What It’s Like Traveling in the New Normal: My First Flight After Two Years
I am sitting in the departure area right now, clutching my boarding pass like it is a golden ticket. It feels surreal. For two years, my world has been my home province in Zamboanga del Norte, my hiking boots, and the familiar trails nearby. But today, I am finally learning what traveling in the new normal actually feels like. The world is finally opening its doors, and I am ready to walk through them—solo (like I always do).
Walking through the airport terminal feels like meeting an old friend I haven’t seen in a lifetime. There is a specific hum here, you know, the rolling suitcases, the muffled announcements, and the smell of overpriced coffee that I didn’t realize I missed so much. Traveling in the new normal is definitely a different experience, but the excitement is exactly the same.
A Week of Slow Mornings in Manila
Instead of rushing to see every sight, I am treating this first trip back like a soft launch for my nomad life. I have a cozy Airbnb condo in the city for a week.
My days are not filled with tourist spots. Instead, they are filled with first, intentionality. Waking up without an alarm and watching the city wake up from my window. Second is work & coffee. I like finding that perfect corner in a local cafe to catch up on my freelance projects. And last, the joy of anonymity. Walking through streets where nobody knows my name, just a girl with her camera and a laptop.
Important Things to Know when Traveling in the New Normal
If you are planning your first flight out after the lockdown, the rules have shifted. Here is what I’ve noticed so far:
- Digital Check-ins. Most airlines now prefer you to have a digital boarding pass to minimize contact.
- VaxCertPH is Mandatory. I had to show my digital vaccination certificate multiple times. Make sure yours is updated and saved on your phone!
- Patience is Your Best Friend. Check-in takes longer with document checks. I made sure to arrive at the airport 3 hours early just to be safe.
- eTravel/One Health Pass. Depending on where you are going, you might need to register online before you even head to the airport.
Important Things to Pack
My packing list has evolved. Aside from the usual clothes and gear, these are the items I don’t leave without:
- The Health Kit – A dedicated pouch with extra surgical masks and a small spray bottle of 70% alcohol.
- Disinfecting Wipes – I use these to wipe down my seat and tray table on the plane. It gives me peace of mind.
- A Power Bank – Between checking maps and showing digital health passes, my phone battery drains much faster now.
- Physical Backup – I still keep a printed copy of my vaccination card tucked in my passport, just in case my phone dies.
Digital Nomad Essentials for the City
Since I am working from my Airbnb and visiting cafes, these are my survival tips:
- The “Work” Setup – A reliable pocket Wi-Fi is still a lifesaver, even if the Airbnb has fiber.
- Cafe Scouting – I look for places that are “laptop-friendly.” My favorites in Manila usually have good airflow and spaced-out seating.
- Grab App – This is a must-have for safe, cashless transport around the city.
Being solo again feels like reclaiming a part of myself. If you’re feeling nervous about traveling in the new normal, remember to start slow. You don’t have to visit every tourist spot. Staying in one neighborhood for a week is a great way to ease back in. Also, be kind to yourself. If you feel “peopled out” or anxious, it’s okay to just stay in your Airbnb and order food.
You know what, as I’m writing this, I realize that while the world has changed, my love for the solo road hasn’t. It feels like the spark that will lead me back to the islands and the sea.
