Finally, we’re jetting away! We’re going stateside!!!
Cue all the excitement that you can muster up because it’s been a long time since I’ve been in the states. Nearly seven months ago, we moved to London and haven’t looked back.
But even though we love living in London, it’s always amazing to go home. First up on our travel list? The Sunshine State, the bright and beautiful, Florida. (Alright, alright, we’re not going straight to New York, my real home, but a detour for sun sounded like a grand idea…)
To kickstart our journey, Joe and I ventured to Gatwick airport for our flight. I don’t think I’ve ever flown out of the South Terminal, but I now have a go-to spot for weary travelers or those simply looking for a good drink spot.
The London Bar, obviously.
Here’s my disclaimer: I’m a horrible flyer. I stress. I tense up. I’m restless and uneasy. Occasionally, I cry. I’m an awful companion to travel with. Unfortunately, it’s a fear I have to face regularly. We have families on both sides of the Atlantic ocean. We love to travel and explore new places. Point blank, it’s simply not acceptable to let my fears win.
You can probably guess where I’m going with this…well, I like to have a little bit of liquid courage to calm me down before takeoff. A glass of wine or two helps, especially as we’re in vacation mode. And for truly dire stress situations, I have been prescribed medicine by my doctor to help me relax. I wish that I could tackle my fear of flying on my own, but it’s difficult to shake.
Anyways! The London Bar was an excellent way to start our vacation, two Sauvignon Blancs and two Staropramen lagers later… I was feeling much better to travel and so was Joe.
I am really lucky that most of the time when I travel I’m not on my own. I have Joe hold my hand and chatter away to keep me distracted throughout. It’s great to have someone so understanding, who never makes me feel silly about my fears.
I know I’m not the only one to struggle with flying. Do you share my fear of flight? How do you face your fears?
Kelly xox
PS. Any tips and tricks you may have to help me throughout the rest of our time traveling through the states and then back to London would be incredibly helpful!
I also have a fear of flying! Just thinking about it makes me feel so anxious. During take off, I have a little toy that I squeeze really tight and I try and distract my mind with music/book. To be honest, I’ve found the best distraction is talking to someone as that is the best way not to let my mind wander. I always try and sit next to a friend and just get into a good conversation. Obviously that doesn’t really work when travelling alone. I really hope that my fear doesn’t stop me from travelling as I LOVE it so much! I never really drink before flying but maybe I could try this!
I hope you have an amazing time in Florida and the the flight wasn’t too stressful.
Lots of love, Sarah xxx || http://www.whatsasssays.com
Sarah, thank you so much for sharing this with me. It’s always good to know you’re not alone in your fear of flying! I’ve definitely talked nonstop to a fellow passenger (okay, so a lot of them) before on my flights. My main thing is to not let it stop me from travelling the world. Luckily, my flight to Florida was great, and my flights up to New York were okay too, thank goodness! xoxox
You have officially just described how I feel about flying. I am usually prescribed Diazepam by my doctor which does mean I can’t drink – and I take a nytol too. However, now you can fly with your ipad on on take off, I just grab onto my boyfriend or friend, and watch a programme during take-off and landing which I dislike. I also make the cabin crew aware of my fears; I find that I am always quite distressed boarding the plane, and the cabin crew then make sure to check on me throughout the flight, or if we hit a slight patch of turbulence which I find really encouraging and settles my mind. Mainly, I just try to keep distracted with books and chatting to those people near me.
I tend to think that it will be over before you know it and its always always always taking you to somewhere fabulous, whether you are going home to see family, or travelling to explore a new city or sit on a beach relaxing for a week.
I hope you had an OK flight, and you weren’t too stressed out about it. Enjoy your holiday and just think of flights as a means to getting to places you love!!
Suitcase and
Sandals Blog
XX
Hi Hannah, thanks for this. I’ve never really thought to chat with the flight crew about my fears before. But I definitely try to focus on where I’m going, it’s always a good way to keep me motivated, and not to panic! The end destination is a great way to keep distracted. When I go on vacation, we always try to talk about all the fun things we’ll do when we’re there, which helps for sure. Luckily our flights have been okay so far on this trip stateside! xoxo
All the Flight Crew that have spoken to me before have been delightful. If there is turbulance, they have rushed to check on me. One man even moved me right to the front and offered a flight assistant to sit with me during take off and landing. Although I was so embarassed, I was very impressed. They have also invited my into the cockpit when the plane was on the ground twice, to explain exactly what happens when you fly. If you do get upset, the flight crew will be so lovely!! XXX
That is exactly hope I feel with flying. I absolutely dread it but I’m really determined not to let my fear beat me! It’s so hard though. I have gotten worse over the last year or so. I can barely managed a flight lasting a couple of hours now so don’t know how I would cope on a long haul flight.
I’ve gotten used to the flight time across the Atlantic, but it’s an absolute treat to finally be on a shorter flight. Our flight from Florida up to NY was only three hours and as we’re so used to 7 or more hours, it made it feel so much better. I’m glad that even though we’re all scared of flying, everyone knows that the travel is worth it! xoxo
I don’t usually get nervous when flying, I actually really enjoy it (sorry!), but this time when I flew back to Australia I was super nervous. It was the first time I’d flown this side of the world since all of the Malaysia airlines crash/disappearance etc, and it honestly made me so nervous. I just tried to keep calm and watch movies to forget about it.
Have an awesome time in the US! Super jealous, I love it there!
C x | Lux Life
I think it’s kind of surprising how our fears can arise. I used to hate flying. But then suddenly for a good couple of years, it didn’t bother me. I actually loved it. And then just like that, ever since there was a crash at our local airport awhile ago, I went back into full panic mode. I am completely with you on the being scared of recent events thing too… Keeping calm is all we can do! Hope your trip back to Australia is amazing! xoxo
I seem to have moments where I am ok & then others I’m panicky. I think the more I want to get out the country the less I care, haha! That bar looks super cool though
There are moments when I’m really calm as we fly, and others where I’m in full out panic mode. I try to rationalize that I really do love to travel! And fun places at the airport, like The London Bar, help massively! xox