Positive Habits That Make Travel Better with Ryan Abramson

Travel has a way of showing us who we are. It pulls us out of our routines and places us in airports, airplanes, hotels, restaurants, and cities far from home. And in those moments—sometimes stressful, sometimes joyful—the habits we bring with us matter.

The best part? The same positive habits that make life better in Langhorne or Yardley also make traveling through Philadelphia International Airport, Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, or even international gateways like London or Munich a lot more enjoyable. Use your time to get some work done or even make some fun social media videos.

Flying With Positivity

We’ve all been on flights where the atmosphere feels heavy. A delay, a crowded boarding area, a crying baby—these things happen. But the habits we carry as passengers can completely change the tone.

• Smile at the gate agent. They see hundreds of faces every day. A smile can reset the mood for both of you.

• Say thank you to the flight attendants. Simple, yes. But so often forgotten.

• Be patient and positive with delays. Complaining won’t make a plane take off faster. What it will do is increase your stress and everyone else’s.

I’ve flown countless times—out of Philadelphia, Allentown, and Newark, and across the country. The passengers who create the best experiences aren’t the ones who get everything perfect. They’re the ones who carry habits of patience, kindness, and gratitude.

For more thoughts on communication and clarity, you can check out my earlier post on Easy SEO Wins. Believe it or not, SEO and air travel share the same principle: structure and positivity go a long way.

Ryan Abramson: Positive Habits in Restaurants

Travel almost always includes eating out. From corner cafés in Newtown to fine dining in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, the way we act at the table makes the experience richer.

• Try to pronounce the dish. Even if your accent isn’t perfect, the effort shows respect.

• Say thank you in the local language. A simple “gracias” in Mexico or “danke” in Germany creates an instant connection.

• Be curious instead of critical. If something tastes different, think of it as a new story, not a mistake.

I remember being in a restaurant in Bethlehem, PA, when a diner at the next table sent their food back three times. No one was smiling by the end—not the server, not the other diners, not even the person complaining. Contrast that with the person who tries a new dish, laughs if it’s not their favorite, and enjoys the moment. Positive habits make the experience better for everyone.

Speaking Another Language

Travel often means hearing words you don’t fully understand. That can be intimidating—or it can be fun.

Positive travelers develop the habit of trying. They learn a few simple phrases, they laugh at their mistakes, and they celebrate even small wins in communication.

Once, on a trip to Munich, I ordered food in German. Was it perfect? No. But the server smiled, encouraged me, and even helped me practice a word or two. That moment became a highlight of the trip—not because of the food, but because of the connection.

It’s the same lesson I share at Penn State Lehigh Valley in my role as Director of Strategic Communications: authentic effort matters. Whether it’s a language or a leadership message, the attempt to connect builds trust.

Trying New Foods

Food is one of the great joys of travel. From fresh seafood in Bucks County to international flavors in Philadelphia, every meal is an opportunity.

Positive habits here are simple:

• Say yes more often. Even if you don’t think you’ll love it, try it.

• Be adventurous, but grateful. Some flavors won’t be for you, and that’s okay. Appreciate the story behind the dish.

• Share your joy. Post a photo, tell a friend, or write a quick note in your travel journal.

I once sat down at a café in Langhorne where the special was something I had never tried. Instead of defaulting to the “safe” choice, I ordered it. Did I love every bite? Maybe not. But I left with a story. That habit—saying yes—makes travel memorable.

For more about storytelling and communication, take a look at Ryan Abramson on Medium or Oakridge Leaders. Stories connect us across the table, across cultures, and across the world.

Smiling and Staying Positive

One of the simplest but most powerful travel habits is smiling. In airports, restaurants, taxis, hotels—your smile is a universal language.

• In Upper Saucon Township, a smile to a neighbor feels just as warm as one shared in London’s Heathrow.

• In Allentown, a smile to the server at the coffee shop makes the morning better for both of you.

• In Bethlehem, a smile across a crowded street says: “We’re in this together.”

Positivity is contagious. When you smile, when you stay calm, when you laugh instead of complain—you create an environment others want to be part of.

Habits of Not Complaining

Every trip comes with hiccups. A delayed flight, a long line, a wrong turn. Complaining is the easiest habit in the world to fall into. But it rarely makes things better.

Instead, practice:

• Gratitude. Thank the staff for helping, even if the outcome isn’t perfect.

• Perspective. Remind yourself that delays are often beyond anyone’s control.

• Patience. Choose to see waiting time as an opportunity—read, journal, or simply people-watch.

In Yardley, I once saw a man at a train station begin to rant about a late departure. His friend calmly said, “Hey, this just means we get to talk a little longer.” Everyone around smiled. A potential moment of stress turned into a moment of connection.

Final Thoughts: Travel as a Classroom

Travel is one of the best teachers we’ll ever have. It teaches us patience, resilience, curiosity, and connection. And the habits we bring with us—smiling, trying new foods, learning new words, being grateful—shape not just our trips, but our lives.

The beauty is that you don’t have to wait for your next flight to start. You can practice these habits in Langhorne, Newtown, Yardley, Allentown, or Philadelphia. Then, when you do travel—whether it’s to the Lehigh Valley International Airport or an international destination—you’re ready.

Because the truth is simple: doing the right thing, building positive habits, and choosing authentic communication makes every journey better.

If you’d like more ideas on how to live and lead with positivity, explore Oakridge Leaders, visit my Penn State page, or connect with me on LinkedIn.

Safe travels, and may your habits make every step brighter.