I’ve got eight seconds to decide whether I jump on that flight, or wait for the next available one nearly a full day later. In my mind, I’m scanning through my options, rapid-fire, like a spinning rolodex. Do I take that last seat, knowing the only reason it’s been offered to me is that I’m traveling alone? Or do I offer it to Olivia? She’s been waiting around in … [Read more...] about A Single Snapshot: Flying Standby
Perspectives
Thoughts about solo travel and life in general.
Life Is What Happens When You’re Making Travel Plans
Sometimes, I don't know what to write. And that's how I feel right now (as you can probably tell from the dearth of posts during the month of August). I'm overwhelmed with finishing a major project at work, my mom was visiting for the past month and--oh, did I mention--I leave for Scotland...soon. Planning the trip ahead is one of the most difficult things I've ever done, … [Read more...] about Life Is What Happens When You’re Making Travel Plans
In Praise of Travel Planning
No matter how often I travel, I still get it. The nervous indecision. The clammy palms. The tightness in the chest. Shortness of breath. Feeling overwhelmed. And yes, as I prepare to leave for Scotland in a few weeks it's here in full force: the pre-travel jitters. I only know of one cure for the pre-travel jitters: information, and lots of it. There are many voices in the … [Read more...] about In Praise of Travel Planning
Creative Storytelling, or How To Tell My Mom I’m Traveling Solo…Again
My mom doesn’t exactly understand why I enjoy traveling solo. “I don’t see why you don’t just travel with a group,” she said to me some weeks ago as I was discussing my upcoming travel plans. Part of it is that she’s secretly hoping that if I travel with a group I’ll meet someone. She doesn’t have to say it; I know her game. But her first reason—her most important reason—is … [Read more...] about Creative Storytelling, or How To Tell My Mom I’m Traveling Solo…Again
What Six Days, 3,000+ Miles, and a Stick-Shift Saturn Taught Me About Life
I can’t help smiling—broadly, wildly, madly--when I remember those days of pure, unabashed freedom on the open road. Almost two years ago, I set out on a journey, one that took me from my home on the Jersey Shore through the heart of America to the caffeine-fueled metropolis of Seattle, Washington. And I went alone. A friend was moving to the West Coast and would I drive her … [Read more...] about What Six Days, 3,000+ Miles, and a Stick-Shift Saturn Taught Me About Life