Because I don’t travel like most people — and that’s the whole point.
By Cyan Gafl | Cyans of Life
I don’t do travel like most people.
I don’t rush. I don’t panic. And I definitely don’t wake up at 3 AM to catch a flight if I can help it.
What I do have are a few smart moves and personal habits that help me stay calm, clear, and in
my glow — even when I’m running on zero sleep. These aren’t rules. They’re not rigid routines.
They’re just things I discovered for myself — and now I’ll never travel any other way.
1. The “Night Before” Airport Drop-Off
(and Why I Never Book a $200 Hotel for a 6 AM Flight)
When I have a super early flight, I don’t stay in a hotel. I usually get dropped off at the airport the
night before — around 11 PM or midnight. Whoever’s available wins the job. Sometimes it’s the
person I’m visiting, sometimes a family member, sometimes an Uber. Honestly, if you can fog a
mirror and drive, you’re qualified.
Why do I do it this way?
Because I’m not about to pay $200+ for a hotel I’m leaving at 2 AM. That money could fund
something way more useful — or way more fun.
I usually rest during the day or early evening, so I can stay up through the night without crashing
or feeling wrecked the next day. When I get to the airport, I’m calm and focused. I settle in, do
some work on my laptop or phone, and wait for the baggage check-in counters to open. Then,
effortlessly, I check my bag, float through TSA PreCheck, grab a coffee and head to my gate.
Sometimes I stretch.
Sometimes I sit and work.
Sometimes I nap.
And once I’m on the plane?
I’m blessed — I can sleep anywhere.
Out. Like. A. Light.
“Getting there early isn’t about being extra — it’s about being in control of your energy.”
So, What I’d Rather Spend That $200 On…
Here’s what that hotel money could go toward instead:
● A flight to another city — one step closer to my next bucket list rave or retreat
● A bottle of Libre Intense, Dior Hypnotic, or YSL Black Opium perfume that makes my
man obsessed with me (and has strangers checking their boarding passes just to sit
near me)
● A new pair of platform boots, rave outfit, and photo shoot
● A romantic dinner with someone who makes me laugh, feel beautiful, and shares dessert
● A cute outfit I’ll wear across cities, festivals, lounges, and airport terminals — because I
dress for the story, not the selfie
2. Micro-Rest + Reset at Home (Even If I Don’t Sleep)
I don’t always sleep before I travel — but I always make space to reset.
Sometimes I rest for hours in my massage chair. Not knocked out… just still. Phone down. Mind
soft. Letting myself rest before the motion begins. It’s not about sleep — it’s about nervous
system peace.
Then comes the ritual that really shifts everything:
A hot shower.
Clean skin.
Clothes I can move in — and that make me feel elevated, not sloppy.
I actually like to dress up for my flights. It makes me feel good.
So many people travel looking dumpy — I’m not doing that. I’m not showing up like I just
crawled out of a box.
Then I finish with a little glow-up moment:
Lip balm. Brushed hair. A spritz of perfume. Not soft — I just arrived.
Those small moments — the rinse, the reset, the scent — change how I walk into the airport.
I’m not rushing. I’m not frazzled.
I’m fresh, focused, and fully in my glow.
“Even if I don’t sleep, I can still show up soft and steady — and that changes everything.”
3. TSA & Travel Glow Tips I Wish More People Knew
Travel Tip: Get Global Entry — Known Traveler Is Included
If you’re thinking about signing up for TSA PreCheck, hold up.
Here’s the smarter move:
When you apply for Global Entry, Known Traveler (aka TSA PreCheck) is included.
That means you only need to apply once, pay one fee, and you get both:
✔ PreCheck perks for domestic flights
✔ Faster re-entry into the U.S. when flying internationally
I originally applied and paid for Known Traveler by itself. I didn’t realize that when you apply for
Global Entry, Known Traveler is automatically included.
It wasn’t until I went back to apply for Global Entry that I realized I’d already paid for something I
could’ve gotten bundled.
Now I know — and you do too.
Toiletries & Meds — What I Pack Where
Unless I’m going carry-on only, I keep all my toiletries in my checked bag. It’s just easier — and
I don’t like stressing over TSA rules with liquids and serums.
But even in checked baggage, there are limits. No aerosols, flammables, or overfilled
containers.
And if you bring liquids in your carry-on,
If you’re flying carry-on only, remember:
● 3.4 oz (100 ml) max per liquid
● One quart-sized bag total
Medications?
Keep those in your personal item — always.
Especially prescriptions or anything you can’t skip a dose on.
Luggage Locks + The TSA Key Hack
I once bought a piece of luggage in Rishikesh, India — and somehow the combo got changed
from my normal secret combo of 000 to who-knows-what. Hopefully, there’s someone else in the
world who never resets the combination on their luggage. I can’t tell you how many locks I have
forgotten the combination for. You know… that code that you’ll never ever forget. Forgotten.
So if you’re lock challenged like me – here’s a few tips…
1. Travel with backup locks.
2. Buy a TSA universal master key on Amazon.
You don’t have to be a safecracker. If your TSA-approved lock gets stuck or the combo
inadvertently changes on you, that little key can save your luggage and your trip.
Now, I keep one in my emergency kit just in case.
Final Thoughts: I Travel With Intention — and I Go With the Flow
I don’t follow a rigid itinerary.
I plan what matters — like my arrival and the non-negotiables — but I leave space for
spontaneity. Sometimes I only book my arrival and departure hotel and let the rest unfold.
I like to flow.
I trust myself to improvise, explore, and create my own rhythm.
I want to feel elevated.
Calm. Energized.
Ready for the next adventure.
I want to laugh.
Have fun.
Enjoy little moments.
Make beautiful memories.
I’ve never been someone who “travels like a tourist.”
And now, more than ever, I want to experience places — not just visit them.
To meet people.
To move with intention.
To make it meaningful.
I don’t travel like most people — and that’s the point.
Soft flow travel is how I stay in my glow.
It’s how I move with freedom, confidence, and joy.
It’s not just how I travel — it’s how I create a life that I love
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