Book The Flight! A Sleepy Traveler’s Guide To Solo Travel

A few friends and I were planning a girls' trip to a resort in the Bahamas. For months, we discussed every detail – from the excursions to our daily outfit choices. By the time we arrived at the final day to pay for our trip, each of my friends had backed out. I was disappointed but understood why they could no longer go.

But it didn't sit well with me that their choices would keep me from going on a trip I was looking forward to for months. I wondered if I was capable of traveling alone with Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH). The thought was intimidating, but I really wanted to go on this trip. I did not want to miss this experience waiting on other people to be available.

So, I decided to head to the Bahamas solo! It was a “learn as you go” experience. Over the years, I have missed flights, underestimated my symptoms, and adjusted as I went along. Eventually, I found routines and strategies that help me travel with confidence and less stress.

Preparing for the airport in advance with IH

Unmedicated, my sleep inertia was so intense that I would often oversleep multiple alarms. When I did wake up, I could spend an hour or more sitting on the bed just staring at the wall. I was late to everything, including the airport. When every minute counts, I learned to make up time where I could.

I make an effort to pack light. Packing light means I can skip standing in line and printing a tag in order to check my luggage.

• Shoes: I do not pack a different shoe for each outfit
• Clothes: I reduce my “just in case” outfits to two for the entire trip
• Skincare: Instead of packing every product in my ridiculously long skincare routine, I only bring a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF

On my last trip (which lasted 4 days), I managed with a carry-on size roller bag and a large backpack.

TSA PreCheck has been one of the biggest game changers for me when it comes to managing IH. PreCheck allows low-risk travelers to obtain expedited screening at airport security. Wait times will vary by airport, but I rarely spend a lot of time in line. Most of the time, I can get through security in under 5 minutes. That extra time makes a huge difference on mornings when sleep inertia slows me down.

Navigating the airport and finding places to rest

As I walk from security, I take note of possible sleeping spots in case of an extended delay or long layover. The more comfortable locations - cushioned chairs, rocking chair, or loveseats - tend to be further away from the gate. When you have a short wait, do not let the comfort tempt you. Usually, you can't hear announcements from the gate agent in these areas.

If necessary, I will share my condition with the gate agent. I’ll ask the agent if they are able to tap me on my shoulder when the flight begins to board. Instead of boarding with my group number, the agent will remind me to board the plane when they call for individuals with disabilities.

If I don’t notify the gate agent, it's mandatory that I choose a seat facing the board with my flight information. I also make sure to receive notifications from the airline on my phone. This positions me to promptly see, hear, and feel a vibration when there is a boarding update.

Staying safe while sleeping in public places

It is important that we consider safety when sleeping in a public place. I have an iPhone and my location is shared with several friends at all times. Even in the airport, my friends can keep an eye on my last location.

Some airports have Minute Suites or pay-per-use lounges that offer a more private space to sleep if you plan to spend a few hours in the airport. I’ve slept in a chair or on the floor while at the gate. Usually, I travel with a book bag that doubles as a pillow. I’ll then double wrap one of the book bag straps around my wrist for added protection.

Trusting myself and choosing to travel solo with IH

When my friends bailed out on the Bahamas trip, the thought of traveling alone almost led me to miss out. But I was determined not to allow IH or solo travel to keep me grounded. All things considered, the trip was a success – I had a great time!

My first solo experience was not flawless, but traveling with IH was not as bad as I thought it would be. IH requires extra planning, but it does not mean I have to stop living or wait around for others.

The trip showed me that I am capable of more than I give myself credit for.