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Health & Fitness

Please Fasten Your Seatbelt

Looking back and looking forward to this summer's travels.

Traveling is synonymous with a journey. It often begins with the constant checking of airline prices, or cleaning out the back of a messy car. Travelers must repair broken wheels on overused suitcases, clear their work schedules, and declare to the whole world that they are spending the long weekend in Hawaii- and you are not.

Don't get me wrong, not every traveler needs assistance zipping their suitcase, there are a few of us that pack light, such as leaving with one flip flop at home.

Before travelers know it they are waiting in long lines at the airport, only to find out what they already knew — their bag is a bit too heavy.

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If a traveler has made it past security without breaking a sweat, I'd say they're in good shape.

A true traveler makes it just in time to catch their flight, but saves themselves enough time to casually walk to their gate, instead of having to race the clock.

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Now once a traveler has made it to their destination, has claimed their luggage space in the overhead compartment, and has adjusted the incline of their seat prior to take off, they are faced with their worst enemy...another traveler.

Imagine you are a traveler. You look to your left, and a teenage boy smells of Axe cologne. He is listening to music that is turned up so loud you can see them shake. You politely ask him to turn it down, but he doesn't hear you, and you think, "What are these kids listening to these days?!"

You look to your right for a distraction and are faced with the ultimate workaholic. You figure that they're on their way to a business function, proceed to look down into your lap, and wonder how someone could be comfortable in a suit and tie.

As if the stressful vibe off the workaholic isn't enough, there's a baby in the row in front of you, who looked all smiles prior to boarding, but now can't seem to stop crying. The mother, bless her heart, is scrambling through her purse looking for some sort of miracle worker that she must have misplaced.

But hey, it could be worse. You could be seated next to the passenger who not only snores, but uses your shoulder as a pillow all flight. As a fellow traveler I recommend that if you are ever stuck in this situation locate the exit nearest you and seek assistance.

Every traveler has grown accustomed to hearing the fasten seatbelt announcement and knows that it means landing is quickly approaching. The journey ends there, when the traveler rolls up their shade and looks outside at their destination.

Whether it looks like home or paradise, I hope all of you travelers this summer have a safe and enjoyable flight. Just like mine was!

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