Travel Scary (noun)
An unnerving experience during travel that triggers fear, anxiety, or discomfort, often stemming from unforeseen circumstances or unfamiliar environments.
We’ve all had our share of travel scary moments, those times when everything seems to go wrong right when you need it to go right. This isn’t recent, but I, Chloe, encountered one of these when I had an overnight layover in Miami on my way home, knowing I had to school at 8am the next day. Spoiler: the relaxing beach vacation I had imagined didn’t end the way I had expected it to. Here are three takeaways from my sleepless night in the Magic City.
Embrace the Unexpected.
Layovers can be a mixed bag—sometimes they’re blissful breaks, and other times they’re tests of patience. My flight was originally meant to be at around 10pm on a Sunday, where I would arrive at dawn in CST; this way, I would be able to sleep on the plane and attend school Monday morning. lI was left at the airport with my family, and we were unsure of what to do with the unexpected abundance of time. We had to question whether we should stay up or sleep at the airport, or risk missing our adjusted flight time. In moments like these, it’s easy to panic. But instead of letting anxiety take over, I reminded myself that this can be a memorable, unique experience that me and my family can dwell and laugh over about for more years to come.
Plan for Comfort.
Traveling overnight with school coming up ahead is a recipe for exhaustion. I wished I had packed my essentials—a travel pillow, snacks, and some comfy clothes. I was dressed in jeans and a crop top: not the worst, but not the comfiest outfit for an overnight plane layover. When you’re stuck at the airport or in a less-than-ideal hotel room, comfort items can make a world of difference. Don’t underestimate the power of a cozy hoodie or a good book. I believe that preparing for a comfortable experience, even in unexpected settings, can help ease any stress! I ended up coming home at around 7 or 8am when I should have already been getting ready to go to school; fortunately, my parents let me take the day off out of our own energy levels.
Stay Alert and Aware.
With the excitement of travel often comes potential risks for distraction. Keeping your belongings close and being aware of your surroundings can help you avoid potential trouble. Travel may be thrilling, but safety should always be a priority. Know how long your layover is and what time your next flight departs. Be mindful of the time needed for security checks and boarding. Despite being tired in the middle of 2am, we each took turns sleeping and watching over our luggage and making sure not to miss any announcements. I would also recommend familiarizing yourself with the airport layout, especially which terminal your next flight departs from!
In short, the next time you find yourself in a bind, remember: every travel scary can lead to a valuable lesson!- At least that was the case with my experience.
With Love,
Chloe