I don't know many people who don't enjoy traveling. Yes, the stress of missing flights or organizing family vacations can make it difficult, but people still travel so it must be worth it. There's just something about airports that just fills me with excitement. Because just by handing over some paper and walking through a metal detector means that you have a ticket to another city, country or even continent. A whole new world, it seems.
I love to travel and I'm blessed to have parents who took me on lots of trips as a kid (yes, that's me rockin' the sling and the squirrel fanny pack), but there is something different about traveling around as an adult that's different. As a self-proclaimed expert of airports (who still gets lost in them from time to time) and constant traveler, here are a few tips to ensure you get to where you want to go without too many problems.
1. There's no one to hold your hand through the airport.
Even if you're traveling with friends, traveling as an adult (or a college student, which is kind of like a half-blood adult) means you are responsible for everything-getting your ticket, checking your baggage, dealing with security, and finding your gate-all in time to make your flight.
2. Be aware of your surroundings.
You are in a public place, whether you're on the plane or waiting at the terminal. This means keep your shoes on (unless you're going through security, then we're all in this together), don't blast your music, don't eat smelly foods on the plane-just be a decent human being. But more than that, be aware of how unique this time is and revel in that. Look out the window. The world looks a little different from 30,000 feet. Talk to the people around you. They might just have a really cool story that you would never hear, unless you just open your mouth and talk to them.
3. Be patient.
Like I said, I don't know many people who don't like to travel. So that means the majority of people do like to travel, and flying is a popular way to do that in the States because it's faster than driving and we have a rubbish train system (at least compared to Europe). Airports are crowded. Flights get canceled or delayed, sometimes for seemingly stupid reasons but oftentimes for safety. Don't take your frustration out on the hard-working employees of the airline company, it is not their fault. You will get where you're going, so just enjoy the ride.
And enjoy airports. If you're ever forced to spend an extra bit of time in an airport, there's always fun stuff to do, like people watch. There are so many different people at an airport, especially at a big international hub. So grab a cup of coffee, find a good spot, and watch the world (literally) go by for a while. Just don't miss your flight!
Happy flying, and get out there! The world's a pretty cool place.
