The Unglamorous Life Of A Traveler

As a traveller there are a lot of glamorous moments that I highlight that make my social media followers green with envy (sorry!); constant Facebook updates in Greece, dinner in the Eiffel Tower, selfies with the Mona Lisa and a close up of David’s peen or poolside lounging on the island of Eleuthera. Travelling is everything you can expect it to be and more, but there are many parts of my life as a traveller that I do not document. As the saying goes, all that glitters is not gold. While travelling things can go wrong and they will go wrong.

Here are a few low down dirty travel truths!

Missed Flights/Delays: I’m that traveller that will be at the airport three hours in advance, so I don’t miss a flight. But, there are times where I’m not in control of things like traffic, slow drivers, TSA or long as hell check-in lines. I recently was booked on a flight From The Bahamas to New York City via Miami with American Airlines and there were mechanical issues with the plane. After three hours, we were able to board our flight to Miami but by the time we had arrived, we had missed our connection and had to be rerouted to New Jersey a few hours later. Then had to find our way from New Jersey to Miami. Major Tip: Always be prepared for the unexpected!
Theft: I learned an expensive lesson on my first big solo trip, trust no one. While attending an Olympic viewing party in London, I took my eye off my purse for a mere 5 minutes to take a few photographs and as quick as that someone went into my purse, unzipped my pouch and cleaned me out! I’m talking 1,000 euros! Just like that. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until I got home for the evening that I realized I had been had. It’s the emptiest feeling you can ever have as a traveler. In a foreign country with little to no money.
Major Tip: Always be vigilant!
Sickness: Being sick on vacation ranks high up on the list for things that will ruin your trip. When on the road, be prepared to eat things that you usually don’t! It took my stomach almost a week to get adjusted to eating the food while I was in China. I lost maybe 5-7 pounds; nothing would stay down. While in Italy, we over indulged in any and everything with cheese. The result, ever heard of Dulcolax? Imagine having to answer that call while in the middle of a tour in the middle of Florence. Or, how about being THIS close to swallowing Chloraseptic that you thought was cough medicine because no one speaks English!
Major Tip: Always pack a personal medicine bag!
Loneliness: While traveling solo is a wonderful feeling, there is a moment on your adventures where you will get stabbed with a pain called loneliness. Missing your family and friends or wanting to share the moment with someone, anyone but yourself. It happens, and it sucks. I remember my first trip to Paris, on my birthday, I was over the moon about Paris, but was overwhelmed by a cloud of sadness because I had no one to share it with. Luckily, I bumped into two American girls while at The Louvre who invited me to spend the day with them.
Major Tip: Always travel with a friend unless you can’t, then….shrugs.
Sacrifice: Being able to travel and slowly check places off of my bucket list has taken major sacrifice. Sacrifices to be able to afford plane tickets, transportation, lodging and any other expense that comes with traveling. I choose to stay in and cook dinner rather than to eat out, forego nail appointments, hair appointments, partying with friends, and wardrobe re-ups in order to afford a life of travel. It can be rough at times, but it is fulfilling and rewarding.
Major Tip: Always look at the bigger picture, the world is waiting!

While I have been through a wide range of travel horrors, I wouldn’t choose a life any different. Traveling is amazing and overall satisfying. It is the only thing you can purchase that will make you rich; rich in mind, body & spirit! So while there are challenges sure to come, take a page out of a boy scouts handbook, always be prepared.