Traveling alone for the first time

[kolyavmk]

Hi. I'm new here, and apologize if I put this in the wrong space. Can a mod please move it if it is?

Anyways, this summer I am going on a trip, and I have to fly alone for the first time. I am actually going out of the country. I have some questions.

I'm a REALLY awkward person in public (like really awkward. Like, can't function or even find where I'm going awkward) if I don't have a friend or family member with me; which I won't during travel. Both days of travel are basically all day. Here are my questions.

What are some tips, or what can I do to not be as awkward during the plane rides, and layover in the airports? I have about 4 hours of layover on the way there, and about 5 on the way back. (1 and 4, and 3 and 2).

How can I calm myself down when I begin to freak out?

I will have my phone with me, so I'll probably spend time on that, chatting with friends; but I don't want to simply sit in a chair for 4 hours in the airports.

Ideas anyone?

Thanks in advanced :)

[SGTM]

First of alL Good luck, i may be doing my first out of the country alone trip next year to PAX East 2012 in Boston. I am alone all the time on the train and stuff and the best thing i found to do is try to blend in with the crowd on the train a lot of People either have laptop's out their phones or just look out the window, when waiting in a station or a airport try to find a window where maybe you can overlook the tarmac/runway and watch planes or bring a iphone or laptop and play some games.

[Aves]

Bring a book, iPod, laptop, phone, and pillow. If you don't want to sit for 4 hours, you are more than free to just walk around. No one really cares in airports, since it's a way to pass the time and not just sit.

[kolyavmk]

Thanks for the tips guys. I appreciate it(: But do you have any tips on how to calm myself when I start freaking out because of awkwardness? Or how to suppress my awkwardness?

[Φρανκομβριτ]

Well depending on your age, your parents may have set up an "Unaccompanied Minor Service", or generally referred to as a "UM". You will have all your documentation in a pouch, and will be escorted by airline personal from aircraft to aircraft, as well as signed in and out at each end.

If you do not have this service, do not worry. Proceed through security and monitor the departures board regularly. Just set yourself up in front of one. Don't worry about being awkward; most travellers are business travellers who really don't notice anything anyway.

If you are connecting at a major airport such as Chicago O'Hare (ORD), there are agents set up around the airport who will help you. Don't expect them to be friendly, but they will be helpful.

Just remember to relax. Travel is a wonderful thing, and there's no reason you should encounter any problems. I've been flying alone since I was 7, and I feel no anxiety going through the largest airports of this world. You'll do fine.

[esby]

My first trip alone was as a UM. It was easy and they looked after everything. Also on the plane you either sit next to a woman or nobody (at least that was their rule anyway.)

[Breakeven]

dont let ur phone run out of charge , keep extra money with u always ,and like other said , book , ipod , pc , anything u like

[scott757]

Keep yourself content an busy, for me I love aviation so my problem is solved right there (I would be glued to a window) :P Keep an eye on the time, watch the eparture boards and listen to the tannoys for announcements of your flight. It's also a good idea to learn the flight numbers. Find the gate as early as possible and if you can get a seat near it, then you can see when it's ready for boarding.