So, I just got back from a trip to Ireland-- let me tell you, it was the most amazing week of my life! I loved our tour and everything we did. However, this amazing tour came with an *interesting* downfall: for the first time, I had to stay in these things called "hostels."

I had NO idea what I was in for. A hostel is like a big college dorm, and I stayed in rooms that slept anywhere from five to twelve people.

So, for those of you who can relate to traveling and staying in less than prime conditions, here is what you miss about your own home while you're traveling.

1. Privacy

This is DEFINITELY what I missed most. I slept with a million different strangers in my room throughout the week, and let me just say that getting ready on my own in the mornings and at night is something I took very much for granted.

2. Your Home Bathroom

I don't really mind sharing a bathroom with my mom and sister. Do I mind sharing a bathroom with five to ten strangers. Heck. Yes.

That level of females crammed into one space create a mess that should require a Hazmat suit for entry. Simply gross.

3. Your Personal Schedule

I truly loved not having to get up and worry about children at work for a week; however, adjusting to a whole new schedule was a little rough. We stayed up decently late, and had to wake up around 7:30 every day.

Not to mention, some people at these hostels kept some WEIRD hours: some got ready for bed at 6:30 p.m., and some stumbled into a dark room at 3:00 a.m.

This pattern (or lack thereof) definitely takes its toll.

4. Familiar Surroundings

Usually when you travel domestically, the surroundings stay fairly familiar (give or take.) However, I just experienced leaving the U.S. for the first time-- the little, insignificant differences took some getting used to. I couldn't go down the street and get Chipotle; trash cans vs. recycling bins were labeled in ways I couldn't decipher; don't even get me started on the driving situations...

And the toilets in Europe are weird, guys. So. Weird.

5. Your Favorite People

I LOVED getting to meet the tour group and some super cool Irish locals-- but by literally day two, I was already missing my gang back home. I mean, I almost cried leaving work the day before we left! (I guess that means I love my job, right?)

Time differences make talking to the people you left back home a lot harder, which means that you hear from them a lot less. I'm someone who needs her people constantly, so this just was not flying.

With all of this said, taking a trip like this is something I HIGHLY recommend. My trip to Ireland was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with some of the best sights and experiences in the world! The trip was way worth a little bit of "culture shock."

I mean... see for yourself!