Lucas and I have been on 10 solo journeys together that involved airports, airplanes and lots of gear. Last weekend I went to Seattle to attend my good friend, Sarah’s engagement party (more on that in another post) and I went alone!
I haven’t traveled without a child in SO long.
Here are some of my childless travel observations:
- I actually dressed up for my flight and by “dressing up” I mean that I wore real shoes instead of flip flops and my “good” jeans.
- I checked my suitcase so that I could walk on the plane carrying only a reasonably sized purse.
- There wasn’t any struggling with a stroller, squirmy child, two pairs of shoes, diaper bag or waiting for FAA to “test” bottles of formula when going through security.
- I took the stairs whenever possible instead of elevators.
- I didn’t have to walk around the terminal trying to tire out someone by looking at airplanes, other children or anything else.
- I bought and read an entire issue of People magazine and completed the crossword puzzle.
- I’m sure it’ll be days before I get to crack it open again, but I read 100 pages of a new book (Little Bee by Chris Cleave) while on board.
- There were no beads of sweat collecting on my brow because I wasn’t accompanied by someone prone to get overly loud or have meltdowns at 37,000 feet.
- The last thing on my mind on the layover and hour delay on the way home was running out of diapers.
- I thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the airport newsstand and waiting in a long line to use the bathroom in peace.
- On the flight home I took a much needed uninterrupted nap.
- I loved waltzing off the aircraft without having to wait for the ground crew to bring me our stroller
- I appreciated the time away, but missed my little travel buddy and look forward to our next adventure together.
I am glad to be home.
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I am going on my first trip without the little man next month. I'm looking forward to all of these!
I can remember those feelings well! When my son was little, we carted him all over the place those first few years….so much planning and execution goes into taking them along!
I still LOVE that feeling of traveling alone, even now that mine are older. I get to attend a conference for work each fall, and my trip is pretty much like you described! Glad you are home safe and sound.
this is not good for me. not now at least. flying with both girls on saturday! and flying with kids make my blood pressure SOAR!!!
I haven't flown solo in over six years!!! And every time I travel on my own with the girls it's for a 25 hours plane trip (you have to add another 10 hours of waiting time in airports!). I would so like to travel somewhere just on my own and enjoy a magazine, a book, a movie, and a snooze and not look like a nervous reck upon arrival! Maybe I should plan a solo trip to California ; )
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Glad you're home! Are you gonna post about your trip?
Great list! Looks like you really enjoyed that flight! Too bad that before you have children, you don't realize all these things about traveling alone.