Finding Joy at the Airport

People watching is something I wonder how many people participate in. As someone who travels often and mostly alone for work, I have recently been intrigued by the emotions one can observe while traveling. I watch from a distance, I’m not eavesdropping, just observing.

Lately as I’m traveling it’s interesting to watch couples. Many are caught up in the everyday patterns with their partners. They don’t necessarily smile at each other. Some even seem to disregard each other’s feelings as they communicate. I witnessed one such couple, likely in their late 60’s or more with this interaction until they found their travel companions. Oh, how the mood lifted and changed. It appeared they were traveling with at least two other couples. The joy was palpable during this reunion. They had energy, voices and laughter were filling the room with such excitement and the interest in each other was genuine and engaging. What I found remarkable was that, after this interaction, I perceived them to be much younger and full of life.

I’m always delighted to find the couples, of all types, friends, siblings or life, that are genuinely interested in each other as well. I find it more often as they are a bit younger, but I find it especially heartwarming when they are in their golden years and still faun over each other. It delights me to see people that care about each other. Maybe it’s the impending travel that has reignited their passion, but it’s great that they are experiencing joy together.

Lastly, the people awaiting the return of their traveler with excitement all over their face, and often signs, flower, candy or just a big ole hug for their visit or return. Who knows the situation, you just know they are about to see someone they love and the joy is about to erupt.

I love witnessing this kind of joy that is related to travel.

About the Author

Beth Kitzman is the business development manager for Trisept Solutions' Agency Channel for VAX VacationAccess. Beth focuses on nurturing business relationships and finding exciting, unique ways for VAX to support travel agencies. With over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, beginning with Walt Disney World then working for airlines and now focusing on travel technology, Beth loves using her education degree to find ways to educate and empower travel agents to grow their leisure travel business.