myrebelbadgejouney

16th of July 2025
✈️ Travel Day: Off to South Africa!

Today marked a significant milestone; after weeks of preparation, it was finally time to depart for South Africa. I awakened feeling a sense of anticipation, fully aware that I would be engaged in a month-long period of exploration.

Morning Prep & Brunch

I arose early, approximately at nine o’clock, prior to the arrival of my support worker who assisted me in preparing. There was a palpable sense of anticipation, which made it difficult to remain still.

We attended a preparatory breakfast at the Quarry Tea House in Hunwick, where I consumed a substantial sausage butty with a pot of tea. By eleven o’clock, I felt adequately energized and prepared to proceed.

After returning home, I spent an hour relaxing, took my medication, and prepared an additional cup of tea to soothe my nerves before the taxi arrived. The driver arrived early—at 12:45—prompting a brief period of last-minute packing, bathroom breaks, and making sure nothing was overlooked. Subsequently, I proceeded to the minibus for the two-hour journey to Manchester.

Tip: It is advisable to schedule a sufficient interval for a break and restroom visit prior to embarking on an extended travel day, as this contributes to a more composed and seamless journey.

Road Trip Vibes

On our return from the Tea House, my father advised us to refrain from using screens to prevent motion sickness. Some of us were not entirely in agreement with this suggestion; therefore, we reached a compromise by activating the anti-sickness feature on our devices. I believe this measure was effective.

Most of the drive was occupied with discussions regarding our anticipated activities and sights in South Africa. At one point, my father turned to my mother and remarked, “I expect it will feel unusual visiting your former residence and school, will it not?” The remaining individuals appeared puzzled until my father chuckled and said, “Keep up, everyone,” after which the realization dawned on us. This was followed by a collective acknowledgment.

💡 Tip: Extended family journeys provide an ideal opportunity for engaging in conversation or sharing private jokes that may require time to be fully appreciated.

Airport Adventures

We arrived at Manchester Airport ahead of schedule, successfully avoiding traffic delays. However, we encountered a delay in checking in, as we arrived earlier than permitted. Since our flight was scheduled for a late lunch, we quickly became hungry. The solution was to visit Greggs, where I purchased a traditional sausage roll and a cup of tea, following my earlier decaffeinated coffee.

Waiting at Greggs for a couple of hours was not ideal; however, we were eventually able to drop off our bags. By that time, I developed a headache, likely due to the crowd and boredom, but at least we were finally making progress. Security procedures were stressful; I had to remove my shoes, and my medication was inspected because I carried a 500ml bottle of paracetamol. Once through security, once I got through I began to relax a bit more as I knew security was out of the way because I get really anxious about being searched but know how important it is.

Tip: If it is necessary to carry medication, it should be kept in its original packaging and be prepared for security inspection.

First Lounge Experience (Sort Of)

My first experience in an airport lounge was ultimately disappointing. We arrived shortly before it was scheduled to close, resulting in limited food options and a hurried atmosphere. As I was not particularly hungry, I only consumed some crisps, a Diet Coke, and a remaining slice of my sister’s pizza.

Nevertheless, we made the most of the situation. My father, in particular, seemed to enjoy it — though I will not disclose that to him. Prior to our departure, I ensured I used the restroom before my siblings and I visited the dutyshops. I purchased a Monopoly card game and sampled some perfume, which served as suitable distractions before the gate opened.

Tip: Do not depend on lounges for your primary meal. If you arrive late, food options may be limited; therefore, it is advisable to carry snacks as a precaution.

Boarding Drama & Economy Life

When it was time to board, the flight was delayed, and I was unable to perform my usual pre-flight restroom visit, which caused me some anxiety. Fortunately, once aboard the aircraft, I was able to use the restroom before takeoff, thereby alleviating my concerns.

We flew economy, since upgrading would’ve cost a jaw-dropping £30,000! We did try at check-in and even onboard, but no luck. My sister offered to sacrifice business class for us, but Mum and Dad insisted we stick together. So, economy it was—slumming it, but together.

Because I need to pre-board, plus with the delay, we had about an hour before take-off. I passed the time scrolling social media and squeezing in a few last lives on my games before buckling up and choosing my first in-flight movie.

Tip If you need pre-boarding due to disability, let the airline know in advance—they’ll usually accommodate you.

Take-Off & In-Flight Fun

I still hold Mum’s hand during take-off and landing—something I’ve never done without her. Maybe one day I’ll try it alone, but for now, it’s my little comfort ritual.

Once we were in the air, I relaxed into the journey:
• 🎥 Watched movies
• 📖 Read Enemy for a Brain by Zara Beth (highly recommend—she’s an incredible disability advocate and content creator)
• 🍽️ Ate dinner (chicken and veg, though the chicken was tricky since I don’t like my food being cut up)

Subsequently, I attempted to sleep; however, my sister Daisy was unwell, prompting my mother to exchange seats with my father. I had my father seated beside me for the night, and although I did not obtain sufficient rest, I managed to doze here and there

Tip: Please bring your own travel-friendly snacks or cutlery if you have specific preferences regarding your eating habits, as this can help reduce stress associated with in-flight meal.

Breakfast & Arrival in Dubai

When the breakfast trolley arrived, my father instructed me to return to sleep since it was early in the morning. However, I chose not to adhere to this suggestion. I consumed a muffin and a cup of tea to prepare myself for landing.