The problem is global: This week, German airline Lufthansa announced it would cancel 2,000 flights this summer. Meanwhile, US airlines have reduced service in some smaller markets due to a shortage of pilots. It seems like everyone knows someone, who has been stuck in an airport, still waiting for their lost luggage or both.
All of a sudden, it feels like one of our only respites – classic summer fun – feels as stressful as being stuck at home for another summer.
So, other than canceling the summer and sitting down again, how are we supposed to cope?
The key to overcoming the challenge of summer travel – if you choose to accept it – will be managing your expectations, knowing where you fall in the risk/reward (that is, understanding whether the benefits The benefits of traveling to you outweigh the very real risks), learn what you can control for yourself, and know if you can let go of the rest.
One very important thing you can control: Decide at your own risk, which is the current state of air travel. One way to reduce the stress associated with an incident is to assume in advance that there will be an incident. There may have been a problem. That’s OK; This year, at least, it will be par for the course.
What you can’t control: Your flight is delayed or cancelled. Poor attitude of poorly equipped, potentially overworked concierge staff at the hotel. Long lines at the airport. Those passengers, or how (and if) the flight attendant responded to them. These are things that are out of your hands.
Deciding to travel is about accepting these facts in advance and resigned to the fact that there is nothing you can do about them – at least not for the time being. You can use these experiences to make different decisions later, but for now, this is your reality.
You also can’t control how airlines will react to delays and cancellations, how they do or don’t try to arrange passenger accommodation and allowances, or whether staff make an effort. effort to ensure the comfort of all passengers. But you can certainly control the decision to fly again with that airline.
See how the trip as an experience goes exactly. During summer travel, as in life, you can control your expectations and reactions, but not the outcome.
If you think you can achieve anything that comes in your stride, knowing that you have prepared yourself for the best possible success, you can take the psychological risks and the feeling of travel.
If you don’t think you can handle an unforeseen event like a flight delay or cancellation, it’s better to stay closer to home. Choose a driveable destination, or simply stay with a purposeful vacation, one where you block off relaxation time, unplug from digital technology, and plan your travels. Have fun out of your normal routine.
What is another year?
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