I must admit, I get pretty excited about vacations. Who doesn’t? One of the things that excites me most about vacations, is the flights!

I rock out with my iPod, laptop, and copy of my favorite book at the time. I also have my favorite beverage if possible, or a bottle of water. Usually you have to pick something that can be drank even if it is not cold, and water fits the bill.

I enjoy flying because it allows you to experience forces above that of gravity, light turbulence, see the earth from 30,000 ft up, and because you meet someone new on every flight. Think about it, you’re experiencing something that was impossible just a century earlier.

But in all honesty, I do thoroughly enjoy meeting people on the flight. I have fond memories of conversations that were sparked due to me not being able to get away from a person who has something in common with me. That sounds a bit odd, but it is true in the nicest sense of the meaning. You are stuck next to someone. This can be bad, but in my experience, it is generally a great thing. Read my recently posted travel tips for flying to learn how to make the most of your flight and how to avoid the not-so-pleasant situations you can find yourself in on a plane. After all, those ‘economy’ seats are only so wide…

Have you watched the movie Before Sunrise? I am Jesse looking for my Celine.

Wikitravel has a nicely organized list of tips for flying as well. Some of them are no-brainers, but some of them are things you could possibly forget about until it is too late.

Undoubtedly the word feat will become associated with flying for many reasons. Many people fear what they are not in control of, and flying is one of those things. Unless of course you are the pilot, but then again, you are still only in so much control over the airplane. There are plenty of tips out there to help with the fear of flying. The best recommendation to overcome the fear is to prepare yourself as much as possible and/or bring money for drinks.

Personally, I have no preference of airlines. Call it ignorance, but I have flown on all of the major airlines and found them all to be equally pleasing. It should be noted that I always carry-on, and I always bring my own food/drink. But I do find myself picking Northwest or Delta if price is not a factor.

Always remember, book as early as you can, perform research to obtain the best flight possible, and check-in early online.

Oh and if you didn’t use Kayak.com to book your flight, give it a try. That may sound like a shameless plug, but I assure you, you will thank me after the first time you use the site.

-Mr. Travel