Since I live 1,885 miles from Iowa City (I Googled it), I always get asked how I deal with traveling. Even though it is so far, I haven’t had any issues, and travel days have been relatively simple (knock on wood). The Cedar Rapids Airport is only a 30-minute car ride from campus, and it is super easy to get an Uber to take you. People at the airport are super friendly and help to ensure your travel day goes smoothly. Once you get through security, there is a Java House pop-up (my favorite coffee shop in Iowa City) that I can never resist grabbing a pre-flight beverage. The airport only has 13 gates, and it only takes about 5 minutes to walk from one end of the terminal to the other, making it nearly impossible to miss your flight. Once you get on the plane, all you have to do is sit back and relax, which I usually do by watching a movie or taking a much-needed nap. I only have 1 connection either through Phoenix, Denver, or Chicago, and those are also pretty easy to navigate even though they are larger airports (just make sure to give yourself enough time). And in a quick 7-hour travel day, I am home for the holidays!

I hope everyone is enjoying spending time with their families and having some well-deserved time off!

-Simran