tips to get ready for foreign trip

Blocking the aisle during boarding while you dig for gum, a book, or a snack can delay the entire plane. Dezirae Bridges, a Delta flight attendant for 11 years, suggests packing small must haves in a resealable gallon size bag that you can toss onto the seat while you put away everything else.

Its tempting to toss your suitcase into the first empty space you see, but that slows down deplaning, as passengers who had to stow their bags near the back move downstream to collect their belongings, says Beth Jones (not her real name), a US Airways flight attendant with 34 years under her (safety) belt.

If you have missed a connection, do not stand in line to rebook with a gate agent. Instead, use your cell phone to call the airlines customer-service number (tuck it in your wallet before leaving). You may speak to someone faster, giving you a better shot at a seat on the next flight.

Free parking areas where drivers can wait for the I am here call for 30 minutes or longer have sprung up at more than 50 airports in the last few years. For a complete list of these lots, visit the Airports Council International website at aci-na.org.

To have dinner waiting in your hotel room when you arrive, call and order room service from the road. It can save a hungry half hour, says Barbara Talbott, an executive with Four Seasons Hotels in Toronto who flies about 20 times a year.

Appeal to the parents sense of empathy, says Caroline Tiger, a coauthor of How to Behave A Guide to Modern Manners for the Socially Challenged. Say,Do you mind asking him to stop kicking my seat? I did love to take a nap. If the child does not stop shortly after your initial plea, kindly ask the adult if she would be willing to switch seats with the child.

Grab a book or a magazine and she should get the hint. If she continues talking, says Tiger, tell her, I am sorry?I do not mean to be rude, but I am dying to read this. Another strong signal that you do not want to chat? Headphones.

It may be tempting to climb over her while she is snoozing, but you risk awkwardly straddling her as she wakes up. Instead, give her a gentle pat and say, Excuse me.

In the winter, a knit hat will keep you warm and take up little room. In the summer, a brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face. In either case, it will save you when your straightening iron doesn

Packing for a trip is infinitely easier when you have just done laundry. we literally mean stuff. A good rule of thumb is to keep your baggage light, keep in mind that you will need to carry things around as you travel and, especially if you are doing outdoor volunteer work, your clothing may look worse for wear by the time you are done. Check the expected climate for your time abroad and pack accordingly. Do not forget to bring any project tools recommended or required by your volunteer-sending organization or NGO abroad, as well as any needed household items like a pillow, linens, medicines, toilet paper, etc. Jay Wilson with IC Volunteers suggests that you also pack a few comfort items that might be hard to find abroad whether its your favorite hand lotion or breakfast cereal as they can sometimes be invaluable as you navigate the ups and downs of culture shock. Another good item to bring is pre-addressed envelopes so that those you meet abroad can stay in touch with you after you return (be sure to buy international postage once you are there).Try to keep to a minimum or even possibly just leave at home valuable items like jewelry and expensive electronics. Not only will these make you a target for theft but, if you're volunteering in an economically depressed area, they can serve to visually exacerbate the difference between the haves and have nots. Similarly, try not to bring too many items that will just end up in the trash (e.g. individually or plastic-wrapped items). Having a small environmental footprint is another way of being a good partner abroad.