When North Carolina fantasy and sci-fi author Deston Munden posted a short video about booking his first-ever hotel room earlier this month, he never expected millions of strangers to rally behind him.
“Me, booking a hotel. BY MYSELF. It only took 34 years and anxiety meds,” he wrote in the Instagram caption alongside a clip where he admitted, “This is the biggest thing I’ve ever done.”
That honest confession struck a chord. The post went viral, racking up more than 1.6 million likes since September 9 and thousands of encouraging comments. People didn’t laugh at his inexperience — they cheered him on.
“Congrats king!,” the popular account Retirement House commented. Even brands and creators jumped in: Jimmy John’s chimed in with, “We all start from somewhere.” Some travel-savvy followers offered to help him navigate New York City. The outpouring of positivity even caught the attention of five-time Grammy winner SZA, who commented: “I hope you have the best trip!!!”
Another commenter summed up the overall praise — not judgment — exhibited by Instagram users. “The comments passed the vibe check and then some,” one wrote. Another gushed: “This comment section reflects the real state of people’s hearts and people on social media, not what we see pushed on us every day. This is a win for humanity.”
The journey marks a milestone for Munden, who says he’s rarely traveled far from his North Carolina hometown. This time, he’s venturing to New York City for a book event tied to his new release, Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife. “I’m excited to break this curse and be able to live and experience life,” he told TODAY.com in an interview after his post went viral.
Munden’s viral story proves that even the smallest step outside your comfort zone can spark a whole community of support — and open the door to new adventures. Taking that first challenging step is not only relatable but also inspirational.
Tips for nervous travelers
If you’re booking your very first hotel stay — or just feeling nerves about the whole concept of travel — here are a few small things to do that can really help:
Start with flexible options: Choose hotels that offer free cancellation or pay-at-arrival rates. It reduces pressure if plans change.
Check the reviews (and the fine print): Recent traveler photos and comments can give you a more accurate picture than stock photos. Feeling prepared with knowledge goes a long way toward reducing anxiety.
Prioritize location: Being close to public transit or your event venue can help reduce stress once you arrive, and help you get around your destination more seamlessly.
Call ahead: If you have questions about check-in, accessibility, or amenities, a quick call can help you feel more prepared. Generally, people are helpful and happy to answer your questions — just ask! (Same goes for help at your destination if you need it.)
Pack for comfort: Bring what helps you feel grounded — whether that’s snacks, a favorite cozy hoodie, or noise-canceling headphones to help soften city sounds.