Traveling is usually as beautiful as the Instagram pictures with the right filter applied makes it out to be. I say this because even though the sight from the top of the mountain may be worth it, it probably took a lot of effort and planning to get there. Seeing new sights and getting to experience new adventures is always worth it, but the trip there may have had some not-so-pretty aspects to it. Here's just some of the not so sexy, but still worth it, aspects I've learned on my travels.
1. Laundry
I don't think about this one as much as I should when I'm packing until I arrive somewhere and I am debating whether to buy some more stuff (that won't fit in my suitcase) or just find a laundromat to do my laundry in. Depending on where you are, this can be an easy task or a task made for only the real adventurers. Sometimes there are no washer or dryers in sight and you are not the most experienced when it comes to the clothesline, but somehow we always make it work.
2. Having to print stuff
Do you ever just really have to print something? Like a concert ticket or a bus ticket or just like a receipt and you realize how we've made it this far without making some sort of printer that prints straight from our phones? Finding a printer can be 100x more complicated than finding a computer with internet in even the most remote places. Though there are public libraries, internet cafes, and places that allow you to print, sometimes this is the hardest task to undertake while traveling.
3.Cell phone plans/service
The wonderful world sometimes doesn't include cell phone reception and this means that you have to secure cellphone service/plans before you even think about traveling anywhere. In some places, it's just too expensive to call out and in other places, it's just impossible. Sometimes you think you've got it figured out, but yet something prevents you from calling out
4. Where do I park?
If you're driving somewhere unfamiliar, the age old question comes about of, "can I park there?" One of the most nerve wrecking things is trying to see if you can park somewhere legally without getting towed or ticketed.
5. So much fast food
When you're on day 3 of fast food breakfast and you can start to feel your body shutting down, but like adventure awaits so you suck it up.
6. Falling asleep anywhere/nowhere
Eventually, you get so tired that you just end up falling asleep anywhere that is remotely a sleep-able place OR you just end up staying awake for another 24 hours and start to see colors. Either way, it definitely adds to the adventure.
7. Your phone dying at the worst time
Like at midnight in a strange city where you have no idea how public transportation works. Again, we make it work, but not until after a lot of panic and worry about ending up on a crime show.
Sometimes, if you want adventure you have to be willing to put up with the not so nice parts of the journey, but they all end up being worth it in the end.
