Hello, and welcome (or welcome back)!
I hope everyone is doing well and feeling safe, healthy, and happy 🙂
On this week’s blog, we are going to dive into ‘My Solo Travels’ Series: Part 5–Flying to Orlando.
For me, reflecting on a trip a few months after it happens is a lot of fun. Sometimes, it feels as though I am going on the trip all over again. Thinking about my first solo trip makes me smile and a little teary-eyed because I wish I could go back to that time.
The first day of my trip, I was equal parts nervous and ecstatic. My flight to Orlando left at 11 am from Newark airport. Because my parent’s are fantastic people, they set me up with a black SUV to take me to the airport at around 9am. Side note, my driver could not have been nicer. He was on time, his car was clean, and he made friendly conversation with me the entire time.
For my flight down, I flew with Spirit Airlines. Now, I know the reputation that Spirit has. A lot of people think that Spirit Airlines has crappy service, dumpy seating accommodations, and less than stellar flight staff. I am here to tell you that you get what you pay for. Spirit is significantly cheaper than most other airlines–you get what you pay for! I personally had a decent time flying with them. The only thing that I did not like was the fact that the airline staff showed up late to the gate, and everyone on my flight (myself included) panicked because we thought we had the wrong gate. Considering I was flying alone for the first time, I could have done without the added stress. Otherwise, Spirit is a fine airline to fly in my experience.
When I touched down in Orlando, I felt so accomplished. Like after all the planning and stress and waiting for the trip to begin, it was finally here. I had made it to Orlando! As soon as I got off the plane, I called my mom to let her know I was safe and okay. After the phone call to my mom, I also made a point of sitting down in Orlando International Airport and taking a breath. I feel like we are always in go, go, go mode. On this vacation, I wanted to make a point of taking a breath, observing my surroundings, and soaking in every moment.
From that moment on, I soaked in everything. I soaked in the ride on the monorail to baggage claim, listening to the comforting words of Mayor Buddy Dyer. I soaked in the Mickey Mouse wall art in front of the ‘Earport’ store. I soaked in the ride on the Magical Express to the resort.
Oh, the resort. Now that’s a story for you.
Until next time….
Stay safe and stay magical!
Ashley, MCT
My Chronic Travels 