Johanna Ella May ErrobaThere are two types of people in the world: those who love to travel and those who don’t. I definitely fall into the former category. After all, who wouldn’t want to explore new places and cultures? If you’re curious about why some people might not enjoy travel, I could list at least ten reasons.
Also read: 5 Frequently Asked Questions I Hate Every After a Solo Backpacking Trip
1. Packing is such a hassle
So many people dread the thought of having to put so much effort into packing light and making sure they do not go over the baggage allowance. Some even run to the grocery to get some last-minute toiletries. Packing, for some, is quite a chore.
Why I love it: I have a thing for planning and preparing for trips. I love organising my itinerary, I love making lists for things I have to prepare before a trip, and best of all, I love checking things off my lists. It makes me feel accomplished. I know, geek much?
How to overcome it: Maybe make a list of things to pack in advance? That way, you know exactly what you have to bring for each trip without forgetting the most important items and feeling too overwhelmed. Also, don’t procrastinate packing! Stop putting it on hold until the very last day before you leave for your trip. Pack in advance so you can double, or maybe triple check your things before stepping out of the house.
2. The destination is not at all worth it
What’s to see in a temple? What makes this street so interesting? Ugh, the place is polluted! These are the kinds of complaints you’ll say when you travel to not-so-convenient destinations. You’ll think that hopping on that plane would not be worth it.
Why I love it: All destinations are worth it. Yeah, sure, you’ll have some setbacks. You might get ripped off like I did in a couple of trips, and the sights might not have the wow factor that’s fit to your standard. But hey, it’s all about appreciation.
How to overcome it: You can always DIY your itinerary if you think following one is not for you. Only visit destinations and hotspots that appeal to you and your travel taste.
3. It’s such a waste of money
I know lots of people who dislike travelling because they’re already thinking of potential expenses. I hear excuses like I don’t have enough, the tickets are too expensive, blah blah blah. I can’t blame them because it is partly true. Travelling will require you to spend a good amount of moolah.
Why I love it: Money spent on travelling is always money well-spent for me. I don’t regret going to places I’ve never been to or even revisiting places that I’ve come to see. I usually only feel bad about spending money when I splurge on shopping. Apart from that, money should not be an issue because I know I’ve worked hard to earn it, and I deserve a vacation! Why do I sound so defensive right now?
How to overcome it: Budget, budget, budget! Set a budget before going on your trip and stick to it.
4. The weather is so different from back home
People hate to travel because they’re so afraid to get out of their comfort zones. Weather is definitely a make or break when it comes to deciding which place to go next, and I can totally understand why.
Why I love it: I like the idea of experiencing different weathers and climates. Where I live, it’s either we have a humid hot day or a rainy day. I would love to see snow or see leaves change colours.
How to overcome it: Well, we really can’t do anything about the changing weather, right? So my advice: just embrace it and enjoy your trip as much as you can.
5. The food sucks
Guilty! The only thing that really puts me off when I travel is whether or not I will like the food. I love eating but I usually stick to what I’ve already tried. I’m sometimes afraid to not get my money’s worth when buying food that I might not end up liking.
Why I love it: Despite my discomfort, I am always game to trying out new dishes especially if I’m in another country. Food is an integral part of a nation’s culture and if you won’t get to taste it, you’re missing a lot!
How to overcome it: Just think of it as an opportunity to try new dishes from different cultures. Charge it to experience!
Also read: 21 Bizarre Asian Delicacies That You Either Love or Hate
6. Adjusting to a different culture is a pain
Some people are just plain stubborn. When we travel, we have to think about the local customs. We will be aliens in their lands and it’s something we should respect. Some people hate to travel because they’d have to adjust to others’ cultures. These are the people who don’t want to step out of their comfort zones.
Why I love it: I have an interest in culture especially religion. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a very religious person but the history of spirituality brings out my curiousity. I love having to blend in with locals and share their customs. That’s the best way to travel.
How to overcome it: Like I said before, embrace it! Adjusting to different cultures sure is overwhelming, but take this as an opportunity to learn, which in time, you can tell stories about to other people.
7. I don’t like meeting new people
Guilty! Again. Like me, some people are not good at small talks and first impressions. I am not so comfortable with getting to know other people, mingling with them and separating from my travel companions, I know #clingy.
Why I love it: This is very contradicting. But when I get over the first stage of meet and greet, I am pretty much open to new friendships.
How to overcome it: Just think of it this way: you won’t ever come across these people again. So, make the most of your time in a new place by making new friends and connecting with like-minded people.
8. And I hate crowds
Huge crowds are terrible. The lines are long, the air is hot, there’s plenty of trash and so many other things. We’ll be elbow to elbow with sweaty people whom we do not know. This usually happens in common touristy areas for obvious reasons.
Why I love it: Okay I don’t “love” it but crowds aren’t that bad. You get to feel the energy of the people around and you can meet new people too!
How to overcome it: Skip the tourist hotspots that you think have the most crowds. Or better yet, just brave through it! You’re paying for the experience anyway.
9. Delayed and cancelled flights are the worst
No one likes unforeseen flight changes. They are the worst! After all the hard work of planning for the trip, your itinerary will be disrupted because of a single delayed or cancelled flight. It’s such a bummer.
Why I love it: It’s a true test of patience. Haha! I know this might seem like I’m making some excuses. I hate waiting too, but if you ever plan your trip, make sure you reserve an allowance just in case things go wrong.
How to overcome it: Delayed and cancelled flights are almost always normal. My advice, take the extra time to go through your itinerary, rest, read a book, or people-watch.
10. It’s always a sad goodbye
We go to the perfect place, have a blast on an amazing trip, but we have to leave and say goodbye. We’ll go back to our daily boring lives. Everybody hates this part, myself included. #sepanx
Why I love it: As much as I love travelling, I love the idea of leaving and going back home. Travelling makes me feel inspired. After a great trip, I come back home feeling energised and full of ideas. I feel less stressed than I was before I left. #TrueStory
How to overcome it: Make the most of your time while travelling. It’s always a sad moment when you’re about to leave and go back home, so while you’re there, make each moment count.
Also read: Japanese Azaleas Start to Bloom as Cherry Blossoms Bid Goodbye
So, which of these can you relate to? Do you hate to travel like other people? Or do you love it as much as I do?
