Nothing is more liberating than being able to travel alone.

However, at this young age and with limited experience, it comes across as terrifying.

Checking bags, finding gates, and catching flights all in a timely manner is incredibly intimidating. It’s important to be prepared and know what to do.

• Plan ahead.
  Traveling is stressful enough without last minute trials, so make a packing list and pack a few days in advance to assure you have everything. Make sure you have what you’ll need on the plane in your carry on, but don’t carry any liquids greater than 3.4 ounces or sharp objects in a non-checked bag.The night before the trip, get plenty of sleep and have everything prepared for the next day.If you’re travelling internationally, be sure to check your passport is valid one to two months in advance. If you’re staying in the country, have your driver’s license or some form of identification.
• Know what to do when…
  At the airport: Arrive early. This is especially important if you’re not accustomed to flying.After arriving, check in at an airline desk and have your ID ready to present. Here, the agent will look up your reservation, print your boarding pass, and collect any baggage fees for checked items. If you haven’t yet chosen your seats, you will do so through the agent at this time. After receiving your boarding pass, you will go through security.At the line, you will be asked to show both identification and a boarding pass. The agents will inform you on what you need to do for the security check. After completing the security check, you will need to find your gate. Your boarding pass will usually have the gate number on it, but if not, check the television screens to find your flight and gate number.Once you find the gate, either wait patiently or enjoy the airport’s shopping centers. However, it is incredibly important that you leave yourself an extensive amount of time to board the plane, so don’t wander too far.

  Once your row number and group is called at your gate, it is time to board the plane.

  On the plane: Find your seat and put non-checked luggage in the overhead compartments. During the flight, you can listen to music, play on a laptop, sleep, etc. Some airlines provide Wi-Fi on the flights for extra cost if you can’t live without Instagram or Twitter for the duration of the flight.

  After the flight lands: Upon your arrival, retrieve your luggage from the overhead compartments and double check you have everything from your carry on. If you checked a bag, follow signs to the baggage claim for your flight.

  Once you have your luggage, you are set to catch a taxi to where you’re going, or to catch another flight.

• Don’t stress.
  No matter how lucky you are, Murphy’s law will prevail and a mishap may happen. Be prepared to find a solution without panicking.If you think that you missed your flight, call the number on your e-ticket or ticket receipt. Explain the situation and make it clear where you’re trying to go.Remain calm throughout every situation and don’t be afraid to ask for help from the agents. Remember to keep in mind where you’re going and how fun it will be; don’t get caught up in the stress of the fast-paced airports.

Give yourself a pat on the back. Many adults are afraid of traveling alone, so if you can complete the above tasks, be proud of yourself.

Now go out there and catch your flight!