Arriving in the United States in 2006, I really had no idea what the whole fuss was about over Thanksgiving at the end of November every year. In reality I just thought this was just another holiday that was celebrated and folks used this as an excuse to be off work for a few days to celebrate with their family.

Maybe I still don’t appreciate the holiday season over here that I am not completely familiar with as much as US citizens do, but one thing this holiday does is make me think about what I am thankful for. I recently turned 30 and although I am an advocate of this just being a number, it’s interesting to look back over the previous decade and realize just how many things have taken place during my 20’s.

I graduated from the University of Manchester with my Bachelor’s degree, later graduated with my Master of Business Administration from Arkansas State University, got married to my wife and soul mate Heather, lived in four different places (two countries/three USA states) and the list goes on.

I think it’s almost impossible to be thankful for everything that has taken place in the past and I am sure we are all guilty of taking some things for granted, but here is my shot at some things that spring to mind when I think about Thanksgiving.

• I met Heather, my wife, in 2008, married in 2011 and formed the most amazing partnership every! She is the best thing that ever happened to me.
• My mum and dad (and other family) have supported me with every decision that I made, in particular their unbelievable encouragement when I made the move out to USA in 2006.
• Having a great job that I enjoy getting up every day for and helping students achieve their education goals.
• Our love for travel and our ability to take so many trips every year.
• Being able to play golf still as much as possible (trivial I know but it’s still a huge passion).
• Our home – it’s only a townhouse/apartment but it’s ours and we have made it our home!
• Proximity to Kandela Mexican Restaurant! One thing I am thankful for since I arrived in USA is finding out how good Mexican cuisine really is. Plus it’s even better when it’s authentic.
• I am still able to follow the ups and downs of Ramsbottom United (my local football team in England) via Twitter.
• I became an avid Apple fan! Despite stating several years ago that I would never become an Apple addict, I now own an iPod, iPhone, iPad and MacBook Air. I will let you decide for yourself (oh yes, and I plan on buying an iPad Mini later today on Black Friday!).
• I appreciate England even more now that I don’t live there. Whenever we travel over there on our annual trip, I really enjoy visiting places I probably took for granted before.
• The folks that I have met here in USA that have made me feel welcome and don’t discriminate that my nationality is different. Americans sometimes get a stereotype attached to them around the world but I can truly say they are a friendly bunch (for the most part right!).
• That my Green Card and Visa process is coming to an end (hopefully will achieve US citizenship within the next few years!).
• And finally, to repeat my first point, I am thankful for having Heather in my life who helps me every day become a better person and the fact that we have so much in common and enjoy life together!

When you think about Thanksgiving, what are you most thankful for?

It may be something obvious or something really trivial that most folks probably take for granted, but sit down for a few minutes and think about this.

If you have watched Tom Hanks performing in the JFK based “The Terminal”, you will certainly understand the importance of using your imagination to pass time! We have all been in the situation of having to wait at the airport terminal either having to hang around for a connecting flight or due to weather delays etc.

So what can we do to pass what sometimes could be several hours before we can head on to our next destination? The following gives a brief insight into the top 5 pastimes that travelers tend to do whilst waiting (please comment if you have any other suggestions):

Shopping

Most airports have a variety of shops available for avid travelers to visit. Many of these stores are sometimes local to the airport in terms of the merchandise available. i.e. If you are at O’Hare airport in Chicago, you are likely to find Bears, Blackhawks and Cubs memorabilia though there are generally many other options available. Some of the larger global airports have so many shops across their various terminals that they are more like a shopping mall.

The airport terminal is the perfect location for leading designers to showcase their products especially given the thousands of tourists and business travelers that pass through 365 days of the year.

Wine and Dine

All airports have various dining options, ranging from basic deli options to more lavish three course meal dining locations. Use your time wisely to eat at the airport terminal rather than relying on the plane food which although in many cases is edible, generally leaves a lot to be desired given there are few options available (even if you travel in business class).

Visiting a Chilis or sports bar can be relaxing as you can pick away at an appetizer and sip on a beer whilst watching the latest sports action. Airports are more expensive and you certainly shouldn’t compare prices to what you would regularly pay. Merchants know they can increase the price ceiling because travelers will pay the prices to satisfy their needs.

Research your Destination

Unless you are the perfect planner and well organized individual, you are likely to be in the same position as most travelers lacking sufficient knowledge to know exactly what you are going to do at your final destination. Use the time at the airport to research things to do, places to eat and probably most importantly, how to get around in your destination. Will you be renting a car, using public transportation or simply staying at the all-inclusive resort? All these are questions that need to be answered and preparing before you get there can certainly save you hassle when you should be relaxing and focusing on enjoying your vacation.

Airports are fitted with wi-fi, some you are fortunate to receive free wireless access which is just a great way to perform research while others you have to pay to use the internet service (Boingo is a good example of a wi-fi provider in the airport). One suggestion that may be useful is researching the airport before you travel and see what internet connections are available and some offer the opportunity to pre-purchase wi-fi time for cheaper than at the airport. Tracking travel blogs, researching websites and checking out the latest weather or all good ways to spend your time.

If the Internet is not your preferred medium, visit one of the airport news vendors and look at purchasing either a travel book of your destination or maybe a magazine advertising an array of locations is a better read. Whichever works best for you, use this time to plan your schedules!!

Exercise

Airports really can prove to be great places for getting some exercise before a potentially long haul flight. Not only are you gaining exercise, you can also see some interesting artifacts in airports. Sculptures, wall art and modern architecture are generally prevalent throughout leading global airports and many offer the opportunity to learn the history and heritage within the city/country you are currently based.

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport is a great airport to walk several miles as there are numerous terminals connected by the underground train, at the same time offering pedestrians the option to walk parallel to the tracks. Combining shopping, exercise and expanding your knowledge of a region, walking is certainly a great way of passing some time.

Take a Nap

Some people are fortunate to be able to sleep when flying. Unfortunately I am not one of these folks and I am sure there are plenty out there who have the same feelings towards flying on a plane. I am not sure if it due to comfort or whether I am always wanting to know what is going on, where we are etc. I don’t know but waiting around in the terminal is a great opportunity to take a quick cat nap!

I am not suggesting you take the Hanks approach of setting up your bed in the terminal by moving chairs around, but there are generally locations in a terminal that are quieter than you can either curl up in a corner against a wall or lounge in a comfortable chair. Many airports have sleep areas where travelers can take a quick nap, so please take advantage of this if you are like me and struggle to doze off when flying at 30000 feet.