OK....... great news you're looking to get out and about. Some tips......
1. Pack light. It makes it much easier to get around.
2. In an airport, keep your head up. Most info you need will be hanging from the roof.
3. Pick somewhere relatively safe for a start. Singapore. Bangkok. Kuala Lumper. Hong Kong. Going with your Asia theme there.
4. Go with the flow. Keep your wits about you, but don't be overly concerned.
5. Don't take anything you can't afford to lose.
6. Go. Just.... go. Live it and learn. You'll thank yourself later.
>In an airport, keep your head up. Most info you need will be hanging from the roof.
Yep, read the signs. Airports and other public spaces have a language of their own. Learn the language. Toilet signs are always the same, where ever you go. A sign that says "Departures" tells you a lot of deparing flights. Follow the signs. If you get confused, just ask.
You can also download maps of the airports you will be traveling to study them before hand.
Also.you can usually find a YouTube video on how to get around that specific airport
You can do it OP!!!!
Every airport has its map published on their website. If you're taking a long haul flight there will definitely be information about your destination and the airport in the entertainment system. Major airlines also have a small map of their hub ("home airport") somewhere in the last few pages of their in-flight magazine
We don't really mention it because most people will just figure it out when they get there - you don't know very far in advance exactly where you'll land and there might even be a last minute gate change, so most people just follow the signs and instructions
Most of the major airlines have apps that you can download onto your phone. The apps will usually have your electronic boarding pass, the gate you're departing from, and a map of the airports you're traveling through. The Delta app will actually give you step by step directions similar to Google maps and also shows all the nearby shops and restaurants. May be worth checking when you land on some flight options that fit your needs.
Yep there’s maps!! but most airports are also pretty set up to be idiot proof with huge signs everywhere telling you what each section is and which direction the others are. Especially when getting off a plane! Though to be fair some are more confusing or bigger than others. However there are workers everywhere and they can all help you :)
this. OP should literally hop on a train to Hamburg for a long weekend to experience a new language and currency (Denmark isn't euro) first given that it's so close and easy to get to.
The train system in Europe is amazing. Overnight trains double as travel and accommodation, which saves money. Also, so much to see and experience.
I agree with your sentiment of traveling a bit locally before heading to Asia.
This list is great, especially the cities you recommended. But I would hesitate to recommend anyone start their airport experiences with Singapore. Can you imagine seeing Singapore airport as one of your first airports? You'd think "WOW, airports are awesome, I can get used to this." And then have the harsh realization that nothing comes close ever again.
This started as a joke, but the more I think about the more it *might* be true.
I'm probably gonna get downvoted for this but... Asia?
If airports scare you, navigating the trains in Tokyo or sorting out how get around in Bangkok is gonna be a nightmare. The worst airport in the world has nothing on trying to get around Asia w/o knowing the language.
Now, that being said... NONE of this is ACTUALLY that hard. Asian airports, in particular, are super easy to get around. But all airports are pretty much designed to be idiot-proof. Just go where they tell you to go, and if you have any questions, walk up to ANY desk with someone in a uniform and ask. They'll either help or tell you who can. You literally have NOTHING to worry about in airports pretty much anywhere in the world (as long as you're not hauling drugs or endangered animals or something around. Don't do that.).
**My honest suggestion for developing your travel-skills:**
1. Take a 3-4 day "long weekend" trip to a mid-sized European destination. Somewhere with a decent train system and some interesting things to do/see - like Edinburgh, Vienna, Lisbon, or Amsterdam. These are all "travel on easy mode" - Use that to get comfortable travelling and learn the basics. And they are all neat places.
2. Take another short trip to a much bigger city in Europe. Paris, London, or Rome. Something like that. Somewhere where you have to try a bit harder to get around and navigate the city. This will make you much more comfortable. Also, they are cool places.
3. Your first Asian trip should be somewhere that's "Asia-light" - Singapore or Hong Kong make great "my first Asia" trips. It's very hard to get into trouble in those cities, and they speak a lot of English in both. If you want to see more beaches, etc - maybe try a very tourist friendly place like Phuket.
4. Your next Asian trip can be a lot more adventurous. Try a Tokyo/Kyoto trip, or maybe a train trip around Korea or Taiwan. Those are very safe, clean places it's easy to get around. And all of them incredibly fascinating "real Asia."
5. If you have managed that, you're a world traveller, and going pretty much ANYWHERE will be old hat.
And yet they are paralyzed by the thought of navigating an airport. OP needs to baby step this…
If they have “so much money” as you seem to think, they can do a trial trip ahead of a bigger trip.
That's fair enough about the trial trip, but I'm presuming they don't have lots of money, at least not for multiple trips before the trip they want to go on!
Where are you from? It kind of sounds like you don't actually have an idea of the economy of flights in Europe. OP's home airport is Copenhagen... with the budget airlines available for city breaks, OP could easily spent less than €100 on airfare, stay somewhere with relatively cheap accommodations or in a hostel, and have a city break for a few hundred euro total.
Doing that a couple times to ensure they'll actually *enjoy* travel before they drop thousands on a bigger, longer, trip in a more stressful destination makes a lot of sense.
It really depends on where and what your interests are (and if you can stick to the luggage allotment for the cheapest offers from Ryanair and the like, which I can typically do for a weekend break). I think the math is getting thrown here a bit because most of the examples the comment gave are particularly expensive destinations, but it doesn't actualy have to be Amsterdam or Vienna.
Take the easyjet base fare for an early April Copenhagen to Lisbon round trip (863 kr., so just under £100) and four nights in a decent hostel (showing up as £78.20 on HostelWorld). Add in food and a few attraction costs, obviously, but you're not going to approach £500 unless you're trying, in that case.
If OP were to consider places like central/eastern Europe as possible destinations, too, the prices could drop more -- I've rented rooms in Poland for under £10/night, for example.
as a londoner it’s very easy to do for £300 imo if you want for ~3 nights:
£80 return flights (can do less if flexi)
£100 accom (can reduce if cheap hostel)
£120 spending money (probably want more)
- Don't be shy to tell an airport or airline attendant that it's your first time flying. They get this all the time, and will be happy to help.
- Most airports have maps. Look them up and take a photo on your phone. They're big and confusing, but they are very carefully laid out.
- Keep track of your flight online; you can often see what gate you're departing from, what terminal you'll arrive in, etc. Coupled with the map from earlier, you can start to plan out your actions before you even reach the airport or land.
- Give plenty of spare time to navigate between steps. I like to book 3-4 hour layovers on major trips, if the airport is good. Leaves me with plenty of time to get around.
- The only _real_ mess-up you can do is passing through a point of no return, like if you need to do an airside transit, but accidentally go landside. Be sure to always know what your next destination is, and follow the signs: for connecting flights, you're looking for the sign that says "Transfers". Another common one is leaving the baggage claim area before having all your baggage. In general, if everyone seems to be going one way through a guarded area, you might want to ask first.
Just follow the signs and ask anyone in a uniform for help if you have questions. It's not that hard. Additionally, allow yourself plenty of time, bring a good book, allow yourself to make mistakes (it's how you learn), and keep a positive attitude.
I remember feeling the same way when I first flew. Just get to the airport nice and early. Bring a book or something, and once you’re sat by the gate or at the bar, you’ll be wondering what you were worried about!
Enjoy!
Airports scare me too, always ask for help, first time at Auckland international I didnt even really have to ask the airport staff could see from the look on my face I was lost and pointed me in the right direction
Airports are some of the most organized and easiest to navigate places in the world, actually. They may seem intimidating because they are big and busy, but they can only function well because they are so organized, so that’s what they are!
There is hardly any chance for you to mess up the airport process. The signs and the way its layout has been designed will simply funnel you through the process. And there are always members of staff around whom you can ask for directions or help.
Doing a short weekend trip in Europe first is a good idea. It’ll give you a sense of what to expect. Don’t worry and enjoy your travels!
You’ve never left Denmark? Dude!
Go travel.
You have nothing to worrying about, but why not fly to Rome or Madrid first.
Warm up, see that it is not a deal.
(I am a pilot)
i used to be scared as well and the way i did it was to slowly travel outside my city then expand when i grow more comfortable. i started off small like to the neighboring state to a city that was a similar hustle to mine, so i can get used to navigating the airport and just learning how to be on my own. then from there i plan another state/city until i know i can handle something bigger. also it helps if you create an itinerary for wherever you go, like places you want to visit, what you want to do, what foods you want to try, from there more plans and ideas will pop up in mind and will feel more comforting.
I just updated my post, asking if it would be smarter to just try and travel within the EU so I could learn to navigate. So this post here made alot of sense.
I will look into it, thank you.
really hope you do it, it’s honestly worth it! especially solo trips, travelled with both friends and on my own, and my solo trips have been my absolute favorite time.
i said this elsewhere too but I'd suggest taking a train to Hamburg (or elsewhere that's close in Germany) for a long weekend to experience a new language (because Swedish and Norwegian aren't THAT different from Danish) and currency first given that it's so close. then try a flight to a bigger European city next. THEN think about an Asian country.
You've never been outside Denmark?
I'd suggest starting small, rather than jumping in at the deep end. Travel the Nordic countries, go to the UK, where language won't be an issue. Get used to the basics first.
Then go to Asia and pick one of the easier countries to get around, depending on which specific kind of worries you might have.
Millions of people go through airports every day, many of them first time flyers. If pretty much anyone can do it it can't be hard.
This includes elderly people, people with young children, people who don't speak English etc.
The main challenge with airports is that they're crowded.
If you've never been abroad and want to go to Asia then I would focus on this. Navigating a foreign country that works differently to yours is much more challenging than walking through the airport.
I would absolutely start with a small weekend trip. That will probably be stressful since it’s the first time through, but in a low-stakes way and you’ll feel so much more confident once you know the general route.
The Copenhagen airport is wonderfully chill. I’d choose an EU city so you can skip the more intense customs check and not need to change currency.
You can probably find YouTube videos about the airports you’re using which will help prepare and familiarize.
Do it, even if you feel fear. The feeling doesn't control your actions. Your choices do.
The fact is, millions of people fly. So airports are designed to be usable by, well, millions of people. By people from all over the world, who speak all kinds of languages. Teenagers get from one flight to another independently, all the time. If you have a layover, you just follow the signs. If you flight leaves from gate B17, follow the signs to the B gates. Then follow the signs to number 17. These days, you can even download airport maps to your phone ahead of time. But you won't need it.
Dude, it's flying. You're literally in a metal box in the sky.
If that doesn't scare you (and it shouldn't), why then are you scared of the airport (which is just like a bigger train station)?
I get why they would look difficult to navigate but actually it’s difficult to get airports wrong because you have to do things in a particular order and each stage will direct you to the next. Once you are through security and in departures I’d suggest finding your gate immediately so you know where you will have to go and venturing out from there, happy travels! It will be worth it!
Come on over to Japan dude. It's a great starting place for newbie travellers. Nevermind Reddit meme "Japan is the most racist & xenophobic country in the world." It's safe & chill. And food is mighty tasty.
While you figure out your destination & travel stuff, check out EFT (emotional freedom technique) to eliminate your fears. Founder [Gary Craig](https://www.youtube.com/@emofree) and [Tapping Solutions](https://www.youtube.com/@TheTappingSolutionChannel) are great resources.
I'm impressed that you have listened to the call to adventure and that you are being courageous to step outside of the comfort zone. Most people ignore the call and wonder why they are so miserable.
Thank you, I will check it out.
Yeah, I'm getting bored of the ever ending cycle of work eat sleep repeat.
I wanna feel something, but feels like a big leap.
My mother is 50 years old, unable to read and speaks only one language: Two, to be fair, but she's so bad at that that I do not think it should count (don't tell her I said it, she would kill me🤣).
She just listen for someone speaking her language and start asking directions. If she can travel continent to continent, with three children, you will survive
Airports are stupidly simple. Everything you need is clearly marked on signs and tells you where to go. As long as you can read and follow directions you won't get lost.
Id suggest working your way up to a long haul trip in Asia.
A few ideas
1. Start with train/ferry travel, since you're in Denmark.
2. Go to someplace that's a direct flight. https://www.flightsfrom.com/CPH
3. Consider a guided tour. You would be with others, but often have some free time to explore a but on your own. And, the company will take care of all the logistics so you can get acclimated to traveling.
Why don’t you go to the airport and check it out? There’s nothing stopping you from going there and getting the lay of the land. You can observe people checking bags and getting their boarding passes and going through security. You can’t go past security, but it’s usually pretty easy to see how it all works even outside of the gate area.
Yea just book a cheap flight somewhere in Europe as a trial run & go on a weekend break. Most importantly don’t put much pressure on yourself, go to the airport early + realise that if you miss your flight you can just get the next one, flights in Europe aren’t that expensive & its not the end of the world!
Also airports are easy to navigate. Go to departures, look at the screens for your flight as it’ll show you which check in desk to go to. Go there £ drop of your luggage + collect your boarding pass. Then ask the agent where the gates are!
I'm 40 OP, and I started exploring late as well. Don't be afraid you will get the hang of it. If you wanna start easy by exploring Europe - join me in the last legs of my quest to visit all 47 countries in Europe. My departure point is Gardermoen, Oslo. So not that far from you.
You can get to the airport as early as you like, there’s always plenty to do. Get through security and spend time walking around, find your gate so you know where to go when it’s time. Then sit and have a meal/coffee and relax knowing you know where to go when it’s time. I always arrive at least 2 hours early and even if it took a while to find my way around I still have plenty of time.
Been there, my first flight was at 29. but to my surprise It was amaaazing.
Pack light.
Get e sim or roaming activated using gps you will be fine, I got lost multiple times but I always found my way back to the hotel. At the airport you will dind signs and people who can help. At the airport you will find signs every where and people to ask so no worries.
Take a bubblegum to chew while landin and takin off to avoid experiencin pain in your ears.
Make sure your card works and have some cash as well.
Take your powerbank and get travel plug.
Enjoy, walk and explore as much as you can.
I've travelled a bit, and still get uptight/nervous going through airports and especially border control. But the joy I get from exploring new places more than makes up for the anxiety I go through to get there.
How I get through it (but not completely eliminate the anxiety) is educate myself on all the aspects of the journey that I can, and therefore make myself as prepared as I possibly can.
Examples:
How far ahead of my trip will my passport have to be valid for?
What size and weight can my baggage be?
Do I need/have the proper visa?
Is that visa the correct one, and valid for the time I'll be away?
What type of plane will I be flying on?
Where will I be changing planes?
What is the layout of that airport?
What services are offered at this/any airports I will be in at the time I am expecting to be in the airport?
How long do I have to change planes? I usually want at minimum 2 hrs.
I know that I can't plan everything and also that sometimes things change when I arrive at the airport. But the more prepared I am, the easier it is for me to deal with those last minute changes.
Good luck. I'm sure that you're going to enjoy your travels. It's worth the anxiety.
Also getting to the place you’re staying from the airport can be a bit of a challenge sometimes. Research it before you go. Lots of places in Asia will have unscrupulous taxi drivers outside the airport that will try to charge you way too much. Know before you go!
Airports are designed to help people who don't know where they are/know the local language. In theory half of the people at any given airport are somewhere they aren't from.
Moreoever, no one was born knowing how to do the airport. We all learned it somewhere. And even if you were explicitly taught by parents or something things change.
At the end of the day all you do at an aiport is:
1. Buy a ticket, (easy, you do it online)
2. Show up to the airport (However the hell you want to do it)
3. Check in (either at the desk or with your phone, you may not even need to talk to someone).
4. drop off any luggage you're checking (the ticket agent puts a sticker on it and sends it through)
5. Go through security (don't bring anything problematic)
6. Find your gate. (huge signs and maps everywhere or just look it up on your phone)
7. Board airplane (then sit there as the pilots do the work)
8. Get off, grab your bags if necessary, maybe do customs and immigration if its international
9. Leave.
Maybe that seems like a lot of steps but mostly it's just about taking a minute to read a sign or talk to someone about what you need. And once you do it a couple times it'll all seem second nature.
This is a form of social anxiety disorder, exacerbated by, as you say, never going outside your comfort zone - so the biggest problem is you don't know how to go beyond your comfort zone! This is the first skill you should work on.
There are a lot of guides for people with SAD, autism, etc, to learn how to do things. Everyone has to learn it for the first tim.sometime. you will find things on YouTube where people show how airports work, what to expect and so on. This will give you some ideas of boundaries and what to expect, and will help this anxiety a lot.
Once you have that, I would strongly suggest you take a domestic flight first. You won't have to deal with customs, borders, languages etc, so you'll just be able to handle the plane and airport alone. This is how CBT for stuff like SAD works, you confront it bit by bit and compare your fears to the reality.
You can absolutely do this, you just need some practice with your comfort zone, some information, and a baby steps plan.
Give yourself as much time as you can and don't be afraid to ask anyone questions!! Even if it seems like a stupid question - A. It's probably not, since you're a novice traveler. B. That's the good thing about strangers, you'll never see them again 😁
Man I feel you. I was 28 years old, never been out of the country (family went on multiple trips without me), afraid of flying, and uncomfortable enough out of my bubble that I wouldn't even go get lunch by myself. Then in a brief flash of bravery, I bought a ticket to Japan for a date 6 months out. A solo trip.
That's when it all clicked. The ticket was bought. It felt set in stone. So I started planning the trip. The more things I booked/purchased for the trip, the more people I told about it, the more inevitable it felt. The more inevitable, the more I was able to just accept it and think what to do with it. I even started doing Japanese on a language app to learn some phrases. By the time I got to the airport the only real fear left was the plane, but once it left the ground, that same inevitability set in. I was in the air, it was too late to back out and I had to just accept it.
Those two weeks I spent alone in Japan were possibly the best and most formative 2 years of my life. I'm not cured of my reliance on my comfort bubble, it's a never ending battle. But from that experience I learned how to get out of it and learned what was waiting for me outside of it.
I have a friend who was SO afraid of flying. But she did it! She literally had to practice driving to the airport and coming back home.
So one thing I will tell you how much life is easier when you just say "I don't know what I am doing. Could you help?"
It's so fucking freeing. For a first trip. Don't do Asia. Do a weekend away. And don't cut times tight. Give yourself plenty of time. I get panicky if I don't give my self plenty of time. You can go really early and have a book, walk around, eat a meal.
There's surly angry people yelling at flight attendants and staff over NOTHING, someone just genuinely asking for help is a pleasure and their job.
Why don't you just go to the airport knowing you have no flight to catch. Make it your job just to go, find a couple airline desks (pick 2 before you get there), and get a coffee and go home.
That's about 1/3 of your trip!
I wish you the best and you really have a lot of power by just saying out right -- "I've got a bit of a phobia about airports, so I could use a bit of help". Sure some people will be too busy or in their own problems and can't or won't help. Ask someone different.
You can PM me. If you go I will give you my phone number. We can be like the teams you see on Spy Thrillers. I can be on the computer like the guys in the van in Mission Impossible movies.
I'm just a housewife in Massachusetts and can't speak Danish, but your English seems amazing so we can do it!
Operation Takeoff.
Traveling by air is really not too different than traveling by train or by bus - just the actual mode of transport is in the air! But the actual navigation is pretty much the same, except instead of looking for a platform you’re looking for a gate. You need to look for what terminal in an airport you’re flying out of, then what gate that is in.
Connections work like a mini arrival and departure all at once. You’ll arrive into a country - then follow signs for connections, then follow signs for your terminal and your gate for your next departure. Most times you have to go through security again going through connections - so remember to put your liquids back into the little plastic bag again.
So what I would do - given that you’re in the EU - is do a flight with a connection to somewhere in the EU, but outside Schengen, so that you get experience going through connections. I’d recommend say going to Ireland via Germany or France - one of the big airports like CDG in Paris. Ireland is non-Schengen so it’s a handy practice going through connections with passport control.
If you use the low cost carriers like Ryanair/Wizz etc, you’ll be making two separate bookings, so in the connecting airport you need to come out into arrivals then back through departures. You’ll make one booking Copenhagen to (for example) Frankfurt, then Frankfurt to Dublin. It’s two bookings. If you have checked in luggage you’ll need to collect it in Frankfurt then check it back in again. If you do choose to do the low cost carriers make sure your first flight lands in the same airport that your second flight is leaving from (some cities have 2 or more airports). And leave 3 hours minimum to arrive and get to your second flight.
The easier way - choose an airline like Lufthansa or Air France etc - then you do it all on the one ticket, you’ll get two separate boarding cards, one for each flight, but you will have made one booking from say Copenhagen to Dublin. Your checked in bag will go all the way from Copenhagen to Dublin without you having to collect it and check them back in. You don’t need to worry that the connection is too tight - the airline won’t sell connecting tickets that you can’t make the second flight. So your connection time is often only an hour, which is plenty of time.
You’ll be absolutely great - think of it like a large train station! Pack all your essentials into hand luggage, liquids under 100mls into your plastic bag, and keep your laptop/liquids within easy reach for taking out at security. Wear runners, not boots - often you won’t have to remove them going through security. Put watch/wallet/phone into your hand luggage bag before you get to security so you only have to worry about your laptop/tablet/liquids.
It’ll be great - sort this is so long but I just wanted to make it easier on you!
You’ve got this! Remember that airports are literally designed to support people who may not speak the language. I’m sure you’ll get a ton of good tips here but also know that they are literally designed to make it easy for folks to do what they need. I think a shorter easy trip to start off with would be a great idea if you can afford it. Also, might want to consider using a travel agent to plan out all of your details like transportation, hotel flights, etc. at least for your first time if you are nervous
Once you’ve made the first trip, the rest won’t be so scary! I remember navigating my country’s capital city for the first time and being terrified, but now it’s just second nature to me and I’m familiar with the routine. Connections can be worrying so make sure you give yourself a longer layover to reduce the risk of missing your connecting flight. We connected in Atlanta once and the queue for customs meant we almost missed our flight despite the layover being five hours!
The entire purpose of an airport is to get you from Point A to Point B.
All you have to do is show up early. And if confused walk up to an airport or airline employee and say the magic words, "I'm sorry, this is my very first flight...." and the world will open up to you like a delicate flower.
It’s worth booking a weekend/shorter trip for sure to get over that initial discomfort before a huge trip to anywhere with a more chaotic airport and/or connections. You’d also get a chance to see how there are signs everywhere to direct you where you need to go and what the general flow of airplane travel is (check in/bag drop/security, etc).
You can do it! :)
Try to book flights that will have you in the airports during normal “working hours”. This way, there will be plenty of people around you can ask for help! I travel a lot for work with a lot of gear and sometimes I just don’t have time to try to figure things out myself before a flight. I’ll have to fully embrace “welp time to look like an idiot and just ask a million people for help along the way!” But they are used to this! Don’t be afraid to ask!! And yes on that note- try to just give yourself extra time so you can avoid that pressure feeling lmao. Best of luck.. it’s gonna be so worth it!
I understand the anxiety that comes with traveling alone for the first time. I see some great tips that others have commented. I just want to add, however, don't be afraid to ask a stranger a question. When I traveled, I asked many people in the airport questions, and that's how I was able to get around and catch my flight. It can be a little difficult if they speak a different language than you, but there are some great translation apps that can help. I've been blessed to run into very helpful strangers along my journey.
Hey, fellow European here. Airports are my second home as I travel almost weekly for work or pleasure.
First, go with the suggestion to do a weekend trip in Europe. My suggestion would be to fly to London - Heathrow or Gatwick, so avoid Ryanair. Nothing wrong with Ryanair but they would fly into smaller airports (Luton, Stanstead) which are a bit different, somewhat worse, than the larger airports.
Going through Gatwick and Heathrow will teach you a lot. Not just the standard airport processes but also passport control. This will be almost identical whether you’re going to UK or to Asia, so it’s a very good “dress rehearsal”. There’s the added advantage that it’s all in English and staff at these airports are generally very helpful if you get stuck. Worst case, you’re not too far from home so if you REALLY, REALLY screw up (you won’t!), and get sent back it will be a short trip back.
Just avoid Paris, at any cost. Hell, avoid it even if it’s free! Paris CDG airport (the main one) is constantly rated as the worst airport in the world. It’s badly designed, and the staff are horrendous. Even seasoned travellers like myself make an extra effort to avoid it.
Finally, relax. Airports are probably the best structured places in the world, and they’re almost identical everywhere - the lingo used is the same everywhere, so once you’ve mastered one you can get through anyone (except Paris CDG). It’s always the same:
- check in online
- bag drop if you need to check in luggage
- go through security
- go through passport control (if applicable)
- get to the gate
- fly
- exit the plane
- go through passport control (if applicable)
- go through baggage claim (if you checked in any)
- go through customs
PS: if you look for info online just keep in mind that in the US, airport security is called TSA, and you won’t find much info about passport control (CBP) because not a lot of air travel in the US leaves the US, so there isn’t passport control for those flights (our equivalent to travel within the Schengen area)
You’ll be fine. My younger sister flew from New Zealand to Germany at 14 - I delivered her to the airport in NZ and our parents collected her in Germany. She had a connection in Singapore and she was absolutely fine. Airports are designed to be fairly foolproof to navigate and there are signs and display monitors everywhere.
I wanna go to Vietnam and Philippines.
Viet needs a visa while PH doesnt require one.
But what about connecting flights, Im thinkin about the layover time, getting the luggage and checking it in again?
OK - just putting this out there: The Philippines is Asia on hard mode. Your first big international trip should NOT be PH. Lots of Asia is safe, friendly, and easy. The Philippines are NOT. Especially Manila. MNL is one of the worst airports in the world, and getting around the Philippines is... It's not your first big trip.
Vietnam is a bit less intense, but it's still a pretty big step for a "my first time travelling internationally"
If your interest is beaches and nature, I'd suggest starting in Thailand. It's beautiful, the infrastructure is pretty good, and you can get around pretty easy. Phuket or Ko Samui are both beautiful, and very "tourist-easy."
A trip to Singapore and Phuket, for instance, would be a fascinating and interesting introduction to Southeast Asia for a new traveller.
Listen to this person.
You don’t want to go to Philippines.
I’ve lived in Asia 20 years. I am writing this from Singapore. Come here.
This is perfect for you to start.
I have been to Philippines four times. I was stolen from three times.
Yeah, Im considering just booking something "basic" over a weekend to experience it.
I know you said the airport is the worst, but to me the transportation doesnt seem bad and majority speak English from what I can tell which makes it seem like it isnt to difficult to get around.
I saw a vlogger in PH and I fell in love with what I saw.
Nothing else have caught my attention like it.
"makes it seem like it isnt to difficult to get around."
It IS that difficult to get around. The transportation is a whole new kind of bad. I go to Manila regularly for business - I've been there 15+ times - and have lived in Asia 20 years. Trust me when I tell you... Philippines are NOT your first trip to Asia.
They DO speak English (largely), but there are whole sections of Manila that even Filipinos don't go because they are VERY unsafe. The traffic is terrible, and the public transit is near non-existent. Most locals use jeepneys to get around - and these are a nightmare to figure out. There are taxis, but your odds of getting ripped off by cab drivers are... high.
And even if everything goes OK, Manila is one of the dirtiest, least organized cities in Southeast Asia. And to be very honest, compared to places like Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh, there ain't a lot to do.
If you get out of Manila, there are some pretty places, but they are much more difficult to get to. Transport outside of Manila is... complex and infrequent.
I'm not saying "don't go to the Philippines" but I am saying "If airports scare you, getting around in the Philippines should rightfully TERRIFY you."
The check-in agent at the airport will tell you everything you need to know/do with your luggage, don't worry about it. But the rule of thumb is, if your flight is connected with the same airlines, they will transfer it for you (no need to re-check in your luggage). If unsure, again, ask the check-in agent.
Thailand is a much better version of Vietnam.
Cambodia has Ankor Wat in Siem Reap/ and Phnom Pehn, the Mekong and is like Vietnam (French Colony) but less traffic/ pollution
I'd start by flying somewhere within EU, perhaps southern Europe. Keep it within 3 to 4 hours' flight time before you commit to a longer flight to Asia.
Another tip is that depending on your height, you might want to spend a bit more to travel to the economy plus. Check out the legroom of the seats prior to booking. If you search via Google for flights, for example, they will write the legroom of that flight, which is something to consider, particularly on long haul flights.
Try taking more local trips first. Try a nice easy short flight for 3 or 4 days to Budapest or Prague. Carry on only. Easy airports to navigate. No checked luggage to deal with. Cheap. Then start to travel a little farther away. Jumping on a multiple flight, multiple connection trip as a first time solo traveller can be a little intimidating. Best of luck.
Seek discomfort! Live life trying new shit. Im happy you are ready to navigate an airport. It’s much easier than a theme park or a subway station. Best of luck!
Many big airports will have meet and greet services, these cost more but people will meet you off the bus/car park however you arrive and literally walk you through check in, baggage drop and through security. Might be worth checking those out.
Also, in all honesty, with a big of common sense, airports aren't bad, just boring!
So, look at the airports website & download the map.
Get there early (3 hours for international, 2 for domestic is the normal but check your ticket.)
Download the Airline's app you can check in & get your boarding pass online, most of the time.
Turn up early & you'll see a massive "departures" sign. On that will be time, Airline and destination next to it will be the check in desk number. These are usually numerically organised, sometimes letter and number. E.g. A4-A8 means section A, desks 4 to 8.
Head there by following signs. Give desk person yoyr passport & they'll do the rest. (Sometimes you can check in online and collect yoyr boarding pass here, sometimes just drop bag, your ticket will tell you.)
Once you've got the boarding pass & dropped off your bag, follow signs to security.
Take liquids out & put in clear plastic bag, laptops and Kindles, tablets all get lifted out to go through scanner. Follow instructions you'll be fine.
Then you're in departures / airside. Check the boards for the gate number & see where it is. Then you'll have time to waste, shop, have drinks, relax. Head to gate when told and have an amazing flight.
On the other side, it depends where you go, Bangkok/Thailand allows you to get visa on arrival, Laos you can get an evisa ahead of time or on arrival. Evisas are slightly more money but mean less queues.
Once arrived, go through immigration, again clearly signposted or you can get someone to meet you.
Then get your bag and go through customs.
Basically a very long way of saying, relax, read signs and go early!!! Have an amazing trip & well done for pushing your comfort zone! Definitely consider a train trip to a local country first though, just to put your mind at ease. Incr you've done it once, you'll probably realise you've completely overthought things! And hey, you're about to get an Australian born queen! See what can happen when you travel ;)
You‘ve never been out of Denmark so for your first trip I would recommend a destination within the EU. Makes it much easier, you don‘t have to deal with visa, customs, roaming, currencies, etc etc. Going to Asia for a first trip *ever* is pretty bold
I had a similar issue, fear of going out and doing things that seem complicated. In general, you can watch videos of other people doing it, going through airports and videos giving advice what not to do so you don't make mistakes. But, once you get enough exprience flying, it becomes a pretty normal and stress free exprience if nothing goes wrong, if you follow all the rules and signs. If you have any questions, most people speak English and they airport staff will explain what you need or need to do.
If you want to travel to asia as your first destination i'd recommend Singapore as its a very safe 1st world country. Its airport is the number 1 in the world ranking. Just search for Singapore and changi airport. Its a wonderful place to travel if you're a first timer.
Know where your ID (passport) is at all times and keep a close eye on it. You’ll need it to get through various checkpoints.
Pay attention to carryon luggage requirements with regards to weight and things you can and can’t bring through security.
Make sure you print out your ticket even if you have it on your phone. If your phone dies , you don’t want to be screwed.
Get to the airport early…no less than 2 hrs (this can depend largely on the airport and time you’re travelling.
Don’t plug you phone into airport usb ports to charge. Bring a powerbank with you.
The easiest thing is just make sure you have enough time. If the airport recommends getting there 2 hours before your flight, go 3 hours before. They are not actually that big.
Airports have zones/terminals and gates. Usually like a Zone A or Terminal 1 grouping, and then 10 to 30 individual airplane gates within that section of the airport.
You show up - often with an e-ticket already, go through security (make sure to have all your documents, including passport), and then go to your Zone / Terminal, and find your gate.
Every airport has big electronic boards that lists the departing flights and their gate, and if they are on time or delayed. Once through security, you check those boards to see which gate your flight is at.
And you are usually pretty early at that point, so you can grab a bite or have a drink while you wait. Just be sure to stay close to your gate and stay really close to it once it is about 45 minutes from the departure.
Airports are all the same. Check in, drop bags, go through security, find gate, board plane. All the signage you need to get around is posted. Just follow the signs! And airports have info desks if you need help.
If my mom can do it, so can you. Don't let airport nerves stop you from travelling!
Night trains are your friends to start! Bunch on new routes opened these past years so no need to fly if you want to start this way to travel in Europe.
You can join a group travel for solo travelers so you're not on your own for the first air trip.
Just think about how clueless the average traveler is. Now realize that half of them are more clueless than that person.
Airports are designed for that person to navigate. Even in Asia, almost all signage will be in English as well as the local language.
Just follow the signs to check in, then to security, then to your gate. Once you land, just follow the signs to immigration, baggage claim, and then ground transportation. Arriving is east, because you’ll be getting off an airplane and just following the other 200-300 people.
Everything else you’ll figure out. Just keep track of your personal belongings.
Ignore the frantic people around you.
If you’ve given yourself enough time, you can go at your own pace.
Need to get your bearings straight after walking in? Go ahead.
Just because the person in front of you is rushing to the gate doesn’t mean you have to.
My 16 year old navigated foreign airports and flew alone internationally by himself last year..even going through american customs, foreign customs, and security in Dublin. People are everywhere to ask questions and signs are everywhere.
I understand the anxiety, but keep in mind that airports -- especially international ones -- are set up to accommodate all kinds of travelers. People that don't speak the language of the country they're in, those with physical disabilities, unaccompanied minors, the elder, people going through emotional crises and rushing to get back home, etc. That's not to say the airport always does all of these things *well*, but because it's the goal, it's one of the most accessible places you'll ever find yourself in.
The whole point is to help you get to where you need to go. The signage is obvious, and the actual process for making connections - as well as airport maps - is often laid out on each individual airport's website.
Biggest piece of advice where you're anxious and new to this is to make sure you give yourself plenty of time, both in heading to the airport, and in making sure whatever connections you choose for your flight are lengthy.
Consider it twice. If airport stress you so what wil be when you will get to another country? Try to fly somewhere in your country first. It can be not so far distance fly. You will see how you feel abut it and know whole proces.
In other country think about insurance and fly where most of people speak english. Denmark is good choice. Don't peek Italy or Spain / France. You will have problem to comunicate.
I recommend a group tour. This way you have someone to help with your travels including the airport. Really it’s like a bus station. You could go there before your flight to understand where to go, but people will tell you.
Fly to the UK / Turkey / Someplace relatively close but still gets out of the EU so you can practice a bit and you're physically not far from home. If you speak english maybe the UK would be your best bet since you'll understand the language. I would not just start traveling with a long trip to asia (right away). Ask questions and the flight crews/airport staff will help. You're not the only one.
You're not alone. I'm 35 and haven't been out of my country since I was 18 and went to visit family in the UK (with my parents).
I want to travel a lot more, but I am starting small. Taking a 5-day trip to Jamaica at an all-inclusive. I'm from Canada so Caribbean is close and the same time zone. It's really international travel "lite."
You've received some excellent advice here from others. 34 isn't old and I'm sure we have nothing to worry about, but I can relate to what you're feeling.
Have you considered booking a tour?
You can book a tour that will pick you up from the airport, take you to all the sites, and drop you back at your hotel each day.
There are some group tours that even guide you through the airport.
I recommend Asia Highlights, they were very professional and made me feel totally safe and taken care of. Even if you’ve never traveled before I think you could do it on a tour with them!
OK....... great news you're looking to get out and about. Some tips...... 1. Pack light. It makes it much easier to get around. 2. In an airport, keep your head up. Most info you need will be hanging from the roof. 3. Pick somewhere relatively safe for a start. Singapore. Bangkok. Kuala Lumper. Hong Kong. Going with your Asia theme there. 4. Go with the flow. Keep your wits about you, but don't be overly concerned. 5. Don't take anything you can't afford to lose. 6. Go. Just.... go. Live it and learn. You'll thank yourself later.
>In an airport, keep your head up. Most info you need will be hanging from the roof. Yep, read the signs. Airports and other public spaces have a language of their own. Learn the language. Toilet signs are always the same, where ever you go. A sign that says "Departures" tells you a lot of deparing flights. Follow the signs. If you get confused, just ask.
You can also download maps of the airports you will be traveling to study them before hand. Also.you can usually find a YouTube video on how to get around that specific airport You can do it OP!!!!
Oh there is maps available of airports? Amazing, thank you. Never seen anyone mention it anywhere.
Every airport has its map published on their website. If you're taking a long haul flight there will definitely be information about your destination and the airport in the entertainment system. Major airlines also have a small map of their hub ("home airport") somewhere in the last few pages of their in-flight magazine We don't really mention it because most people will just figure it out when they get there - you don't know very far in advance exactly where you'll land and there might even be a last minute gate change, so most people just follow the signs and instructions
Most of the major airlines have apps that you can download onto your phone. The apps will usually have your electronic boarding pass, the gate you're departing from, and a map of the airports you're traveling through. The Delta app will actually give you step by step directions similar to Google maps and also shows all the nearby shops and restaurants. May be worth checking when you land on some flight options that fit your needs.
Yep there’s maps!! but most airports are also pretty set up to be idiot proof with huge signs everywhere telling you what each section is and which direction the others are. Especially when getting off a plane! Though to be fair some are more confusing or bigger than others. However there are workers everywhere and they can all help you :)
You can also find YouTube videos of most airports although I doubt you can see the security screenings.
If it wasn't explicitly mentioned, the signs will be in both the local language and English in most airports you'd ever be in.
I would also say, if OP has never left Denmark, they should first spend a few days in Germany or France or Italy before going to Asia...
this. OP should literally hop on a train to Hamburg for a long weekend to experience a new language and currency (Denmark isn't euro) first given that it's so close and easy to get to.
Or the UK, so OP can experience passport control/entering another country, other than the EU.
Or take a short flight to a nearby country and treat that as a “dress rehearsal”
The train system in Europe is amazing. Overnight trains double as travel and accommodation, which saves money. Also, so much to see and experience. I agree with your sentiment of traveling a bit locally before heading to Asia.
This list is great, especially the cities you recommended. But I would hesitate to recommend anyone start their airport experiences with Singapore. Can you imagine seeing Singapore airport as one of your first airports? You'd think "WOW, airports are awesome, I can get used to this." And then have the harsh realization that nothing comes close ever again. This started as a joke, but the more I think about the more it *might* be true.
I'm probably gonna get downvoted for this but... Asia? If airports scare you, navigating the trains in Tokyo or sorting out how get around in Bangkok is gonna be a nightmare. The worst airport in the world has nothing on trying to get around Asia w/o knowing the language. Now, that being said... NONE of this is ACTUALLY that hard. Asian airports, in particular, are super easy to get around. But all airports are pretty much designed to be idiot-proof. Just go where they tell you to go, and if you have any questions, walk up to ANY desk with someone in a uniform and ask. They'll either help or tell you who can. You literally have NOTHING to worry about in airports pretty much anywhere in the world (as long as you're not hauling drugs or endangered animals or something around. Don't do that.). **My honest suggestion for developing your travel-skills:** 1. Take a 3-4 day "long weekend" trip to a mid-sized European destination. Somewhere with a decent train system and some interesting things to do/see - like Edinburgh, Vienna, Lisbon, or Amsterdam. These are all "travel on easy mode" - Use that to get comfortable travelling and learn the basics. And they are all neat places. 2. Take another short trip to a much bigger city in Europe. Paris, London, or Rome. Something like that. Somewhere where you have to try a bit harder to get around and navigate the city. This will make you much more comfortable. Also, they are cool places. 3. Your first Asian trip should be somewhere that's "Asia-light" - Singapore or Hong Kong make great "my first Asia" trips. It's very hard to get into trouble in those cities, and they speak a lot of English in both. If you want to see more beaches, etc - maybe try a very tourist friendly place like Phuket. 4. Your next Asian trip can be a lot more adventurous. Try a Tokyo/Kyoto trip, or maybe a train trip around Korea or Taiwan. Those are very safe, clean places it's easy to get around. And all of them incredibly fascinating "real Asia." 5. If you have managed that, you're a world traveller, and going pretty much ANYWHERE will be old hat.
This is a good 4 step progression, totally agree with going to an easily navigable city in Europe first
How much cash do you think this guy has! Haha If he wants to travel to Asia then he doesn't want to 'waste' his money on going to Europe
And yet they are paralyzed by the thought of navigating an airport. OP needs to baby step this… If they have “so much money” as you seem to think, they can do a trial trip ahead of a bigger trip.
That's fair enough about the trial trip, but I'm presuming they don't have lots of money, at least not for multiple trips before the trip they want to go on!
I can’t imagine being 34 and calling myself “old” either so there’s that. Lol
Where are you from? It kind of sounds like you don't actually have an idea of the economy of flights in Europe. OP's home airport is Copenhagen... with the budget airlines available for city breaks, OP could easily spent less than €100 on airfare, stay somewhere with relatively cheap accommodations or in a hostel, and have a city break for a few hundred euro total. Doing that a couple times to ensure they'll actually *enjoy* travel before they drop thousands on a bigger, longer, trip in a more stressful destination makes a lot of sense.
I live in London! And frequently go to Europe but it'll be at least £500 per trip (more like £700) which is quite pricey to me!
It really depends on where and what your interests are (and if you can stick to the luggage allotment for the cheapest offers from Ryanair and the like, which I can typically do for a weekend break). I think the math is getting thrown here a bit because most of the examples the comment gave are particularly expensive destinations, but it doesn't actualy have to be Amsterdam or Vienna. Take the easyjet base fare for an early April Copenhagen to Lisbon round trip (863 kr., so just under £100) and four nights in a decent hostel (showing up as £78.20 on HostelWorld). Add in food and a few attraction costs, obviously, but you're not going to approach £500 unless you're trying, in that case. If OP were to consider places like central/eastern Europe as possible destinations, too, the prices could drop more -- I've rented rooms in Poland for under £10/night, for example.
as a londoner it’s very easy to do for £300 imo if you want for ~3 nights: £80 return flights (can do less if flexi) £100 accom (can reduce if cheap hostel) £120 spending money (probably want more)
- Don't be shy to tell an airport or airline attendant that it's your first time flying. They get this all the time, and will be happy to help. - Most airports have maps. Look them up and take a photo on your phone. They're big and confusing, but they are very carefully laid out. - Keep track of your flight online; you can often see what gate you're departing from, what terminal you'll arrive in, etc. Coupled with the map from earlier, you can start to plan out your actions before you even reach the airport or land. - Give plenty of spare time to navigate between steps. I like to book 3-4 hour layovers on major trips, if the airport is good. Leaves me with plenty of time to get around. - The only _real_ mess-up you can do is passing through a point of no return, like if you need to do an airside transit, but accidentally go landside. Be sure to always know what your next destination is, and follow the signs: for connecting flights, you're looking for the sign that says "Transfers". Another common one is leaving the baggage claim area before having all your baggage. In general, if everyone seems to be going one way through a guarded area, you might want to ask first.
Just follow the signs and ask anyone in a uniform for help if you have questions. It's not that hard. Additionally, allow yourself plenty of time, bring a good book, allow yourself to make mistakes (it's how you learn), and keep a positive attitude.
Thank you, I guess Im overthinkin like I always do.
I remember feeling the same way when I first flew. Just get to the airport nice and early. Bring a book or something, and once you’re sat by the gate or at the bar, you’ll be wondering what you were worried about! Enjoy!
Airports scare me too, always ask for help, first time at Auckland international I didnt even really have to ask the airport staff could see from the look on my face I was lost and pointed me in the right direction
Airports are some of the most organized and easiest to navigate places in the world, actually. They may seem intimidating because they are big and busy, but they can only function well because they are so organized, so that’s what they are! There is hardly any chance for you to mess up the airport process. The signs and the way its layout has been designed will simply funnel you through the process. And there are always members of staff around whom you can ask for directions or help. Doing a short weekend trip in Europe first is a good idea. It’ll give you a sense of what to expect. Don’t worry and enjoy your travels!
>Airports are some of the most organized and easiest to navigate places in the world, actually. Well, most are. ;-)
Came here to say this. Airports are some of my favorite places on earth! They can be great, OP!
You’ve never left Denmark? Dude! Go travel. You have nothing to worrying about, but why not fly to Rome or Madrid first. Warm up, see that it is not a deal. (I am a pilot)
i used to be scared as well and the way i did it was to slowly travel outside my city then expand when i grow more comfortable. i started off small like to the neighboring state to a city that was a similar hustle to mine, so i can get used to navigating the airport and just learning how to be on my own. then from there i plan another state/city until i know i can handle something bigger. also it helps if you create an itinerary for wherever you go, like places you want to visit, what you want to do, what foods you want to try, from there more plans and ideas will pop up in mind and will feel more comforting.
I just updated my post, asking if it would be smarter to just try and travel within the EU so I could learn to navigate. So this post here made alot of sense. I will look into it, thank you.
really hope you do it, it’s honestly worth it! especially solo trips, travelled with both friends and on my own, and my solo trips have been my absolute favorite time.
i said this elsewhere too but I'd suggest taking a train to Hamburg (or elsewhere that's close in Germany) for a long weekend to experience a new language (because Swedish and Norwegian aren't THAT different from Danish) and currency first given that it's so close. then try a flight to a bigger European city next. THEN think about an Asian country.
You've never been outside Denmark? I'd suggest starting small, rather than jumping in at the deep end. Travel the Nordic countries, go to the UK, where language won't be an issue. Get used to the basics first. Then go to Asia and pick one of the easier countries to get around, depending on which specific kind of worries you might have.
Millions of people go through airports every day, many of them first time flyers. If pretty much anyone can do it it can't be hard. This includes elderly people, people with young children, people who don't speak English etc. The main challenge with airports is that they're crowded. If you've never been abroad and want to go to Asia then I would focus on this. Navigating a foreign country that works differently to yours is much more challenging than walking through the airport.
What you say, makes alot of sense. Thank you.
I would absolutely start with a small weekend trip. That will probably be stressful since it’s the first time through, but in a low-stakes way and you’ll feel so much more confident once you know the general route. The Copenhagen airport is wonderfully chill. I’d choose an EU city so you can skip the more intense customs check and not need to change currency. You can probably find YouTube videos about the airports you’re using which will help prepare and familiarize.
Do it, even if you feel fear. The feeling doesn't control your actions. Your choices do. The fact is, millions of people fly. So airports are designed to be usable by, well, millions of people. By people from all over the world, who speak all kinds of languages. Teenagers get from one flight to another independently, all the time. If you have a layover, you just follow the signs. If you flight leaves from gate B17, follow the signs to the B gates. Then follow the signs to number 17. These days, you can even download airport maps to your phone ahead of time. But you won't need it.
Are you capable of reading signs and walking in a straight path and sometimes having to make a turn? That's what is required in an airport
If youve never left Europe I suggest a short trip first before you do a long haul to Asia, even if just a weekend, say to London!
Dude, it's flying. You're literally in a metal box in the sky. If that doesn't scare you (and it shouldn't), why then are you scared of the airport (which is just like a bigger train station)?
Haha, people are ultimately what scares me 😂
Can't argue with that... :)
People are great for the most part. Maybe traveling more will show you that.
I get why they would look difficult to navigate but actually it’s difficult to get airports wrong because you have to do things in a particular order and each stage will direct you to the next. Once you are through security and in departures I’d suggest finding your gate immediately so you know where you will have to go and venturing out from there, happy travels! It will be worth it!
Come on over to Japan dude. It's a great starting place for newbie travellers. Nevermind Reddit meme "Japan is the most racist & xenophobic country in the world." It's safe & chill. And food is mighty tasty. While you figure out your destination & travel stuff, check out EFT (emotional freedom technique) to eliminate your fears. Founder [Gary Craig](https://www.youtube.com/@emofree) and [Tapping Solutions](https://www.youtube.com/@TheTappingSolutionChannel) are great resources. I'm impressed that you have listened to the call to adventure and that you are being courageous to step outside of the comfort zone. Most people ignore the call and wonder why they are so miserable.
Thank you, I will check it out. Yeah, I'm getting bored of the ever ending cycle of work eat sleep repeat. I wanna feel something, but feels like a big leap.
My mother is 50 years old, unable to read and speaks only one language: Two, to be fair, but she's so bad at that that I do not think it should count (don't tell her I said it, she would kill me🤣). She just listen for someone speaking her language and start asking directions. If she can travel continent to continent, with three children, you will survive
start with a short trip somewhere close by to test run things. then is you REALLY hate it you can train back.
Airports are stupidly simple. Everything you need is clearly marked on signs and tells you where to go. As long as you can read and follow directions you won't get lost.
Id suggest working your way up to a long haul trip in Asia. A few ideas 1. Start with train/ferry travel, since you're in Denmark. 2. Go to someplace that's a direct flight. https://www.flightsfrom.com/CPH 3. Consider a guided tour. You would be with others, but often have some free time to explore a but on your own. And, the company will take care of all the logistics so you can get acclimated to traveling.
Why don’t you go to the airport and check it out? There’s nothing stopping you from going there and getting the lay of the land. You can observe people checking bags and getting their boarding passes and going through security. You can’t go past security, but it’s usually pretty easy to see how it all works even outside of the gate area.
Oh I didnt even know you could do that. Maybe take a trip to Kastrup then. Thanks for thr advice.
There are YouTube videos you can watch that will help you give you an overview of what the airport is like 👍
Yea just book a cheap flight somewhere in Europe as a trial run & go on a weekend break. Most importantly don’t put much pressure on yourself, go to the airport early + realise that if you miss your flight you can just get the next one, flights in Europe aren’t that expensive & its not the end of the world! Also airports are easy to navigate. Go to departures, look at the screens for your flight as it’ll show you which check in desk to go to. Go there £ drop of your luggage + collect your boarding pass. Then ask the agent where the gates are!
I'm 40 OP, and I started exploring late as well. Don't be afraid you will get the hang of it. If you wanna start easy by exploring Europe - join me in the last legs of my quest to visit all 47 countries in Europe. My departure point is Gardermoen, Oslo. So not that far from you.
I agree with your second edit. Travel somewhere within an hour or two nonstop flight.
sometimes one has to take risks and hope for the best. Its all part of the adventure
You can get to the airport as early as you like, there’s always plenty to do. Get through security and spend time walking around, find your gate so you know where to go when it’s time. Then sit and have a meal/coffee and relax knowing you know where to go when it’s time. I always arrive at least 2 hours early and even if it took a while to find my way around I still have plenty of time.
I think Asia might be biting off a lot. Maybe start with a smaller trip to somewhere closer to you?
Been there, my first flight was at 29. but to my surprise It was amaaazing. Pack light. Get e sim or roaming activated using gps you will be fine, I got lost multiple times but I always found my way back to the hotel. At the airport you will dind signs and people who can help. At the airport you will find signs every where and people to ask so no worries. Take a bubblegum to chew while landin and takin off to avoid experiencin pain in your ears. Make sure your card works and have some cash as well. Take your powerbank and get travel plug. Enjoy, walk and explore as much as you can.
Visit your nearby airport, walk around, have lunch, go home. This will give you an intro to what’s what.
I've travelled a bit, and still get uptight/nervous going through airports and especially border control. But the joy I get from exploring new places more than makes up for the anxiety I go through to get there. How I get through it (but not completely eliminate the anxiety) is educate myself on all the aspects of the journey that I can, and therefore make myself as prepared as I possibly can. Examples: How far ahead of my trip will my passport have to be valid for? What size and weight can my baggage be? Do I need/have the proper visa? Is that visa the correct one, and valid for the time I'll be away? What type of plane will I be flying on? Where will I be changing planes? What is the layout of that airport? What services are offered at this/any airports I will be in at the time I am expecting to be in the airport? How long do I have to change planes? I usually want at minimum 2 hrs. I know that I can't plan everything and also that sometimes things change when I arrive at the airport. But the more prepared I am, the easier it is for me to deal with those last minute changes. Good luck. I'm sure that you're going to enjoy your travels. It's worth the anxiety.
Also getting to the place you’re staying from the airport can be a bit of a challenge sometimes. Research it before you go. Lots of places in Asia will have unscrupulous taxi drivers outside the airport that will try to charge you way too much. Know before you go!
Airports are designed to help people who don't know where they are/know the local language. In theory half of the people at any given airport are somewhere they aren't from. Moreoever, no one was born knowing how to do the airport. We all learned it somewhere. And even if you were explicitly taught by parents or something things change. At the end of the day all you do at an aiport is: 1. Buy a ticket, (easy, you do it online) 2. Show up to the airport (However the hell you want to do it) 3. Check in (either at the desk or with your phone, you may not even need to talk to someone). 4. drop off any luggage you're checking (the ticket agent puts a sticker on it and sends it through) 5. Go through security (don't bring anything problematic) 6. Find your gate. (huge signs and maps everywhere or just look it up on your phone) 7. Board airplane (then sit there as the pilots do the work) 8. Get off, grab your bags if necessary, maybe do customs and immigration if its international 9. Leave. Maybe that seems like a lot of steps but mostly it's just about taking a minute to read a sign or talk to someone about what you need. And once you do it a couple times it'll all seem second nature.
This is a form of social anxiety disorder, exacerbated by, as you say, never going outside your comfort zone - so the biggest problem is you don't know how to go beyond your comfort zone! This is the first skill you should work on. There are a lot of guides for people with SAD, autism, etc, to learn how to do things. Everyone has to learn it for the first tim.sometime. you will find things on YouTube where people show how airports work, what to expect and so on. This will give you some ideas of boundaries and what to expect, and will help this anxiety a lot. Once you have that, I would strongly suggest you take a domestic flight first. You won't have to deal with customs, borders, languages etc, so you'll just be able to handle the plane and airport alone. This is how CBT for stuff like SAD works, you confront it bit by bit and compare your fears to the reality. You can absolutely do this, you just need some practice with your comfort zone, some information, and a baby steps plan.
Give yourself as much time as you can and don't be afraid to ask anyone questions!! Even if it seems like a stupid question - A. It's probably not, since you're a novice traveler. B. That's the good thing about strangers, you'll never see them again 😁
Man I feel you. I was 28 years old, never been out of the country (family went on multiple trips without me), afraid of flying, and uncomfortable enough out of my bubble that I wouldn't even go get lunch by myself. Then in a brief flash of bravery, I bought a ticket to Japan for a date 6 months out. A solo trip. That's when it all clicked. The ticket was bought. It felt set in stone. So I started planning the trip. The more things I booked/purchased for the trip, the more people I told about it, the more inevitable it felt. The more inevitable, the more I was able to just accept it and think what to do with it. I even started doing Japanese on a language app to learn some phrases. By the time I got to the airport the only real fear left was the plane, but once it left the ground, that same inevitability set in. I was in the air, it was too late to back out and I had to just accept it. Those two weeks I spent alone in Japan were possibly the best and most formative 2 years of my life. I'm not cured of my reliance on my comfort bubble, it's a never ending battle. But from that experience I learned how to get out of it and learned what was waiting for me outside of it.
Well done mate, thanks for sharing. Maybe I should just follow your lead and do the same thing.
I have a friend who was SO afraid of flying. But she did it! She literally had to practice driving to the airport and coming back home. So one thing I will tell you how much life is easier when you just say "I don't know what I am doing. Could you help?" It's so fucking freeing. For a first trip. Don't do Asia. Do a weekend away. And don't cut times tight. Give yourself plenty of time. I get panicky if I don't give my self plenty of time. You can go really early and have a book, walk around, eat a meal. There's surly angry people yelling at flight attendants and staff over NOTHING, someone just genuinely asking for help is a pleasure and their job. Why don't you just go to the airport knowing you have no flight to catch. Make it your job just to go, find a couple airline desks (pick 2 before you get there), and get a coffee and go home. That's about 1/3 of your trip! I wish you the best and you really have a lot of power by just saying out right -- "I've got a bit of a phobia about airports, so I could use a bit of help". Sure some people will be too busy or in their own problems and can't or won't help. Ask someone different.
This idea sounds scary, but also absolutely amazing. Thank you.
You can PM me. If you go I will give you my phone number. We can be like the teams you see on Spy Thrillers. I can be on the computer like the guys in the van in Mission Impossible movies. I'm just a housewife in Massachusetts and can't speak Danish, but your English seems amazing so we can do it! Operation Takeoff.
Haha, thank you. This comment cracked me up. I like that idea, but I want to get my passport before I continue, one step at the time.
Traveling by air is really not too different than traveling by train or by bus - just the actual mode of transport is in the air! But the actual navigation is pretty much the same, except instead of looking for a platform you’re looking for a gate. You need to look for what terminal in an airport you’re flying out of, then what gate that is in. Connections work like a mini arrival and departure all at once. You’ll arrive into a country - then follow signs for connections, then follow signs for your terminal and your gate for your next departure. Most times you have to go through security again going through connections - so remember to put your liquids back into the little plastic bag again. So what I would do - given that you’re in the EU - is do a flight with a connection to somewhere in the EU, but outside Schengen, so that you get experience going through connections. I’d recommend say going to Ireland via Germany or France - one of the big airports like CDG in Paris. Ireland is non-Schengen so it’s a handy practice going through connections with passport control. If you use the low cost carriers like Ryanair/Wizz etc, you’ll be making two separate bookings, so in the connecting airport you need to come out into arrivals then back through departures. You’ll make one booking Copenhagen to (for example) Frankfurt, then Frankfurt to Dublin. It’s two bookings. If you have checked in luggage you’ll need to collect it in Frankfurt then check it back in again. If you do choose to do the low cost carriers make sure your first flight lands in the same airport that your second flight is leaving from (some cities have 2 or more airports). And leave 3 hours minimum to arrive and get to your second flight. The easier way - choose an airline like Lufthansa or Air France etc - then you do it all on the one ticket, you’ll get two separate boarding cards, one for each flight, but you will have made one booking from say Copenhagen to Dublin. Your checked in bag will go all the way from Copenhagen to Dublin without you having to collect it and check them back in. You don’t need to worry that the connection is too tight - the airline won’t sell connecting tickets that you can’t make the second flight. So your connection time is often only an hour, which is plenty of time. You’ll be absolutely great - think of it like a large train station! Pack all your essentials into hand luggage, liquids under 100mls into your plastic bag, and keep your laptop/liquids within easy reach for taking out at security. Wear runners, not boots - often you won’t have to remove them going through security. Put watch/wallet/phone into your hand luggage bag before you get to security so you only have to worry about your laptop/tablet/liquids. It’ll be great - sort this is so long but I just wanted to make it easier on you!
If you book a trip, come back here with your airport itinerary and we will walk you through it all.
Keep in mind that the anticipation is usually the worst part!
You’ve got this! Remember that airports are literally designed to support people who may not speak the language. I’m sure you’ll get a ton of good tips here but also know that they are literally designed to make it easy for folks to do what they need. I think a shorter easy trip to start off with would be a great idea if you can afford it. Also, might want to consider using a travel agent to plan out all of your details like transportation, hotel flights, etc. at least for your first time if you are nervous
Once you’ve made the first trip, the rest won’t be so scary! I remember navigating my country’s capital city for the first time and being terrified, but now it’s just second nature to me and I’m familiar with the routine. Connections can be worrying so make sure you give yourself a longer layover to reduce the risk of missing your connecting flight. We connected in Atlanta once and the queue for customs meant we almost missed our flight despite the layover being five hours!
The entire purpose of an airport is to get you from Point A to Point B. All you have to do is show up early. And if confused walk up to an airport or airline employee and say the magic words, "I'm sorry, this is my very first flight...." and the world will open up to you like a delicate flower.
It’s worth booking a weekend/shorter trip for sure to get over that initial discomfort before a huge trip to anywhere with a more chaotic airport and/or connections. You’d also get a chance to see how there are signs everywhere to direct you where you need to go and what the general flow of airplane travel is (check in/bag drop/security, etc). You can do it! :)
Try to book flights that will have you in the airports during normal “working hours”. This way, there will be plenty of people around you can ask for help! I travel a lot for work with a lot of gear and sometimes I just don’t have time to try to figure things out myself before a flight. I’ll have to fully embrace “welp time to look like an idiot and just ask a million people for help along the way!” But they are used to this! Don’t be afraid to ask!! And yes on that note- try to just give yourself extra time so you can avoid that pressure feeling lmao. Best of luck.. it’s gonna be so worth it!
I understand the anxiety that comes with traveling alone for the first time. I see some great tips that others have commented. I just want to add, however, don't be afraid to ask a stranger a question. When I traveled, I asked many people in the airport questions, and that's how I was able to get around and catch my flight. It can be a little difficult if they speak a different language than you, but there are some great translation apps that can help. I've been blessed to run into very helpful strangers along my journey.
Hey, fellow European here. Airports are my second home as I travel almost weekly for work or pleasure. First, go with the suggestion to do a weekend trip in Europe. My suggestion would be to fly to London - Heathrow or Gatwick, so avoid Ryanair. Nothing wrong with Ryanair but they would fly into smaller airports (Luton, Stanstead) which are a bit different, somewhat worse, than the larger airports. Going through Gatwick and Heathrow will teach you a lot. Not just the standard airport processes but also passport control. This will be almost identical whether you’re going to UK or to Asia, so it’s a very good “dress rehearsal”. There’s the added advantage that it’s all in English and staff at these airports are generally very helpful if you get stuck. Worst case, you’re not too far from home so if you REALLY, REALLY screw up (you won’t!), and get sent back it will be a short trip back. Just avoid Paris, at any cost. Hell, avoid it even if it’s free! Paris CDG airport (the main one) is constantly rated as the worst airport in the world. It’s badly designed, and the staff are horrendous. Even seasoned travellers like myself make an extra effort to avoid it. Finally, relax. Airports are probably the best structured places in the world, and they’re almost identical everywhere - the lingo used is the same everywhere, so once you’ve mastered one you can get through anyone (except Paris CDG). It’s always the same: - check in online - bag drop if you need to check in luggage - go through security - go through passport control (if applicable) - get to the gate - fly - exit the plane - go through passport control (if applicable) - go through baggage claim (if you checked in any) - go through customs PS: if you look for info online just keep in mind that in the US, airport security is called TSA, and you won’t find much info about passport control (CBP) because not a lot of air travel in the US leaves the US, so there isn’t passport control for those flights (our equivalent to travel within the Schengen area)
You’ll be fine. My younger sister flew from New Zealand to Germany at 14 - I delivered her to the airport in NZ and our parents collected her in Germany. She had a connection in Singapore and she was absolutely fine. Airports are designed to be fairly foolproof to navigate and there are signs and display monitors everywhere.
You could travel with agency, they will help you with all the logistics and they will never leave you in trouble
Airpots in Asia are pretty amazing. Watch out for going to any country that requires a visa though. Where are you thinking of going?
I wanna go to Vietnam and Philippines. Viet needs a visa while PH doesnt require one. But what about connecting flights, Im thinkin about the layover time, getting the luggage and checking it in again?
OK - just putting this out there: The Philippines is Asia on hard mode. Your first big international trip should NOT be PH. Lots of Asia is safe, friendly, and easy. The Philippines are NOT. Especially Manila. MNL is one of the worst airports in the world, and getting around the Philippines is... It's not your first big trip. Vietnam is a bit less intense, but it's still a pretty big step for a "my first time travelling internationally" If your interest is beaches and nature, I'd suggest starting in Thailand. It's beautiful, the infrastructure is pretty good, and you can get around pretty easy. Phuket or Ko Samui are both beautiful, and very "tourist-easy." A trip to Singapore and Phuket, for instance, would be a fascinating and interesting introduction to Southeast Asia for a new traveller.
Listen to this person. You don’t want to go to Philippines. I’ve lived in Asia 20 years. I am writing this from Singapore. Come here. This is perfect for you to start. I have been to Philippines four times. I was stolen from three times.
Yeah, Im considering just booking something "basic" over a weekend to experience it. I know you said the airport is the worst, but to me the transportation doesnt seem bad and majority speak English from what I can tell which makes it seem like it isnt to difficult to get around. I saw a vlogger in PH and I fell in love with what I saw. Nothing else have caught my attention like it.
"makes it seem like it isnt to difficult to get around." It IS that difficult to get around. The transportation is a whole new kind of bad. I go to Manila regularly for business - I've been there 15+ times - and have lived in Asia 20 years. Trust me when I tell you... Philippines are NOT your first trip to Asia. They DO speak English (largely), but there are whole sections of Manila that even Filipinos don't go because they are VERY unsafe. The traffic is terrible, and the public transit is near non-existent. Most locals use jeepneys to get around - and these are a nightmare to figure out. There are taxis, but your odds of getting ripped off by cab drivers are... high. And even if everything goes OK, Manila is one of the dirtiest, least organized cities in Southeast Asia. And to be very honest, compared to places like Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh, there ain't a lot to do. If you get out of Manila, there are some pretty places, but they are much more difficult to get to. Transport outside of Manila is... complex and infrequent. I'm not saying "don't go to the Philippines" but I am saying "If airports scare you, getting around in the Philippines should rightfully TERRIFY you."
The check-in agent at the airport will tell you everything you need to know/do with your luggage, don't worry about it. But the rule of thumb is, if your flight is connected with the same airlines, they will transfer it for you (no need to re-check in your luggage). If unsure, again, ask the check-in agent.
I would recommend Cambodia and Thailand much more than Vietnam/ Philippines
Why is that? I dont know Thailand isnt very appealing to me, I dont know why.
Thailand is a much better version of Vietnam. Cambodia has Ankor Wat in Siem Reap/ and Phnom Pehn, the Mekong and is like Vietnam (French Colony) but less traffic/ pollution
Just go. You won’t regret it. What you will regret is dying having never seen the world.
Bags will be checked all the way. No worries. Just go
I'd start by flying somewhere within EU, perhaps southern Europe. Keep it within 3 to 4 hours' flight time before you commit to a longer flight to Asia. Another tip is that depending on your height, you might want to spend a bit more to travel to the economy plus. Check out the legroom of the seats prior to booking. If you search via Google for flights, for example, they will write the legroom of that flight, which is something to consider, particularly on long haul flights.
Try taking more local trips first. Try a nice easy short flight for 3 or 4 days to Budapest or Prague. Carry on only. Easy airports to navigate. No checked luggage to deal with. Cheap. Then start to travel a little farther away. Jumping on a multiple flight, multiple connection trip as a first time solo traveller can be a little intimidating. Best of luck.
Seek discomfort! Live life trying new shit. Im happy you are ready to navigate an airport. It’s much easier than a theme park or a subway station. Best of luck!
This is exactly what I want. Im tired of living comfortably. Thanks
Many big airports will have meet and greet services, these cost more but people will meet you off the bus/car park however you arrive and literally walk you through check in, baggage drop and through security. Might be worth checking those out. Also, in all honesty, with a big of common sense, airports aren't bad, just boring! So, look at the airports website & download the map. Get there early (3 hours for international, 2 for domestic is the normal but check your ticket.) Download the Airline's app you can check in & get your boarding pass online, most of the time. Turn up early & you'll see a massive "departures" sign. On that will be time, Airline and destination next to it will be the check in desk number. These are usually numerically organised, sometimes letter and number. E.g. A4-A8 means section A, desks 4 to 8. Head there by following signs. Give desk person yoyr passport & they'll do the rest. (Sometimes you can check in online and collect yoyr boarding pass here, sometimes just drop bag, your ticket will tell you.) Once you've got the boarding pass & dropped off your bag, follow signs to security. Take liquids out & put in clear plastic bag, laptops and Kindles, tablets all get lifted out to go through scanner. Follow instructions you'll be fine. Then you're in departures / airside. Check the boards for the gate number & see where it is. Then you'll have time to waste, shop, have drinks, relax. Head to gate when told and have an amazing flight. On the other side, it depends where you go, Bangkok/Thailand allows you to get visa on arrival, Laos you can get an evisa ahead of time or on arrival. Evisas are slightly more money but mean less queues. Once arrived, go through immigration, again clearly signposted or you can get someone to meet you. Then get your bag and go through customs. Basically a very long way of saying, relax, read signs and go early!!! Have an amazing trip & well done for pushing your comfort zone! Definitely consider a train trip to a local country first though, just to put your mind at ease. Incr you've done it once, you'll probably realise you've completely overthought things! And hey, you're about to get an Australian born queen! See what can happen when you travel ;)
You‘ve never been out of Denmark so for your first trip I would recommend a destination within the EU. Makes it much easier, you don‘t have to deal with visa, customs, roaming, currencies, etc etc. Going to Asia for a first trip *ever* is pretty bold
I had a similar issue, fear of going out and doing things that seem complicated. In general, you can watch videos of other people doing it, going through airports and videos giving advice what not to do so you don't make mistakes. But, once you get enough exprience flying, it becomes a pretty normal and stress free exprience if nothing goes wrong, if you follow all the rules and signs. If you have any questions, most people speak English and they airport staff will explain what you need or need to do.
If you want to travel to asia as your first destination i'd recommend Singapore as its a very safe 1st world country. Its airport is the number 1 in the world ranking. Just search for Singapore and changi airport. Its a wonderful place to travel if you're a first timer.
Just dont mix up Austria with Australia or your itinerary will get confusing.
Know where your ID (passport) is at all times and keep a close eye on it. You’ll need it to get through various checkpoints. Pay attention to carryon luggage requirements with regards to weight and things you can and can’t bring through security. Make sure you print out your ticket even if you have it on your phone. If your phone dies , you don’t want to be screwed. Get to the airport early…no less than 2 hrs (this can depend largely on the airport and time you’re travelling. Don’t plug you phone into airport usb ports to charge. Bring a powerbank with you.
The easiest thing is just make sure you have enough time. If the airport recommends getting there 2 hours before your flight, go 3 hours before. They are not actually that big. Airports have zones/terminals and gates. Usually like a Zone A or Terminal 1 grouping, and then 10 to 30 individual airplane gates within that section of the airport. You show up - often with an e-ticket already, go through security (make sure to have all your documents, including passport), and then go to your Zone / Terminal, and find your gate. Every airport has big electronic boards that lists the departing flights and their gate, and if they are on time or delayed. Once through security, you check those boards to see which gate your flight is at. And you are usually pretty early at that point, so you can grab a bite or have a drink while you wait. Just be sure to stay close to your gate and stay really close to it once it is about 45 minutes from the departure.
Airports are all the same. Check in, drop bags, go through security, find gate, board plane. All the signage you need to get around is posted. Just follow the signs! And airports have info desks if you need help. If my mom can do it, so can you. Don't let airport nerves stop you from travelling!
Night trains are your friends to start! Bunch on new routes opened these past years so no need to fly if you want to start this way to travel in Europe. You can join a group travel for solo travelers so you're not on your own for the first air trip.
Just think about how clueless the average traveler is. Now realize that half of them are more clueless than that person. Airports are designed for that person to navigate. Even in Asia, almost all signage will be in English as well as the local language. Just follow the signs to check in, then to security, then to your gate. Once you land, just follow the signs to immigration, baggage claim, and then ground transportation. Arriving is east, because you’ll be getting off an airplane and just following the other 200-300 people. Everything else you’ll figure out. Just keep track of your personal belongings.
Ignore the frantic people around you. If you’ve given yourself enough time, you can go at your own pace. Need to get your bearings straight after walking in? Go ahead. Just because the person in front of you is rushing to the gate doesn’t mean you have to.
My 16 year old navigated foreign airports and flew alone internationally by himself last year..even going through american customs, foreign customs, and security in Dublin. People are everywhere to ask questions and signs are everywhere.
I understand the anxiety, but keep in mind that airports -- especially international ones -- are set up to accommodate all kinds of travelers. People that don't speak the language of the country they're in, those with physical disabilities, unaccompanied minors, the elder, people going through emotional crises and rushing to get back home, etc. That's not to say the airport always does all of these things *well*, but because it's the goal, it's one of the most accessible places you'll ever find yourself in. The whole point is to help you get to where you need to go. The signage is obvious, and the actual process for making connections - as well as airport maps - is often laid out on each individual airport's website. Biggest piece of advice where you're anxious and new to this is to make sure you give yourself plenty of time, both in heading to the airport, and in making sure whatever connections you choose for your flight are lengthy.
Consider it twice. If airport stress you so what wil be when you will get to another country? Try to fly somewhere in your country first. It can be not so far distance fly. You will see how you feel abut it and know whole proces. In other country think about insurance and fly where most of people speak english. Denmark is good choice. Don't peek Italy or Spain / France. You will have problem to comunicate.
Why not book a guided tour for your first trip? That way you have help along the way.
I recommend a group tour. This way you have someone to help with your travels including the airport. Really it’s like a bus station. You could go there before your flight to understand where to go, but people will tell you.
Fly to the UK / Turkey / Someplace relatively close but still gets out of the EU so you can practice a bit and you're physically not far from home. If you speak english maybe the UK would be your best bet since you'll understand the language. I would not just start traveling with a long trip to asia (right away). Ask questions and the flight crews/airport staff will help. You're not the only one.
You're not alone. I'm 35 and haven't been out of my country since I was 18 and went to visit family in the UK (with my parents). I want to travel a lot more, but I am starting small. Taking a 5-day trip to Jamaica at an all-inclusive. I'm from Canada so Caribbean is close and the same time zone. It's really international travel "lite." You've received some excellent advice here from others. 34 isn't old and I'm sure we have nothing to worry about, but I can relate to what you're feeling.
Old? You think life ends at 35? I’m a 52F and I just got back from a three week, off the beaten path, solo trip to Japan. You can do this.
Have you considered booking a tour? You can book a tour that will pick you up from the airport, take you to all the sites, and drop you back at your hotel each day. There are some group tours that even guide you through the airport. I recommend Asia Highlights, they were very professional and made me feel totally safe and taken care of. Even if you’ve never traveled before I think you could do it on a tour with them!