This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BU chapter.

Although I’ve only traveled completely alone a handful of times, I’d say I know a good amount of tips to make the experience less stressful. It can be anxiety-provoking and scary stepping into an airport by yourself. Although it can be overwhelming, there are ways to make the experience easier and more enjoyable.

1. Plan in advance.

If you can, try to book your plane ticket at least a month prior to your trip. This will allow you to avoid the stress of booking a last-minute flight and give you peace of mind. When booking your flight, try studentuniverse.com. It offers discounts for students, which, anybody who has paid for a plane ticket knows is extremely helpful. I’ve also heard that booking your flight in an “incognito” window can offer you cheaper prices!

2. Get the airline’s app.

All airlines have an app you can use to check in and track your flight. Check this in the days leading up to and of your flight, because you never know when there will be a delay or cancellation.

3. Look up a map of the airport.

Your first time alone in an airport can be super overwhelming so knowing where it is you have to go is helpful, especially if you have connecting flights. Knowing how long it will take you to get from one gate to the next will leave you worry-free on your travels.

4. If you have a connecting flight, talk to a flight attendant.

There are perks to not having a long layover because, well, you don’t have to wait. The downside to that is that you don’t have much time to make your next flight. I’ve sat on planes before where I thought I wasn’t going to make my next flight and it’s kind of the worst. Talk to a flight attendant on your plane and let them know that you have a connecting flight, so they can give you tips on how to navigate the airport as quickly as possible.

5. Stay organized.

Try not to procrastinate! It’s difficult, but packing at least the night before you leave is ideal. Keep all of your travel documents in one place with easy access. Write a checklist of things you’ll need the day of your flight and make sure you have everything in order.

6. Arrive early.

I have always gotten to the airport two hours before my flight leaves. Checking in, getting through security, finding your gate, and dealing with any last-minute issues takes time. It’s much better to be safe than sorry! Also, most airlines allow you to check in 24 hours in advance online, which means one less thing you have to think about.

7. Dress comfortably.

And warm, since airplanes tend to be freezing. Wear leggings and a sweatshirt to keep you comfortable on your flight, no matter how long it is.

9. Bring snacks.

Although there are plenty of places to eat and buy snacks at an airport, they tend to be super expensive. Try to bring some food (and minimum liquids) so that you have those when you get hungry.

I hope these tips will help you have a stress-free and comfortable flight – safe travels!

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How to Travel Alone