what makes a good traveler?

can you date someone who wants to go to the airport 4 hours early?

One of my favorite doodles I’ve made was of these proposed Bumble filters.

Can’t believe they have yet to be incorporated…

To set the stage, I made this doodle when I was deep in my I’ve-sworn-off-dating-forever phase. Instead of dating, I decided that spending my time writing strict requirements for my soulmate would be a better use of my time.

As evidenced by the doodle, I presumed this person would have a high willingness to do Turkey Trots and a low tolerance for bad form making the bed. 

Months later, I met the love of my life. I forgot about the doodle until I came across it in my screenshots.

Curious, I showed him the doodle to see how he’d score.

His first question: “What’s an eye mask?”

I explain that I used to sleep with a three-inch thick plush eye covering and things in my ears.

“Oh yeah, ear tampons?” 

I choked laughing, sputtering out that they’re actually called ear plugs. He shrugged. Moved down the list.

His next question: “What’s a secure attachment style?”

I sent him a bookmarked article that distills the book Attached into a 5-minute read. We both concurred that he had it. 

Then the third: “What makes an efficient traveler?”

At this point, we hadn’t yet traveled together. I froze. Could this be the dealbreaker?

He was in every other way perfect… But what if he was someone that holds up the security line because they put their computer at the bottom of their carry-on? 

Or worse, what if he went barefoot on flights?

Now, five countries and countless logistics later, I can affirm that this was not the case.

But as we packed last night at midnight for our 4:30am wake-up (my bad!), I mentioned again that I was relieved he’s a good traveler. 

“What makes a good traveler?” he asked. I still didn’t have a good answer. 

On the flight today, I did my morning pages on this question. An answer emerged.

So here, solely for entertainment purposes, is my strongly-convicted, loosely-held definition of someone who is a good traveler. 

What Makes a Good Traveler? 

• Generous with sharing their hotspot

• Can take Zoom calls from moving vehicles, outdoor cafes, and walking on moving walkways without missing a beat

• Talented at sneaking extra bags onto a budget airline

• Knows the right amount of snacks for peak satiation without getting them pulled out in the security line

• Consistently chooses the fastest lines (for bathrooms, border control, breakfast, etc.)

• Able to fall asleep in any position and doesn’t cross armchair terrain in their sleep 

• Would never, ever consider leaning the seat back and inconveniencing the person behind them

• Pre-saves destinations into their Google Maps in case they arrive without cell service

• Always has a fully-charged portable charger. Key phrase here is fully-charged 

• Uncanny knack for figuring out public transportation wherever they are in the world

• Packs so efficiently that they always have room in their bag for your extra things (this is not me)

• Comfortable asking for directions, recommendations, and advice

• Uses an inside voice

• Good intuition on hidden gems vs no reviews for a reason when it comes to Airbnbs

• Maintains a good mood even for 6am flights with a significant other who likes to get to the airport 3 hours early

• Does not complain, takes a “this-is-part-of-the-memoir” perspective 

• Willingness to go off the itinerary

• Willingness to have an itinerary in the first place

• Wears the right shoes, every time 

If you have three or more of these characteristics, you should be delighted to know that you are, undoubtedly, a good traveler. 

None of these bullets sound like you? Do not fear. There’s always room for improvement. 

Finally, if you completely disagree or if I missed anything, let me know in the replies. 

My wish for all humankind is world peace and that everyone finds their soulmate who is compatible on all things including how early they want to arrive to the airport. 

Nothing is closer to magic than that.

See you next week!

Sarah