I don’t think it really hit me that I was truly going to Hong Kong until I landed there. The trip was planned months in advance, I purchased the obligatory Lonely Planet Hong Kong book, and I talked about it with friends and family.
My biggest worries (I am a worrier so this come naturally) were that I was going to be half way across the world from my boys, the length of the flight(s), and if I was going to like the food. Well, my parents watched the boys and no one could love them as much as my husband and I than my family (I am one lucky girl!); the flights didn’t turn out to be as long as I thought; and I LOVED the food.
Here are some items that I do not leave home without:
- Lip Balm
- Hand Cream
- Face Cream
- My Kindle (or favorite book)
- Magazines
- Medication (definitely pack any medication you are taking in your carry-on)
- Noise canceling headphones (heaven-sent…I promise)
I’m going to take you on my journey so fasten your seat belts – or grab a coffee/glass of wine – and enjoy the ride!
DAY ONE
We woke up SUPER early to catch the flight to Atlanta. I always feel “out of it” when I wake up that early and it’s dark out, but soon after we took off the sun was shining and I knew it was going to be a beautiful day! I was able to read through 2 magazines during this flight (unheard of at home with the boys)!
I recommend dressing comfortably – I wore yoga pants, a comfy t-shirt and tied a zippered sweatshirt around my waist. I also recommend (not wardrobe-related) if you plan to travel internationally a few times in the next few years, to apply for Global Entry. This allows you a MUCH faster re-entry into the US via Customs.
Even if you are not planning on traveling outside of the US, I recommend the TSA Pre-check program. It takes a few minutes to apply, but then allows you to go through a special security check point line AND you don’t have to:
- Take your shoes or jackets off
- Remove your electronic devices from your carry-on luggage
- Go through the x-ray machines that are banned in practically every other country than the US (I wonder why…). You just go through the old school machines that don’t emit possibly “not-so-good” rays.
We had a bit of a layover in Atlanta, but once we boarded the 5 hour flight to Seattle I was determined to stay awake per our “plan”. No time like the present for a bloody mary, right?!
The view from 30,000 🙂
I watched the first four episodes of Jane the Virgin to pass some time on this leg of the flight. I caught myself LOL-ing a few times. I just need to find the rest of the season (preferably for free).
We didn’t have much time between the Seattle and Hong Kong flight, so I didn’t have much time to become worried again…which is a good thing! Either way, I was totally WOW-ed when I got on the plane. We sat in business class (points are WONDERFUL…I highly recommend them – especially when you are planning to travel on long flights such as this one!) and I felt like a little kid all over.
Look at the pillows (yes plural pillows) and blanket that greeted me when I got to my “pod”.
Here are some other pics from the flight.
I was so excited to watch Annie (the new version) since no one in my house would go with me to watch the movie in the theater (or at home). I (quietly) sang along to a lot of the songs and enjoyed the movie a lot (I was Molly in our elementary school’s rendition of Annie and was impressed that I never forgot the songs!).
After dinner and a few glasses of vino, I fell asleep and woke up to only 3 hours left in the 13 hour flight. 21 Jump Street was my next movie of choice – a few LOL’s with that one – and next thing you know, we are landing in Hong Kong. AND it’s Friday night at 7:30ish PM. Let the games begin! To be continued…
Jasmine says
I haven’t been on a plane since I was 4. I don’t think I could handle it. Lol I’m scared of heights.
Dana says
I am afraid of heights as well, but as long as I don’t look down I am OK. 🙂 Once I look down, then I start to sweat…On the plane, I don’t really feel like I’m moving, and when I look out the window it’s somewhat surreal so I don’t associate it with the fact that I am 30,000 feet above ground.
Sheryl says
I want to go Dana! This looks like one hell of a trip! Thanks for sharing this experience.
Dana says
Sheryl, you totally should go if you get the opportunity! My husband goes overseas 2x a year and I finally was able to join him. Stay tuned for the rest of the trip posts!
Nicole says
I can’t wait to take an international trip. I like your plan of action to get through the long flights. I’ve enjoyed this story thus far and I look forward to hearing the rest!
Dana says
Thanks for stopping by Nicole! Where would you like to visit internationally?
Lisa says
I’ll be heading on a long flight this summer (to the Philippines) so I loved reading this. We’re flying Delta and I’ve heard good thing, especially being able to watch lots of new movies.
Dana says
Lisa, Delta was GREAT! I watched Annie and 21 Jump Street on the way there but there were SO MANY new movies available to watch – along with oldies but goodies, TV shows, and games to play on the TV screens. I can’t wait to hear about your Philippines trip!
Angela Tolsma says
Your flight sounds awesome! I have never heard of those companies to make things faster! I will definitely check them out!
Dana says
Thanks Angela! Both Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check are so helpful when it comes to traveling…I highly recommend checking them out.
Marissa says
Great post! The tips were good…and it was cool to see inside your ‘pod’!
Dana says
Thanks Marissa! I’m glad you enjoyed the tips and the pod pic!
Allison Jones says
Those flights abroad always go by so much faster than I expect with movies, naps, food, and drinks! Global Entry is definitely on my to do list. It seem to save a ton of time and we travel overseas pretty frequently so it’s a must. Hong Kong is on my travel bucket list so I look forward to reading more about your trip.
LiveLifeWell
Allison
Mistle says
The longest flight I have been on is 16 hours and that was an experience. I was so happy to get off the plane when it landed (minus the jetlag). I know when we have to go through security to be prepared to take off shoes,etc. I do that ahead of time. So great tips for that!! It makes it a little bit easier to get through quickly.
Dana says
16 hours is very long! The flight from Seattle to Hong Kong was a bit shorter, but if you’re one to get stir crazy being in one spot (small one at that) long flights are not fun!
Rachel G says
We lived in China, just a subway ride away from Hong Kong, for a year and loved hopping back and forth over the border for weekends or daytrips. I will always have good memories of visiting Hong Kong. I don’t think I’m ever going to be a fan of ultra-long flights, however, I always dread the flights from one side of the world to the other!
Dana says
I agree with you regarding the dislike of super long flights!