Travel Reality versus Expectation
My favorite travel memories have a dose of travel reality to them. The truth is travel is not always comfortable or glamorous. It doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes, you sign up for things that end up being harder than expected or the journey was long and uncomfortable.
My personality tends to be optimistic and I forget the hardships. Yet as I was thinking through this, I realized it’s the travel reality check that slaps you in the face a bit, that makes the best memories! Travel has so many benefits that accompany it and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to see and explore other countries. Even when things aren’t perfect.
Here are some of my favorite travel memories and more often than not, my favorite memories had something imperfect about them.
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Sailing the Whitsundays
Australia is massive and I have plenty of it left to explore, but one of the trips there I drove the whole East Coast! It was a trip with my cousins and younger sister. We found ourselves in Airlie Beach and booked a sailing tour.
This wasn’t really planned, but I’m so glad it worked out! We booked a two night sail and I remember the captain was from Italy and the Skipper was from New Zealand. We were the only other Americans on the boat if I’m remembering correctly. And I remember the meals being so delicious!
Hard Travel Reality
Sailing has this romantic quality in my mind. However, the reality is it’s basically camping. Or we could call it glamping, since I guess it’s a little nicer than tier one camping. What I’m saying is it’s far from luxurious, but still fun and worth it.
We bunked in small beds with little room. The entire sailboat shared one bathroom and shower and it was SMALL. It wasn’t a Yacht and I suppose that is what we often think of when we think of sailing.
I forgot all about the uncomfortable aspect until I had to decide if I’d recommend it for others. For some, I wouldn’t hesitate but others I’m not sure they’d really enjoy it due to the small quarters and camping like roughing it on a boat!
Good Travel Reality
Despite the glamping vibes, my favorite memory is playing soccer on Whitehaven Beach of the Whitsundays! The beach is absolutely stunning! Soccer is my favorite sport. And the whole experience was unmatched! Soccer in paradise!
I also remember looking at the stars and seeing constellations we don’t have in the Northern Hemisphere. Ones like the Southern Cross as I relaxed on this sailboat at night after dinner mesmerized by the sky.
While the experience was uncomfortable, I’d do it all over again!
Faroe Islands Winter Storms
One of my more recent trips was to the Faroe Islands! I adored this trip! It was a dream destination and I was so excited when travel restrictions were lifted and I could plan my travel to these untouched islands! Typically I try to avoid high season and have come to really enjoy travel in September and October.
The weather in the Faroe Islands is volatile and something that must be taken into consideration. While this is true in the Summer months as well, it’s their high season and I think the weather is a little more cooperative. I planned my trip for end of September knowing the temperature wasn’t that different to the Summer months and there would be less tourists!
The Unexpected Travel Reality
Well during my six full days in the Faroe Islands, I experienced TWO WINTER STORMS! These islands are best enjoyed outside, with little to offer indoors. Yet, we were stuck inside as the wind was howling and the icy rain was thrown against the windows.
We tried to find indoor things to do including swimming, but the pool was reserved that day, I think for the schools. Movies are in English, but the theatre didn’t have any showings until after 5PM when people got out of work! The reality of not being in the States hit me. I was frustrated at the weather preventing me to do what I wanted. And surprised yet charmed by the lack of indoor options of things to do.
The second Winter Storm happened while we were staying in Tórshavn, so we did visit the museum. After we returned to the airbnb, my friend rested while I decided to walk, yes walk, to a coffee shop! I had come to the Faroe Islands prepared for weather, and though I couldn’t hike, I chose to brave the winds for a few minutes instead of drive. I had to keep my eyes facing away from the wind, but I made it!
Frustrated and Charmed
Life is simple in the Faroe Islands in the best way! While I would never forget my trip to these islands, I will also never forget the two Winter Storms that completely uprooted my plans, but showed me a side of their way of life I never would have experienced otherwise.
The climate is harsh. The views are unmatched and mesmerizing. Maybe I’ll return to the Faroe Islands one day and experience the puffins or even attempt the harsher months again in hopes of seeing the Northern Lights (which appeared the week BEFORE I arrived)!
Glacier Climb New Zealand
From one beautiful land to another, my trip to New Zealand was equally unforgettable. This trip wasn’t recent, so I can truly say this after it has passed the test of time.
My younger sister and two cousins joined me on this trip and we started in New Zealand before heading to road trip Australia (where my other sister lived). We spent a few days in Auckland before flying to Christ Church to drive around the South Island.
New Zealand is absolutely gorgeous! I do plan to return one day and see parts I missed, including Milford Sound! However, we did see a whole lot of this majestic country including Queenstown which I absolutely recommend!
Travel Reality of a Misread Map
First mistake I made on the South Island was driving to Mount Cook thinking there was an easy way to get to the glacier from there. Nope! We had to drive down and around to get to the glacier. Thankfully, the views in New Zealand are just always beautiful (my optimism talking), but this error cost me a whole day of driving!
We made it to the Franz Josef Glacier for our tour the next day. We had done canyoning just outside of Auckland which was so tiring but worth it! However, we had no idea this was about to be EVEN MORE EXHAUSTING!
I remember we hiked a bit and saw the glacier in the distance. The guide said it would take about forty-five minutes to walk to it, but it seemed way closer than 45 minutes! Well, the guide was right, of course! I suppose that’s the difference of a country mile versus a city mile? Things appear closer in nature?
We made our way to the ice and they gave us talons for our shoes (cue Napoleon Dynamite references). Then we proceeded to hike on this glacier all day with only a brief stop for lunch and a snack. Basically, we hiked on ice all day.
There would be moments I would choose to fall to the safe side, because had I slipped I’d be going down into some crevice. We had the chance to climb into small caves in the ice, and walk through openings. It was amazing! A little scary, but I didn’t consider the danger until after the fact.
Travel Reality of Exhaustion
We went to a restaurant after the eight hours of hiking and we were beat! The waitress took our order and knew exactly what we had done that day. The look of complete and utter exhaustion was familiar to her!
It is that exhaustion that really made this moment seared into my brain! Though the canyoning also lives there, along with the horse back ride (when my horse decided to jump the creek under me, a very inexperienced rider), the hang gliding in Queenstown and more! Suffice to say, New Zealand will create lasting memories!
We had told a friend about this exhausting hike up the Glacier and she was terrified when she went there with her boyfriend. Turns out he decided on the helicopter, not the hike (way better choice for her) and that’s where he proposed! So she’ll never forget this glacier either!
New Zealand is the place for epic scenery mixed with thrilling adventures! It is a land perfect for creating some of the best memories that live within the travel reality of hard work!
People of South Africa
Easily the most impacted I’ve ever been by a people, was the South Africans. I loved the safari I did and absolutely adored Cape Town, but it was the people that left me in awe!
The Reality of Their Hardships
Knowing the recent history of South Africa, and the disgusting reality that existed for so many South Africans until the early 90s, I didn’t expect to see such joy in their eyes. Such beauty. Not just on the outside, but their whole countenance! Much of who I marveled at were first generation post apartheid. I wonder if a gratitude was passed down. Is that true freedom shining through? Is it their faith?
I don’t have answers, but I still marvel. Even states side years after, I met a young South African girl who had that same light in her eyes and same countenance. Yes, she’s beautiful, but there was something extra. A je ne sais quois.
I don’t know what it is exactly, but I am still in awe. I’d love to return to South Africa one day to explore more of their beautiful land and I wonder if the people will still have that light in their eyes.
Travel Reality Checks
To be clear, South Africa had normal travel reality checks as well. I was able to climb Table Mountain and that consisted of two hours of climbing big rock steps! We made it for sunset and got to enjoy the views after the difficult climb! Then we took the Cable Car down from there. I’m not sure my friend agreed the sunset views were worth the climb, but I loved it!
On the safari, I ended up getting sick on the last day! I had a moment I was afraid it was malaria or something, but it wasn’t. I got some over the counter medication and stopped at every juice place I passed in Cape Town. And I loved that they had so many good healthy options!
The light I saw in the people is what I will never forget!
And the last travel reality check was sitting on a boat in a wetsuit for FOUR hours. I was supposed to get into a cage to see a Great White Shark up close, but the sharks never showed up! So we waited by the Seal Island that smelled AWFUL because seals pee and defecate all over this island. Numerous boats around all waiting for the sharks and not one showed!
All that to say, South Africa had plenty of travel reality moments, but that light I saw in the people is what I will never forget! I’m still in awe and it lives as one of my most impacting and favorite travel memories.
Solo in San Blas
I’ve done quite a few international trips solo at this point! I plan my own trips, but usually a friend will join me. I’ve even had complete strangers ask to join me, which my introverted self cannot handle.
When planning my short trip to Panama, I started looking for ocean options within Panama. I would be spending time in the city, but I wanted to see if Panama had a good beach town. What can I say? I’m always looking for a beach.
The most popular beach town is Bocas del Toro, but that would require a plane ride. This was not what I wanted especially for such a short trip. As I kept looking I discovered the San Blas Islands! I could book a tour that picks me up and drops me back to Panama City. There are day trip options, but I elected to stay overnight and I’m so glad I did.
Since I was solo, I just booked the dorms and basically had them to myself. There were people from all over the world staying in Chichime so even though I was solo, I didn’t feel lonely.
The Travel Reality of a Long and Uncomfortable Journey
The journey there was long! It took about 2.5 hours or so in a car and then 45 minutes on a boat. The last half hour in the car was the most WINDING road which they did not drive slow! The boat ride hurt my bum after 10 minutes of sitting on the hardest seat, but I still had 35 minutes left in the journey.
The reality of traveling there was rough. I knew if I had a friend or two with me, I’d be worrying if they were okay. Because it wasn’t the least bit of a comfortable journey. I was also so relieved I never got motion sickness in the car or on the boat.
In the end, it all felt worth it! Even though the accommodations weren’t nice, the Kuna people were kind. I drank fresh coconut water and was able to explore a sandbar for the outing. The food was terrible, but it was part of the experience and I didn’t mind. Being there solo wasn’t bad and I don’t know if I have any friends who would have enjoyed it as much as I did.
The long journey there and back completely felt worth it to me and actually made it feel more special!
Eating on the Floor South Korea
I considered titling this “being made fun of in South Korea,” but that gives a mean spirited impression and noticing the chuckles around the room as I attempted to eat with chopsticks isn’t something I classify as mean. It probably was a terrible sight to behold and worth a laugh.
The Travel Reality of Not Fitting In
Somehow sitting on the floor, already something I never do as a 5’9 woman, and barely managing to use chopsticks was a moment I won’t forget! Yet, adding the snickering I heard has made it unforgettable. I rarely pick up chopsticks without that travel memory from South Korea coming to mind! And yes, I still suck at using chopsticks!
Driving a Manual Car Around Ireland
Driving on the other side of the road can be intimidating at first, but it’s not bad! Add driving a manual on the other side, where you now change gears with your other hand!
In all honesty, it wasn’t that bad, but I did stall in the car park of the rental car agency. I didn’t make it inches before stalling! Thankfully that was the only stalling moment.
Travel Reality of Imperfectly Getting Around
The hills were another thing. I mean, Florida isn’t that hilly. So the only time driving was hilarious AND nerve wracking was when I had to stop at a round-a-bout on a hill! The male pedestrian told me to go, but I tried to convince him to go first. He insisted.
So there I was on a steep hill in a manual car NOT wanting to go backward. Somehow I managed, but the pedestrian had a look of concern according to my friend. Hills are scary and I know there was nothing smooth about me navigating that steep incline into the round-a-bout in Ireland. It wasn’t high quality driving in that moment, but I did make it and there were no accidents!
NYC Food Line
Have you heard of the food lines of New York City? I didn’t join a line because I walked by and thought I should get it in. Rather, I wanted a cronut (croissant donut) from the originator Dominique Ansel Bakery.
After doing some research, I realized I would need to get in line in the morning! They only make a certain number and they often sellout so it’s recommended to get there early. The reality for me is I’m not an early riser, but when I travel I want to make the most of it!
So my friend agrees and we get in line at 7AM for an 8AM opening and we were second! Around 7:30AM an employee offers some hot chocolate and other samples. This got me even more excited because they were delicious!
The Travel Reality of Disappointment
As the opening approaches, there is a decent line formed and the employee comes outside to go over the details and rules. I couldn’t really hear everything but I did get there’s only one flavor option each day and you only get to buy two cronuts max.
The doors open and we go inside. I’m standing at the counter and order my two cronuts. Since I couldn’t hear everything outside, I asked what the flavor is today. Sigh.
Now is a good time to mention I hate bananas! I hate the smell and taste! I like basically every other fruit, just not bananas.
The employee behind the counter tells me the flavor: Banana Foster! With a line behind me, I didn’t linger long and just hoped I could eat around the filling and still enjoy this cronut I woke up early to try and waited in line for an hour!
Spoiler! The filling is layered into the cronut. Probably delicious if you like the filling, but I was crushed. The reality of this moment while traveling in New York hit hard! I had planned for a while that the next time I was in NYC, I would try the first cronut! And I hated it because of the flavor of the day!
Five Daughters in Nasheville makes a great (can’t call it cronut because the creators own that name) layered donut. So that is where redemption happened for me.
The travel reality for my cronut experience was a fail and I suppose calling and asking for the flavor of the day could have helped, but I did all other research imaginable. Anyway, I have yet to give the original cronut a try since.
Cliff Jumping Santorini
I love the feeling of adventure. I love the ocean. So cliff jumping into the ocean seems like a good pair. The travel reality of this moment was my friend didn’t want to do it. She not only didn’t want to do it, she didn’t want to walk to the area with me. So I ended up doing this completely solo.
When I got to the area around from Amoudi Bay in Santorini, there were tourists there and they were so nice! They gave me advice on how where to swim, the blue ladder to look for, and pointed out the platform I would jump from.
Knowing I was alone, they waited until I jumped and made sure I resurfaced okay. Even though I was in Santorini, Greece with a friend, I jumped this cliff solo, yet people still looked out for me!
The Travel Reality of Mixed Feelings
The reality had both a little disappointment but so much kindness as well! It’s a memory I won’t forget, whether it’s the kind fellow tourists who looked out for me or the person yelling from the sailboat encouraging me to jump when I was standing on the platform. I treasure the memory and the videos of my cliff jump in Santorini.
Travel Reality versus Expectation
Travel reality versus expectation can be disappointing, but it can also hold so much beauty, kindness, and wonderful surprises! While travel has moments that don’t go as expected, there are moments when travel reality exceeds your expectations! Moments when you are surprised in the best way.
Sunset Chasing in Tinos
There is just something about chasing a sunset that is magical in its own right. Yet the Tinos sunsets just hit different. Being on an island, it just seemed fitting to chase the sunsets and admire them, but Tinos’ sunsets hold a special place in my heart.
Tinos was so quiet we ended up in what seemed like abandoned villages and had the sunset all to ourselves! I say seemed because while it was quiet, but I do recall a dog being walked.
Our other spot, we just pulled over on the side of the road. I’m sure the one or two cars that drove by might have wondered what was going on, but they continued on and left us to enjoy the beautiful view!
Chase the sunsets. Make the memories!
Renting a Boat in Cyprus
It shouldn’t be a surprise that I love the ocean and any activity on or near it! In the states, a boating license is required and when dealing with more people in smaller spaces like lakes and rivers, I get it!
I read a boating license in Cyprus wasn’t necessary, so my friend and I rented a boat! They don’t hand you the reigns in the dock, which I greatly appreciated. Someone drove the boat out of the area for us after giving a quick lesson and showing on the map where we were allowed to go.
The Travel Reality Trying Something New
I can’t explain how much I loved this memory! The water was gorgeous! Driving the boat was fun and freeing! And being on the water just does something for my soul!
It’s not to say there weren’t hiccups and clumsy moments. Anchoring was one. But it was definitely my favorite thing we did in Cyprus and something I will gladly do again in another part of the Mediterranean!
Fiji Island Hopping
My first long solo trip was to the Fiji Islands. I wasn’t sure if I’d regret the very long journey from Florida and if I’d think it was worth it. It was also going to be the longest solo trip I’ve taken and to a destination that people tend to think of for honeymoons.
Well, I went and Fiji completely exceeded my expectations! Yes, there was something on my last day that bothered me and I left Fiji feeling super lonely and super single. However, the rest of the trip was amazing and completely exceeded my expectations!
Exceeded Expectations Despite the Imperfections
I stayed in dorms to save some money since I would be traveling solo and while that wasn’t the most comfortable, it wasn’t that bad either. There were wonderful people traveling I got to meet but I also had time to read and relax on my own.
Fijians on the outer islands were absolutely wonderful! And I loved island hopping in paradise! Turns out it was worth being stuck in the middle seat for a total of 30 hours of flying and almost missing my connection on the return.
Hot Springs in Iceland
In Iceland, there are the famous hot springs like Blue Lagoon and yes, we did go there! However, the hot springs that exceeded my expectations required a journey (a running theme here) and a surprisingly beautiful view.
There was one day we rented a car and I drove us to the Northeast of Iceland. I can’t remember the name of the town we stopped, but we walked into the small tourist office and were told of a couple of hot springs we could visit!
The first attempt was a fail because we couldn’t find it! Those hot springs were supposed to be completely natural and just holes in the ground. However, driving the gravel road with limited signs and using paper directions, we couldn’t find it!
The Travel Reality of Hot Springs with a View
So we continued on to the other ones recommended. These were natural hot springs water, but man made hot tubs. When we pulled up, there was a Dutch couple in one hot tub and they explained the three temperature options. They were very pleasant and chatted with us a while before leaving.
It was cold outside, but we sat in the hot springs with a beautiful view and really enjoyed this whole experience! Even though we missed the natural ones, and sitting on a rock in nature would have been amazing, this experience was equally wonderful. The hot springs were free, and they had bathrooms and changing rooms available. Oh and it was just us once the Dutch couple left!
The Reality is Travel is a Privilege
If you made it this far, I hope you feel inspired and comforted knowing travel is both wonderful and challenging. It’s a huge privilege to be able to travel and my love for seeing the world and experiencing new things means I tend to forget the less comfortable parts.
After all, it’s a privilege to be able to travel. Whether it’s imperfect or not, I’m so grateful for the opportunity!
