Since my blog is about traveling and I am notorious for being a serial long distance dater, I figured I’d give some tips for those of you doing the long distance thing.
The distance is only as far as you make it.
Now I realize that not everyone flies as often as I do, so I’m not going to tell you to buy a plane ticket every weekend to visit your significant other. I will recommend looking for flight deals as often as possible. As always, I’ll recommend Southwest Airlines for great deals – but there are other airlines out there that may offer cheaper flights. When you find these flights, book as many as you want. If you can find a deal to your destination city for half of what you would normally – book two roundtrips! Two visits to see your honey for the price of one? Yes, please!
Find ways to communicate.
Not everyone is able to talk on the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We all know that one. With technology these days there are many ways to get around that ordeal. There’s text messaging, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Yahoo IM, AIM, Google talk, etc. that all allow you ways to talk back and fourth during the day. Now I realize that not everyone wants to talk 24/7, so adjust your communication with your significant other accordingly.
Don’t let petty things get to you.
Say you’re checking up on your boyfriend’s/girlfriend’s social networking site and you see a comment from someone of the opposite sex saying something like, “Hey, great time last night!” Of course, your instant thought is, “What DID they do that made it such a ‘great’ time?” Remember: You can always ask them what they did! Of course, cheating is always a worry on everyone’s mind – but not everyone cheats. You are going to have your life in your city and they are going to have their life in their city. It doesn’t mean they are not committed to you and your relationship together. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but don’t let your insecurities get the best of you.
If you’re done, you’re done.
For some people, long distance relationships aren’t their thing. Understandable. Not being able to see the person on a regular basis always sucks. Not being able to call them up and invite them over for dinner sucks too. If these things get the best of you, long distance isn’t your thing. Don’t be afraid to tell the other person that it’s just not working out. The worst thing you can do is put on a front by telling the person that everything is okay. Let it go. Let them go and find someone else that lives in your same city. But whatever you do, don’t break up with them because of “distance” and then date someone else that lives far away. Social networking and the internet has made it easy for anyone to find out what’s going on with you… and trust me, your ex will find out about your lie.
Be open, and be honest.
If you’ve never done the long distance thing, let the person you’re interested in know how you feel. There is always going to be some hesitation when committing yourself to someone that lives hundred of miles away. It’s normal! Treat a long distance relationship like you would any other relationship – talk about your day, your past, share stories, share experiences and listen. The key to building a long lasting relationship is communication (whether it’s long distance or in the same city). Don’t let those miles keep you apart.
Use technology to your advantage.
With the invention of webcams, Skype, picture & video messaging (not to mention the countless social networking sites), long distance relationships are nothing like they have been in the past. You don’t have to keep in touch via snail mail letters or wait for that person to arrive at your doorstep to talk to them. The (free) technology is out there – use it!
On a side note, today (February 14th) is my boyfriend’s and my one year anniversary. We’ve been doing the long distance relationship thing, and out of the 52 weeks in a year, I’ve only not been able to see him for two of those weeks. (Thank you, Southwest Airlines!) <3
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours (and mine!). :)
Have you ever boarded a flight, the plane leaves the gate and just ends up sitting on the tarmac? Usually these delays are less than a half hour but there have been reports for people sitting for hours! Craziness. It’s not right to do to passengers but it does happen. Generally it’s not the airline’s fault either.
Most often times tarmac delays happen because there is a high volume of flights going into your destination city. Air traffic control then has to cut back on the flights flying in. The closer your departing city is from your arriving city, the higher chance you’ll be sitting there for longer. Why? Say you’re leaving out of San Diego, CA and landing in Las Vegas, NV – roughly a 45 min flight. For those flights that have departed cities such as Chicago or Orlando and are already in the air – they have higher priority. They’ve been in the air longer, their passengers have been on the plane longer, and let’s face it – first plane up should be the first plane down.
So now you’re stuck on the tarmac, what do you do? Well there are a couple things you can’t do – or will at least be severely reprimanded for doing. No restroom, no electronics, no standing up, no food or drinks to buy, etc.
Before you even get on the airplane I recommend using the restroom in the airport. Not only will you have more room (we all know how cramped the plane lavatories are), but you won’t have to wait for a fasten seatbelt sign to go off nor will you have to wait for one of the two restrooms to free up.
I recommend packing an emergency snack as well. Whether it’s a meal replacement bar (like Power Bar or a Cliff bar) or an apple – food is always good to have. Let’s be honest, pretzels and peanuts aren’t going to fill your stomach and keep you full. Plus, they usually don’t even pass those out until you’re up in the air! This food item of choice should be easily portable, can’t spill and whatever is left over after you’re done should be easily tossed. Another great idea (courtesy of my mom!) is to bring an empty water bottle with you. Don’t worry, TSA won’t take it away because there is no liquid in it. When you get past security, you can fill it up at the nearest water fountain.
Bring with you something that doesn’t require electricity to entertain you: a magazine, a book, a sketchpad, sudoku, a crossword puzzle, etc. You’re allowed to use these items at all time during a flight – taxing, in flight and landing. Just remember – don’t put your tray table down!
Last but not least, don’t be afraid to start up a conversation with the person next to you. You’re both stuck in a situation where you can’t use your electronic devices to burn time so start burning time by talking! If they’re not into a conversation, go back to your magazine. It never hurts to try.
Be sure to check out my blogs: ‘Starting a conversation’ and ‘Ending a conversation’ as well!
Like I say in most of my blogs: Chill out. Take a deep breath. The situation is out of your control so just roll with it. You will get to your destination eventually if you’re calm about things. The minute you start to act out and cause a riot, I can’t guarantee that you’ll get to your destination. In fact, there is a chance you’ll end up in the nearest jail cell if you get too rowdy.
So be nice, be calm and be prepared.
If you’re a frequent traveler, you know that delays happen… a lot. Whether it’s weather, mechanical issues or any unexpected issue, flights can and will be late. Sometimes in unfortunate circumstances these delays can cause unexpected layovers. So what do you do?
Well, the first thing you should do is just chill out. Being stressed out isn’t going to help you or the situation you’re in. The next thing you should do is ask an airline agent for help. Be sure you’re nice about it too! No one likes to help someone that’s being rude or mean to them. If you’ve missed your connection or your flight is delayed, they can help you find an alternative way to get to your destination.
If you’re stuck in the airport, find something to do! Bring a magazine with you, listen to music, take advantage of free wifi, etc. Most airports have a television somewhere in the gate area for you to watch. If you know you’re going to be stuck there for a while, ask around and see if there’s anything close by that could entertain you. You can catch a cab and head to a local museum or grab a bite to eat with a friend. On the same note as socializing, call a family member or friend! I usually call my grandparents and see how things are going with them. Not only do they enjoy catching up, but it also helps me get through the wait time.
It’s important to remember that most of the time things are out of your control. You can’t control the weather, you can’t control other flights and you can’t control what mechanical issues may happen. Let it go. Take a deep breath. Ask for help. And always be prepared for anything that may come your way. What do I mean by that? Bring things to keep you entertained so you don’t go stir crazy while you wait!
