Divergent Travels
Today I’m writing my newsletter from sunny Napoli. I arrived earlier today, and I’ve spent some time reflecting on how neurodivergent people may experience travel differently. As always, I know I can’t speak for all neurodivergent fold but I’m happy to share my story with you.
Ever since I was little, even small forms of travel like a day trip with school, would cause my brain to go into overdrive. The result was always the same: very little sleep and a feeling somewhere between joyous excitement and abject terror. I think the many unknowns that are an inherent part of travelling are probably the cause of the terror bit. Once I was at my destination, my anxiety would usually subside.
Over the years, I got much better at travelling. If I had to pinpoint why this current trip has been more anxiety-inducing than usual, it’s probably cause it’s my first solo trip abroad (that’s not work-related) since becoming a parent 10 years ago. I found my travelling confidence had somewhat deserted me this time and I was feeling off-balance the entire time I was preparing for the trip. I probably slept a mere 2 hours or so, though it wasn’t helped by having to get to the airport super early.
Looking around me on the plane, I did notice most people travelled as a family or as a couple. Both the taxi driver at the airport and the guy I am renting a lovely apartment from voiced their surprise at my travelling alone. Th taxi driver then assumed I must be travelling for business, which I assured him I was not. I have to say, this kind of irked the feminist in me. Why should I not travel alone? After all, I am a perfectly capable, independent and grown-up woman even if I wasn’t feeling it at that particular instant.
It's not that I dislike travelling by myself. I like deciding on my own itinerary and most of the time I enjoy my own company just fine. Hell, at times I even prefer it. Where I miss a travel companion, is when things go slightly wrong, and I get flustered and could use the support to regulate my emotions. Or the moments, when it would be a practical and logistical advantage to have another person there.
Either way, I made it to my destination in one piece, no thanks to the taxi driver who felt lane dividers were for road decoration purposes only and hugely enjoyed honking at non-moving traffic. I would not be surprised to learn he was a former rally driver. He also seemed to invent some supplemental fees on the spot in addition to the total on the meter. He then got rude when he realized I wasn’t tipping him and drove of after unceremoniously dropping my luggage in the middle of the road.
The person I’m renting from, more than made up for that ordeal, by carrying my luggage for me down the many steps leading to the seaside apartment. He also accompanied me to a convenience store and helped me figure out where to find some essentials. He took his time showing me around the place and gave me lots of helpful tips. Later he and his family even shared some traditional macaroni pie with me.
By this point though, I was exhausted. I decided a power nap was in order and a bit later, I felt human enough to go down to the small beach attached to the apartment complex where I am staying and sit in a comfy beach chair. I even did a little bit of swimming. I then ordered some pizza from a place the owner recommended which lived up to all my hyped-up expectations!
Here are my top travel tips:
It’s all about the packing list, mine is tried and tested and has been added to over the years so it now covers most contingencies within reason. This has saved me so many times.
Splurge on the Security fast lane! To me this is totally worth it, I feel claustrophobic fast when I’m stuck in an endless queue, worrying about whether or not I will make my flight. The fast lane gives me peace of mind that I will get to the gate with my sanity intact.
Don’t plan anything too crazy for the first 2 days or so. Allow your mind and body to acclimatize and reset. Transitions are hard, take the time you need to recharge first.
Always bring enough snacks for the plane (multiply by 100 if travelling with kids 😉). When I (or the kids) get “hangry”, it’s not pretty!
Hope you all have some lovely trips planned this summer. Enjoy the time off!