Beyond the Skies: Exploring the World Through a Flight Attendant’s Lens
As a flight attendant, you would think that travel to exotic destinations and international locales would be a given. Sadly, as my latest trip has shown, not all flight attendants travel for fun. I’m currently on a trip to Lesvos, Greece with a small tour group that caters specifically to flight attendants. So far, it has been an amazing experience getting to know everyone. I feel like flight attendants are consistently some of the coolest people you can meet.
Each person is different and unique, but our job unites us in a way that makes us all feel like family. Our struggles and lifestyles are similar, creating a camaraderie that anyone in the workplace can understand.
It’s interesting how many of our travelers are experiencing their first international trip. As flight attendants, our jobs can be so hectic that traveling for fun can seem pretty daunting. When you’re told where to fly, where to stay, and when to work, it can create a sense of complacency. Instead of building independence, the job can breed familiarity and routine.
When we fly for work, every aspect of the trip is handled for us. Our apps tell us where we need to be, who will pick us up, and even give us access to our contracts, which offer protections and limits on what we have to deal with.
Compare that to traveling on your own, where you’re in complete control—and responsible for—everything. Want a hotel? You have to book it. Need a flight? That’s on you. Transportation? Better plan it yourself unless your accommodations provide it. Stuck at the airport because flights are full? No contract is going to get you out of that one.
That’s why I believe travel is good for you. It builds confidence. It forces you to solve problems you wouldn’t normally encounter and pushes you out of your comfort zone. It gives you stories and experiences that no one can take away. It makes you a more interesting and well-rounded person. And when you’re with friends, it gives you something to talk about.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to visit a long and varied list of places. Every few months, I feel the pull to explore somewhere new—a different country, a fresh experience, a unique culture. It’s addictive, especially when your flights cost about as much as a bus ride. My hope is to someday find the perfect place to retire. Until then, I’ll keep chasing that wanderlust and seeing where the next adventure leads.
