Tuesday Travel Tip: Give Yourself Extra Time

(Photo Source: hellowendysgems.com via Pinterest)

I think many people have a tendency to make a stressful situation even more stressful through one simple act: being late. It seems that at some point mid-trip, many people who leave late suddenly decide that they want to be on time. They are truly upset about the traffic jam, or the train delay, or the person crossing the street slowly, or the lack of parking. These same people seem to think something truly horrible will happen if they leave early, arrive early, and have to wait at their destination for something to begin. To them I say: bring along something to read. You'll be fine.

A couple years ago I stopped almost all hurrying and my life is much better for it. I am not always on time, but I strive for it and take ownership for when I am late. Here are a few of my rules:

• The further you are going, the more buffer time you need. 
• The more unfamiliar your destination, the more buffer time you need.
• The more important the event, the more buffer time you need.
• If there is a child involved, leave even earlier, and bring something to entertain them.

So, for example, if you are in an unfamiliar town going to an unknown church for your favorite cousin's wedding and are bringing along a baby, leave really, really early. Not only will you be calmer if you become lost or delayed, you honor your favorite cousin by not having him or her worry about where you are and when you'll arrive.

When it's all said and done, being on time is a matter of respect for others and integrity in showing up when you said you would.

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