Travel For One?

Posted on by Jasmine Eppes

Who doesn’t love to travel and be on the go? I know that I do. I feel as though the more that I’m on a plane, the better. There’s something about being in the air, overlooking the clouds, anticipating your arrival to your destination.

That feeling is one of a kind and there’s nothing like it.

Now picture yourself on a plane in your seat with your noise canceling headphones and bottle of water. Your eyes are closed and you’re thinking about what you plan to do once you touch down.

But here’s the thing; you’re traveling by yourself to this amazing location and you start to have second thoughts.

Don’t listen to them!

Lock them up and throw them away!

Sometimes traveling by yourself can be advantageous and more fun!

Let me give you three reasons why that’s the case.

1. You can do what you want. 

Who here has been on a trip with someone that didn’t want to do anything? What about someone who was super cheap and only wanted to eat at fast food places while you’re on your trip? I can say that I’ve experienced both of those types of people in my travels. The funny thing is that had I not invited them along, I would have had a more enjoyable time. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to have a friend with you when you travel, but at what cost?

Had I not invited my “travel partner” at the time, I would have been more apt to go on that ride, take that excursion, taste that exotic dish. Since they didn’t want to do it and I didn’t want to leave them behind while I did, I bit the bullet and stayed with them. When you travel, you want to be able to try and experience new things. It’s kind of hard to do that if the person you’re with only wants to take naps and doesn’t want to explore the place you’re visiting.

When you travel, you want to be able to try and experience new things. It’s kind of hard to do that if the person you’re with only wants to take naps and doesn’t want to explore the place you’re visiting. In that case, you’re better off on your own. By traveling by yourself, you can do all of the activities and try all of the food that you wish without feeling guilty that you left your friend behind.

2. You don’t have to pay for someone else. 

One thing that really grinds my gears are people who want to go on trips with you but they don’t have any money. Sometimes those same people weasel their way onto your trip only bringing a certain amount of money, expecting you to cover the rest.

Don’t do it.

I repeat, don’t do it!

By traveling by yourself, you are able to spend the money you’ve saved for your trip on you. No one else. If you invite someone along and then have to pay their way, that’ll only stress you out unnecessarily. Plus it will make you resent the person and that’ll be on your mind the entire trip.

3. You are more apt to reach out and meet new people.

Once again, there’s nothing wrong with traveling with a friend. But sometimes it’s easy to stay removed and by yourself with your friend because you don’t know anyone else around you.

Once again, there’s nothing wrong with traveling with a friend. But sometimes it’s easy to stay removed and by yourself with your friend because you don’t know anyone else around you.

By traveling by yourself, you force yourself to reach out to new people. That’s a good thing because sometimes you learn things that you normally wouldn’t have if you just stayed glued to your friends’ hip. You may learn of a hole-in-the-wall place that wasn’t on your tourist list of attractions. Or you may get invited to a club or even get a great suggestion on things that locals love to do.

Why do some of you like to travel alone?

Follow me on Twitter at @Jazzepentopaper and give me some of your thoughts!

3 In-Flight Travel Must-Haves As A “Germaphobe”

Posted on by Jasmine Eppes

When you’re traveling and you have to catch a flight, it can be a bit of a stressful experience. Not only are you trying to make sure that you don’t miss your flight, but you start to wonder to yourself…”Have I forgotten anything? Did I pack my toothbrush? I think I packed that extra pair of socks…or did I?”

For those who are infrequent travelers, their anxiety level is much higher than those who are seasoned. However, the anxiety level doubles for those who are “germaphobes”, such as myself, and are constantly worried about safe hygienic practices. Airplanes are some of the nastiest places to be as they are not properly sanitized on a regular basis. There have been reports on how airplanes are breeding places for germs.

Therefore, it is up to you as a passenger to protect yourself.

Here are some easy tips that you can use while on an airplane that will make you not only feel safe but will give you peace of mind while you’re in-flight.

Stock photo of a canister of disinfectant wipes.

  1. Bring your own disinfectant wipes.

    It is important for you to bring disinfectant wipes with you in your carry-on bag to use while on a plane. If you do not choose to purchase a travel size container filled with pre-moistened wipes, you can always take wipes out of the disinfectant wipes canister that you have at home. If you decide to take the wipes out of a canister, you can place them into a small resealable plastic bag (for example, a Ziploc bag) to keep them fresh and ready for use on the plane. Once you arrive on the plane and before you sit down in your seat, use the wipes to clean your seat thoroughly. Wipe down your headrest, your actual seat, the arm rest, seat belt, and tray table if you plan on using it. These are things that flight attendants do not have time to do between passengers coming on and off of the plane. They focus mainly on picking up leftover trash. Therefore, it is in your best interest to sterilize your seat and the surrounding area of before take-off.

  2. Hand sanitizer gel

    Bring your own hand sanitizer.

    In your carry-on, you are allowed to bring small amounts of liquid onto the plane. When you are packing, you should make sure that hand sanitizer is one of those items. You need hand sanitizer while on the plane in case you decide to eat a snack, touch your face or simply want to sanitize your hands because you are touching other things, such as your cell phone, tablet, headphones, etc. It is also good to have your own hand sanitizer in case you have to use the bathroom; even though it would be in your best interest to wait until you land. Sometimes in the small airplane bathrooms, they run out of soap and the flight attendants do not have time to restock the inventory. Especially if a lot of people are using the bathroom in the same timeframe.

  3. Clear blue water bottle

    Bring your own bottle of water.

    It is important to bring your own bottle of water onto the airplane as you need to stay hydrated during the flight. A majority of airplanes do not have safe tap water, therefore some will use bottled water in order to make tea or coffee. However, it is in your best interest to bring your own bottle of water to ensure you are drinking healthy water. Staying hydrated while changing altitudes and remaining in the pressurized cabin of the airplane is important as the air dries out your skin and it can cause you to feel light-headed or feel nauseous.

What are some of your personal travel recommendations for fellow “germaphobes”?

Follow me on Twitter @Jazzepentopaper and share your favorite tips!