Travel confessions
By Jeremy Branham on May 14, 2011 with Comments 80
I have some more travel confessions to make – I have plenty of faults and weaknesses. I know this may come as a shock to many people but I am not the Superman many people think I am.
Many wonder how I work, travel, write, build a patio, maintain a garden, spend time with my family, maintain a (limited) social life, and many other things – even though I wrote my Elmer Fudd guide on how to live a balanced life.
I’ve stated before that I really need more hours in a day. However, that is just part of the problem. I love my family but am far from perfect. I can get easily frustrated, a little too emotional, and sometimes lazy.
With that said, forget about all the flaws in my personal life for a moment. However, I do have some travel confessions to make. Some of these may surprise you and some may not. In my opinion, travel is one of the most meaningful and life changing events we could ever choose. However, I don’t always do it well.
My travel confessions
Many people have read about my travels, travel tips, and have had me share my somewhat strong and passionate opinions on various travel topics. However, here are some surprising things you may not have known about me when it comes to traveling.
And once you’ve reflected on these confessions, check out even more with Travel confessions part II!
I don’t like tourists
First off, there is a difference between tourists and travelers. Tourists are the ones who are loud, inconsiderate of other cultures, stick out rather than fit in, and are inconsiderate of other people. Travelers are those who want to fit in, want to learn about other cultures rather than question why others do things like we do back home, and are considerate of other people – both locals and tourists.
I don’t like the loud Americans I’ve met in various restaurants. I didn’t like the horde of Japanese tourists who practically ran over me in Versailles just to take some photos. I shudder when I see shorts, tennis shoes, a fanny pack, and a camera around the neck. When I am a visitor to foreign places, I try to be discreet and fit in rather than stand out and act however I want. I think it’s rude.
I am easily frustrated and not very flexible at times
The best travelers are those that expect the unexpected and can go with the flow. I completely agree with this – but this isn’t always me. Both at home and when I travel, I am not a patient person. When I think things aren’t happening quickly enough, because someone is just being selfish or just not paying attention, I get irritated.
When I was in Barcelona, I got frustrated a number of times. When we first arrived, I was so angry because we didn’t have good directions to our hotel and we spent nearly an hour trying to find it. I was fuming and very irritable blaming the stupid guidebook and poor directions. On a self-guided walk in Barcelona, I was once again angry because the directions for the walk were wrong. Again, my guidebook felt my wrath. When things don’t go according to plan, I do get irritated. Don’t believe me? Read about my frustrations in Barcelona and about things I did and didn’t like in backpacking through Spain and Portugal.
I am easily guided by my emotions and feelings
For many years, I would have never even stated this. When it comes to dealing with the world around me, I am probably the most unemotional, rational, and logical human being you have ever met. Based on the logic of someone’s statement, I could think an argument is completely stupid – with no ill will towards the person who said. If something doesn’t make sense, I don’t get it.
However, I react to what is happening to me based on my emotions and feelings. If I am angry or happy, the people close to me know it. I don’t hide this well at all and it can be hard for me to get over things. When a trip is going well, I can be a lot of fun. When things aren’t going to plan, I can be a pain to travel with. Ask my wife and see #2.
I am not very outgoing and social
One of my biggest tips for creating the best travel memories and experiences is to connect with locals when you travel. Honestly, it is very hard for me to just walk up to people and talk to them. It doesn’t come natural for me and it can be quite awkward. Sometimes it can be rather easy. It all depends on how comfortable I am and what my mood is.
Last weekend, I went to the Sacramento Scottish Highlands Games and Festival and was so excited to be there. However, it took me nearly 15 minutes to get the nerve to talk to someone about the games. After a fascinating conversation, it still took another half hour before I got the courage to even say something to one of the athletes. I am so glad I did! However, it doesn’t come easy.
There was that time I talked to a naked guy on a nude beach in Portugal, met girls at a bachelorette party at a club in Florence, and hung out all day with a Lebanese girl I met at a McDonald’s in Paris and spent the rest of the day with. However, it takes a LOT of courage for me to connect with other people. Sometimes I honestly don’t want to and would rather keep to myself. However, I know that connecting with others makes the travel experiences that much more memorable.
I have a love/hate relationship with cities
Ever since I was a little kid, I was fascinated with big cities. On my first trip to Atlanta, I fell in love with it. I loved the tall buildings and the many places to see within the city. I love the diversity, being able to take various transportation systems, and just walk around. Even when I haven’t particular liked a city, I’ve still had some great moments (even in Venice – one of the most overrated cities I’ve ever visited).
However, if I am an honest, I much prefer the peace and quiet of the countryside. It’s why I love places like Tahoe and why I enjoy hiking. Quite honestly, I like being away from people. As an introvert, I get my energy from time to myself and there is no better place to do that than in the beauty of nature. Some of my favorite places are Lake Bled, Lake Tahoe, and anywhere with mountains and a lake. I am not the most outgoing person and I don’t always like being around other people. So getting away from the city is very refreshing.
I am very detailed but have poor organization skills
I have so many ideas and plans when I travel and write. I admit that I need more hours in a day. A more accurate statement is that I don’t get as much done as I would like because I don’t organize my time well. I procrastinate, don’t like lists, and do what I feel in the moment. This doesn’t always work well when I travel and it definitely doesn’t work well with a travel blog. But I’ve confessed it and hopefully this is something I can definitely improve upon.
Maybe this has something to do with my travel mid life crisis.
Family travel scares me
I am not even sure that I should admit this one. When I travel, it’s hard enough to deal with the frustrations that come with traveling when it’s just me. However, bring two little kids into it and I can be a worrying, overprotective father. I desperately want my kids to experience the world but it can also be stressful.
As I mentioned above, I am not always the easiest person to travel with. I like when things go according to plan and I have confidence that I can take care of myself. It’s scary to deal with the unexpected when you have others to look out for. Quite honestly, it can be stressful. I want to be a LOT more laid back about things when I travel and just trust that everything will be OK. This is one of the things I am really trying to work on right now in my life.
I don’t like technology when I travel
Ironically, I work in IT, I couldn’t do my job without a computer, I write about travel online, I spend many hours on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media, and wouldn’t be where I am in life without it.
However, when I travel, I really like to simplify. My cell phone is 7 years old and allows me to text (which I rarely use) and talk – and that’s it. Never considered an iphone or any phone with any type of data plan. I’ve never used GPS. I’ve never used any type of app for a cell phone.
(EDIT: I do have a an Android phone and do use apps now. I have also used GPS. However, I still don’t let these technologies run my life)
I don’t have HD anything and the “big” TV in my home is 27 inches. Even my travel journals are written with pen and paper. Travel is the one chance I have to simplify my life and really enjoy getting away. I honestly take very little technology with me when I travel.
I don’t travel as much as I used to – and that’s OK!
For many years, I had plenty of money, no debt, and no responsibilities and took 2 to 3 trips a year to various places in the US and around the world. Now my life has changed and I don’t have the time or money to travel like I did before. Do I envy those who take off to travel for 3 or 4 months at a time, quit their jobs to travel, or have been traveling around the world for years? Sometimes, yes.
It doesn’t mean I still don’t travel. I can’t do what I did before but honestly I live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country here in northern California and there is so much to see and do. San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Napa, the central valley around Sacramento – all within a few hours. I still have a lot planned but it definitely costs me a lot more to travel these days in both time and money.
Yet all the experiences I have had traveling can’t compare to the joys of being a dad. One day my kids will have the chance to see all the places I have seen. I will make sure of that. However, people have no idea what it is like to experience places with kids. That wide-eyed excitement and enjoy allows to you experience places like you’ve never experienced before. You don’t even have to go far to do that either. One of my favorite trips ever Fall is the annual visit to Apple Hill. I don’t care where you’ve been or traveled – there is NOTHING like traveling with your family.
After all, I have learned that travel is a mindset – not a destination, how far from home you travel, or how long you will be gone.
Don’t we all have travel confessions?
So these are my travel confessions. Some of these may be surprising but all of them are honest. I am not always the best traveler, don’t always like to be around a lot of people when I travel, can find it hard to connect with others at times, and there are even times when I am content with not traveling.
Yet it is the love of travel and my experiences that drive this passion to travel. There is no way I could do this day after day, week after week, or month after month if I didn’t love this. Many of the things I have learned about myself have made be a better traveler but have also confronted my weaknesses. At times, I am different than other travelers. Without a doubt, my travel confessions make my travel experiences unique – father, family travel lover, budget traveler, and all.
What travel confessions do you have?
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Filed Under: Traveling Thoughts
I'm Jeremy Branham and I love to travel. Check out my travel stories, guides, sports travels, and adventures.
I can hardly tell how much I enjoyed and appreciated reading your travel confessions, Jeremy. I like your honesty in daring to admit your weaknesses and limits. Don’t we all experience them? That’s what makes us human… Wonderfully human.
I smiled while reading, as I recognized myself in lots of your confessions. For the most part, your weaknesses are mine. The love-hate towards big cities, the search for calm and silence, the difficulty to bear noisy and unrespectful tourists (you mention American but I can tell you that many Italians are no better…). Like you, I am shy and getting in contact with locals or other travelers doesn’t always get that easy.
What can I say? That’s our travel style. For the good and the bad.
And sure… Now that I read your travel confessions I guess you would be one of my ideal travel companions!
Simon, if you only knew the depths to which I struggle in my life. Thanks so much for your comments. It’s refreshing to hear that my honesty and candidness can be an encouragement to other people. I wrote this post on a whim. For whatever reason, it was a day that caused me to reflect. And rather than procrastinate or blow it off, I decided to share my thoughts. Part of me feels like I needed to share that I am not the great traveler people may think me to be just because I happen to do it and write about it. Part of me felt like I wanted to have a voice as someone who travels differently and struggles with areas of my life. I am not a guy who connects with the locals, always has the time to travel, and is free and happy gallivanting around the globe.
Right or wrong, I wanted to share. Glad people like you can relate!
Hey Jeremy, nice list. Its good to see some of these as they are shared by a lot of us. I especially fall into the detail oriented yet disorganized camp. Not many if.any at all humans are the people they want to be. We all hide things and strive toward an ideal. Yet its good to feel that irs not the end to not be there yet.
The tip i have on the frustration is to decouple your expectations from reality. Enjoy and experience what actually happens above what you expected. Yup this is quite difficult and takes practice.
Andrew recently posted..Sarzana – Near But Not In Cinque Terre
Thanks for your comments! My wife is has some constructive criticism for me about being more organized and doing lists to get more done. It sounds great and yes I need to do it. However, I can lose focus on things like this because I can be guided more by what I feel like doing in the moment when I should be more focused.
Quite honestly, I have spent a long time figuring out who I am – more than I could ever share on here. Maybe we can talk about that more at TBEX.
As for your tip, I completely agree – separating expectations from reality helps you enjoy the experiences more. And yes, it is tough to do as well!
I recently wrong about what 6 months of travel has taught me about myself, and it’s interesting to see we have something in common. I also am not very outgoing and social, and that’s difficult when you are traveling alone. I’ve really had to push myself on this.
The Travel Chica recently posted..How to Live Like a Porteño
It’s something I’ve had to do as well. It’s not always easy but it makes travel much more memorable when you connect with others. I encourage it – it’s just not always easy!
I guess my travel confession would have to be that my husband and I honestly prefer to just go back to our hotel room in the evenings. We like to relax, watch a movie on the computer, read a book or maybe do a little travel writing about my experiences so far. Sometimes I feel guilty that we don’t experience more night life in the places we visit but this is what makes us happy and we are excellent traveling companions, so I guess it’s OK!
Jan Ross recently posted..This is the Opposite of Writer’s Block
Jan, I see nothing wrong with this at all. There was a time I enjoyed the nightlife but not as much anymore. I am more like you in that respect. I actually am a night owl but doesn’t mean I am going to be out partying. Life has changed for me the last few years so don’t feel bad about it. If it’s what you like to do, there is nothing wrong with that!
Haha! That is brilliant Jeremy! Loved it and it is nice to see you dislike the tourists too! I just visited one of the most popular tourist parks in Bali. Visit my blog for my honest opinion….I am sure to get some backlash from it. hahaha!
Mel recently posted..mels-camera-1094
I think there are times we ALL need to be tourists – just get away, be ourselves, and enjoy life. For many, it’s about being travelers – experiencing new places with respect and reverence for the people, culture, and history. If we were always travelers and never tourists, then we would fail to let our hair down and just have fun! So to say I hate tourists is a little strong – but mostly true!
I guess I’m another one that shares some of the same issues, especially the not being very organized one! I can sit down with the intention to write a blog post and then three hours later realize that I got sidetracked by reading other blogs. Usually by then I’m tired of sitting at the computer and am ready for a martini.
david recently posted..Help Me Plan My Road Trip pt2
David, I can completely understand you on that one! I can get sidetracked as well. I need to have a list and a schedule – neither of which I have. On the flip side, it doesn’t mean I am not on top of things. I am as responsible, conscientious, and respectful as it gets. It’s just some thing I don’t organize very well. The best example of this for me is filing. I am a pack rat and DETEST filing – not a good combination!
Well this was enlightening and interesting! The honesty in the blogging community is something if find refreshing.
For the time I have been reading your blogs and commenting I have felt that we are similar in many ways. I do like cities but also prefer the small villages. I too am an introvert that wishes she could just reach out! I also changed the way I traveled once I had children. Since we were a one income family, we spent a lot of time camping and I wouldn’t change a thing. When my kids were 14 and 18 we did take them to Europe and had a great time! Technology. . . no data plans for me, no gps either and I don’t spend my life on twitter or facebook. I do have a rather large HD TV that we got when my son moved home after college but I wouldn’t replace it.
I am at the point in my life where my children are older (last one has 1 year left in college) and we are thinking about what comes next
I, however, have patience. Maybe too much patience but I am who I am
Thanks for sharing!
Debbie, my wife has the patience in our family and thank goodness for that! Yes, it does seem we are a lot alike in those areas. One income is hard – it’s a huge change from just a few years ago. However, I wouldn’t do it any other way. As much as I love traveling, I love my kids more and they are thriving far more at home than they would anywhere else. That’s a personal choice for many people but it works well for us. As for traveling, my kids are far more flexible than I think. The true test will be in November when we fly across country for Thanksgiving!
Completely agree with you. One income is a choice, obviously I think the right one too, and difficult but it is a phase of life.
Ah yes, flying with little ones is always an experience! It will be a Thanksgiving to remember
Debbie Beardsley recently posted..Fabulous Friday- Discovering a Unique Festival in Germany
The income was a choice we made as well. When my wife quit, she made more money than I did. It was so easy for us to travel before the kids came along. However, I don’t regret the choice and enjoy the life we have now!
We all have faults, so it’s nice to see someone acknowledging that! And reading your post made me think of myself and the parts of my personality that come out when traveling.
About traveling with kids scaring you, I can understand why because it really isn’t easy. Much of the trip becomes about them, so you have to sacrifice some of the things that you would normally want to do, but you should try it and see how it goes. I would start your kids flying soon so that they will get used to it and won’t be scared later. A short flight and trip to somewhere like San Diego might be a good place to start. Then you’ll see what a pain in the butt it is! LOL.
Jenna recently posted..Great Art Series- Picasso in San Francisco
Thanks Jenna! And remember that I am the one that warned you about what a difference the second one makes!
As for traveling, my kids are more flexible than I give them credit for. Again, this speaks more to my weaknesses and faults than it is blaming my family for my concerns about traveling. The older my kids get, they will be great at traveling I am sure. However, it’s definitely a big insecurity and worry I have – it’s much more me than it is them.
However, this will be put to the test in November – flying back to SC for Thanksgiving!
A domestic flight like you will make in November will be a great start. Good luck! And you’re right, having a second one makes a huge difference. I don’t know how single parents do it.
Jenna recently posted..Great Art Series- Picasso in San Francisco
I did two flights with my son when he was 6 months and 17 months. On the flight home at 17 months, he was awful. Now, I will have a 3 1/2 year old and a nearly 2 year old. Hoping this trip is much better.
I can’t think of any big confessions. I suppose I could say that I enjoy seeing popular tourist attractions, even as some people eschew them. For me, there’s value in going up the Eiffel Tower just as there is in chatting with locals in a small town somewhere.
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I don’t think there is anyone that wouldn’t admit to enjoying some tourist attractions. I just think it’s a wasted trip if that’s ALL you do! I want to experience a place – not just see the attractions.
LOL Jeremy, you rock! I love the confessions and agree with a number of them as I too cannot stand certain situations. Well said!
David @ MalaysiaAsia recently posted..Pantai Cenang in Langkawi – Plane View
I get angry when things don’t go to plan sometimes too – that’s totally natural. I’m SO worried about travelling with a child (don’t have any yet, but planning to try next year).
Andrea recently posted..How to Attend a Black Tie Event While Backpacking
Good luck with the children Andrea! It really changes your life in a good way. Traveling will take on a whole new perspective but hopefully John balances you two and remains calm!
I really enjoyed reading your blog confessing your travel faults. I know that there is alot of excitement to travel abroad and to places of interest but I never considered all the things you said about your travels. Giving this confession will help me as I plan on my travels. There is one thing I can suggest on traveling with children. When we traveled with our 3 children who were very little, we camped alot. The pace is slower than you want it to be but much enjoyable. You get to see the things they see and watched their eyes open with excitement. It takes time to get to that point for it was not easy and they walked slow which made us walk slow. BUT if you look at your children’s excited faces, it is all worth it. Patience is and was not one of my best qualities.
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I completely agree with you about the kids. I already have seen that – seeing things through your child’s eyes is AWESOME!! As for me, I don’t mind the slow pace at all so your ideas about camping and taking it slow are good. I like the outdoors as well. And more than ever, it will be about creating memories and experiences as a family! As much as I worry about it (and it’s more my weakness than it is a fault on the part of my family), I look forward to the adventures!
An excellent honest list. Family travel may scare you but every year it will just get more fulfilling. My greatest joy is making discoveries with my children. I have clients asking me to design specific itineraries for their children in Paris and the provinces, but with kids, the age of yours, they don’t need this planning – if you go to a market you will love it, they will love it, but you both see different things. My rule for them, do less, and by doing so you do more!
John in France recently posted..Gardens in Paris- Part 3
John, I agree. The older they get the easier it will be. However, I look at it now with them being so young and it is a bit scary. Honestly, this confession was more about my weaknesses, worries, and fears and speaks far more about me than it does my family. I am sure we will have many great memories ahead!
Ha! Loved reading this- I have many of the same confessions… I am really social when I get to know someone but really nervous to make the first move. (I wasn’t always like this… not really sure when it started) I have to admit I’m a little nervous to meet everyone at TBEX because of this, but hopefully I’ll loosen up!
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Jade, I’ll be honest with you – I am nervous about TBEX as well. I know online I can come across as really social but that isn’t easy for me in person. I can be quiet and shy so we will both see how this plays out in Vancouver!
Interesting list. Now let’s hear some positive stuff about you. Bet that’s an interesting list!
santafetraveler recently posted..Summer sounds of Santa Fe- there’s music in the air
That’s an interesting perspective – a positive list! I may just do that although the negative is so much easier for me!
I feel like I know you a little bit better now, Jeremy. Thanks for sharing those. I think a part of me must share your love/hate relationship with cities. I love them, I just wish they weren’t so crowded all the time.
Gray recently posted..How to Survive as a Solo Traveler on a Group Trip
Thanks Gray! I have to admit it wasn’t easy to share this. I wasn’t sure if I should. However, I sat down to write this, posted it, and just waited for the reactions. They’ve been very good!
When I visit cities, I always try to travel during the off season and see things when other people aren’t there. I really do hate crowds!
Great point: “I have learned that travel is a mindset – not a destination, how far from home you travel, or how long you will be gone.” Being a traveler isn’t about having the most stamps on your passport; it’s about keeping an open mind and finding adventure everywhere you go– even in your hometown! Jeremy, I think we can all relate to your article. Even the most “outgoing” blogger struggles with the issues you raised. You are being a bit hard on yourself!
Leslie (Downtown Traveler) recently posted..Weekly recap- Top social media and tourism news
Thanks Leslie! I have been inspired to see more of where I live rather than focus on where I’m not. I have definitely embraced my home a little more and realize you can travel anywhere and enjoy it – it is a mindset!
As for being too hard, I don’t think so. Just being honest – I have issues!
Great post Jeremy. Yes, I am with the emotion thing. I am a very sensitive human being. I try not to, because I know it isn’t right, upset by situations or my own thinking but that happens, a lot. And that made me angry even more because I feel so stupid to feel that way. It’s like a never ending vicious circle…
And I’m not the tidiest person in the world, that messes my backpack a lot of times.
Well, what you gonna do, that’s who we are, right?
Juno recently posted..Runaway Food A-Z – A is for America
Juno, I am like you. I don’t organize my backpack well and I can let my emotions get the best of me. For many years, I would have NEVER thought that. But it’s actually true. Writing this down truly was a confession – admitting it to myself is part of that acceptance!
why be a victim to feelings and emotions and lose your cool and get frustrated – why not just be? – thanks for the honesty but getting frustrated when you travel will reduce pleasure and happiness -would it not? or am I missing something?
Ramesh, thanks for your comments. However, it’s impossible to tell someone to “don’t get frustrated”. It’s impossible to control your reaction to something. However, you can work on how you respond. You cannot turn off emotions. I assure you that if I could choose to react a different way to certain things I would.
The flip side of this is that because I am emotional, I can also enjoy things much more and be more excited as well. There is both a positive and negative side to this. And if I didn’t enjoy traveling, of course I wouldn’t do it! I am just trying to paint the picture that not everything I experience when traveling is always easy or comfortable.
What an honest post and very relatable for me.
robin recently posted..Cielo
Here is my confession. I wear a fanny pack whenever I travel.
I can empathize with a lot of these confessions. I am not very socially outgoing either. One reason I never really embraced being an Examiner is because I do not like to interview people.
Ted Nelson recently posted..Hiking to the waterfall at the Batad Rice Terraces
Not an aspect I enjoy either. Sometimes interviews are fun to do when they are personal and relaxed rather than formal – like my experience on the Scottish games.
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Hey Jeremy, I truly appreciate your refreshing honesty. I tick off a number of those boxes as well: I can freak out when I am trying to get somewhere and I can’t find it, I am simultaneously extremely organized and disorganized, I find myself increasingly disliking cities and want to skip them altogether when I travel sometimes, I can be super outgoing and then be extremely shy, I hate tourists too. When I was studying abroad I finally got an objective view of what being a tourist looked like once I started to ‘blend’ into my host country, and it was not pretty. I was at about a 99% accuracy rate in spotting fellow American’s from 1000 yards, yikes!
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Liz, we are a lot alike. I tend to visit cities in the offseason or try and find times when it’s not as busy. Like you, I do have my moments of being extremely talkative and gregarious but I tend to be more quiet and shy. And yes, I can spot Americans in a hearbeat – it’s not a pretty site! Although there are times it’s OK to be a tourist as well.
hearing you on many of these. love your description of the tourist! so true, and i cant stand them either.
one of the things i love about travel is that it taught me to be more social. when i was traveling by myself, i had no choice but to approach people if i wanted to chat or whatever.
jamie – cloud people adventures recently posted..Budget Travel Tips Cloud People Style
That is me as well Jamie. Traveling solo has forced me to be more social. It’s not always easy but it will make a trip so much better for it. Having a built in companion and family now, it may be harder to do this. However, kids are GREAT conversation starters. Even at home, can’t tell you how many people I interact with now because people gravitate to kids!
What a wonderful, refreshingly honest post Jeremy. I was also surprised to learn that you’re not outgoing as I find your online personality outgoing. I’m also with you on many of these things and can be shy at first as well, so need to push myself, especially if I’m speaking in another language.
Laurel recently posted..Capture the Essence of a City in Germany- In One Photo
Yeah I thought people might be surprised by that but it is true. I am not as outgoing as people think. Often it’s hard for me. We will see how things go at TBEX. However, once I warm up to people and get comfortable I can be quite talkative!
I like your travel confessions, Jeremy. In fact, many of those apply to me as well–especially the part about not being social enough when traveling. I’d love to connect with the locals more, but oftentimes find it hard to strike up a conversation with a total stranger (let alone a stranger who is not American.) I need to work on that! By the way, I changed my tag line on my blog a few weeks back to “Be a Traveler, Not a Tourist”
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Railway Maps of the World- The Book
You definitely understand what I am saying about traveler versus tourist. There is a time where it’s completely OK to be a tourist. We all need that. But they are definitely different!
As for being social, this may surprise some people. I am working on this though and think part of me definitely has an outgoing side at times but I am most definitely, without a doubt and introvert. I really don’t like the crowds and a lot of people!
Jeremy,
Introspection is a good thing. I am also and introvert. It is very difficult for me to put myself out there and mix and mingle…but you have to try anyway. Thanks for sharing that, Jeremy….it couldn’t have been easy.
Renee recently posted..Discovering Smith-Gilbert Gardens in Kennesaw- Georgia
Thanks Renee! Yes being an introvert, it does make it hard to connect at times. However, it is definitely worth it. My best memories are when I make the effort to connect with people.
Also, after sharing this, seeing the positive responses, and how so many people relate, I think I may do a part II!
Except for those last three, I’m right there with you! And the ironic thing is that even though I travel full-time, I crave stability and rejuvenate by staying still. Ha!
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..The Pros and Cons of Living in an RV
I actually love routine in my life. Having kids helps with routine as well because they need it. Maybe that is part of my fear with family travel. However, it is travel that brings out the desire to break the mold and do something different that excites me. So it’s not that those things aren’t there. I completely understand stability! There is comfort in having a place called home.
Hi Jeremy…
let me confess this..I have walked away from this post on my computer about 1/2 dozen times because I’m afraid what I might actually write regarding your post for number 2 and 3
I wonder if this is because of your life experiences?
and when I say that I mean CRAPPY, HORRIFIC stuff that you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy or the nastiest, ugliest tourist you might encounter.
such as these scenarios…
holding my fathers hand while he slowly and painfully eroded away from us with lung, live and brain cancer.
dealing with stage 4 endometriosis that caused complete and total infertility that no modern miracle or a trillion dollars will fix
having 15 shots in my abdomen EVERY month to block the pain from the endometriosis. I help guide the needles to the location of my nerves deep in my abdomen, they are then injected with anesthetic.
Ponder how you feel when you have just 1 shot in your arm that is a quick jab
With that said…
Traveling the backroads of a 3rd world country where you will never see or hear English is like a cake walk for me.
Domestic Soil is where my life challenges have wrecked the most havoc in my life.
Which has given me PERSPECTIVE
I think you need perspective of what REAL problems are.
Based on your post 2 and 3
You are missing out on wonderful life moments
by being and remaining focused on the little pebbles on your path.
squat pots with food poisioning for a month? no problem
no English spoken or written by anyone..no problem
strikes? delays? riots? no problem
bad directions? no problem
Why? I know what a problem is. I know how to stare down fear, anger, frustration and pain and focus on the good
I dont want you or your family to have to go through a severe crisis before you really obtain this type of perspective.
Perhaps when you are taking the time to reflect so much..perspective will be a topic to consider.
Nice honest confessions. I can relate to the social aspect. I am the most sarcastic person, not afraid to crack a joke around someone I just met, but it is that initial step in starting conversation that always gets me. However, whenever I do, I am glad I did.
Sarcasm is a great way to break the ice but you have to be careful when you do it and who you do it with. Some people would be turned off by that. I am sarcastic as well but I try not to take that approach when I travel. Starting conversations seems to be a tough one for a lot of people. I was quite surprised by that.
Don’t really have any particular travel confessions. Just wanted to say travelling with children is much less scary than I had thought – and heaps of fun. I’ve travelled with my daughters since my oldest (now 23) was 11 weeks. Children really are door-openers to local cultures, so it’s practically impossible not to be social.
Sophie, I have already experienced this with my kids just where I live. They are GREAT conversation starters. My older son is very outgoing and social and everyone that meets him just loves him. Kids are the easiest way to break the ice with people at home or traveling. I have already had conversations with people I never would have had because of them.
As for the flying part, we will see how well they do with that. My older son was a nightmare on the way home from a flight when he was 18 months. We will see how both my kids do when we fly in November! The older they get, the easier it will be (but also the more expensive!)
I enjoyed your list of confessions. Confession, they say, is good for the soul, right? I relate to many of them, but especially talking with others. I travel alone and find that I can go for long periods of time without talking with anyone, but am always glad when I force myself to relate one-on-one with someone. I find people to be warm and welcoming despite language differences.
Thanks Rosann. Very appreciative of all the comments I have received on here and surprised at how many people can relate to at least one of my issues.
Agree that connecting with other people can be hard. I guess that is one benefit of doing a tour or staying in a hostel where you get the chance to meet others when you travel solo. Being in a different place adds another barrier to connecting, especially when a foreign language is a factor. However, keep doing it and I will try and do the same!
Wow, some good confessions!! Jeremy, we share a couple of those… especially #1 and #4. I hate the typical, inconsiderate tourist too. But I just ignore them (I’m really good at this… lol). I’m not a social butterfly either, so like you, it is hard for me to connect with others when traveling, and even in the daily life. But, sometimes I force myself to make the effort and break the ice, or at least to look as approachable as i can so that the other person can feel comfortable to talk to me.
Also, I’m scared of family travel. I’ve done it many times with my family (a group of 16!), but it still scares me because there’s always drama and things go sloooow…
On the other hand, I don’t know how could I travel without technology… I guess I’m too attached to it by now. But, I could try it at some point.
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It’s been amazing to me to see how many travelers struggle with being social and connecting with others. Maybe that’s why many people travel solo – it’s just easier to do it alone and hang out with other people only when they want to. Like you, I have to make the effort as well but most often, it’s worth it.
As for family travel, if you felt the way you did, imagine how your poor parents must have felt! HA!
As for technology, I see the advantages and definitely see where I could use it when I travel. I may slowly integrate some of it into my travels – especially a laptop. And I can definitely see the benefit of a cell phone with web access. I am just not there yet!
I don’t have kids yet, but I feel as if I would be like you when it comes to them and travel. I want them to appreciate and see the world outside of the US-but I think I would be terrified to have them do it without me!
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Thanks Claire. For me, it’s traveling with them and having to watch out for them. I guess I am looking at it now from the perspective of a parent with young kids but it can be quite scary! Hopefully, this will be something that gets easier and my kids will be great travelers! I think if I don’t travel with them now turning them loose when they are older would be scary!
[...] Somewhere along the line the fanny pack has become another symbol of the annoying, loud, culturally insensitive traveler. There was one Travel Dude author who on his travel tips has no fanny packs as travel tip number 1. Jeremy in his Budget Travel Adventure columns was the latest to take a dig at the little pack around the waist. In fact, Jeremy’s latest post inspired this one as this is my travel confession. [...]
Hey Jeremy,
Here are a few of my thoughts, what a great post.
I think to define a tourist as loud and irresponsible isn’t fair. That’s a rude tourist, not a tourist. I’m both a traveler and tourist, the latter being someone who enjoys the road most traveled. I sometimes stick out, and there’s nothing wrong with that – unless I’m being inconsiderate to others.
I’m like you in that I’m not as outgoing as I’d like to be. I sometimes find it difficult to strike up a conversation with strangers, but I have no hesitation making a spectacle of myself when I’m alone and in public. Let’s make a pact to stare sheepishly at each other for 15 minutes at TBEX before saying hello!
Family travel is stressful! One trip to the theme parks out my back door is enough to turn me away and scream, lol. But once the kids get older, it’s easier.
My most recent trip to Oz was technology free and it was magic. Would do it again in a heartbeat.
Interesting post!
Ben, you make a good point about tourists. I stated in the comments that I think there is a time we ALL need to be tourists. We just need to relax, enjoy, and not have a care in the world just to get away and not think about anything. While all tourists aren’t loud and irresponsible, it does seem to fit many of them. I guess that fits #3 on part 2. I guess I am defining a traveler as one who is both conscientious and respectful of other people. A tourist can do that but I guess I am using the word in a negative connotation.
As for connecting, once I loosen up I can be very lively and talkative. We will see how that goes at TBEX. As for family, theme parks are one of those things that should give any parents nightmares!
Jeremy, Some how I never saw this post. You were very honest and I think readers appreciate that. I think my biggest challenges as a traveler are getting to know the locals, I too, despite being a traveler can be shy. Another would be my desire to see and photograph everything, it can mean that sometimes I don’t make enough time to just sit and absorb the beauty. That is another reason I like living an expat lifestyle, so I can stay longer in one location and really absorb it. I hope you will find a balance with traveling with your family. I think that will bring out a more patient traveler side in you. You will experience the destination from your kids perspective and their excitement will bring you so much joy that it will temper your frustrations.
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I hope that these weaknesses I have won’t always be weaknesses. I don’t necessarily like those aspects of myself but admitting them and facing them is the first step. There is a lot I have learned from my family already and I have already seen life so differently through the eyes of my kids. They really are a real source of joy and their simplicity is refreshing.
In learning to become weak or admit our weaknesses, we can find strength. It’s still a huge work in progress for me.
[...] experiences like this, I’ve had my share of travel confessions as both the beautiful and the ugly have been my [...]
[...] and a taste of ParisThe skyline of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, and…McDonald's?Here’s another travel confession – I haven’t eaten at a McDonalds in the US in years.I don’t even like McDonald’s.I am [...]
I can really relate to these, most of them actually. Travelling with family can be amazing. I did a 1 year honeymoon, Argentina to Canada (well that was the plan!) with a 2yr old
Gareth recently posted..5 Top Tourists Attractions in Berlin, Germany
p.s. what’s the comment plugin you are using here? Pulling in commenter’s last posts on their sites is a really clever idea for community building.
Gareth recently posted..5 Top Tourists Attractions in Berlin, Germany
I can definitely relate to most of these, Jeremy. Don’t like tourists or cities. Don’t like hotels or crowds. But I love to travel and that gets me through.
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Although I’m new to reading your blog I really enjoyed reading your travel confessions. I’m pretty new to travel (just moved down under for a year) so I haven’t got any confessions yet. Other than the fact it’s all a bit terrifying to begin with!
Thanks for sharing this!
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[...] Somewhere along the line the fanny pack has become another symbol of the annoying, loud, culturally insensitive traveler. There was one Travel Dude author who on his travel tips has no fanny packs as travel tip number 1. Jeremy in his Budget Travel Adventure columns was the latest to take a dig at the little pack around the waist. In fact, Jeremy’s latest post inspired this one as this is my travel confession. [...]