Travel Day Blues: Expect the Unexpected and Keep Your Cool
By the time this blog goes live, I’ll be 30,000 feet in the air, somewhere between Cincinnati and JFK, probably trying to convince myself that although that business class cocktail always makes flying more fun…is it enough to take the edge off of a long travel day. Let’s just say, today is already a journey—and I’m not even halfway to my actual destination.
Our original flight to Casablanca? Canceled. Yep. Gone. The one that had us landing after a neat little 8-hour layover cushion? That’s now turned into a whopping 13-hour layover in New York. And here's the kicker—as of right now (I’m writing this at 5:25 a.m.), there isn’t even another Royal Air Maroc plane scheduled to arrive before our new 2:20 a.m. flight. So unless one magically appears, we could be in for a long night at JFK. I’m certainly hoping that there is a Dreamliner with my name on a seat, and we are just waiting for a deadheading crew to get out of a rest period, justifying the late departure. SEE ITS GOOD HAVING A TRAVEL ADVISOR THAT USED TO BE CREW UNDERSTANDING THINGS!
Is it frustrating? Of course. We got up at 4 a.m. to begin adjusting to the time change in Casablanca, and I hope I have a nap at some point today. The idea that I may be 21 hours minimum from my seat on a flight makes me exhausted. Am I already low-key spiraling while pretending I’m calm and collected? Definitely. But hey—expect the unexpected, right? It doesn't have to be all doom and gloom.
Travel days are rarely smooth sailing, and sometimes it takes writing about the chaos in real-time to remind myself (and maybe you, too) that it’s all part of the adventure... even when it’s the kind that tests your patience hard. It reminds me how to remain balanced, when the inevitable happens to you, trusted reader.
If there’s one thing travel has taught me, it’s that the universe loves a curveball. I mean, I plan travel for a living—I’ve seen it all. However, when it’s your vacation that suddenly detours into “hurry up and wait” mode, it hits different. Perhaps it’s some cosmic retribution for my life perspective. Canceled flights, rebooked itineraries, surprise gate changes, and delays that stretch into entire daylong sagas—none of it is personal, but wow, does it feel like it in the moment. I guess I need to remember a sometimes common reality. I encountered it while I still flew the friendly skies. Somehow, if you boarded my plane after a delay, it was personally my fault, like I had some fantastic plan with Hermes the God of Travel. I don’t. They don’t.
Listen, I’m not here to scare you—but if you're booking same-day flights for a cruise, tour, or major event, you are living on the edge in the worst way. I always preach this to clients: give yourself a buffer. At least a day. Maybe even two if you’re flying internationally, WE DIDN’T Why? Because airlines are out here playing games like it's Vegas. Cancellations, delays, mechanical issues, strikes—none of it is rare anymore. And if your one-and-only flight doesn’t make it? Neither do you. When you arrive a day early, you get choices. You get options. You get sleep. You might even get a decent cocktail. Most importantly—you get to start your trip with peace of mind, not panic. That is always worth the extra hotel night.
Here’s the truth: if you build your trip expecting perfection, you’re setting yourself up for heartbreak. HOWEVER… if you go in knowing that something will go sideways—whether it’s a missed connection or your luggage deciding to stay in Dallas while you fly to Puerto Vallarta SHOUT OUT TO GREG 2023!—you’re way ahead of the game mentally. Sure, I didn’t expect to spend 13 hours at JFK today possibly watching no Royal Air Maroc planes land at all… but here we are. It’s a reminder that flexibility isn't just helpful—it's essential. It's the carry-on you should never travel without. There are two great potential options for today. Experience literally EVERYTHING JFK has to offer, or a friend we haven’t seen in a long time will meet us close by for dinner.
So pack your patience, charge your devices, and keep the mindset nimble. The adventure starts the moment you leave your house—even if that means your “welcome to Morocco” begins in a crowded airport terminal in Queens. House lights down! Cue Overture! Curtain Up!
Billi’s JFK Survival Guide the musical. How Not to Lose Your Mind in Terminal Purgatory
Since we will be living this JFK layover life, here’s a little real-time survival guide for you (and a love letter to my own future sanity):
1. Lounge It Up (Even If You Pay for It)
Escape the chaos. A lounge with food, drinks, clean bathrooms, and semi-functioning Wi-Fi? That’s luxury when you’re stuck for the long haul. Priority Pass, Amex Platinum perks, or even a day pass can be your best travel friend.
2. Nap Like You Mean It
If you're here for more than 6 hours? Book a hotel or day room. Even a few hours of quiet sleep and a real shower will change your entire vibe. Trust me, the Delta Sky Club doesn’t hand out robes. Make sure, however, that you read ahead for options like Minute Suites. Does JFK have them? YES! However, they are only available to passengers in Terminal 4. I’m arriving in Terminal 8, and leaving through Terminal 1. The change of Terminal is a pain too. That means you have to clear security again.
3. Snacks Are Power
Yes, you’ll pay $12 for a sad sandwich, but it’s fuel. Pack snacks when you can. Protein, something sweet, something salty—airport vending machines are no place to find joy. this refers back to #1. If you have lounge access, take something to go as well! Well not something stinky for the plane. That’s rude.
4. Power Up
Find an outlet and guard it with your life. Better yet, bring a portable charger. A dead phone in JFK? That’s a horror story no one wants to read.
5. Don’t Be That Traveler
It’s easy to get snippy, snarky, and impatient—believe me, I’ve been close. But kindness, patience, and a little self-deprecating humor go a long way. Everyone’s tired. Everyone wants to get somewhere. Be the energy you want in return.
6. Reframe the Moment
So your “relaxing start” is now a full-blown endurance test. Find a silver lining: a new book, a cheesy rom-com, a glass of champagne in a plastic cup. This moment? It’ll make for a killer story later.
Look, I won’t pretend this day is easy. I’m tired. I’m a little cranky, and we technically haven’t started. I’ve already questioned my life choices at least three times before 6 a.m. But I also know this: travel isn’t just about the glossy destinations and perfectly framed photos.It’s about how we get there, the people we meet along the way, the curveballs we handle (or don’t), and the stories that come from it all. Tomorrow, hopefully. Josh and Shahzad will be arriving behind us in Casablanca… THE FOUR SEASONS, and our Adventures by Disney can truly begin… Erin & Lindsay will be with us a day later. Travel is equal parts grit and glamour. Expect the unexpected. Plan smart. Stay flexible. And always—always—keep a little room for grace when things don’t go to plan.
Whether you’re flying across the world or just trying to make it through a layover without crying into your overpriced airport salad, remember: this too is part of the journey.
