One Obstacle for a Lifetime of Adventure!

Even in my hometown, I sometimes still get lost. Seriously, friends and family have a running joke about my lack of direction. Understandably, many were worried when I confidently told them I would be traveling solo on my way to Italy. With little experience in airports and three flights to manage, I was also feeling a sense of anxiety.

However, I soon realized that navigating the airport solo, while intimidating, isn’t as scary as many think. Following these preparation tips, it can be a seamless transition to your CIMBA adventure!

‍

Book Early or Regret Later

‍Europe is a hot spot for tourism, especially in the summer, so flights go quickly. I put off booking flights until late March and was left with extremely long, complicated paths to the final destination. Purchasing flights early will allow flexibility and convenience in scheduling your ideal path.

‍

An Unexpected Hero

‍My airline’s app was an unprecedented lifeline. It allowed me to purchase and track a checked bag, download boarding passes ahead of time, and skip lines. As soon as the plane landed, I would also get a text with detailed information about what to do and where to go next. It was an asset in making the flying process simple and manageable.

The Early Bird Gets the Quiet Airport?

‍While no one enjoys a 4 a.m. wake-up call, a morning flight offers a quiet, empty environment, eliminating stress for new or anxious flyers. On my 6 a.m. flight, I breezed past check-in and security and sat at my gate within 35 minutes of arrival. I was grateful for the ability to ease into flying and get used to the process in a calm space.

Airline Food Really Is That Bad

‍“Free meal on the plane? Great,” I thought! Instant regret. A microwaved, soggy meal is definitely not what you crave after a long day of traveling. Shell out the extra money and get yourself a tasty meal that will leave you energized for the travel ahead.

Don’t Get Caught Unprepared

‍All of my flights were on time, however, that wasn’t the case for everyone. Several peers were stranded in the Atlanta airport for a day and a half. Before flying, make sure you know where to go and who to call in case you get stuck. The CIMBA emergency line is a great option for finding information and has staff ready to support you. Packing extra clothes in your carry-on is an additional insurance against delays.

Don’t Sit Bored

‍This was my first time experiencing an international airport like Newark, so imagine my shock when I was put on a shuttle just to get to my terminal. Long layovers at these big airports are excellent opportunities to walk around and see what you can discover. There are often plenty of interesting restaurants, shops, and rest areas to take in. Don’t sit scrolling on your phone, get up and explore.

Just Ask It

‍When I picture an airport, I think of irritated people in a rush to get where they need to go. This is true to an extent; however, airports are also filled with plenty of staff and individuals who want to help. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to point you in the right direction or communicate your issues with staff.

Dealing with Antarctica

‍Eight hours in an ice box had me wishing for an extra jacket. Be prepared and bring extra layers to put on or use as an emergency pillow. You’ll thank me when you’re not cold and shivering for the duration of your flight.

Close Your Eyes and Picture the Future‍

Always keep the end goal in mind. Flying is a lot to manage and a stressful ask. But once I got to CIMBA’s campus, it was all worth it. Italy is a gorgeous, culture-rich country to explore and stretch your worldview. Flying is just a tiny obstacle to a lifetime of adventure!