I’m Leaving For the Year…Who Cares?

Campaign Decrease International Checked Baggage

February-Contributing Writer 

Last fall many of the American airlines changed their baggage policies and the International checked baggage policy was just one of the policies that were changed. So, if you are currently traveling to or from the United States on an International flight, then you are only allowed one checked bag. WHAT! When I was preparing to travel back to the United States from Korea and I read that, I was floored. Many people who travel overseas are staying for a lengthy about of time unless they are traveling for business. So, why are they changing the baggage policies? Well, could it be to increase revenue?

Be prepared to pay anywhere from $70 to $400 for your checked baggage.

More and more people are beginning to move overseas for school, work, and better living opportunities and the limiting on baggage is another way to increase revenue for the airlines and make the public pay. As if we aren’t taxed enough in the midst of an economic crisis.

What are you going to do about it?

Well, I am actually pretty upset about this change, and I am one of those people who think that you should fight for what you believe in. So, I can’t just let this happen while sitting around and complaining, because I’m no victim. However, I am wise enough to know that change doesn’t happen because one has a personal issue with something, change happens when the masses have a personal issue with something. So, what am I going to do about it? Well, I am starting a campaign, Campaign Decrease International Checked Baggage; this will be a FB campaign and email write in campaign. I urge you to hit "Like" on the new FB campaing page and then send an email to each of the airlines expressing your discontent."Like" us on The Campaign International Baggage

United Airlines Baggage Policy--->click

American Airlines Baggage Policy--->click

Delta Airlines: Baggage Policy--->click

Don't Settle For Less While Paying More!!!

I am asking you, if you too have a problem with accepting with change to send an email to United, Delta, and American Airlines requesting for them to change their policies.

I am not sure what will happen, but I know that there is power in numbers.  

Preparing to Move Abroad

Everything a Woman Needs To Prepare For A Year Away

February 20, 2012—Cha Jones

 Completed all your paperwork, secured the new job, and now it’s time to pack!!!

If you have ever lived on your own and had to move, then you know all the frustrations of what a move can bring. However, take all that you know along with moving thousands of miles away to a foreign country that you have never been to, yeah I call that “Packing Hell.” Oh, and not to mention that in most cases you have no idea what your new place has or doesn’t have that will give you some type of insight on what you need or don’t need.

I remember when I was moving to Korea for the first time, I was trying to pack for the year journey, after I had already packed half my life and placed it in storage. Let’s just say I was overwhelmed to the fourth degree. I had already searched the internet for any information I could find on climate and tips on what to bring, but still I was faced with what was actually reasonable for me. I will be honest, I am not the backpacking type and my idea of roughing it is staying at the Hilton. (Don’t judge me; I will stay at Hampton Inn, too.) So, I had to be very sensible when I condensed my life into one year.

What’s One Year?

That question is actually laughable. A year of clothing is like a small department store for most women, especially those who love being fashionable. My love is for shoes. The most difficult thing for me to do when I began packing for Korea was to decide what shoes I’d be taking. I began to think, “Why I am doing this?” So, at the end, I decided that I would only take a pair of walking shoes, a pair tennis shoe, 2 or 3 pairs of dress shoe (one brown, one black, and neutral color), and a few pairs of flip-flops (those are light and won’t kill your weight). I figured that I would be walking everywhere, so there was no reason to be wearing a bunch of my nice shoes and ruining my prize possessions.

When it came to clothing I was really at a loss because Korea has for seasons. I eventually decided that because I would be working with small children I would take more casual clothes, and then I would mail other things as I needed them. In 2009, when you traveled abroad you could check two pieces of luggage and you were allowed to have two carry-on bags. So, I packed my under clothes, 3 to 4 pairs of jeans, some casual shirts, a couple of dresses, shorts, some dressy shirts, and a jacket. I went to Korea in late spring. So, I didn’t worry about packing for the winter, because I eventually would have my aunt mail a box of things I had set aside for the winter at a later date. (I strongly suggest (if it’s an option) to pre-pack a box of things that you will need for the next season if you are moving to a country that has seasonal changes.)

Packing Suggestions:

• Pre-pack for seasons (pack some boxes to be sent at a later date)
• Minimize your wardrobe (casual, dressy, and comfortable)         
• Only enough shoes (walking, tennis shoes, dressy, and cute)
• Request that people send things as needed
• Pack in bulk and then mail

Because of the recent change in most airline baggage policies, you are only able to travel with one checked bag (50 lbs or less) and one carry-on bag and a personal bag (purse or laptop). Remember, you can always pay extra for more checked bags.

1. Think “minimal”: pack enough clothes for a week or two
2. Think “functional”: pack what you need and ask for a care package later
3. 
   

Things to think about taking:

• Language books
• Reading books (I suggest getting a kindle on your computer or buying a reader)
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste
• Tampons/Sanitary Pads
• Skin care products
• Hair and Beauty care products
• Lotion and body care
• Make sure you have a copy of all important documents to bring with you
• Glasses and contacts (contact solution and maintenance products)
• Medicines (prescriptions, headache, cold, sinus, and motion medicine)
• Condoms and Pleasure Stimulants *(if you the country permits it may be illegal)…Did say that?

What you may want to ship:

• Send extra clothing and heavy items like coats, jeans, and shoes
• Food that you may miss (potatoes chips, snack, and dry goods)

Things to think about having or doing before you leave:

• Create an emergency check list (leave one with your family and take one with you)
• Make sure you have you bank account setup for wire transfer and have routing and account information
• Contact the Embassy and get added to their newsletter
• Look into a supplemental insurance or travel insurance
• Contact your credit card companies to let them know what country you will be in
• If you have student loans, contact your company and step-up a deferment program (give yourself 6 months without payments) (Unemployed)
• Setup automatic bill pay

Communication:

• Setup a skype number (people w/out skype can contact you)
• Setup a skype account (people w/skype can call you direct)

Entertainment:

• Hulu (allows you to watch televisions that have been archived)
• Setup Slingbox (have US television while you’re away from home)
• Setup a VPN (allow you to pull up websites in other countries that you can’t access)
• Satellite Direct (pay a one –time fee and get over 3,500 television channels)

To get an update on new things added to this list please sign up for my Welcome Abroad Girl Newsletter

Are There Black Folks There?

American Airlines Going Black

February 17, 2012—Cha Jones

While lying on my bed in Korea watching TV One on my sling box, my way of living abroad but staying submersed in American television, I was aroused by a commercial I saw. The commercial was advertising travel from an African-American experience. Hmmm…well, let’s just say I was very interested. I jumped up and went to the website where I then watched travel expert Nelson George do a complete five minute video travel blog on traveling to Shanghai, China. In Shanghai, he interviews black people about their experience living in China as an African-American. He also went to a few tourist spots that were interesting and may cater to African-American’s all while discussing food, culture, and entertainment.

I will say that I really loved Nelson’s video travel blog. However, as I began to sift through the website I couldn’t help but to ask myself a few questions. I first wanted to know why American Airlines would be sponsoring an African-American travel initiative. The site featured travel all over the world and it centers on travel from an African-American experience. Their slogan is: “Your passport to the Black Experience.”

Hmm…

Also, I noticed that Nelson was traveling to several different places nationally in America as well as abroad, but in what I saw, he was pointing out where the black people were on his trips or how black people contributed to the area, and I have no opposition to any of that. I don’t oppose because when I travel nationally in America or abroad the first thing I want to know is, “Where are my people?” or at least the natives. However, I am still trying to understand the angle in which American Airlines is coming from.

I’m thinking…Let’s pocket some of the black consumerism.

What’s in a Name?

Now, I find it very interesting the name of the site is Black Atlas. Is that like Black at Last? I’m just saying inquiring minds would like to know. I have done marketing for like thirteen years and I have this funny suspicion that the name is a play on words.  Could very well just be Black Atlas, like the globe.

The website is a first of its kind social networking site launched by American Airlines which… ok let me just put it in here in their own words.

            BlackAtlas.com Connects African-American Travelers Through Dynamic Online CommunityAmerican Airlines will launch a first-of-its-kind social networking site, BlackAtlas.com SM, which combines the best features of a travel site with the power of social networking to create a dynamic online community for travelers to share experiences unique to the black community.User content will be anchored by travel video blogs and commentaries from author, filmmaker, television producer and world traveler, Nelson George, who will serve as the BlackAtlas.com travel expert at large. Unique travel content for the site is currently being collected at BlackAtlas.com. The site is scheduled to fully launch later this month.“I love to experience new cities, new food and meet new people. I love the thrill of discovering black culture everywhere, and so many African Americans feel the same way I do,” said Nelson George. “I want to entice more people to hit the road by giving them a different, and hopefully fresh, angle on travel through BlackAtlas.com.” READMORE

So, back to that name of the site

Is it like…we are black and at last we can are traveling the world or at least leave the comforts of our own neighbors? Just asking because inquiring minds would love to know.

I’m all for it

As a black woman who loves to travel, I can honestly say that I think the idea of the site is wonderful, interesting, but still wonderful. I enjoy traveling and writing about travel, that is the reason for this blog, and I’m even more interested in learning that you can become a contributing writer on the site…that’s good stuff.

Being a black person born and raised in Omaha, NE of all places in the world I think that this site is needed. I use to hate when people asked me, “Where are you from?” and I had to reply, “Omaha, NE” and then they would say, “Really, are there black people there?” and I just shook my head thinking to myself, “Well,  just the two I left there because I’m gone.”

So, now we as African-American people have a site dedicated to traveling, learning or at least being exposed to different places that are influenced by black history and culture, places that many people would not normally think black people exist, less alone travel to.

At last Black people are traveling the world…maybe we will be free Atlas.

So, How Do You Date While Living Abroad?

February 16^, 2012, Cha Jones

You notice this nice looking guy and he notices you, so what’s next?

Many people who move abroad are only going moving to a country for a short stint like six months to a year. If you are teaching abroad, then many contracts are yearly and after the initial year is up you are able to renew your contract or move to another employer.  So, I guess the question is, “Would a relationship work if it’s just temporary?

I interviewed a young lady a few months back and I recall her telling me that she is in no way thinking about a relationship because, “No one really knows where they’re going.” That makes sense to me because when I first moved to Korea I had no idea that one year would turn into three, so I wasn’t actually looking to be in a relationship. However, I was willing to be open to all possibilities.

Issues with dating while abroad

One of the issues I have seen with the dating scene while living abroad, in particularly when the military is in the country, is deceit. I have found that many people are reinventing themselves when they move abroad and for many military people they are on extended vacations from reality. So, the issue becomes the question of “What is fact and what is fiction?”

Some people only want someone to be with while they are on their assignment, and I guess that’s ok as long as they are truthful about the situation. Many times military people, male and female, have spouses back home, and I have seen and heard of people lying about their situations, when in fact they have entire families at home waiting for them. Now, I don’t agree with it, but as long as all parties are aware of the situation, I feel that adults can determine the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. However, I totally disagree with anyone being deceitful about their marital status.

Letting chips fall where they may

On the flip side of the coin there are many people who move abroad and find themselves in a relationship that they never intended to have. We have all met those couples who said, “It just happened.” They were out and about and stumbled upon the person that they fell in love with and now they are a couple. There was no desire to turn a temporary situation into something permanent, but at the same time they were both willing to allow things to be what they were going to be.

I have met many people who moved abroad just to have a change in pace and one day they met someone that they were interested in, became good friends, and eventually fell in love and got married. I actually have seen this happen on several occasions. I have even met people who were dating several people and not interested in being in a long term relationship, and then they met someone that made them change their minds. Some people come with the intention to stay a short time and meet someone who makes them want to become permanent citizens, so it’s very possible that fate changes all plans if you are open.

Looking for love

Now, we all have met someone who is fixated on being in a relationship. You know, one of those people who are looking for the next best thing and always would like someone to introduce them to your friend who is single. Well, when you move abroad those people will be there. I personally think that being in a relationship is something that happens naturally, but hey I’m single and some of the people who are getting married this year were put together by a match maker, so what do I know? Living abroad doesn’t change any of that.

Love is universal

I guess, when it’s all said in done what happens next after you notice the nice looking guy and he notices you all depends on what both of you want, and it really doesn’t matter where you are in the world as long as you are on the same page. So, is dating different when you live abroad? Sure it is, but I think that for the most part it’s universally the same. When two people have an understanding about where they are in live and they are clear on what they want, then I don’t think that where you are in location matters. If you are looking for a long term relationship, then I think you need to be flexible and very honest. And if you aren’t you need be equally honest. However, I believe that if you want to find true love while back packing across the world it is possible.  All things are possible if you are willing to be open to the possibilities.

Tips on dating while living abroad

1. Be clear on what you want
2.  Be honest and make sure the person you are dealing with is being honest (can be difficult, but ask questions)
3. Be open to dating
4. Don’t limit your self
5. If it didn’t get you what you wanted at home, maybe you should do something different
6. Have fun and enjoy the process 

The Top Ten Reasons I Love Traveling

The Top Ten Reasons I Love Traveling

February, 2012—Cha Jones

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day I thought it would be nice to look at why I LOVE to travel.

1.       I can see the world from a different perspective. As the old saying goes “Perception is Reality.” When you get to see a place through your own eyes everything you ever heard or read begins to get challenged based on what you are seeing first hand for yourself. So, it is my thought that it’s not real until you have discovered it for yourself. 
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2.       Humanity and putting a face on the people of the world. This is a run-on of #1. We all have heard about the people in said country (Iran, Zimbabwe, North Korea, Egypt, etc.), but if we have never met them, touched them, or communicated with them, then unfortunately we tend to see them as just faceless creatures we've heard about. However, when you actually get the opportunity to meet the people in person they become real and your compassion for how they are treated, living, and for them as whole begin to change…it becomes AUTHENTIC. If you could see the starving children in an underdeveloped country, then they wouldn't be a commercial story, they would become conversation that has heartfelt meaning behind it, and just maybe the world would change.

3.       Beauty is in the eye of its beholder. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. So, if you go the beach and feel the sand sifting through your toes and you smell the ocean as the warm breeze tickles your nose, how many more words would it be worth to describe your experience? Traveling to the place gives you so much more than the photo could ever give you. Sure, pictures are wonderful, they help you remember, but the experience of being and seeing firsthand leaves an impression that will live with you forever.

4.       I love to EAT!!! Now, I know you can feel me when I say AUTHENTIC. There is something very different about eating at an authentic Mexican restaurant rather than a good ole commercial Tex-Mex restaurant. The Tex-Mex can’t even compare. Now, I happen to love Tex-Mex, so don’t get me wrong. However, I would rather eat authentic Mexican food any day of the week. So, when you travel you get the opportunity to eat the food the way the people of that particular area intended for it to be. Remember, real is always better than the replica anyways!

5.       Learning experience. When you travel and you visit a different city, state, or country you learn so much more than you could ever learned reading, hearing about it from someone else, or watching a movie, documentary, or television show. So, I encourage you to get out and travel and you will come back with so much more knowledge, which will also allow you to teach other people who will not get the same opportunity.

6.       Expanding your thought process. We live in a world that can be very narrow, but when you travel you get to experience things that will hopefully enlighten how you think or see things. Sometimes you even get to dispel rumors about places that you have believed all of your life. Traveling opens the door to many new beginnings.

7.       Rest and relaxation. I love living in the city and I really love having many options, but sometimes I just want to rest and leave all the worries of life behind. Traveling allows you the opportunity to do that. If you take a day or two to sit on the beach and just be, then everything that you do in your day to day hustle and bustle becomes worth it. Relax and take a moment to smell the roses. When you take this time away from everything that you think you must do, you then learn to appreciate life and you also get the opportunity to rejuvenate your thoughts and prepare to move forward.

8.       Pampering. Now, you should always take the time to pamper yourself no matter where you are, but some of my best pampering has been done while I was traveling. When you go on a nice vacation it’s always a good idea to go to the spa and get pampered. Make sure you eat the best of the best and experience the best parts of the place that you are visiting.

9.       Interesting stories. Life is fascinating, well at least mine is, and when you get the opportunity to travel and see different places, meet interesting people, eat really good food or bad food, do things you wouldn't normally do, and just live without boundaries, then you tend to develop the best life stories ever. Remember, everyone is not going to take a chance, veer off the beaten path, or will be able to afford the opportunities to travel, so your stories allow others to vicariously live through you. Live and then tell about it!

10.   I get to reinvent myself through my experiences. It’s great to go see a different place, meet new people, eat new foods, learn something different, and create lifelong stories to tell future generations, but one of the reasons I love traveling is that I get to reinvent myself through the places I've been and the things I have done. When you travel, look at it like you’re a snake shedding layers of dead skin you've been lugging around for years. What you may have brought to a situation can be shed by being open to seeing, feeling, and being in the moment. At home in your own environment you may have become complacent, but when you go somewhere new you have the chance to try something you have been dreaming about. If you don’t like who are anymore, then you can become someone knew (as long as you aren't lying to others or yourself). Reinvent yourself and find the courage to live life outside the box, because inside the box there isn't much room for living at all.