Today’s post is a quickie. It went live while we were still flying to Thailand via New York. Our thought was to write something everyday to keep our site fresh.

I’ll see you out there…!

Your regularly scheduled programming will continue next week. Stay up-to-date here.

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Yep, we are still flying. Despite all the advances in technology it still takes forever to travel around the Earth. You never realize how large our planet is until you have to fly to another continent. Yet despite the long haul, there is something magical about entering a plane in one country and arriving in another. From the passenger perspective, your environment stays the same: you can’t see the changes that are happening around you until you make your first step into your new world.

We’ve brought lots to occupy our time: Magazines, playing cards, iPods, movies on our computer and yes those sleeping pills to help us cope with 18 degrees of pitch on our seats, though it feels like no change at all. Thanks to seatguru.com we’re sitting in some of the better seats that economy offers – but make no mistake it’s still grueling. Check them out each time you fly to ensure your seats are the best available.

Arrival time in BKK is 23:15 just in time for bed… er lunch… er bed. Ah, the joys of traveling.

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Talk to anyone who travels frequently and chances are, they’ll be able to weave a good story or two; myself included. Such was the case last week when I arrived into Providence Airport on Southwest Airlines. It was around 11:15 P.M. and I knew my parents were looking forward to seeing me. So I thought I’d have a bit of fun with them. While I was making the 30-minute drive from the airport to their house I gave them a phone call…

11:19 A Rough Landing – Phone Call #1

“Dad, I want to let you know I’m alright. When the plane landed there was a problem with the nose gear, it collapsed. So now the plane is stuck at the end of the runway and can’t taxi to the terminal. Southwest is trying to figure out what to do.”

11:28 The Fire Department Gets Involved – Phone Call #2

“It looks like the Fire Department is going to evacuate us. I see Southwest Airlines Representatives on the ground talking to someone who appears to be a Fire Chief. There are a bunch of trucks next to the plane.”

11:32 Is it Legal for the Fire Department to Evacuate Passengers? – Phone Call #3

“The Fire Department is going back-and-forth with the airport personnel. Apparently there’s some union regulations or federal laws or something that have to be figured out before anyone can evacuate us. Wait, I’ll call you back the pilot is making an announcement.”

[I abruptly end the phone call so that I may listen to the announcement.]

11:37 Call the Catering Truck – Phone Call #4

“Well, they worked out the legal stuff, but we can’t exit off of the fire trucks after all. It appears as though there are some elderly people on the plane who can’t go down the ladder. They need to use a process that works for everyone. So we’re just waiting on news for the next action plan.

Wait, I think I see catering trucks coming this way. Maybe they’ll give us free drinks or something…Nope, we are going to be exiting off the catering trucks! Can you believe it?

The flight attendants are telling us that they aren’t built to accommodate people, only drink carts so they can only take 2 people at a time with their carry-on luggage. I’m in the back of the plane so it will be awhile. I’ll call you when I get more details, my battery is running low.”

Would You Like Some Wine? – Text Message #1

I sent mom and dad a text message asking them if they’d like any peanuts, pretzels or little bottles of wine [presumably from inside the catering truck]. They replied with a yes to all.

On My Way Home – Text Message #2

I sent them a final text message letting them know my brother picked me up and I’m on my way home.

Welcome Home – Warm Embrace #1

The car is parked into the driveway and I’m met with a smile, quizzical look, hugs and a wag of the finger for tricking them into thinking I actually had to disembark off an airplane in a catering truck.

So that’s my story and I’m sticking to it? Whaddya think? Would you have been fooled?

I’ll see you out there…! With my pockets full of invisible bags of peanuts, pretzels and little bottles of wine.

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Thanks mom and dad for having some fun. Love you!

Victoria Falls as seen from the airplane

Which Country to Fly Into?

If you’re considering making a trip to Victoria Falls, one of the first questions you’ll need to ask yourself is, “Which side of the falls should I visit? Zambia or Zimbabwe?” Your decision will naturally impact which airport you fly into: Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

I chose to fly into Zambia. The recent instability in Zimbabwe’s political and economic fronts was enough for me to avoid spending my nights there. But no worries, taking a day-trip into the neighboring country to see the falls from the other side is easy, albeit a bit pricey.

How Much is Airfare to Livingstone, Zambia?

Sadly, I have always had trouble finding a discount to Livingstone. Average round-trip airfare from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport range in price between $500 – $600. Surprisingly, on the day I was booking my airfare, British Airways had a sale on tickets to Livingstone.  Round trip tickets were only $300!!! I took this as a sign and immediately booked my ticket.

British Airways, South African Airways and 1Time all fly to Livingstone and prices hover around the same for all three. And even though British Airway was on strike during my travel period – my flight was operated by Comair so up, up, and away I went!

So the short story is: If you see a cheap ticket. Buy it right away. Otherwise, be prepared to pay top dollar. It’s okay though, Vic Falls is worth every penny!

What Can I Expect on Arrival?

Flying from JNB-LVI you can expect a quick flight; about 2 hours. Health & Safety Regulations require that the airplane be sprayed for bugs before landing. As the flight attendants make their way up and down the aisle, be prepared for a smelly, toxic (but safe-for-humans according to the WHO) spray to linger for 5 minutes. It’s not as bad as it sounds. Africa ain’t for sissies my friend.

Depending on your seat, you may be able to see the falls as you approach the airport. So ask for a window seat, or just crawl over your neighbor’s lap. Whatever is easiest.

There are no jetways here. You’ll be taking the steps off your Boeing 737 and walking across the tarmac to immigration.

What do I Need to Know About Customs & Immigration

Customs and Immigration is pretty painless. At the time of my adventure, single-entry visas for U.S. Citizens were $50/ double-entry visas were $80. Multiple entries need to be arranged in advance. Payment is in U.S. Dollars. Bring exact change, just in case. If you plan on going to Zimbabwe or Botswana, you’ll need to get a double-entry (or multiple-entry depending on your itinerary) visa. Otherwise, fork over your 2 Jacksons and a Hamilton and grab your luggage.

The airport only has 1 main hall about the size of my driveway. If you’re lucky, someone will have your name on a sign. Otherwise, taxi’s are waiting to take you to your hotel. If you’re staying at Chanters Lodge, as I was, Richard Chanter himself will pick you up and bring you to your home away from home.

Congratulations, you’ve made it to Livingstone, Zambia. Victoria Falls is just 15 minutes away!

This adventure to Victoria Falls was sponsored by Chanters Lodge, Livingstone. Click the photo to book your Victoria Falls accommodation.

If you have advice on air travel to Victoria Falls and Livingstone, Zambia, share it by commenting.

Tomorrow we’ll be visiting Victoria Falls on the Zambia side. For the latest updates, become a fan on Facebook.

I’ll see you out there…! From Seat 12F

So you want to travel to Victoria Falls?

All this week adventureswithben.com will be celebrating this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. You’ll learn from first-hand experience everything you need to know to have the most spectacular visit, from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the falls.

Anytime I travel there are a few mission critical answers I need before I even consider stepping onto that plane. Beginning Monday, you’ll be able to click on each link to be directed to adventureswithben.com’s travel advice for Victoria Falls… [links go live beginning Monday, June 21]

• Safety & Health
• Air Travel
• Accommodation
• Money
• Taxi Travel
• Attractions Itinerary

I’ll see you out there…!

And for more adventures, become a fan of adventureswithben on Facebook.

This adventure to Victoria Falls was sponsored by Chanters Lodge, Livingstone. Considering a trip to Livingstone, Zambia? Click the photo to book your accommodation at Chanters Lodge.

That Safety Information Card for Kulula.com almost makes it look like an emergency would be fun!

Most airlines treat their safety spiel as fulfilling a necessary piece of legal obligations. Others recognize the potential to incorporate this important information as an extension of their brand. Air New Zealand has a video with NAKED Flight Attendants while Delta Airlines has this hypnotizingly attractive flight attendant delivering the same message.

On a recent flight on the low cost South African Airline Kulula.com I was thoroughly impressed with their Safety Information Card. I had to take a few photos to share with you.

I love the sarcasm in this one…

Have you ever been called a nana?

Do people really think their doors might look different?

Put on your funky yellow Darth Vader Mouth Cap with Complimentary Oxygen? Awesome!

If you’d like to see more photos from the card, visit my Facebook Fan Page Photo Album.

Is there an airline in your country that does a great job of making this regulatory message interesting, funny and/or palpable? Share your favorite example by commenting.

I’ll see you out there…!

For more true tales of travel, including photos and video, visit my Facebook Fan Page.