DAILY DIARY

2 Aug
2012

Traveling Alone Gets Scarier As I Get Older

posted by ninahelleny in DAILY DIARY
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Maybe I'm alone on this but as I get older traveling alone gets harder. Maybe it's because I'm leaving my life, my heart at home my husband, my son, and my family. Maybe it's because I'm out of practice of being by myself at night. Maybe it's my mother in my head telling my six-years-old self, "do not talk to strangers, don't give anyone any personal information..." Maybe it's just that times have changed. Or maybe I've watched one too many Datelines!

I've been traveling ALONE since I was six. Before the days of airport security, my mom would put me on a plane in St. Louis and my godparents would be standing at the gate when my flight landed in Florida. I would carry my tennis racket and little gifts for everyone on board with me. At seven I would say, "oh, I hope the gate attendent upgrades me to first class again." Because that happened so often, I actually preferred to travel alone! As an adult, this makes me laugh.

Then after college I started my career and traveled all over the United States by myself. Stayed in countless hotels all alone. Driving before dawn to make flights and driving into the wee hours of the morning to make it home. I never thought a thing about it. I was never scared.

Now at the age of thirty-one, I get nervous about the flight. I get nervous about the people on my flight. I get nervous about getting from the airport to the hotel. I always think something horrible is going to happen and my family will be part of the nightly news. It's a little strange. Or maybe really strange. Basic motherhood anxiety I guess, but anxious feelings are very new to me.

I'm much better now that I'm here in New York. I've settled into my room and enjoyed a healthy lunch in here while catching a little of the Olympics. I'm more rested and ready to get ready for the first night of BlogHer.

Do you have travel anxiety? How do you deal with it?
  • Margaret

    OH my gosh Nina, you’re not crazy! I have actually heard that this is a phenomenon that happens with women beginning in their late twenties.  I used to never have a fear of flying, I loved it and turbulence never bothered me.  I am fine with the general idea of traveling alone, but now I get so so so scared on the flight, the tiniest little bump has my stomach in knots-I have even cried on my past few flights. It’s so frustrating because I know that flying is actually safe and I’m embarrassed for acting like a lunatic! You aren’t alone in your fears-I have heard that women who go through a life change, like getting married or having a baby, just develop these fears and that it’s possibly related to a sense of control.  Anyway, I relate, and I hope you have a fantastic time at BlogHer!

  • Adrienne Pomeroy

    I get it.  I traveled a lot with my family when I was younger and then after I moved to DC in my twenties, I flew alone a lot so much that it was 2nd nature.  After my move home to NC, I didn’t travel much at all, my trip to Houston in January was my 1st flight in 3 years and while I wasn’t alone, I was very nervous.  I dealt with it but it is definitely more nerve wracking in my 30s.  Safe travels and I hope you have an amazing time!

  • Erin @ Blue-Eyed Bride

    I totally know what you mean. My brother and I flew by ourselves to see cousins and grandparents a lot when we were kids. And I don’t mind flying by myself so much now because I see it as a nice break from flying with kids. :) But being in a big city by myself with so many things available to do, but not really wanting to do them without someone else.  I know you’re going to have such a great time and have some great experiences! I can’t wait to hear all about it! Enjoy yourself, sweet friend! xo