Our Longest Travel So Far

It was a long way to our destination... and we're traveling along with 2 kids and a baby, 3 huge traveling bags (22 kilos average), and of course our hand-carries.  I know it'll  be tough, but we had to go through it.  After having our farewells with our families, our journey begun...

We stayed overnight in Manila for the "finishing touches" transactions and  prepare/rest for the early flight the following day.  It was 4 hours before our scheduled flight when we arrived at NAIA, Terminal 1 (not to take any chances).  Events were such a series of long lines, carrying heavy loads, paper works, and thorough inspections... man, was I glad I had my wife with me.  Everything went well, then we boarded our plane heading to Nagoya, Japan, for a technical stop.

The travel lasted for 3 and a half hours, more or less.  We arrived in a cold and foggy Japan (the kids were a little disappointed not to see snow).  We already prepared winter clothing, but as first-timers, the weather was freezing cold as we got off the plane.  Though it didn't last long, it became warmer as we walked inside the terminal.  While we were there, got this funny experience; wanting to finish fast with the inspection I immediately hopped in to the metal detector.  As a consequence, the inspector found metals, had a more thorough inspection and had to go through the detector a couple of times.  In short, it took longer (LOL).  Tip: take every metallic object off, even coins...  After hours of waiting, off we went to our longest flight... Detroit, Michigan.

During the almost 14 hours of flight, there was nothing much to do.  Just slept (since the baby was sleeping most of the time), watched movie on the monitor (there's a lot to choose from) and walk/stand once in a while (or else you'll have a sore bottom).  We had no problem with food and beverages, the attendants kept on serving them.  One thing I couldn't ignore was how courteous Americans are, especially the flight crew.  Overall, the trip was very nice.

We arrived at Detroit seeing the ground covered with snow, which made my kids excited (us, we had our reservations).  We landed good, though we felt the plane slipped a little bit (understandable).  Then, after we were held in the immigration office to clarify some matters (long story), my wife and I finally took a well deserved nap (alternately, the kids were still there... hahaha).  And since we can't let the kids go outside the terminal, we accompanied them to roam around inside the terminal... it's still pretty amazing after all.

Then finally our flight to Houston, Texas came.  It's a shorter flight but still around 2.5 hours.  We were fetched at the airport, took out Whattaburger (first meal, huge servings), went to our apartment, bought some stuffs @ Walmart, and then sleep?  No, we all had a jet lag...  and were all wide awake...

We thank the Lord for our safe journey and for all the guidance and blessings He showered upon us...

When Traveling Abroad

Traveling outside the country isn't all fun.  You need to consider a lot of things like money, time and the basic necessities.  It was my first time to travel to a foreign land and my... it was tough, for me and my family.  So, I'm providing below a list of basic things you need to take care of before your flight outside the country based on my experience:

Get a passport and if required, a visa.  It's a must, guys.  A passport serves as your identification as a foreigner.  You cannot legally enter another country without it.

Plan ahead.  Schedule your vacation ahead of time so you won't get in trouble leaving your obligations behind.  Synchronize your leave with your companion(s), if you have any.  Get a flight that suits your budget and time, be it direct, connecting or separate flights schedule.

Travel light.  Bring only the things you need most and base the quantity on the length of your stay.  Don't bring things your planning to buy, unless of course it's a necessity.  You're passport doesn't weigh that much, so don't forget it coz' you won't be getting off our country without it.

Better early than be sorry.  Time is of utmost importance.  Go to the terminal at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled flight.  Anticipate falling in a long line of passengers for multiple necessary procedures.  To save time, if you have an able companion, you can fall in line for the check-in counter while the other for the travel tax payment (assuming you're not an oversees Filipino worker).

Be prepared monetarily.  For all you thought, getting a discounted ticket would bring you to your dream vacation... well that's not all there is to it, there are still travel taxes and terminal fees to pay in the airport which aren't cheap.  Not to mention of course your expenses on the country where your going.

Payment for 2 kids and 2 adults

Bring a pen.  It's a must, you definitely want to bring one.  The immigration won't be providing you with it, and you need to fill up their forms.  If not, good luck, you'll definitely need your charisma to borrow one.

And after everything is done, just say a little prayer of thanks that everything turns out well and may He bless you with a safe journey for everything is always up to Him.  Yahweh bless.