(Especially when you have ADHD)
Airports can feel overwhelming, especially when you're travelling alone.
The queues.
The noise.
The constant announcements, none of which are ever for your flight… until suddenly one is.
It can all feel like a lot before your trip has even begun.
I know, because I've stood in a terminal clutching my boarding pass, wondering how everyone else looks so completely unfazed.
Been there.
Done it.
Bought the overpriced airport wine to recover.
But with a few simple tricks, airports become so much easier to navigate. They can even feel calm. A quiet moment before the adventures begin.
Preparation changes everything
The secret to a smooth airport experience starts long before you arrive.
Keep all your documents in one place on your phone. Boarding passes, booking confirmations, passport details, travel insurance. Screenshot them all, so you can open them without signal.
If, like me, your brain doesn't always hold onto small details under pressure, a printed backup in a clear folder in your hand luggage isn't overdoing it.
It's just sensible.
And get it all together the evening before, not the morning of. Your future self will thank you.
One thing a screenshot (or printout) can't do, though, is get you through passport control.
You need your actual passport on you, in person, every step of the way. Keep it somewhere you can reach in seconds, like a zipped front pocket or the same spot in your bag every time, so you never have to do the panicked pat-down at the desk. You'll need it at bag drop, at the gate and again when you land.
Then pack with the airport in mind.
Dress for comfort without sacrificing style. I love Halara for travel days, and I practically live in these trousers.
Keep liquids somewhere you can grab them in seconds, and quickly check your departure airport's liquid rules, since they're not the same everywhere anymore. Electronics near the top. And please don't overpack your hand luggage. The less you have to juggle, the more in control you'll feel.
What's always in my hand luggage
Liquids bag, packed and easy to pull out.
Laptop or tablet sitting near the top.
Power banks and batteries (these can't go in the hold).
A change of clothes, in case my suitcase takes a detour.
Medication in its original packaging.
Snacks. Always.
A good book, or something downloaded to watch offline.
All of it lives in my favourite travel tote, which holds everything I need for the gate without looking like I'm moving house.
Moving through security and boarding calmly
Security is where most people's shoulders creep up towards their ears.
The bins.
The beeping.
The awkward sock shuffle while fifteen people wait behind you.
But here's what I want you to remember. You are not holding up the queue. You're moving through a process, at your own pace.
Have your liquids out and your electronics ready before you reach the front. Watch what the people ahead of you do, then follow along step by step.
If the scanner beeps, that's fine.
It happens all the time.
And wear slip-on shoes. I cannot stress this enough. My loafers from LoudLook go on and off in seconds, and nobody needs to watch you wrestle with shoelaces while balancing a laptop.
As someone with ADHD, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard has made a real difference for me. It quietly signals to airport staff that you might need a little more time or support.
At Stansted, it's helped me get through fast-track security and into quieter seating areas, which is a godsend (this is just my experience; I can’t promise it will be the same for everyone).
Boarding is another moment where calm helps. There's no need to rush to be first in line. Your seat is already yours. Wait for the queue to settle, then stroll on.
Just try not to be last.
On my very first solo trip to Italy, back in 2012, I got rather carried away in duty-free at Rome airport. In my defence, the selection was excellent. Then they started calling my name over the tannoy. I ran to the gate, bags swinging, and did the full walk of shame down the aisle as the very last passenger on board, while everyone already seated watched in silence.
The bags gave me away entirely… oops!
Staying calm during connections and solo travel moments
If you have a connection, give yourself time and keep it simple.
Follow the signs, check your gate, and move steadily instead of rushing. Airports are designed to guide you, even when it doesn't feel that way.
Here's a little trick. Ask the cabin crew before you land if they have any connection information. Knowing your next gate before your feet touch the ground means you walk off that plane with a destination, not a question mark.
Travelling alone can heighten your awareness of everything going on around you. But it can also be incredibly empowering.
Nobody to negotiate with.
Nobody waiting while someone finds their shoes.
You're fully in control of your time, your pace and your decisions.
Use that.
Find a quiet corner. Grab a coffee. Put your headphones in and listen to something you love.
Or don't, and just sit and watch the theatre of it all wash over you. Small pockets of calm make the whole experience feel far more enjoyable.
It's also always worth packing a small pillow and a wide scarf that doubles as a blanket, just in case a long delay turns you into a long-term guest at gate 7a. I've been that guest.
Pillow, scarf, book and a very large cup of tea.
And honestly? It was more than fine.
Where the adventure begins
Airports don't have to feel chaotic. With a little preparation and a calm mindset, they become just another part of the journey.
The doorway to wherever you're going.
Next time you travel, try slowing everything down just a little. You might be surprised how much easier it feels.
You've absolutely got this.
Baci,
Beara x