EVA Air's Hello Kitty Jet Touches Down At LAX

I have not seen any of EVA Air's Hello Kitty Jet series in person yet. I have only seen them in pictures and so mesmerized that I have included it in my bucket list - to board one.

EVA Air is the second largest carrier of Taiwan and has collaborated with Japan's very famous Sanrio group to feature Hello Kitty theme in few of their jets. This started in 2005 and now has 5 fleets to carry the "purrfectly" cute Hello Kitty character. You can read more information of the initial flights of the Hello Kitty themed fleet in Travel CNN.

Last 18 September 2013, EVA Air's B777-ER Hello Kitty Hand-in-Hand Jet touched down at Los Angeles International Airport, much to the delight of the travelers who are eager to fly this very cute aircraft and the throngs of super Sanrio fans.

Here are some pictures from yahoo travel and Travel CNN showcasing the cutest jetliner to ever graced the skies. And if you're flying in any of the Hello Kitty themed jets of EVA Air, you will be filled with so much cuteness from boarding tickets to the barf bags as they are all printed with Hello Kitty face.

What To Pack When Going To The Beach This Summer (For The Ladies)

Photo credit: livinggreenmag.com

It's that time of the year again and every beach lover out there must be raring to drive to the nearest beach resort or even fly to a great seaside retreat for a nice soak and tan. If you're one of them, you're probably starting to fill your luggage with the necessities.

Here are the essential carry-ons for your beach outing:

For those who are going to take a flight:
Your travel documents, eg. passport, visa (if required), list of important numbers, hotel vouchers and other travel documents you deem required to take along
Enough cash, debit card, credit card (try to limit the use of this only for emergency)
Your medications in a pillbox, if required

For those who are going via land:
Hotel voucher for your booking
Enough cash, debit card, credit card (try to limit the use of this only for emergency)
List of important numbers
Your medications in a pillbox, if required
Some refreshments/snacks like cookies and water

And the essentials:

• 1 or 2 swimsuits (depending on how long you plan to be in that resort)
• 1 light weight cover-up like a caftan or a sari that can dry easily
• a lightweight mat that you can fold and this is optional. You can borrow the ones in the hotel or resort.
• 1 sunglasses
• 1 hat or cap
• 1 foldable umbrella that you can bring when beach umbrellas are not available or when you're going to the market for sight seeing
• a stylish beach tote bag (go for canvas or the straw kind so it's breathable and sands can be easily shaken off)
• 1 pair of sandal or a 1 flip-flop. My rule here is, you can only choose one. If you're choosing the sandal, it better be water proof or at least, one that dries easily and can be worn fast. It has to be flexible that you can take it to other places and step it on the beach.
• 1 or 2 shorts (depending how long you are staying in the resort.  I will stick to just 1 if you'll be there only for 2-3 nights)
• 2-3 light cotton tees
• 1 pair of lightweight jeans
• 1 lightweight cardigan for that night time relaxation in the cabana
• 1 maxi dress for city touring if you need to
• undergarments - a must!
• 1 small sunblock lotion or if you want to tan, a tanning lotion
• 1 lip balm with SPF
• Toiletries like shampoo, cologne, body lotion and body gel in travel sizes that can fit a small pouch
• A couple of sanitary napkins or liners for the ladies
• A good book
• A nice camera to document those precious summer moments
• An mp3 like your iPod or other small gadget you can play music with

The list may seem long but when you're actually packing them in the bag, they're all compact and will easily fit a cabin bag. If it goes beyond that then that means you're overpacking!

People who are planning for a trip to the beach must remember to pack appropriately for the occasion. Keep it light! Have fun, rest and relax and be safe!

First Time Travel Jitters

Traveling for the first time is a nerve-wracking experience. Even the planning stage before the actual trip is something to be jittery about. However, planning a travel and going away for the first time can be achieved with less hassle if we follow this tips:

Pre-flight

• Do your assignment and research about the place you are visiting.
• Get some maps in advance and try to familiarize on the known landmarks to visit.
• Make an itinerary. And if you can afford to shell out extra money, join a group tour instead to save you time from figuring out where you will actually go.
• Pack lightly.
• Organize your travel documents and secure travel insurance.
• Put your travel documents in one pouch and place them in your hand carry bag.
• Change currency if you can for taxi fare when you arrive in your destination if you don't have any airport shuttle arrangement.
• Have a good rest and be hydrated.

On the day of the flight

• Wake up early and feel fresh by taking a warm bath.
• Dress accordingly depends on the weather condition of your destination. 
• Another final check on your travel documents.
• Go to the airport early. Normal check in time is at least 3 hours before the flight. I, on the other hand, always put traffic, weather and other unforeseen circumstances in the equation so I arrive at least 5 hours before the flight.
• If your airline has an online check-in facility then avail of that. So all you have to do is drop your luggage in the baggage drop zone. If none, then check in when the counter opens and proceed to the immigration area.
• If you have a lot of time left before the boarding and final call, make a bee hive in the duty free area for your last minute purchase like books, personal necessities or goody treats.
• Wait for your boarding call in the gate area.

Then, after all the formalities, you are set to go! Happy trip and take a lot of pictures!