I travel a lot. Always have. (I wish that meant that I'm a good packer. But it doesn't.)
When I flew from Nashville to Seattle the other day, I paid attention to all the odd things I do when I fly. And there are many.
- I feel compelled to eat or drink something whenever I'm in an airport. Not to say that I always do. But I always want to.
- Airports give me the sense that I'm going to run into someone I know. I actively look around as if I might.
- I touch the outside of the plane as I board. (I started this on my first mission trip when I was 14. I wonder how many planes I've tapped since then...)
- Between the time I board and the announcement to switch off electronics, I send an abnormally high number of tweets/texts.
- I avoid making eye contact with people. I don't want to have to talk to anyone! What can I say, I'm an introverted flyer. (Bad missionary, I know...)
- I'm an aisle seat girl, preferably as close to the front of the plane as possible.
- I need to feel air blowing directly on me, so I immediately adjust the little air vent accordingly.
- I wear my seat belt so loose, it probably doesn't even matter that I'm wearing it. I also unbuckle it the instant we land. I'm talking the moment the wheels hit the tarmac.
- Because I tend to get motion sick, I try to make myself fall asleep if there's turbulence. (I've been known to sleep through some wicked storms...)
- I usually bring a book on board, but never ever end up reading.
- My free beverage of choice is always ginger ale. The only other time I drink it is when I'm sick.
- I only pee when absolutely necessary, so I don't often use the bathroom on board.
- If I do, I cover my ears when I flush. The noise freaks me out.
- I try to avoid looking in the mirror in the airplane bathroom. The lights in there make me look pretty frightening.
What are your travel quirks?