Solo travelling and Airports

Hi! I can’t say that I like travelling or flying but I have done so multiple times and it is doable! I actually think doing it solo is not a bad thing because at least when you are alone you don’t need to watch out for other people’s needs and can just focus on doing what is best for you. I like to be prepared when I travel- so I always check in online in advance (if this is possible for your flight) and I download the boarding pass onto my phone and I also always print a copy as it just makes me feel safer (eg. What if my phone runs out of power or I loose it or it breaks). I always worry about forgetting boarding pass and passport so I tend to check multiple times that I’ve got them and I tend to put them together in a safe but easily accessible place in my hand luggage. I don’t know how you are getting to airport but I like to plan that well in advance too so that I know how I will get there and I plan in plenty of extra time in case something goes wrong. 

Airports can be quite overwhelming and busy places- I’m not the noise cancelling headphones type but if you like those it’s worth bring them. In general though I find that most airports have quite clear signs that tell you where to go and what to do. 

Make sure to check which terminal you need to go to if the airport has multiple so that you go to the correct place. 

I have a lot of issues with food and digestion so this is always a stress factor for me and I tend to pack my own food in the hand luggage (and/ or checkout what shops are present in airport and where though I will still back some backup). Just be careful to check the liquid rules for your airport. 

I like to have something to do for the waits and on plane so I like audiobooks and make sure to download those so that I can access plenty without wifi. I also like to bring a book and maybe some sudokus or something similar- personal preference of course. 

I have never tried wearing a sunflower laneyard but that sounds like a great idea! 

In terms of the fear of getting lost, I think the main thing is to check which terminal you need to go to in advance (if there are multiple- it usually says on ticket) and then there will be signs to point you to the bag drop place for your airline (if you are checking in a bag) . Then you need to look for the signs for security. And after that you just follow the signs and will need to wait for your gate to be shown. It’s shown on a board where all the flights are listed. Then just follow the signs to your gate and you made it! I generally find the signs are done reasonably well - the only time I ever got lost was when changing flights at Paris Gaulle airport but that was the exception and I have never witnessed such poor sign posting elsewhere and it was complicated by having to change flights so not coming in through standard route. But if you arrive in plenty of time there is nothing to worry about. If you do get lost, just show someone your ticket and they should be able to help you! No need to communicate much. It will be fine! 

have a good trip! 

Hi! I can’t say that I like travelling or flying but I have done so multiple times and it is doable! I actually think doing it solo is not a bad thing because at least when you are alone you don’t need to watch out for other people’s needs and can just focus on doing what is best for you. I like to be prepared when I travel- so I always check in online in advance (if this is possible for your flight) and I download the boarding pass onto my phone and I also always print a copy as it just makes me feel safer (eg. What if my phone runs out of power or I loose it or it breaks). I always worry about forgetting boarding pass and passport so I tend to check multiple times that I’ve got them and I tend to put them together in a safe but easily accessible place in my hand luggage. I don’t know how you are getting to airport but I like to plan that well in advance too so that I know how I will get there and I plan in plenty of extra time in case something goes wrong. 

Airports can be quite overwhelming and busy places- I’m not the noise cancelling headphones type but if you like those it’s worth bring them. In general though I find that most airports have quite clear signs that tell you where to go and what to do. 

Make sure to check which terminal you need to go to if the airport has multiple so that you go to the correct place. 

I have a lot of issues with food and digestion so this is always a stress factor for me and I tend to pack my own food in the hand luggage (and/ or checkout what shops are present in airport and where though I will still back some backup). Just be careful to check the liquid rules for your airport. 

I like to have something to do for the waits and on plane so I like audiobooks and make sure to download those so that I can access plenty without wifi. I also like to bring a book and maybe some sudokus or something similar- personal preference of course. 

I have never tried wearing a sunflower laneyard but that sounds like a great idea! 

In terms of the fear of getting lost, I think the main thing is to check which terminal you need to go to in advance (if there are multiple- it usually says on ticket) and then there will be signs to point you to the bag drop place for your airline (if you are checking in a bag) . Then you need to look for the signs for security. And after that you just follow the signs and will need to wait for your gate to be shown. It’s shown on a board where all the flights are listed. Then just follow the signs to your gate and you made it! I generally find the signs are done reasonably well - the only time I ever got lost was when changing flights at Paris Gaulle airport but that was the exception and I have never witnessed such poor sign posting elsewhere and it was complicated by having to change flights so not coming in through standard route. But if you arrive in plenty of time there is nothing to worry about. If you do get lost, just show someone your ticket and they should be able to help you! No need to communicate much. It will be fine! 

have a good trip!