In a video game, there are usually levels that the hero or heroine needs to pass through on their way to the final destination – completing the game.
When we travel, Beth and I have begun using a technique I’ll call “Travel Levels.” It’s a way to move through the long day by dividing the full journey into separate steps, thereby creating short-term successes. I like it because the whole day feels very long without it.
Here’s 8 steps we are using today:
- Taxi to airport
- Check-in
- Customs
- Onboarding
- Flight
- Baggage claim
- Connect to rental car place or taxi to AirBnB
- Arrive at AirBnB
For some people, more, smaller steps might be helpful like breakfast, confirming a flight, picking seats, calling your mother, exchanging currency, having a meal, etc.
This is a variation on the concept of list-making which is known to increase productivity and decrease anxiety. Whenever Beth and I use tools like this, we enjoy one another and the day more.
Today, we are transferring from Athens to Crete, so I am very well-rested after 10 days of easeful retreating. The steps are much easier because we’re not like horses going back to the barn at the end of the trail ride.
As I write this, our flight has been delayed for an hour. This means that onboarding, one of my 8 steps, has been divided in half giving me a little more time to finish this post, people watch or stretch.
May all of your travels be easeful and please let me know if you have some tips we all can use.
