Phew. Just Phew.
We just got home from a whirlwind of a travel weekend that (unintentionally) extended well into the week.
We left last Thursday to go visit my husband's family in Pennsylvania - the trip there was fine, but the trip back??
HELL.
Our flight was scheduled out of Newark on Monday at 3pm so we arrived at the airport (after a 2 hour drive in the pouring rain) around 1:30, checked in...and did all the other "things" you do before you get on a plane.
We successfully boarded the plane on time, sat and waited at the gate about an hour, only to be told that we "couldn't take off because of lightning, but hang tight because we are hoping for clearance."
Another hour later....
No clearance.
We deplaned and waited in the airport for awhile longer, boarded again. Sat on the tarmac 3+ hours then were eventually told, "the flight crew has gone over their hours so we all have to get off the plane."
We waited another hour to get back to the gate...
Deplaned again.
Were told they were getting another crew for us. "We promise we will get this plane off the ground tonight," they said.
LIARS.
A few more hours pass...
Back on the plane.
"Hold tight, we have to fill the plane with fuel."
Ummmm isn't that something you should do before re-boarding the plane?!
My mama bear blood starts boiling after looking at my poor 4 year old daughter with giant bags under her eyes, hair plastered to her face from sweating - oh, I forgot to mention the air conditioner on the plane wasn't working while we were sitting on the tarmac for a million hours.
"Bad news folks, there is an issue with one of the tires, you have to get off the plane again for about an hour while we fix it."
Off the plane we go.
Make it to the end of the jet-way and we are told the flight is canceled.
It's 1:30am.
I'm fuming, but I remain calm knowing there's nothing we can do.
"What about our bags," another passenger asks.
"You can't get them tonight," the United worker tells us.
So we find a spot to sit - does anyone else wonder why airports don't supply areas to rest in? Maybe some beds? Cots? Or even just some carpet, carpet would have been nice.
Luckily my daughter rested on me for most of the night, but my husband and I got zero (literally not even a minute) sleep.
The next morning we find out there are no flights going out that day so we are stuck at least another 24 hours. We head down to baggage claim to discover a line that extends around what looked like the entire airport and then some.
We waited.
And waited.
Only for another United employee to tell us they "had no idea where our bags are."
I finally lose it and I start sobbing. Frustration and exhaustion won.
My daughter wraps her little arms around me and says, "it's okay mama."
I sob harder.
Luckily we found a hotel for the rest of the day and night. We hung out there and made the best of it - making forts, jumping on the beds, running down the hallways, and watching Bluey. Any parent who hasn't watched Bluey, it's time to get on board, this show is excellent.
The next morning we arrive back to the airport at 6:30am. We are back on the plane by 8:00am.
"Sorry folks, we have an issue we are trying to fix with the tire."
It takes everything inside of me not to explode.
About an hour later we are in the air - still unsure where our bags are (oh, forgot to mention the carseat is missing too), and flying to another airport, but still one step closer.
We arrive in Fort Lauderdale around 12:30pm, rent a carseat and catch an Uber to Palm Beach International.
Carseat and bags are there.
FINALLY.
IT'S OVER.
Quite the story huh? Well, despite all of that, we still managed to eat a relatively healthy diet.
Here are a few of my favorite snacks to have on hand while traveling, along with some of my favorite tips for sticking to healthier eating habits amidst chaos:
Lesser Evil Organic Popcorn. You can find this at almost any airport. This popcorn has simple ingredients - • Organic NON-GMO Popcorn • Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil• Himalayan Salt - and there is minimal processing.
2. Babybel cheese & RxBars. My daughter loves cheese, so while I admit, these are not my favorite snack, they are far better than so many other options. Plus they keep her happy.
Rx bars are one of my favorite protein bars. Again, I'm all about ingredients & these bars have simple, healthy ingredients I feel good about.
Oh, and if you haven't read Discover Your Dharma by Sahara Rose, I highly recommend it - I think it's what helped keep me sane during this trip!
3. We also munched on That's It fruit bars, bananas & Greek yogurt. I didn't get pictures of these because...well, ya know, no sleep and all.
Anytime I travel, I try to pack my own snacks - it was impossible this trip, but I highly recommend doing so. Some examples of easy, on the go snacks to pack in your purse or backpack include (but not limited to): nuts, fruit, dried fruits, pre-made sandwiches, string cheese, hard boiled eggs, and roasted chickpeas.
It's also important to stay hydrated. You can always find water in the airport. :) I don't like to buy bottled water (I try to avoid plastic when possible), so if you can, bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at the airport.
Treat yourself. Sometimes you just have to allow yourself to have what your body is craving. Don't beat yourself up if you splurge a little while traveling - especially in an airport! I had a chocolate croissant and a chai latte one morning and I didn't regret it for a minute! I reminded myself I'd get back on track when (and if) I got home.
Time to catch up on some much needed rest.
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