Jalyn Robinson

Editorial Assistant

Hey travelers!

I hope you're enjoying the end of your three-day weekend (if you were able to have one). As we approach the beginning of summer, many of us are scrambling to nail that long-overdue vacation in place. With the current state of the world, flying to grandma's house might cost just about the same as flying overseas—so why not take the plunge and visit a country beyond the red, white, and blue? (Sorry, Grandma.)

Last week, I took my first ever international flight to visit the new Conrad resort in Tulum. The days beforehand, I was stressed—I was thinking of everything that could go wrong at the airport instead of being excited about my first international trip!

Now that the experience is over, I have an idea of what I should expect for next time, which eases at least some of the pre-flight anxiety. I've put together a shortlist of tips that, while obvious, I found most helpful for my first flight. Hopefully, you'll be able to take something from it, too, whether you're a first-time flyer or a pro looking for some reminders.

Show up early: One of my biggest travel fears is being late for my flight. For international travel, it's recommended you be at the airport three hours before departure. Make sure you're there. On my flight home, I wasn't able to check in on the airline app and had to go through several channels of people to make sure I would be able to fly. If I had gotten to the airport any later, I might've missed my flight.
Have your stuff at the ready: You don't want to be the person on the security line digging through your belongings, trying to find your passport at the bottom of your carry-on. I bought a passport holder that held everything I needed, from my passport to a pen (definitely bring a pen). To be even more efficient, have a printed copy (and/or an electronic copy) of all the forms you'll need before traveling. I checked Mexico's and the United States' travel requirements and printed everything I needed beforehand, including the CDC attestation form. I even had a copy of my passport; all filed away neatly in a folder I brought along. Is that a little much? Maybe. But I was organized and able to breeze through immigration and customs.
Expect to wait: I stood in the immigration line for an hour and a half after landing in Mexico. There were angry murmurs from the people around me, my feet hurt, and all I wanted to do was move on. But regardless of what I wanted, I had to wait. And you might have to, too. So be prepared to be patient. Eventually, you'll get to the front of the line and be on your way.
Relax: My mind can be a chaotic place. Days before the trip, I was worried that I would somehow bypass customs and get in trouble or tear the cover of my passport, making it invalid. None of that happened (otherwise, this would be a very different story). As long as you're prepared, getting through the airport will be a breeze. You'll be pushed exactly where you need to go, and you'll be fine. So relax, and enjoy the pre-vacation jitters.

To those of you embarking on your first international journey and those who are already pros, I hope your travels are always safe and always smooth. Cheers!

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Destination of the Day

The Bahamas

With 700 islands and 2,400 cays throughout the clearest water in the world, the Bahamas have it all: glorious beaches, warm surf, fabulous coral reefs, and challenging golf courses. Whether you're interested in sunbathing or shark-diving, there's no shortage of activities in the Bahamas, and the destination is guaranteed to appeal to every traveler—you just have to know where to look.

Best Beaches

Bahamian beaches are ranked among the best in the world, and a day by the coast is sure to satisfy even the most discerning sun-worshippers. From the pink sand coastline of Harbour Island to the rocky shores of Sandy Point in San Salvador, here are the eight best beaches in the Bahamas.

Where to Drink

Though Bahamian cuisine is certainly well-worth the price of your ticket to Nassau (and more), there's no disputing that the Bahamas is most famous for its drinks. And not just any drinks—its rum cocktails, to be exact. Thanks to the island's plethora of fresh fruit (not to mention its long and colorful history of running rum), these beverages have become part of the island nation's global identity—one sip of a rum punch, and you already feel halfway on a tropical vacation. Read on for the cocktail companion to your next Bahamian vacation—which, after reading this, better be soon.

Things to Do in Nassau

Nassau is the capital and largest city of the Bahamas and one of the top destinations in the Caribbean, so you know lots is going on here to amuse and entertain island visitors. Spend the day at Atlantis Paradise Island, experience local wildlife at Ardastra Gardens, or shop for local handicrafts at the Nassau Straw Market. Whether you're looking for something to keep the kids entertained or for an enriching cultural experience, you can find it all in Nassau.

Vacation Like a Pro

Though the cost of travel in the Bahamas spikes in the wintertime, the tropical climate remains relatively consistent year-round. The trade winds keep the archipelago cool even in the summertime, so economical travelers should consider visiting in the off-season.

Katherine Parker-Magya
Contributing Writer

Your Packing List

Known for having sunshine most days of the year, the summer months in the Bahamas are no exception, though June is known for having more regular rain showers. Be sure to bring appropriate rain gear.

July is the best month for swimming—pack a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, a beach bag, beach towel, and sunglasses.

July and August are the hottest months of the year (average 84 F); pack lightweight, sweat-wicking fabrics.

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Get Inspired

You can't visit Chiang Rai without seeing the famous White Temple, located just outside the city. Designed by Thai visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the massive all-white complex, covered in glass tiles, is one of the most unique temples in Northern Thailand and definitely the most surreal. The gleaming, 6.4-acre complex features an interior painted with murals filled with pop culture references, including Superman and Harry Potter. Construction began in 1997 and is still a work in progress.

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