scrapbook. 

A Camera 

You can never take too many pictures. But, make sure you’re in some of them: Selfie time!

Don’t Forget 

To have a fantastic time!

Traveling to new places is healthy for you. It shakes up your everyday routine and reminds you how big the world really is. It takes you out of your comfort zone (in a good way!) and gives you new experiences and memories. What’s more: You will learn about other cultures – like how other people live and eat, and sometimes even dress differently than us.

Enjoy yourself!