5 Things Nobody Tells You About Travel

We’ve all had it happen I’m sure; your friend has just come home from a far flung destination and is ready to tell you all about their fabulous adventure. Of course they have to omit some details but for the most part they’re honest about their experience. Their trip was wonderful and they’re so happy they went!

Fabulous. But I’m here to un-omit those details. The seemingly innocuous details left out to make the story shine. I want you to know, gentle reader, that the grass isn’t as green as you think.

#1. Cities smell. Badly.

The scent of urine will hit you almost instantly when you set food in Paris. Pollution will hit you in London. Plug your nose while travelling through any town with a paper mill. I can only imagine that any city the Ganges River passes through doesn’t smell like a bed of roses either. Cities stink, be prepared for it.

#2. There will be homeless people.

I’ve still yet to figure out what to do about this. Normally I wish them a good day but sometimes I’m a bit scared to speak with them. It’s an issue which I am working on within myself. This kind of encounter is somewhat unfamiliar to me as I grew up in a town without a large population of unhoused people, and so I understand that the first time this happens to you it can be stressful. Wherever metropoli you visit are bound to have them though, so be prepared for that eventuality. Remember; these are human beings deserving of the utmost kindness and respect. Act accordingly.

#3. The currency system will be different.

Yes, you’ll know that the currency system is different. What people don’t tell you is how that messes up your ability to produce payment. When I first went to England I found myself looking for quarters. When I came back, I looked for twenty pence pieces for about a week. You will not be able to count your money as fast as you do back home, or have as good an awareness of how much you have. Be patient with yourself and others while you figure it all out. Collect and keep a few!

#4. Some items (and people) will be utterly unhelpful.

I find that when people speak about travel they really play up how good and helpful certain individuals or companies were during their stay, or maybe even how rude staff were, but they rarely talk about the unhelpful ones. These are the items like signs, maps, or directions, or the people who think they are doing an excellent job, are polite, and then just end up being completely wrong about what they were talking about or pointing you into the opposite direction you wished to end up. This will happen. Error is constant, be patient, and be sure you check your facts or get a second opinion when you suspect that someone may have unintentionally (or otherwise) led you astray.

#5. Travel can be scary.

Running out of money, being unable to translate for yourself, encounters with angry locals, becoming lost, missing a train or flight, these are all things that will happen to you at some point if you travel enough. You will be scared. You will have heart heart wrenching moments of sorrow. You will lose things. You will feel heartbreak and trepidation, anger and despair.

That’s how you know you’re learning. Keep travelling. The rest is worth it.

Wear a mask, wash your hands, and be safe gentle reader.