Hope for Safe, Wish for Easy, Plan on Busy.....

It’s a kind sentiment that, like so many phrases, isn’t fully

considered. I started thinking about what safe travels meant years ago. Like

when boarding a ship 100 years ago to cross the oceans. Or getting on a train

125 years ago. I am sure that this sentiment predated even these times, but it

probably had more relativity then.

I was in Texas last week and someone there kindly wished me “Safe Travels”. I

started thinking that I had very little to do with the safety part. I wasn’t

driving, someone was graciously driving me, and I usually don’t drive when I

travel either. So it’s usually in somebody else’s hands. Also, I don’t fly a

plane. I am just counting on the competence, weather and the overall “System” of

travel here in the U.S. to make it a safe flight. So I shift my real time hopes

to having an “Easy” Journey. That is, no delays, no drama in the skies from

bumps to babies screaming, and no boarding stress.

Travel is stressful! You have to get in lines for security, make sure your

liquids are in bags, and be nice to all of the guys at the checkpoint or they

can slow you down. Also the gates are stressful. Are you in a later boarding

group? Maybe you can’t get your carry on to fit! I was on a flight last week

that I was towards the front of the plane (not first class) and all of the

overheads were filled, but oddly enough not all the seats were, or were even

close to it. I think that people in the back and the crew just stick their bags

in the front so it’s easier for them to grab on the way out. So what did that do

to me and others? Swimming upstream to get my bag in the end.

My point? Try to bring stuff that can keep your mind diverted from the stress. I

bring stuff with me to keep me busy. Mostly work, like my laptop, but always

reading materials too. Snacks. Kindle. Think flight delays. Think laptop

batteries dying. Keep yourself occupied and the whole experience goes easier. I

am at a point now where I evade stress. When a flight is delayed, I let it wash

over me and watch the next guy flip out. Can’t get through security fast enough?

Breathe deep. Have your stuff together. Close your eyes and think of something

positive. These are the things you CAN control when traveling.

And yes, I do still appreciate it when someone wishes me “Safe Travels”

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