The world is a woman’s oyster
Women’s Travel Nerves. Tips from the Experts. I was just in London when hearing that Trump was closing the US Border. Why was I unable to take a day to think about it? Why did I not realize that this was an impossible mandate? Because I am a woman traveling solo? I reacted too fast, bought a new one way ticket at a ridiculous price and flew home. The plane was empty, the mandate was false; therefore, I should have waited and gone the next day.
Here are ways to assuage women’s travel nerves and travel again with more confidence.
1—We over pack both carry on and checked luggage. Stop taking everything you own and go over your stuff a week ahead, 2 days ahead and then leave you bags alone. Less clutter means less involvement in material things. Travel nerves lessen with less luggage.
2–We let the guys hog our space. Stop being a wimp, ladies. If you do not wish to confront your male seatmate, ask the flight attendants to help you.If they seem unwilling or too busy, go to the back of the plane later, and ask again. If still unwilling to help, ask them to at least accompany you while you talk to your male seatmate. (To get a better seat ahead of time, look at the seat map before departure; some especially emergency row will open up 24-48 hrs ahead. This means you should already have your reservation number and access to your airline site in hand).
3–Keep all emails that relate to your reservation in a smart phone or on paper. During these times of changing rules, keep a copy of the airline email that applies to you. For instance, today, I received this email titled Bulletin 4 from Delta waiving and relaxing rules. Bring those rules with you to the airport; if unsatisfied, ask for the Duty Manager at check in.
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4–The NY Times says work with staff nicely and disperse your airplane nerves. That can be hard if you are upset; count to ten then begin your request again. I like to get names of the people I am dealing with and address them a few times in the conversation. It tells the others you are paying attention and keeping their name. It is also a professional way of addressing staff.
5– Allow airplane nerves to fall into “a worst case”. This is usually not so bad. Here are a few worst cases: phone is out of juice? Ask anyone to move their charger for you. Ask a vendor who has a plug. There is no place to sit: Ask someone to move carry on. If they say I am saving this seat, respond you will move when the friend comes. That usually gets a rest or a non appearing friend. Your women’s tour transfer doesn’t show. You don’t have local calling? Ask a person in uniform or with a sign to help. Most women’s tour staff will assist and might know your tour company and agent.
Bottom line: ask for help, then ask again. Women’s travel nerves can be soothed. Smarter Travel is full of great tips.
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