I'll be traveling for the first time solo to the u.k.. This is all new to me. I have my plane ticket and passport but I just want to know what else I might need to take or prepare.
I'll be traveling to visit my bf and his family for 2 weeks. Just nervous cause it's my first time on a plane and traveling in general.
Any tips for a nervous first timer?
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79 helpful votes You'll be fine. Just make sure you have your plane ticket (conf code) and passport with you. Might be nice to get some GBP (pounds, local currency) from your home bank in advance. Take care and pack "light" and efficiently. What month is your trip? - as far as the kind of clothes and shoes to pack. For the flight bring snacks and something to read (on your phone, or a paperback or magazine). Is your flight day-time or an "red eye" (meaning overnight). Do you land at Heathrow? Will someone pick you up? Or you need to get to London (or some place by train) on your own?
91,477 posts
79 helpful votes For your first time on a plane and overnight, wear comfortable clothes, that you can layer if you are too cool or too warm. Besides what you may be served on the flight, have your own snacks and extra beverages/water you buy after clearing security at your home airport. Some people take a neck pillow or travel pillow of their own, a 'puffer' coat works well for warmth and as a pillow.
With a layover sounds like you will clear Immigration & Customs at Heathrow, then be on a domestic flight within the UK to Scotland.
Don't pack a huge suitcase. You don't need a lot for 2 weeks in Fall weather. If you can manage only a carry-on even better. But I usually check my bag :)
Ask any questions here you are wondering about. People will be happy to chime in.
Plug adapter for your phone charger. It should handle 220V (Check the label but almost certainly) .
You might want something to read or watch on the flight.
Noise canceling headphones aren't an expensive investment.
welcome
every traveler either, solo or not has been in your shoes. Is because you are out of your comfort zone.
some hints/thoughts take or leave...
> you remember any of your "firsts"... bike ride, swim, walk,..ect. were you scare then? no different. you make it though then, why not now?
> travel inst anything "new".. only new to you. for now. once you get there and back and if you reflect on how it went and how scared you were you may laugh and will be chomping at the bit for more.
> also, solo travel isnt for everyone. Just like anything else. but you need to try to know if you like it or dont.
> and you will ONLY be SOLO on the plane. If they meet you at the airport, then you wont be solo anymore. And you wont be the ONLY person on the plane either. chances your seat mates will speak english, eat/drink, use the toilet and maybe snore/sleep right next to you while you do the same. Guess what? people outside of the USA do the same.
> for your flight, its up to you, take or leave....
- i always have some snacks. granola/power bar, candy bar and will get some OJ/water after security. They will probably feed you on the plane, but it may take a few hours , so i always have some snacks/water handy.
- if you have some fav earphones, bring them. they may work on the plane entertainment system.
- make sure you have ANY prescriptions, spare glasses/contacts and cleaner on you in the cabin. same with your passport.
- if you like to read, bring a book.
- bodily functions. If you want, use the toilet when you need to and when you dont. when you see them bringing the food/drink cart, use the toilet. chances are after, there will be a line. Same for the "breakfast" before you arrive. There will probably be a line after the food is served. Its up to you and how good you can hold it. when you are on the plane, look for any toilets in front or back. there will be a male/female sign on the ceiling. If its red, its occupied, if green, you are good to go. And then also look on the other side of isle.
> dont drink the water from the lavatory sink.
> ALWAYS keep your seatbelt fastened. they may turn off the sign, but if you haven't paid attention to some flights recently where they had some turbulence and or wind shear, some people died from that. You can keep it somewhat loose, but have it fastened.
> If you need food/water...ask the attendants. they may during the flight bring water through and or they may pass out water bottles.
> toothbrush/paste...if you want, you can brush your teeth on the plane. Some people do and some people wait until they get to the destination airport.
> if you get cold/hot, dress in layers. They may have a pillow/blanket on your seat. Its up to you if you want to use. If there isnt one, again ask an attendant.
> try to have your stuff you need ON YOU BEFORE you board the plane. you will see someone decide to remove their suitcase from above and hold up boarding only to get a sweater or something out of their suitcase. Really, its not like they just happen to just board. Be prepared.
> If you use OTC - over the counter meds, bring them with you or any you think you may need. You wont find any or much on the plane. If you get motion sick, bring something for that.
> stretching. when i use the toilet, i will stretch if/when waiting. Or i will just hang near there to get off my A$$ and move about.
there are others, but you will get by if you have the necessities for what you need/want.
good luck
Have you met your boyfriend in person or only online?
some other things...
> if you are still sanitizing everything before you touch and or sit..ect, bring some sanitary wipes. The flights i have used, so far, have had some sanitary dispensers somewhere near the front and near the toilets. Not sure if they are all full or not, but again, if they arent let an attendant know. Same for TP in the toilet and or paper towels.
> If you have any devices that charge via USB, chances are your plane will have USB ports. If you havent, go to the airlines website you are going to use and look at your flight info. It should say things like "snacks/drinks" provided and or food to purchase... or Meals on board...ect. And you may see the USB symbol. And some planes may have an outlet too between the seats near the floor. You just have to look. But you can charge your device if you want.
> Plug/outlet adapter. If you are going to travel - more - look at getting a universal type plug adapter with USB ports. Here is just one of many off amazon. I dont work/profit, just use to copy/paste since its easy/fast. that way you can leave your converter at home. But make sure you check/verify the devices are labeled...110/220 VAC.
> let your bank(s) know of your travel. Some banks may have an app for your credit card where you can set your notifications...you may want to do this so you know when your card is being used.
> also, your flights/lodging...you can make a PDF and send yourself a copy and or print.
> dont leave your luggage unattended.
> make sure you have your passport and or tickets before you leave for the airport and or the night before.
both directions.
> arriving/departing at airports. Do you know what a cattle chute is? Airports are designed and laid out more like a cattle chute. So if you follow the signs/icons to depart or arrive, you will be fine. If you are in doubt ask some official. If you need to, stand to the side to get your bearings or wits.
> for your arrival to the airports i use these Rule of THumbs.....
- DOMESTIC flights, i will be at the airport about ~2+ hours before. It will depend on traffic, world/local threat levels and any riots/protest/parades...ect going on between the airport and me at that moment.
- INTERNATIONAL flights, ~3+ hours...same notes as above.
you can look at your ticket and it may have "boarding" time and or "take off" time... you dont want ot miss either.
If you want, you can google for various airports and the MAPS associated with them. You can look at what terminal your flight may land/take off and what terminal you may need to make your way to your connection or to leave the airport.
good luck
Hello CK and welcome to the solo forum.
I’m taking a stab in the dark here and assuming you have a’through’ ticket for Heathrow to Glasgow on a BA flight. If so you will arrive at Heathrow Terminal 5 and your checked in luggage will be transferred to your next flight to Glasgow. You won’t need to collect your luggage, and will need to follow the purple signage for ‘connecting flights’. Although the signage is clear and large, there are plenty of staff around to point you in the right direction.
If you’re not on a through ticket with BA, but are travelling with 2 different and separate airlines, suggest you post a question in the Air Travel forum, with the airline(s) arrival and separate departure times
I wouldn’t bother getting UK currency ( called sterling) before you travel, as you’ll probably get a poor exchange rate. And quite honestly, cash is hardly used now, as most transactions (even for small items) are by debit or credit cards. Please be aware that if you use a credit card to get cash out of an ATM, you’ll be charged interest straight away.
On trans Atlantic flights, you’ll be served 2 meals, and these include drinks. The flight crew will also provide water throughout the flight, but being an overnight flight, the crew may not be as frequent, but they’ll happily provide extra water if you walk up to the galley.
On long overnight flights,the cabin lights are dimmed to allow passengers to sleep. The crew will ask you to buckle your seat belt for the duration of the flight, and buckle the belt over your blanket (you’ll get a fleece blanket and small cushion on your seat) . You’ll also get an ‘amenity’ bag, which usually includes a tiny toothbrush,toothpaste and an eye mask. In club or first class seats, the amenity bags contain more stuff.
For long haul flights,a neck cushion is highly recommended.
Don’t wear shoes that require laces. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly,you may have to take your shoes off at security, as your feet may swell up during the flight, they may be uncomfortable to wear. Lastly,don’t ever go barefoot to the toilets, some passengers don’t have good toilet habits and the floor can get wet!
Don’t ever pack valuables,glasses, prescription medications etc in your checked in luggage. Not so much for possible theft, but more for your luggage going astray between your 2 separate flights. It’s unlikely, very annoying if it happens.
September weather in the UK is very variable, we could get a glorious autumn with lots of sunshine and mild temperatures. It’s not generally that rainy,and you wouldn’t need big thick coats. Layers are more comfortable.
Travel insurance which covers loss,theft, damage to goods, as well as health insurance coverage is recommended. Your bank may provide this as standard cover. If you are very unlucky and need medical treatment,our national health service will provide this free of charge but they should ask you to provide your insurance details so that they can reclaim the costs of treatment. If you are prescribed medication, have to pay a standard charge,but you can reclaim this from your insurance. Just be aware that some insurance policies have an ‘excess fee’ and you may have to pay the first $50 ( or more) on a claim. You’ll need to check the t & c of any policy..
Some people like to download a map of an airport site. It’s easy enough to download from that airports own website. As Heathrow has 5 terminals,you may want to just download the terminal you are using. If your Heathrow flights,arrive and then depart from different terminals, there are connecting buses between the terminals.
On your return home, your flights should be scheduled to arrive at the main longhaul return flight at least 3 hours before gate closure (not flight departure).
Hope this helps.
Edited: 16 June 2024, 23:53
91,477 posts
79 helpful votes I prefer to have local currency upon arrival. I order from my home bank here in Seattle. But you can also use an ATM with your debit (not credit!) card upon arrival. I don't want to use a credit card for every cup of coffee, newspaper, taxi ride. Maybe to make a donation or tip a street musician.
I would recommend just taking out cash when you land from one of the ATM machines in the terminal. Getting Sterling in advance would cost you like 15 to 20% , crazy to me , to lose so much , just to save a minute or 2 when you land.