As I make the long drive to the airport, I continue to go over my travel checklist. What did I forget to pack? Do I have my wallet? Check. Phone? Check. Coat? Check. It’s a constant nagging by “the voice of travel blunders” inside my head. Prescriptions? Check. Passport? Check. When I finally find a parking spot it screams a warning to put the keys in a secure place. On the shuttle bus, there’s once again that feeling of forgetfulness, and another quick run through the necessities. Watch? Check. Underwear? Check. Toiletries? Check. I wouldn’t have time to go back and get them anyway, but the voice insists on accounting for any missing items.

I’m usually in a rushed mood by the time I get to security. Why did I even bother to dress this morning? My pants keep falling down. Where’s my luggage? Oh, I already checked it. Do I have the power cord for my laptop? Forgot that last time. Where did I put the car keys? Will my boarding pass scan properly? Where’s my wallet? Finally, I get things back in order and start to relax. So far…so good. Check.

One more final check before I board. Will someone be in my seat? How many times will I need to get up to use the bathroom? Why did I drink that Diet Coke. Do I have an outlet to recharge? Is my phone still in my pocket? Will there be delays? Is my car rental reservation handy and my hotel booking in order? What could go wrong?

This is the stress of travel as opposed to the calm routine of being a stay-at-homebody. However, I’m always grateful for the change of pace from slow to fast. Travel keeps your mind sharp and requires careful organization. The anticipation of what you are about to experience and the challenges of getting there never get old. At 30,000 feet you finally let out a sigh of relief, unless you’re one to worry about the pilot’s job. For me, by the time I’m finally strapped into my seat, the voice finally stops, and the realization hits me that I’ve done everything possible in my control.

Upon landing, I always hit the ground running, anxious to get settled in my room, and hoping there are no baggage problems or transportation snafus. Travel is never easy and the key is to somehow avoid the nightmares that you hear about. You have to take the attitude that problems are part of the overall experience and often become the most talked-about. Oh yeah I saw the Pyramids, but you won’t believe what happened on the way there.

This trip to Phoenix & Tucson will go by in a flash, and soon I’ll be back in my retirement home routine, waiting and planning for the next great adventure. I’ll be exhausted from all the things the “inner voice” reminds me to double and triple check, but another item will be crossed off the bucket list. I do understand why some people don’t like to travel, but that’s just not for restless old me. Check.