Planning for your next upcoming trip can be so much fun. Researching all the beautiful places and delicious foods you want to eat is sometimes the most exciting part. For most of us, traveling ultimately requires a good amount of planning. So when sh*t happens, frustrations arise. We like to know what’s going on and when it’s going to happen. However, no matter what, something always goes wrong (and I mean ALWAYS) and my good friend Tony and I, are here to show you the beauty in that too.
In the middle of summer in sunny California, Tony’s parents came to visit him in LA. It was their first time in town, so Tony really wanted to make sure they would get the full experience while they were there. Three days into the trip and things had been great. Pictures were taken, shots were encouraged, and the food was all kinds of delicious. On their second to last day there, they planned on going to see the Griffith Observatory, however, when they arrived they had some trouble finding parking. They decided on parking the car down the hill and hiking it up. Tony dropped his parents off at the top and drove down to park the car. Halfway up the hill, his parents called him; they no longer wanted to hike. (Traveling with company can be frustrating at times, but usually worth it.)
The last 3 days of sightseeing left them tired and they just wanted to relax. Tony walked back down the hill, picked up the car, scooped up his parents, and drove back home. They ended up spending the day enjoying each other’s company and topped it off with a delicious dinner. Now you tell me, does that sound like a bad day to you?
Here’s what we have to remember when we are traveling:
This time and experience are meant for YOU and YOUR happiness. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the definition of vacation is:
VACATION: an extended period of leisure or recreation,
especially one spent away from home or traveling.
While exchanging travel “nightmares”, Tony and I found that a lot of times we get caught up in trying to mimic the experiences of others. We fall under this pressure to see, do, or buy as many things as possible. The trip becomes less of a lived experience and more of a documented event.
First off, let me tell you what I think about planning, (and Tony would agree with me on this), I don’t do much of it. Personally, I learned quickly that I operate better, as in more at ease and peace with myself and my new location when I only plan the bare necessities. For example, accommodation, plane tickets, and food to eat (because, priorities.) I know that’s not how everyone else functions, but here’s our advice to you…
USE YOUR PLAN AS YOU WOULD USE A SYLLABUS
––Pause for second–– Hands up if you have ever had a professor that loosely followed their syllabus plan? Put ’em up people. I know I’m not the only one. Anyway, they built this plan to guide you and set you up for success. But sometimes the whole world shuts down and all of a sudden you’re forced to teach your class online. (sound familiar) Challenges will present themselves while you are abroad, so why not make the most of it and create some memories you can laugh about later?
Don’t get me wrong, having a plan is good. In fact, a few of my travel nightmares could have been avoided if I had been a better planner. Planning helps you prioritize what you find to be worth your time and money, but let’s say you’re about a week into your trip and you wake up to your feet swollen from all the walking. Now, I know a handful of people that would keep going regardless, (myself included at one point,) but what if you decide to spend the day in bed instead? or hang out at a local coffee shop and people watch? You paid for that king bed boo, soak in it a bit. This is your time to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate. Having this kind of self-awareness and freedom during your travels is a formula for success.
AND when things happen, (because it will happen,) don’t freak out. I know, it’s a lot easier said than done, but you’d be amazed at what could happen if you just breathe and make the best with what you got. Every experience in our lives is about how we choose to experience it. FOMO (fear of missing out) should not be the reason you do not enjoy your trip.
We love you guys and hopefully, this will help you on your next trip. If you find yourself in South Florida, make sure to check out the sunsets near the Everglades!
– T.N.T. (aka Taynah and Tony)