To be totally honest, it\u2019s often the most stressful part of the holiday \u2014 and that\u2019s before you\u2019ve even left the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve travelled solo numerous times, and I can guarantee I\u2019ll still have those same nerves the next time I do it again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because the thoughts start early\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have I got my passport?
Have I got the right documentation?
Where am I leaving the car?
Have I checked in properly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And when you\u2019re travelling solo, there\u2019s no one else to bail you out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Travel Nerves Become Very Real<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On one particular trip, I wasn\u2019t travelling solo \u2014 I was heading to Heathrow by train with a friend, destination: Las Vegas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just before we were due to change trains, he suddenly decided he needed the bathroom. The problem? It was off the platform\u2026 and we had no idea how far away it was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There I was, standing half in and half out of the train, watching the seconds tick by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What do I do if he doesn\u2019t come back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do I ask the conductor to hold the train? It was the longest five minutes ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And just as the final seconds passed\u2026 there he was, running around the corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We jumped on the train just in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now imagine that situation solo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why preparation matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My Preparation Routine (And Why It Works)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Preparation removes panic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few days before travelling, I keep a separate folder just for travel documents and start adding everything into it. Passport on top. Always.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if everything is saved on your phone, I always<\/em> print backup copies. There\u2019s never any harm in doing this. What if your battery dies? What if you lose signal? What if your phone decides to update at the worst possible moment?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Print:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I even print destination guides so I can read them on the plane and start getting familiar with my holiday surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Organisation creates calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day of Travel: Start Smart<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Airport Parking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Have a clear idea of how long it takes to reach your airport parking. Plan with extra time \u2014 not the bare minimum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google the car park beforehand so you know what it looks like and exactly where it is. Don\u2019t rely entirely on sat nav. Confidence in knowing where you\u2019re going instantly reduces stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do I get on and hope he catches the next one?
Do I jump off with the cases and we both wait for the next train?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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