My hubby just called me from Brazil(jerk is there for work!) and was talking to me about him having to go to Europe in June. They found out that if they stay over there 3 extra days, it actually saves the company quite a bit of money on plane tickets. So they would have 3 extra days with no work to do over there. And the hotel would be paid for...wherever they want to be. So, hubby asked if I would want to fly over and spend those 3 days wherever we want...probably Ireland or Scotland(the top 2 places on our list). All we would have to pay for would be my passport(which I know I have to get on right away!) my food and any 'attractions' we would want to see and have to pay for. We would be able to use my husband's miles for my flight.
Here's my big problem...I am very scared to fly. I haven't flown since college when I had to for softball...before 9/11. I don't know if I can do that kind of a flight alone. And find my way thru the airports! I would be flying back with my husband...so I'm not too worried about that.
Would I be crazy to not take advantage of this?
So...you are given this opportunity...what do you do?
Love all the responses so far! Between you ladies and my parents telling me I should do it, I think I'm going! Now we just have to decide where to go! I'm French, but no real desire to go to France! Im leaning towards Dublin!
Added: I'm going! I was talking to my mom this morning and she suggested I ask my sister to go with me so I wouldn't have to travel alone. Talked to my hubby and he thought it was a great idea(he and my sister get along great!). So I called and asked her and it took about 10 seconds for her to say yes. She was already looking up ticket prices and where to get her passport! I'm so excited now! I know it's only 3 days, but it's worth it to go to a place I've been wanting to go to forever!
Dublin, here we come!
I would not hesitate to go! You can stop and ask someone directions if you ever feel confused in the airport...but it's easy and there are signs everywhere. Try to go for more than 3 days though to have more time to get over jet lag.
I am a terrible flyer but I did it when I had to. I am getting better at it. For
longer flights my doc with give me 5 mg. valium and it just takes the edge off of things. GO definitely!!!! An opportunity like this will not present itself
again! Enjoy. It is a great time of year to go.
Go!
Can you fly over early with him? You could rest up, enjoy the hotel and do some sightseeing on your own while hubby works. This would give you a few more days to be in Europe, adjust to the jet lag and be ready for some real touring on your husbands 3 days off.
I would go even if I was scared and had to fly over alone. But in reality, I LOVE to fly and think that hanging out in airports is fun. Go, get over your fears and maybe you will discover you can learn to like flying too.
Travel to Europe for 3 days?? The jet lag would last longer than the trip... I'd insist on staying at least a week or the flight time would not at all be worth it.
I too, hate flying, but never let it stop me from traveling. It is very exhausting to stay terrified so you have to stop after a while!
Take an Ipod or Kindle Fire to keep occupied. The planes also have individual video screens now.
I would go for more than just the 3 days. You could find plenty to do while your husband is working.
You should go!!! I don't fly often... maybe once a year. It's always nerve wracking for me, but I get through it for the travel. I love to travel once I arrive at my destination.
Do your research, plan your route through the airport, ask for help. Have your husband help you pack your bag before he goes (so that you don't have to worry if you have packed things you aren't supposed to - I always fuss about that).
You would be crazy not to do it :)
GO...
I am glad your SWH says you are leaning towards the YES.. You will be glad you did!!
Enjoy yourself.
GO FOR IT!!! If I could make my font bigger, bolder and underlined - it would be!!!
DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY!!!!!!!
Getting through airports is easy. Use the KISS method - Keep It Simple Silly. Wear simple clothing for the flight...no boots that lace up, no studded belt that you will have to take off, comfortable clothes. That will get you through security easier...
If you were here in DC you could do your passport in one day. As it stands now...go to your local post office - you can check the USPS website to see if they do passports there. Go to CVS and have a passport picture taken, then go to the post office and get your passport done. It can take six weeks. you will need your birth certificate
This link is for a first time adult application
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html
this link is for a renewal
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_4855.html
this link gives the processing times
http://travel.state.gov/passport/processing/processing_17...
If you don't take advantage of this!! I WILL!!! :)
Go! I'm scared of flying, but I wouldn't hesitate.
Yes, you'd be crazy to not take advantage of this.
Given the opportunity, I'd GO!
You know, you can ask your doc for a mild sedative for the flight.
Oh you need to go! I will tell you that I am afraid to fly BUT I refuse to let it keep me from going places. I'm just a basket case on the flight!! My hubby and I went to London and Paris two years ago. I will be honest, it was difficult, but I managed. Talk to your doctor. They might be able to prescribe anti-anxiety medication for the trip.
Three days is pretty short, try and extend it. If not, go to Brazil with him. I lived in Rio de Janeiro for three years. Its an incredible city with lots to do. Have FUN!!! I'm jealous!!!! I gave up our trip to London this year for new furniture!
Get some Xanax or valium and GO! I never turn down the opportunity to travel somewhere wonderful!
Yes, you would be crazy to turn it down!
One of my best friends was so afraid to fly that for years she drove from Atlanta to New Jersey and Indiana to visit family so she wouldn't have to fly. Well, that all changed when they adopted from CHINA! After that 20+ hour flight (one way), she doesn't have such a problem getting on planes any more!
GO!!! Flying really is not that big of a deal. Give yourself extra time so you don't feel rushed. You can pack a small bag cause you won't be there for an extra long time, so you won't have to drag a bunch of luggage around. As the airline what you can do to make your trip easier, and tell the flight attendants that you are nervous so they can maybe give you extra care. Google for tips to help you. If you like to read and get absorbed in books, bring some favorites so you can get caught up in them. Time flies when you read. I flew several times cross country with my baby - just me. I wore him on my back, dragged his car seat through the airport, it was crazy, but it wasn't that bad. Once you can relax about it, you'll enjoy it.
I travel quite a bit with my husband and NO, I personally would not fly to Europe for a 3 day trip. You could not pay me to fly that far for such a short amount of time. I would rather wait, and save up and go for a longer period of time than squeeze in a short trip with such an exhausting flight schedule.
Think about it, you don't like to fly anyways. And you'll have 2 days of flying with only 3 days in between flights.
Also, check out the time zone change. I went to Ireland a couple of years ago for about 2 weeks and my clock was totally different the first few days.
Have fun no matter where you go.
You can ask your doctor for a couple of low dose Zanax to take the edge off. Alot of people do this when flying. Have a wonderful time =0)
Go go go! Absolutely go and enjoy every minute. The trip will be great and in addition, there is something fantastic to me about getting on a plane for that length of time alone. You can FINALLY get some quiet time to yourself, read books, watch movies, sleep, eat junk snacks, etc. I find it to be one of the only times I am truly alone with my thoughts and consider a trip like that a license to do only what I want to do. Go and enjoy it!
Go and extend the trip. 3 days isn't long enough when you're traveling so far. Have a wonderful time!!!
GO! A person has a greater chance of dying in a car accident than on a plane. Practice some deep breathing and calming techniques.
Take it! Go!
You are more resourceful than you are giving yourself credit for. Don't let your self-doubts cause you to miss out on this incredible experience!
Traveling alone is frightening the first time. I still remember the first time I did it, when I was a junior in college, traveling to Japan for a study-abroad experience with only a rudimentary understanding of Japanese. It was after 9/11, but I won't tell you when so you won't be able to guess my age. ^_^ It was terrifying, but amazing! And it changed my life! I won't go into all the details, but I have since traveled abroad by myself repeatedly. Trust me when I say you just need confidence. You can totally handle this, and you don't want to chicken out and miss such a great opportunity.
Absolutely go!
For me, personally, I wouldn't want to take any sort of sedative or medication for nerves. I would not want to be "on" anything---that would make me even more nervous. I'd prefer to be in full control of ALL of my faculties, including my gut/nerves.
Take a book or two (in case you decide the material doesn't suit your frame of mind or alertness level). I can doze off in a novel sometimes, whereas a magazine the articles are short and keep moving. Or the opposite can happen. Just depends---so take more than one thing. Research what you can pack carry-on (snacks, eye drops--especially if you are a contact lens wearer) and GO! Write down contact information for your husband and his company in a couple of places and carry them on your person--in case for some reason there is a delay and he isn't waiting at the terminal for you. So you know how to reach him. His hotel, his company overseas contact #, any co-workers who might be traveling with him, etc.
And sleep ahead of time so you are rested for the trip. You don't want to be worn out and tired schlepping through an airport.
You will love it. The adventure itself will be memorable. Imagine how empowering it will be for you to go by yourself! I'd be nervous---but with no kids in tow, I'd go without hesitation!
Yep. I think I would do it! What a great opportunity!
HTH,
A.
Get some good drugs - I'm talking real deal like Valium or something - calm your nerves, pass out and wake up in jolly Ole England.
You do not pass up an opportunity like this - you'll regret it!
Have fun!
Yay!!! Go and have fun!!
