Would you like to know? [3]

And before you know it, part three of Expat to Expat Q & A is due for The Hemborg Wife and Found Love Now What’s link up. Yes. I started my post to day with ‘and,’ and I’m very unapologetic about it. Anyway, I’m super excited to fill out another Q&A for you. The topic this month? Traveling. 

I’ve had a bit of a travel bug this month, and I’m already getting antsy about our summer vacation in August! In the meantime, you get to learn the ins and outs of what traveling with the Groves is like.

1. Which airport would you like to never see again? Costa Rica. I’ve actually been in that airport twice, once on layover for a trip to Panama, the next on a return flight from Peru. My name is actually written on their wall of names which is under an overhanging seat platform (I realize that doesn’t make any sense, but I don’t know how else to describe it)…It would be fun to go back and find it. If you only had an hour layover in this airport, it might be alright. Unfortunately both of my trips included a 4-5 hour layover in this tiny little airport. I’m talking tiny. Pretty sure it would take less than 5 minutes to walk across. A second downfall is their free samples of chocolate covered coffee beans. I know what you’re thinking, “Geez! That sounds like heaven to me!” That’s what I thought. An entire bag and a half of beans later ( I was 16 and lacked any sense of control), I was sicker than a dog. I have not touched a chocolate covered coffee bean since.

2. What is your travel nightmare? Losing my bags. I’ve traveled so much in the past 4 years, I’m surprised it hasn’t happened yet. I know airlines are a gazillion times better at finding things now than they used to be. My husband and I usually have a pretty planned out schedule when it comes to traveling, and I’m honestly not sure how lost baggage would fit in. Not very well. I’ve actually had a bag ship a week ahead of me once (it included ALL my makeup and clothes), that sucked. Thankfully my mother-in-law is the most stylish person I know and my size! I was lucky enough to wear her awesome wardrobe for a week.

3. Would your rather stay in a fancy hotel and do less activities or stay in a hostel and do more activities? Oooooh. This is a tough one for me to answer. I would initially lean towards the hostel. But then on second thought, I’ve been in some pretty sketch hostels. I would hate for a dirty, smelly place to absolutely ruin my vacation! When my husband and I took a trip to Bali last year, we stayed at an all-inclusive for 3 nights and spent the rest in a tiny bungalow. The bungalow was a serious downgrade, but we still had fun! I’d probably do something like that again.

4. Do you have any pre-travel rituals? I always buy a girly magazine and gummy worms for my flight. I’m like a kid when it comes to flying, and I can’t sit still in those uncomfortable chairs for anything! I need something to stimulate my mind. After reading the magazine, I’ll usually try to play a game or two on my 100% charged iphone (I would have charged it in the terminal right before we left). 

5. What is your favorite airline to fly with? This used to be an easy question to answer when I lived in the US. Now it’s pretty darn difficult. Every time we fly somewhere we always end up using someone different. I’m a huge fan of Frontier Airlines (back in the US) just because they serve you warm chocolate chip cookies during the flight, and the whole plane smells like fresh baked heaven. It’s not a top-of-the-line airline, and they don’t have all the goods like personal TVs or anything, but the staff is friendly, the plane is clean, and I just can’t say no to a warm cookie.

6. If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go? Asking a girl who’s given up her life in the US to go travel, this question is like asking a singer what song is their favorite. I could go look at my huge travel lists and try to narrow down a top five, but even then, that would be difficult! I am however drooling over Casey’s (We Took the Road Less Traveled) photos of her cruise in the Mediterranean! If I had to pick one place right now, I’d go there.

7.  How do survive long haul flights? Sleeping pills. My husband quickly learned that after a sleepless flight to Mexico on our honeymoon, I’m not the most pleasant person to be with. Also, I get super jealous that he can sleep anywhere, and end up bugging him half the time to wake up and talk to me. On our way back from Mexico Derik bought a pack of Nyquil and made take three gel tablets so I could sleep. That was a crazy adventure.

8. What is your favorite stamp in your passport and why? Korea. My life completely changed after our move here. I see the world with a new perspective. I now see that world travel is a huge importance in our lives, and I love the cultural education I am getting along the way. 

9. What are your top 3 necessary items for travel? My camera is #1. You can ask my husband, but I’m a bit ridiculous when it comes to taking pictures. I love trying to capture the essence of a place. I love to document what we experienced on a trip! Photos a great tools to help you remember. I’m sure as I get older,  the pictures I’ve taken during our time overseas will be come more and more valuable to me. #2 would be a good pair of walking shoes. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE exploring new areas! Thankfully Derik shares my passion, and we have put some miles on our shoes this way. There is nothing worse than starting a vacation with blistery feet! I’d rank mascara as #3. It’s the makeup item I can’t live without. It’s nice to be able to get off a plane all groggy like, run to the bathroom to freshen up and put a new layer of mascara on the eyes. It makes me feel more awake and fresh. It’s also lightweight and portable, so I can stash it anywhere!

What about you? I’d love to read your expat Q&A. Please make sure you go link-up!