By Ivana
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June 28, 2021
Ever wondered what it’s like to soar through the skies for a living? Being a flight attendant is a dream for many, but it’s not all glitz and glamour. In this post, I’ll take you behind the curtain of life at 30,000 feet—sharing the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Plus, I’ll give you a peek into what Traviana, your go-to travel agency, has to offer to make your journeys just as exciting (minus the jet lag!). My Love Affair with French and the World My journey didn’t start in an airplane; it began in a classroom—one filled with the sounds of the French language. From the moment I started studying French, I was enchanted by its beauty, the rhythm of its words, and its connection to such a rich culture. I didn’t just learn the language; I fell in love with the idea of living in a world that embraced art, history, and philosophy in such a vibrant way. France became more than just a place on a map; it was a dream—a dream I chased, first through textbooks, then through plane tickets. After university, I found myself with a job that, though rewarding, didn’t allow me the freedom to travel and explore the world like I had always wanted. While I had a steady income, it quickly became clear that this job wouldn’t provide the flexibility to experience different cultures and places. My passion for France and French culture was always at the forefront of my mind, but my reality was that I wasn’t living the adventure I had dreamed about. This frustration sparked a turning point. I knew I had to make a change. So, I made the decision to leave my comfort zone and pursue a career that would allow me to see the world. Becoming a flight attendant became my gateway to the adventure I had longed for. It was the perfect opportunity to combine my love for languages, my desire to experience new cultures, and my dreams of traveling the world. But my love for French culture went beyond language. It was the allure of Paris, with its cobblestone streets, cafés, and the beautiful blend of modernity and history. The more I explored French literature, music, and cinema, the deeper my fascination grew. Little did I know that this love would take me far beyond the classroom and into the skies. When I look back, my university days spent learning French and Hungarian were totally worth it—those languages are like my secret passports, connecting me with incredible people all over the world, whether on the ground or flying high at 30,000 feet! The Good: Flying High and Living the Dream Becoming a flight attendant changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Here’s why it’s such a rewarding career: 1. The Ultimate Perk: Travel Like a Pro Being a flight attendant is like having a personal VIP pass to the world. I’ve been lucky enough to check off iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, sip Arabic coffee in the UAE, and soak up the vibrant cultures of Africa. It’s the ultimate way to see the world—without ever getting bored of the view! 2. Cultural Immersion I’ve always had a deep love for languages, exploring different cultures, meeting new people, and embracing diversity in all its forms. Whether it’s bonding with travelers from all over the world, discovering new traditions, or immersing myself in the rich culture of a new place, every trip feels like a chance to connect with the world in a fresh way. Being a flight attendant means I’m constantly surrounded by a beautiful mix of cultures, and it's honestly one of the most magical parts of the job. 3. Nature’s Best Views Few jobs let you catch a sunrise over the Alps or a glittering cityscape at night. From the window of an aircraft, the world looks different—more beautiful, more connected. It’s a view that never gets old. The Not-So-Glamorous Side of Being a Flight Attendant Of course, it’s not always a walk in the park (or a luxury day trip). Here are some of the challenges flight attendants face: 1. Always in a Rush Picture this: You’re racing to do pre-flight checks, organizing catering, ensuring safety procedures are in place, and greeting passengers—all within a tight timeframe. It’s a whirlwind, and there’s no room for error. 2. Sleepless Nights and Jet Lag I’ve mastered the art of not sleeping—and let me tell you, it’s not as glamorous as it sounds. My body has learned to power through, but let’s be real—it’s not doing me any favors. The lack of rest messes with my energy, my mood, and my health, but when you're living the flight attendant life, sleep becomes a luxury you can't always afford. Sure, I’ve learned to survive on little to no sleep, but trust me, my body definitely has some complaints! 3. Missing Family and Friends While you’re off exploring the world, you often miss birthdays, holidays, and cozy nights at home. It’s a trade-off that can be tough, especially during special occasions. 4. The Work Is Physical Between lifting heavy bags, being on your feet for hours (even not wearing heels), and dealing with the occasional turbulence, the job is physically demanding. Add in the fun of dragging your suitcase with you everywhere and lifting it into the locker—sometimes up to four times a day! It’s a total hustle, but who needs the gym when your shift is a full-body workout? Despite these challenges, there’s something incredibly fulfilling about being a flight attendant. You learn to adapt, to smile through exhaustion, and to appreciate the unique lifestyle it brings. Why I’m Grateful for This Journey Becoming a flight attendant took courage—moving to Latvia in the middle of winter and starting a new chapter wasn’t easy. But it was worth every challenge. I’ve seen the world, grown as a person, and found a deep sense of joy and purpose in what I do. That same spirit of adventure and discovery led to the creation of Traviana, the travel agency I now run with my business partner, Gaël. Together, we’re on a mission to help people experience the world—just like I did when I took that leap of faith. What Traviana Offers At Traviana, we’re more than just a travel agency—we’re your partner in adventure. Here’s what we bring to the table: 1. Travel Selection Based on Budget Dreaming of a trip but not sure where to go? Let our travel agents help you find the perfect destination within your budget. Plus, returning customers enjoy a 10% discount—because loyalty deserves rewards. 2. Personalized Annual Budget Analysis Planning multiple trips? We offer a free follow-up session for bookings made within 30 days. It’s our way of helping you get the most out of your travel budget. 3. Financial Profile Consulting We’ll help you keep track of your travel expenses with our free financial tracking template. It’s like having a personal finance coach for your adventures. 4. Travel Advice & Assistance Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a bucket-list journey, we offer special rates and expert advice to make your travels seamless. A Final Word from the Heart Life as a flight attendant isn’t always easy, but it’s been the adventure of a lifetime. And now, through Traviana, I want to share that magic with you. Whether you’re booking a day trip to a nearby city or planning a grand tour of Europe, we’re here to make it unforgettable. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s plan your next adventure together. Because at Traviana, we believe the world is yours to discover. Ready to take off on your next journey? Contact your trusted travel agents at Traviana today and let’s make it happen!