A Man Nervously Announced He Booked His First Hotel Stay at Age 34 — And the Whole Internet Is Rooting for Him
Deston Munden, a fantasy and science fiction writer from North Carolina, shared something deeply personal on September 9, 2024. At 34, he booked a hotel room for the very first time and recorded the moment in a short Instagram video. Nervous but proud, he described the step as “the biggest thing I’ve ever done.”
People didn’t dismiss it. They understood why it mattered to him, and the video drew a wave of encouragement. Comments came in from strangers who recognized the courage it takes to say out loud that something so ordinary can feel overwhelming.
Cheered On By A Star
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The support kept growing, with messages coming in from well-known accounts. Among them was five-time Grammy winner SZA, who wrote, “I hope you have the best trip!!!” Deston later said that hearing from her left him buzzing with excitement. He hadn’t expected so many people to take an interest in a step that felt so personal.
The trip itself had special meaning. Deston wasn’t booking a room for a vacation but for a work trip to New York City, where he was scheduled to attend an event for his newest book, Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife. It’s his third novel, following Dusk Orbit Blues and The Dargath Chronicles. He noted that he hasn’t traveled much beyond his hometown, which made the idea of staying in a big city both exciting and a little daunting.
Learning To Enjoy The Ride
Deston plans to drive to New York with a friend, which will help ease some of his worries about navigating a new environment. As a self-described “country man from North Carolina,” he admitted that the noise and pace of the city might overwhelm him. Still, he’s determined to push through and enjoy the experience.
The encouragement from strangers online made him feel like anything is possible. It also gave him the push to believe he could break out of his small area and eventually see more of the world, maybe even other countries. For many people, the hardest part is taking that first step, and that’s precisely what Deston did. By being open about how scary it felt, he made it easier for others to relate and root for him.
A Few Helpful Travel Tips
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For anyone else facing similar nerves about traveling, small changes can make a big difference. Start by trying new things close to home, such as a restaurant or museum, to build your confidence. When booking, look for hotels with flexible cancellation policies to minimize stress and ensure a smooth stay. Reading recent reviews helps you feel prepared, and calling ahead with questions can remove some of the mystery. Packing a few comfort items, like snacks or headphones, can also keep nerves in check.