Most of us have done some kind of traveling, whether it be by plane, car, bus, or train, and we all have experienced the struggles and joy that comes along with that long car ride or cramped plane trip. I have been traveling since before I can remember and I sure have learned a lot of important things from my trips.
Nothing ever goes according to plan
You can plan as much as you want but in the end something is going to happen and throw your entire plan off. You just got to learn to go with the flow. You can’t control the speed that the pilots get ready to take off or how often your friends “have” to go to the bathroom. It is going to get annoying but you just got to learn to brush it off and move on. I have been on several trips and maybe 5 percent of them have gone according to plan.
Small spaces do not bring people together
If you are angry or upset with someone you are about to go on a long trip with, you better sort out your issues before you get into the tiny confined space. Once you are in the tiny confined space there is no escaping that person and chances are you are going to snap and say something you shouldn’t. Being confined with someone doesn’t make things better, it will make things worse. So fix any issues with your fellow travelers or simply don’t go.
Sometimes you are going to lose your stuff
I can’t even remember how many times I have been standing in the baggage claim of an airport watching everyone else’s luggage go by. Then the machine stops and you know that your bag was left on a runway somewhere. Say goodbye to your favorite shirt and shampoo because while the airline will tell you they are doing everything they can to locate your luggage, deep down you know it is a life. Still you should remain hopeful, as miracles do happen.
There is a certain point where you have packed too much
When you are packing you need to ask yourself “do I really need five pairs of shoes for a three day trip?” The answer is no! We all know you are only going to wear one pair and the others will just sit in your suitcase until you return from your trip. If you truly believe you are going to wear all those shoes, which you won’t, just remember it is your responsibility to haul your bag around on the trip. No one is going to be there to help you. So only pack what you truly need and what you can really carry.
You can find sleep in the most uncomfortable of positions
There are those moments where you have been in the car for like eight hours and you just can't keep your eyes open or you're like me and your motion sickness medicine makes you really tired and you have to sleep. No matter what form of transportation you are taking, you will not be able to find a comfortable sleeping position. Maybe if you are fancy and ride first class or have a freaking RV you might but us normal folks won't. Eventually you'll find the position that is the least uncomfortable and fall asleep. Then you like hit a bump and move and everything is thrown off.
You’re bound to get lost at some point
You can have directions and you will still got lost. GPS tell us the wrong way all the time. They can not be trusted. You should be concerned if you are intending to go south and somehow end up on a highway going north.
Never bring food that will smell
Everyone will hate you. I'll hate you. Just don't do it.
Take lots of pictures
You're going to want to remember these moments or get some "nice" sleeping pictures of yours friends for payback. Plus you'll probably see some cool things along the way. So make sure your phone is fully charged and your camera app is open.
The moments spent traveling are going to be some of the best parts of the trip
Everyone also complains about having to make the drive or take a long flight but honestly some of the best memories could come out of the traveling. So go out and embrace those long road trips and layovers.
