Us millennials are living in a vacation obsessed era. It’s something we all love to do, as often as possible. We somehow find the time to travel while juggling school, work, exercise and everything else. For me, as much as I love new adventures in new places, traveling can be difficult. By now, I’ve figured out that it’s not just one big trigger, it’s a mixture of a few things I just can’t fully wrap my head around.
- Fear of flying – I’m not entirely terrified of flying but I do get nervous. I could never imagine taking a flight alone or not having someone, I’m close to, next to me. The last flight I took I clung to my lover the whole time, cried as the plane landed because I can’t handle turbulence and of course I didn’t let him sleep at all. Feel free to call me a big baby.
- Jet lag – Like almost everyone that travels, I get jet lagged and I cannot handle the mix up. My body is tired, I’m overwhelmed and excited by the change of scenery, and I am hungry, cranky and all around stressed.
- Change of scenery – As exciting as breathing new, fresh air is, it’s equally overwhelming as I just mentioned. I like to move at a slow pace and I find that when I’m on vacation it’s natural for things to move faster then I’m comfortable with, considering vacations are just a few shorts days for most. Having too big of an agenda just doesn’t work for me. If we’re talking abig agenda for work, that’s fine. But on vacation? I’m a busy New Yorker as it is. I prefer more relaxing vacations for a few more extended days.
- Social anxiety – By now I sound like a nervous wreck. But, I am truly calm by nature. Traveling comes with lots of greeting and small talk and I’m really one who enjoys my quiet time. I am not completely antisocial but after a few hours I need my alone time or simply some time to disengage for a little while.
- Post vacation stress – I know it seems like I’m just one who cannot enjoy my vacations. But I do, in my own way. Yes, I am caught up in my head a lot of the time but that’s just me. At my own pace, on my own terms, I take in the scenery, enjoy the good moments and the people around me. Now, since I enjoy and prefer vacations that are a bit longer, I often have post vacation stress. When I return back home I am jet lagged of course and I’m not ready for the reality of this busy city. I prefer an early arrival and a day full of rest and endless cups of tea to regroup and get me going right back into the business of things.
I know, I’m such a particular person. I am overstimulated by everything around me, naturally. I am introverted and self preserving but contrary to everything I just mentioned I love to travel! I just have all of these trigger to adjust to. But I promise, I am still able to make great memories and I’m able to get out of my head and into the world around me.
What are your travel triggers? How do you handle them?
MELONY MELO 