Our first trip after CV-19 hit was a winter trip to Japan. We would have wanted to go during December. But, we decided to go on the first week of February instead so we can catch the Ice Festival in Sapporo. Revenge travel was fierce so we decided to wait it out.
Apparently, we should have waited longer. The lines at the Japanese Immigration took us 3 hours before we got out. We expected it in Manila, which turned out to be faster. We almost missed the last train to the city. All our previous arrangements had to be postponed because we got out too late. The Internet service we booked and paid had closed for the day. Imagine, navigating from Narita to the Tokyo at almost midnight, with limited Internet service. Globe Roaming was faulty at that time.
This was not our first time to arrive this late in Tokyo so we didn't expect to be inconvenienced this way. We were held up at immigrations for too long. We didn't have enough time to eat dinner or get snacks. My children were tired and hungry. I was worried about Vic's blood sugar level. I can carry on. I am used to "death marches" during my international trips.
But, there was no time for any of those. We just hopped on the train that was available. We didn't know where it would take us, as long as it would bring us to the city. Because it was so late, there were several stations closed already. We followed where the crowd went.
Google wasn't too reliable. The routes kept changing as we arrive at the next station. Google maps couldn't find the train line we were on. Super bummer. I just kept my frustration to myself so my children wouldn't be too bothered and start getting anxious. We are act-now-panic-later kind of parents.
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If you were like me who has forgotten what it's like to travel, here are some tips I'd like to share to make your trip more convenient.
- If you have questions regarding vaccine requirements specially for kids, Filipino staff volunteers are there as you leave the jet bridge. They will be able to help.
- Have a plan B.
- Pack snacks. I should have remembered to get snacks before boarding the train. I used to do this in the past. How could I have forgotten?
- Be flexible. Prep the kids or your companions so they will not be caught unaware. We distributed the luggage pieces, and told them pay attention and move quickly.
- In Japan, cash is king. People were discouraging me to just get my money through a local ATM. Do not bother buying foreign currency in Philippines. I'm glad I didn't listen. This was one thing that enabled us to get on that last train. I had local currency with me.
- Print out your travel documents. When you are in a rush, it is still advisable to have everything laid out in front of you.
- Google translate is your best friend.
- Google Maps has improved but also ask locals or train station staff.
- Prepare to walk a lot, specially when you get lost.
- Not all train platforms have lifts so be ready to work your muscles
- Masks are still a must indoors. I was relieved and less anxious about contracting any diseases because everyone was masked up.
- We lost several PASMO cards 🙄. Remind your travel companions to be responsible for keeping their transportation passes.
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I used to travel a lot in the past. But, this period of staying at home made me realize this reality: Traveling, these days, is such an inconvenience.
Don't get me wrong. I would still do it. I know it will get better eventually.
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