A lesson in messin’ with travel…
Thursday, October 26th, 2006A large percentage of the population (mainly female) approach important feats such as traveling with care and organization. I will not discredit all men, but in this example it only seems fitting that example imitate life. Therefore, I would like to give a fair warning in planning ahead and acting in a timely manner in order to accomplish what you desire. In a word, it’s one of the many pieces of advice that most mothers give. I know mine did.
PLAN AHEAD. If you intend on traveling, especially air travel, it is wise to plan ahead and accordingly in order to have the proper resources ready at
your disposal. This includes, but is not limited to:
- FINANCES: money to purchase a ticket, money for the actual trip, and money that will cushion you when you return otherwise broke and stunned.
- PASSPORT: If traveling domestically this will most likely not be an issue. However, when traveling abroad/internationally a passport is required for travel. It IS a good idea to travel with copies of this document and keep them in different locations.
- For example…In Spring 2006, I was in Madrid and due to exertions from the night before I arrived at Barajas airport as my flight was at its ‘LAST CALL.’ I attempted to get another flight later on that afternoon and when asked, I was unable to produce my passport. Set-back #2 for the day. I was able to recover it about an hour later, and then made plans to get on a flight exactly one hour later. When I returned to check in and then board, it was gone AGAIN. No joke. Basically, I had to stay in Madrid for two more days and have to visit the American Embassy at the crack of dawn. DON’T LOSE YOUR PASSPORT. When traveling abroad, it is YOUR BEST FRIEND.
SCHEDULING: Before you make plans to travel, make sure that you are not skipping out on any obligations or pressing matters back home. As humans we have the ability to choose, and do, and go whenever we please. However, as party of humanity and American citizens we also have an obligation to our responsibilities and holding ourselves accountable for our own lives. Remember this before you spontaneously buy a ticket to go see something or someone. Check your schedule, assuming that you have one. SAVE, SAVE, SAVE: This goes back to #1, FINANCES. Unless you have a rather comfortable monetary pillow comforting you, you might need to save a little in order to make this excursion happen. Especially if you are planning to make a large purchase, keep track of your spending and balance at the bank to make sure that when the time comes, you will be able to purchase what is needed with few complications. I know I’m not your mother. But choose to be responsible and take care of what you need to. Otherwise, you could be very disappointed when your plans fall through, as could the parties that were anticipating your arrival.
