The Joys Of Travel.

One of life’s most stressful endeavours is travelling for a holiday. Most notable being the requisite commitment to arriving for transportation such as a plane or train at a designated time. The acute panic that inevitably propagates the usual family disputes and accusatory barbs is unparalleled. Ah yes, the calming relaxation of holidays. Of course there is a fundamental prelude to these bouts of marital disputation, that involves meticulous preparation; packing. Now most sensible, mature minded individuals would be practical in their approach to packing. Logistical. Pragmatic. Ensuring you only bring the essentials. Clothing, necessary skin protection and adequate footwear to negotiate the varying walking engagements you may have. Me however, I’m planning on what to bring to entertain myself? Distract from the monotony of persistent travel. What is going to diminish the misery of having spent my valuable time with my family. Especially when you consider that the holiday in question was a four day vacation at the enchanted kingdom itself. The most magical place on earth: Disneyland!

As the only male representative on this trip, an antisocial male at that, I knew my presence among my daughter, partner and several female relatives from her side of the family would be somewhat incongruous with the tight knit family ensemble. Now that’s not to say I’ll be excluded from conversation or indeed ostracize myself. But I’m certainly the outlier in this little excursion, so it was logical for me to be adequately prepared for the long journey, with an assortment of entertainment devices. This of course requires very meticulous consideration, as many of these devices need to survive several hours without being charged. You don’t want to be limited to just your phone, as this will more than likely be used as a distraction for your understandably excited child, halfway through your journey. You also have to take into account the limited access to WiFi. So it’s imperative that any music, movies or podcasts are downloaded, to prevent any distressing human interactions you may otherwise have to engage in. Ensure all devices, such as Bluetooth headphones are fully charged. The requisite chargers are accessible, preferably in a bag you will be carrying. And if all else fails, make sure you bring a book to read as well.

Of course once you arrive at Disneyland, all of your time will be shifted to utilising your time at one of the most congested theme parks in the world, whilst navigating the sheer magnitude of the park and the sweltering conditions. And again let me reiterate in saying that I was the only male in this female led holiday. In the enchanted world of Disney, where little girls and women of a certain age live out their fantasy of being a princess. Waving at Mickey Mouse as he greets the peasants from the balcony of his ivory tower. Surveying the peasants below and imploring them to spend more money. Despite the attractions, comfortable accommodation and the never ending smile etched across my daughter’s dimple filled face, I was thankful that I was suitably supplied with my own entertainment.