Covid Gave Me Pre-Travels Jitters

I’ve been reflecting on my travels lately—specifically, the pre-travel period. Specifically, my pre-travel jitters. These feelings didn’t used to register much pre-COVID. But these days, I always feel overwhelmed trying to squeeze in as much as I can before a trip.

I end up feeling tired and spent in the days leading up to departure.

Take the past few days, for instance. Each night, I went to bed with an even longer pre-travel checklist than the night before.

Beyond the to-do list, I absolutely despise the tight 24–48 hour window before leaving.

Yesterday, for example, was my last proper sleep in this bed until we return.

Tonight, we’ll be sleeping in the air—at 3 a.m.—and I already dread the hellish wind we’ve been experiencing every night this week.

Will I feel it up there, too?

And then there’s this house—Joyakiume. My home.

Who will look after the 20 houseplants and the 200 books and the 2000 other whatnots? It feels like we’re leaving a part of ourselves behind.

Is this what the brown aunties meant when they said they couldn’t leave the house to travel? “Who will look after the house?” they’d complain. I never quite understood it. Why would a house need looking after?

But now I do. This home feels like an extension of me, and I worry.

Have I reached that point? Am I slowly turning into a brown aunty, concerned about every little thing surrounding a trip?

Let me be clear: I’m not dreading the trip. I NEVER dread my travels, not even if it’s work-related.

It’s pre-travel logistics that get to me.

I had planned to sleep in today, to rest before the upcoming 24-hour travel day—a small act of kindness for my future self. But of course, I woke up at 7 a.m., buzzing with energy, strange dream remnants, and a fresh pack of to-dos.

These pre-travel jitters really ought to take a number.

Follow me on Instagram @KultureKween for more recent updates.