View Full Version : #1 thing you hate (most) about travelling?
I know a lot of SLF members have done (and do) extensive travelling, and coming from someone as myself who hasn't, I have one question for you all.
What is the #1 thing you hate most about travelling?
Is it the unpacking after?
Maybe it's the preparation/planning prior to leaving?
How about hotel/motel stays?
Eating-out (every single day)?
How about worrying about your home/property/residence while you're away?
I don't travel much at all, but I'd say all of the above!
LOL, Tiam! I'd have to say I agree with you on that. :)
ApatheticNoMore
5-29-12, 1:39am
I hate flying (I know there are alternatives, I've used them including Amtrak, but I've also flown). I also don't like planning very much either.
- Being molested by TSA unless I fly privately.
- The inevitable cold or earache from poor ventilation/pressurization practices if I fly commercially.
- pillows and mattresses not-my-own
Presenty, the fear of bedbugs & the disruption of healthy eating & exercise. I travel with my own pillow, and have finally adapted to the rituals of TSA. When I get to my destination, I usually get groceries to avoid the expense of restaurants. I also detest the smells in most hotels.
None of those bother me at all, really, because they can be easily managed.
What concerns and bothers me is crossing into borders. Some border security is great (and polite and efficient) and others are not. I feel that way about some airport staff as well. Some are great and some are terrible.
I always try to have a smile on my face, to be polite, to ask how they are, and to be non-argumentative. But sometimes, you do have to push.
For example, we bought tickets through KLM to scandinavia, which were supposed to allow us to do the kiosk, electronic check-in, but because KLM was working in partnership through the star alliance, not all of our flights were straight KLM. So checking in meant we had to go through regular check in procedures at the desk.
I'd planned our departures carefully to make sure we would have enough time between flights should a flight be slightly delayed (delayed 30 minutes or so) and to allow adequate time to get through security at the other air port. But what I didn't put into the picture was time to check in with a person, at a desk, rather than the kiosk, which takes no time at all. And, this included arriving at air ports early to check in, but not so early that we would be sitting around *a lot*.
Now, within the scandenavian countries, this wasn't too big of a deal. It was *intense* getting out of Stockholm because *everyone* was flying at the same time and there were no lines. It was absoltue chaos (which is weird for sweden). THEN, on top of it, our tickets were so mucked up that we got sent directly to the ticketing office, for them to sort it. They didn't open until 30 minutes before our flight took off, and there were 4 people in line in ahead of us and one worker there. And then we'd have to go through security. No one was willing to let us jump the line, and the staff person was pretty testy with us even though I kept saying "if i miss this flight, it will be your fault, your error, not mine!" Because by this point I'd been at the air port about 1.5 hrs early, which was even earlier than the airline told me to be there.
As soon as we got to the front of that line, the person was pretty put out with us, but she was like "oh my! Yes, you need to get on this flight now! the gate is about to close!" (no sh*t, i'd only been saying so for the last 30 minutes while I waited). So, we ran ahead and she said "just jump the line, show security your tickets." So we did, and ran harried through the airport, to be the last people to board.
So this experience taught me something, which meant that getting out of finland (on our way to DK) we got to the airport early. Finland was much more organized, but I also immediately went up to someone manning the kiosk and explained our problem. I explained what happened in Stockholm, and she immediately called her superior and got us a person to help right away, and then we were quickly taken care of. It worked just as quickily as the kiosk, but it was because they listened!
We had a lay over on the way home from Copenhagan in Paris DG airport. I decided to try the *same* tactic as I had in Finland, which was to be polite, explain my situation, and ask for help. The main problem is that our plane had landed late, then we didn't have a place to disembark so we sat on the tarmac for a good 45 minutes too. Which onyl left us about 40 minutes to get through security. I saw the check-in and security lines, and knew we would *never* make our flight.
I immediately went over to the main ticket desk, which had no line, and the people behind the desk were just chatting. I was very friendly, and I explained the situation. The young man rudely looked at me and said "just go get in line, they'll take care of it." And so I explained the problem *again*. He said "They'll take care of it." And I said "Be reasonable, the line is long. It will take more than 30 minutes for me to get through that line, at hwich point -- just as they did in finland, sweden, and copenhagen -- they'll send me to you, the main ticket desk to sort it out. At which point, I will have completely missed the flight, which of course you would not reimburse me for, even though this situation is entirely your (airline's) fault, not mine. And then of course, there will also be figuring out which flight we'll go on, whether or not we can pay for it, and how we'll get home from here. So, I suggest that we circumvent that issue, that you simply help me here, and then I'll go through the security line and *hope* that I'll make the flight."
The young man (rudely -- or maybe it was just French-ly) took my ticket, and started to check me in, as if it would be easy. Within 10 seconds, he realized "oh, wow, yes, this is a complete mess." And he went through and started to untie whatever the problems were, checked our pass ports, our receipts for the tickets, and the whole shebang. It took about 20 minutes for him to untangle it. Then he said "i'll take you through first class security." He then walked us through there, and then to the plane, where he pushed us through the first-class line. "The plane is overbooked as well, and there are three peopel booked for your seats. I'll take you though."
I was really thankful for this, but *jesus* we had to *insist* pretty intensely. I see no reason to be rude to people.
But the worst -- the honest-to-god worst is LAX. The border security there were very rude to DH and I when we were returning from NZ. I mean, extreme! Not just a little grumpy or tired or bored. The guy frowned and wrenched the passport out of our hands. He asked us questions as if we were terrorists, and then threw our passports back at us when we were through that checkpoint. It was aweful. WE then grabbed our bags to put them through security and have them checked-through to the next flight. I wasn't sure where I was supposed to do that latter bit, so I asked a woman and she acted like I was an idiot "You put it over THERE!" with a tone like "god, could you be more stupid?" It wasn't even labelled as to where our bags should go, I just was going from line to line. And I was polite.
and of course, they had me completely undress hawk there too. And one woman said "ugly, skinny baby."
I then took my ugly baby and my husband down the corridor and out, but we had to go to the toilet. There was a bathroom on the way out, and so I stopped to go in. Another 'security' person told me "you can't go now. you have to leave." And I said, "I'm sorry, but I need to go. I can't hold it any longer." And she scowled and started screaming at us "it's not right. you have to go out! you have to go out there!" Why even put a bathroom there, honestly? If people arne't allowed to use it?
So we finally get out, and the airport is mobbed and security 'theater' is a disaster, and so we got into the massive line to get ourselves through and we were herded around and yelled at and there were those big dogs, and it was just pell-mell. I was politely asking what the time estimate on security was, when one guy said "as long as it takes, and i fyou complain about it, I can make it even MORE difficult on you!" Really? I wasn't making any complaints, I just wanted to know how much time I had to stand in line. I also asked other fellow "is their a line for families with small children or other special needs?" And he goes "what makes you think you're so special? just stand in line!" It was nuts.
Finally, we got about half-way through the line and a very, very nice security lady said "ah, families can go right up there." And so we took the elevator and went through security quick and easy. The woman who checked us through really only looked at our tickets, passed us through the detectors, and that was that. Simple and easy. Actually pleasant at the end. And then we took the last leg to philadelphia, which was quite comfortable, and it was nice to be home.
That being said, I avoid LAX as much as possible.
We are thinking of visiting the US in the future (probably two years from now), and the plan is to fly to canada, spend some time in vancouver, then take a bus down to seattle to visit relatives, and then rent a caravan and drive around a fair bit until we get to the east coast to visit family there. :P
I will avoid LAX as much as humanly possible, I swear.
I miss my animals the most, even when I know I have a pet sitter coming in to check on them daily.
I hate being on a plane next to people who are coughing, sneezing, hacking. I know there is little I can do to minimize my exposure, with the air being recirculated.
There's always rude/clueless people like arm rest hoggers and men who have to sit with their legs wide apart even though that impinges on my space. That annoys me. And heavy scent wearers.
Pretty much everything else I can work around.
Ending a trip is the thing I hate most. And unpacking is my Achilles heel.
I love to travel. I wish I did it constantly.
For some reason my life feels much more manageable out of a suitcase.
Super entries! Not hard to tell I don't travel, hence the short list of "hates" I concocted.
Mark me down, too, as another pillow-hater. (Pillows and bedding, not my own).
I most dislike the overall cost! Even with a family of only 3, it adds up very quickly. A trip that the three of us took to Oregon last year, where we did not pay for lodging, cost as much as the trip DH and I took to Germany 10 years ago, where we paid for over a week of lodging.
fidgiegirl
5-29-12, 8:25am
Flying, flying, flying. Everything about it, from the stress of getting there on time to going through TSA to the actual sitting on the plane like a sardine to the turbulence and figuring out how to exit the airport at the other end. Not to mention when I get motion sick or have to eat s**t food on the plane. Well, I guess one never HAS to eat the food. I could bring my own. I still hate it.
But I love it once I'm there . . .
I'll go with the packing AND unpacking. I'm better at remembering everything, but inevitably I leave something home... EVEN though I've put a safeguard in place like having duplicate hairbrushes/deoderant/toothpaste/toothbrush pre packed in my suitcase at all times. But it seems that the only clothes I actually buy are clothes that I feel I have to buy on the road because the outfit I brought just doesn't cut it. This usually happens on longer trips when I think I've packed enough for mixing and matching but I find I've come up short. Of course, if I'm traveling on the road alone, or if I happen to have two clients in one week I can of course wear the same thing twice, but you know how it is in Corporate--if I wore the same thing in one week I might get some looks.
I hate being away from home in the spring and the fall, so that's sometimes a bummer.
I hate traveling in the summer with all the vacationers trying to get through security.
I don't like that I have less choice in what and when I eat, but I manage that.
However, I'm very unfussy when it comes to hotel rooms in general. I have no special pillow needs, no special bedding needs, etc. I won't say I'll tolerate filth, but really, I rarely see a room I won't sleep in because it's not clean enough for me. When I hear some people complain after hotel stays sometimes it makes me resolved to never invite them to my house.
And I LOVE airports. I know I'm weird, but sometimes I hate leaving them. Last trip I was on I stayed there AFTER I got off the plane to eat at an oyster restaurant--after I'd been on the road for a straight week. Call me crazy.
Mostly the food. Taking my own is complicated, especially since I am usually staging travel from someplace other than my own home. I also dislike hauling bags around airports so I squash my irritation and check my bag (and pay for it). But finding food, finding a place to eat comfortably, finding time to eat at airports....that is hard for me.
I recently had my first full body scan experience. Not awful, as long as you don't think about it too much, but I was struck by how different MY country is from the place of my childhood (and early adulthood). The post-911 USA is a tough place. I carry my documents, I have to strip off shoes etc., and now I have to be exposed to additional radiation to supposedly keep people safe. And nobody feels safe....okay, that's probably a gross generalization. But that particular thing hit me hard on my last couple of trips.
I do also like airports, for the most part. I like the oddness of everyone being there on a temporary basis except the staff in the restaurants and stores. I like the usually friendly contacts with service workers, even while I am struggling to figure out what to purchase to eat. And I like the fact that most airports are well labeled so that people can actually find their way around. Many places I have lived do not have signs, as if people "from away" don't need to know...if you don't already know the name of this road, well, you don't deserve to find out! But airports assume that we are all new there.
What I dislike about travel is the being away from home. I love my time off at home, LOVE IT, and I really miss it when I spend my days off traveling. I can't figure out how to get all of what I want, except maybe getting to FI. Then I could have enough days at home to like spending some of them in travel!
We use to travel about 42 long weekends or weeks out of the year - my list is short:
Too much chemicals in hotel bedding and bath towels.
I'd end up with horrible hives and blisters.
I carried my own bedding, towels, and pillow for the most part.
And I hate the pile of laundry when I get home.
iris lily
5-29-12, 10:51am
There is always tension about getting on the planes in time. Granted, this is often only in my mind, but I get a little tense about it, especially, leaving foreign countries. We nearly missed our flight from Edinburgh because DH had mis-read the leaving time.
When we left Switzerland the last time, the airlines had called to say that our flight was moved up. But, called WHO? One of the many relatives we had put down as contact. They don't all speak English. Fortunately we had teenagers in the house to translate.
I LOVE seeing new places, but HATE getting the trip started. My #1 stress is simply getting my travel companion to the damn plane. DW may be my soul mate and the love of my life, but she is also the absolute worst traveler I have ever known. She is one of those piddlers who is always late, for everything, every time. She doesn't pack ahead of time and when she gets around to it she packs somewhere between 3 and 20 times the amount of clothes and shoes that will be needed or worn on the trip. I've actually paid a checked bag fee for a bag of shoes for a 5 day trip! Sigh. On top of that travel stresses her and any stress she feels manifests itself in her GI track. Without providing TMI this means several trips to the bathroom one of which will inevitably happen as we finally approach the head of the security line which causes me to have to step aside and let others pass while I wait for her. That raises the suspicions of the agents who question me then pull both of us aside once she shows back up. All this usually takes place as they announce our final boarding call. I am not unsympathetic regarding how stress effects her body, but its frustrating because she doesn't do anything about it. Anyway, the entire process of beginning a trip is excruciating...every single time. I've tried everything from packing for her (that was a bad idea) to talking to her doctor for something to calm her nerves to flat out lying about what time our flight leaves. The only thing that was remotely helpful was one time I sent a bag of her things out ahead of us via FedEx. What a pain.
jennipurrr
5-29-12, 12:32pm
I enjoy traveling and can put up with *most* anything. We've been harassed by the TSA for years now because DH's name matches someone on the "watch list". One time they knew where he worked which was unnerving at the time, but we laugh about it now. What else can you do? I've done the full body scanners...maybe I have a touch of exhibitionist in me, but that doesn't really bother me. I'd rather go through them than have the pat downs. Recently when we were boarding the plane we and another couple got pulled aside leaving Mexico and had to talk about our trip, etc...then the other couple never got on the plane! So who knows what happened to them?
I miss my animals when I am gone. I have dreams of traveling for long stretches but after about a week I desperately miss snuggling with my kitty cats.
I also usually get an awful cold traveling by plane. I have tried all the Vitamin C, Zinc, Airborne stuff and nothing seems to make a difference.
Other than that I am game for anything! I can't go without a really good shower for too long...2-3 days, so hardcore rugged travel is not my style.
I love traveling, plane, train or automobile.
The one thing I find exhausting is the security check at the airports.
I have often considered just wearing a sundress over my underwear and taking that off and putting it in the bins too. :~)
We had a guy at PDX (Portland, OR airport) strip down to his underwear because the TSA were giving him a hassle about concealing something. Of course they eventually arrested him for indecent exposure, etc etc etc. Heaven forbid that "Children" could see him in his underwear (what their parents don't wear underwear or go swimming or anything, ever?). He was a frequent business traveler and was not carrying anything. I thought his actions were the logical conclusion of being hassled at Security.
Aaaanyway, after driving 90 minutes to get to the airport and then waiting up to 2 hours to get through security, the flight itself is usually no problem.
I have to say that the rudest workers I've ever encountered were in Chicago. Considering that they routinely handle thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people a day you'd think they would have answers for the most obvious situations. While we're at it, if 300 people have already asked you which way to go for baggage, maybe someone should put up some signs, eh?
The folks at Frankfurt were calm, efficient, reasonable, helpful and pleasant. It can be done.
We had a guy at PDX (Portland, OR airport) strip down to his underwear because the TSA were giving him a hassle about concealing something.
I have been tempted at times to simply paint myself blue and wear only a kilt.
I am not a great fan of travel but DH is so I do my best to be a good sport. So what do I dislike the most?
Well, the entire flying experience is horrible. I have a neuromuscular condition and can't walk through a scanner. The last time I flew was before the x-ray requirement and they used a wand over me and my scooter. I don't want to think about what would be done to me now.
Then I miss my bed and my pillows.
I miss my cats and knowing that the bird baths and feeders are clean and filled.
The food is not so much a problem for me but DH doesn't like to try new and different food so we end up trying to find food that he will eat. (Thank goodness for Hard Rock Cafes around the world...)
I just find the whole thing tiring and expensive.
domestic goddess
5-29-12, 5:16pm
I'm not much of a traveller. I don't care for living out of a suitcase. I don't like to fly (I have this little problem with motion sickness), don't like being squeezed in with a bunch of strangers. I don't mind train travel, and use that now to go home for a visit all the time. It is an all-night ride, but most of it is pretty quiet and even though I don't sleep it isn't bad. I wouldn't mind taking more train trips, but air travel just seems like too much of a hassle, especially since I don't really like it anyway. Since my trips are all to go home and see family, I do my laundry before I leave for home, then all I have to do is put it away when I get home.
In general, I'm a homebody. I like being at home with my grandchildren, and being where I can putter about all I want. I've thought about ocean travel, but figure I'll be sick most of the time. Heck, I get motion sickness when I'm driving!
Flying is number one on my list of hates (which is why I generally do road trips) even though I just bring a small carry-on backpack and buy anything else I need once at my destination so it's just on and off for me.
Number two is having to look for new places to sleep each night. So I generally will stay in one place the whole trip if it's on shorter trip of a couple of weeks or less. For instance on a recent trip to Utah I spend a week and a half in one place in Park City and another week and a half in one place in southern Utah near the Nat Parks.
If I'm on a long trip, I generally try to stay in one place for at least a week at a time - usually longer - before moving on to the next place where I will also stay at one place for a week at a time or longer. On really long trips I'll often stay for a month or more at one place (usually a vacation rental house when possible or extended stay hotel - even my luxury tent set up - complete with blender for my evening margarita!)). I like to just have one place to stay, unpack once, get my stuff set-up once and then I can spend my days playing rather driving to a new area and looking for a new place to stay the night.
Number three would be time. Since I don't like the "travel" part of travelling either flying or driving (the getting from point A to point B part of a trip - unless it's a beautiful drive) I generally won't go anywhere far away unless I have a long period of time to travel. I'd rather just stay home. This is another reason I travel for longer periods of time instead of doing many short trips - hate the travel part! Also travelling long term rather than doing a bunch of shorter trips really cuts down the expenses because much of the cost of travelling is getting from point A to point B and back to point A again. So if I'm already in say the Grand Canyon, if I have an extra couple of weeks I can hop over to one of the other nearby Nat Parks and will save all that money (and travel time) on transportation that I'd spend if doing them as two seperate trips.
As far as food, etc... I generally don't eat too out too often so overall tend to eat the same things I eat at home so that's not a problem. B I really enjoy stopping at a local market while travelling or checking out local (non-fancy) places to eat.
Also i do have a bit of a "motel room" creep out from not just bedbugs, but everything else like unwashed sheet, etc.. So I do camp out more often, or do the longer term stays where I can wash the things my self and know that no one else used my room last night - just me!
And the last thing would be touristy stuff and crowds. I generally avoid all that whenever possible. Otherwise I don't really hate anything about travel. I will say that my personal travel style - and the reasons I travel - have less to do with traditional sight seeing travel or vacations to "get away" and more about participating in some kind of recreational activity in a beautiful or unique place (i.e. I'll go climbing for a month in Utah rather than do the tourist things where there are tons of people). So I'm often far off the beaten path most of the time and don't have to deal with all the tourists.
I had to fly back and forth every other week to Indianapolis for nine months because of a work assignment. Travel wasn't unusual in my job, but traveling to the same place for such a long time was definitely out of the ordinary.
I got used to the TSA routine and flying (except for the occasional unusually long delays - so very often at Dulles or Newark), but I never got used to packing up all my stuff, even though the hotel stored it for me until I came back the following Monday, and they were even kind enough to have my bags waiting in my room when I arrived. The situation was a room that closely resembled an efficiency apartment, so I accumulated some extra stuff - a good stainless frying pan, a cheap throw for weekend afternoon naps, et cetera. The hotel was more my home than my house for that time.
Air travel had really deteriorated since the first time I flew in the seventies. Back then, my second ex and I flew to San Francisco for his job interview and I remember people dressing in nice business clothing and being served a decent meal. Now flying is like riding a crowded bus in a not-so-good neighborhood.
Flying is a drag. I hate it. Especially on BA--like a freaking sardine can. Virgin much better. I also miss my animals terribly.
I get very physically uncomfortable (if you know what I mean) after about a day and have to drink A LOT of water to fix the problem, say around day 4.
Mostly I miss being home. But when I do travel it's for a vacation and to learn about other cultures and history and art and to see really cool, different things. So it's worth it. I would NOT want to do it all the time.
Really enjoying reading everyone's thoughts and experiences. Thanks so much for dropping-by to share with me.
I love packing because it involves planning and getting things organized, as well as cleaning house and finishing all my work before I leave and leaving things in order. I love having something to look forward to at the end of that "push."
I love flying because -- well, i really love flying. It's weird, but true. I love everything about the experience except when security or border control/passport control is rude. I dislike it when my tickets get mixed up, but that's rarely a problem.
I usually only travel with one carry-on bag that will carry all of my clothing for the trip, and now that we have DS, his clothing too. Our first holiday, we took too much clothing, as DH had his own suitcase. We didn't need that much. Then last year we just did one suitcase for the three of us (driving trip) and it was great. When I fly for work, it's usually a week of yoga (or a weekend), and so I just take yoga clothes, which fit into very little space, and thus I carry a book bag with me onto the plan. I like to travel light no matter what. :)
When on the trip, I love going place to place -- and usually I don't even arrange housing. I like to see where I'll end up. Depending upon when we land, I might get housing for the first night or two ahead of time, but more often than not, I like "luck of the draw." That's what makes traveling in NZ hard as heck for me. LOL no such luck with that. I have literally ended up sleeping in the car (dislike!) or bumming a sofa off of someone really, really nice. I don't care for that much. But in Europe and north american cities, I tend just to see where the day takes me, and I always end up in the most awesome places -- people's home stays, some people loan us their apartment to house-sit for a number of days, and one person even took us to their vacation home in sweden. So nice.
I try to travel as lightly as possible, and I try to travel as inexpensively as possible. I got DH and I to and from scandinavia twice for under $4,000. I got us to NZ twice for under $5,000 each trip. That's not shabby! We do plan on going to Australia relatively soon, and our plan is for it to cost about $3000 (NZ) which would include air fare for the three of us, rental of the caravan or other option for accommodation.
I'm just good at that sort of thing. I'm good at finding great fare prices, great housing options, and even coupons for food and such. It's even better now that "group on" and similar voucher groups exist.
My list is easy to come up with. Driving. Airports. Motels.
While I don't mind short drives, longer drives of a day or couple of days just seem tedious. I had a discussion with a friend recently and he brought up the point that some people actually like getting into the auto and just cruising. I have trouble sitting for long periods and loose patience with other drivers. I have done bicycling touring for hours and days on end and never minded. I'm just getting a little old for that.
So, I really would prefer flying...except the long lines and waits in an ocean of humanity at the airports. Not to mention airport parking and stress of deadlines.
A fellow I know was staying in what would seem like a decent mid-level motel, probably along the lines of a Hampton Inn and brought bed bugs back to his home. His stories of getting rid of them are almost nightmarish. I really don't mind sleeping in a tent in decent weather.
So anymore I take short drives and camp, which suits me fine. Along with my other paranoias I'm becoming especially conscious of travel related greenhouse emissions and global warming and the associated guilt.
IshbelRobertson
5-30-12, 5:53pm
Airports.
Any airport - but Hong Kong presently tops my list of 'places to avoid'!
Super-additions everybody! Thanks a bunch for sharing!
Making mental-notes of everything, everyone is saying, so when holiday/travel time comes our way, I'll (hopefully) be a step or two ahead of the game...
Nothing like hearing from seasoned-veterans.
Flying is a drag. I hate it.
I very respectfully ask--how can flying be a drag???? It's awesome! For a few hours you get to suspend yourself above the world below. You're buckled in, so you HAVE to do nothing! Or, read!! What could be better than HAVING to read! I love that you can't get email or voice mail 36,000 ft above. You're just up there above even the clouds.
When I fly, it's like taking a big TIME-OUT. I love it.
domestic goddess
5-30-12, 7:02pm
I'm one of those people who enjoy driving. Not in town, of course, but once out on the open road, I can feel the tension vanish, and I can settle in and drive for a good long time. Well, I used to. Now I need more breaks to not get too drowsy. And I prefer to drive at night. I used to leave here around 8 or 9 p.m. and drive all night. Now that I'm older I prefer to take the train and ride all night. I don't sleep, but I don't have to be really alert.
I do enjoy train travel, and would like to take longer trips to either coast. That will probably have to wait awhile, but it is fun to think about. I pack light, so can take some books for nighttime.
domestic goddess
5-30-12, 7:10pm
Catherine, I feel the same way about train travel that you do about flying. I really relax in those first few minutes on the train, because I can really be aware that there is little I can do at that point. I like to pull a little snack out of my bag, open a magazine or my kindle, and just let the stress melt away. Actually getting on the train is less stress-provoking for me than going through all the rigamarole to get on a plane, and I rarely get motion sickness on the train, so I find it a more pleasant experience. Once we pull out of Union Station I relax more than I have in weeks, or even months! I'd like to take a train trip home with my oldest granddaughter; I think she'd like it, once we deal with the fact that we won't be getting off for 12 hours.
Catherine, I feel the same way about train travel that you do about flying. I really relax in those first few minutes on the train, because I can really be aware that there is little I can do at that point. I like to pull a little snack out of my bag, open a magazine or my kindle, and just let the stress melt away. Actually getting on the train is less stress-provoking for me than going through all the rigamarole to get on a plane, and I rarely get motion sickness on the train, so I find it a more pleasant experience. Once we pull out of Union Station I relax more than I have in weeks, or even months! I'd like to take a train trip home with my oldest granddaughter; I think she'd like it, once we deal with the fact that we won't be getting off for 12 hours.
Union Station, DC? I admit, I do love train travel, too. If I have to fly to Boston from NJ I always do Amtrak. It's VERY comfortable, compared to plane travel. They have outlets for computing, and a cafe/bar car. It's great.
(I'm seeing a pattern here. I love airplanes. I love road trips. I love trains. I think I just like traveling!)
rosarugosa
5-30-12, 7:36pm
I have been on the alert for bedbugs for a few years now, and I make sure to inspect hotel rooms before settling in.
Probably my biggest dislike is the time period after I check out of a hotel but haven't actually left town - I feel like a homeless person and I don't like it one bit!
I used to love flying more than almost anything, but stopped flying when they banned smoking on airplanes (yes, it's been awhile). So now I can get on a plane again when the opportunity beckons, but I do really prefer local travel.
I very respectfully ask--how can flying be a drag????
Because of other people. Like I already mentioned, heavy scent wearers or people who take up way more than their fair share of space. People who make loud smacking noises with gum or slurp loudly every sip of their soda or coffee. People who want to tell you their life story, and don't read your cues that you'd really rather read. Kids who kick the back of your seat the entire flight with parents who say nothing. People who bring stinky food on the plane. People who are already half in the bag, and are talking way too loudly, usually to friends several rows up. People who are obviously sick and spreading their germs throughout the plane. People who have to constantly fiddle with their carry ons, bumping into you constantly. Kids with beeping or noisy games, not on headphones. And yes, I've experienced all of these, but luckily not all on the same flight.
Why yes, I am an old curmudgeon. Why do you ask? :laff:
Really, I do enjoy travel, its just that I don't enjoy being so up close and confined with humanity. I usually use earplugs, which at least helps with sounds, but nothing helps with smells or being bumped into.
domestic goddess
5-30-12, 7:47pm
Union Station, Chicago.
Because of other people. Like I already mentioned, heavy scent wearers or people who take up way more than their fair share of space. People who make loud smacking noises with gum or slurp loudly every sip of their soda or coffee. People who want to tell you their life story, and don't read your cues that you'd really rather read.
Don't forget the screaming babies. The parents who insist on flying their new baby home to meet the family instead of insisting on the other way around, and the poor little thing shrieks for two long, long hours solid because its ears won't clear. And yes, I have been the person in the seat right next to them.
Oh, Catherine, there's plenty to hate about air travel sometimes. Luckily, I usually fall asleep, only to be jolted awake by our notorious regional turbulence, so I can wonder if we're going to crash rather than land. I used to love flying when I was younger, but a hundred thousand miles later, the bloom's definitely off the rose, there.
I'm with Zoebird on enjoying the organizing and packing and so forth. I also travel light. Last year I went from Chicago to Cleveland to visit friends for a weekend. I had the small size LL Bean Adventure Duffel bag. It fit, with room for my small purse, under the seat on the regional jet! :) I am cheap and hate paying for accomodation. When I travel, it's usually to visit friends. I don't mind getting to the airport early. It's prime time for people watching, which I love to do.
I've only flown once (last summer) since the new scan machines came into use. I was almost going to have to go through it in Cleveland, but the line was so long that I was waved into the metal detector line instead.
The only thing I REALLY hate about flying, since I always do it alone, is my bag going through the baggage scanner and security is taking its good old time. I never travel with a laptop, but I've still got iPod and cell phone in my purse, as well as everything else. A tip we were given at O'Hare at the beginning of the line was to put our purse in suitcase if it would fit. It did, and less to worry about going through.
mtnlaurel
5-31-12, 10:25am
Don't forget the screaming babies. The parents who insist on flying their new baby home to meet the family instead of insisting on the other way around, and the poor little thing shrieks for two long, long hours solid because its ears won't clear. And yes, I have been the person in the seat right next to them. .
Yup, that's been me and sis.
Sadly, we are from an area that unless you are in the right Men's Bible study group it's hard to get a well-paying job there and even if you did, Could you really see yourself living there day in and day out? (I could see myself there no problem, but I am a hick at heart with conservative leanings (still considered a liberal there though, thanks to the RWNJs) and my home feels like the birthplace of commonsense living, aka Voluntary Simplicity)
So we are tossed assunder from our homeland and must trek back from afar to visit the babies' great-grandparents that want to see the peanuts before they go on to Glory and can't get on a plane due to their health conditions.
And more specifically in my case, was flying back at regular intervals to help care for GM dying from alzheimers with baby in Bjorn in tow.
Luckily, neither of us had too many horrific infant/toddler trips.
Nursing during the flight helps a great deal with the ear pressure, so we were good there, BUT depending on your rowmate could be a little awkward.
Once I had to take baby to the back of the plane and strip him down to diaper b/c I finally figured out he was hot -- I was just getting to know him and he HATES to be too hot..... as he was born in Rocky Mtns in winter and freezing his keister off was his norm! :)
Trust me the parent is as mortified as the plane victims!
Kids on planes are just a reality in this world where you have to move to work.
What I wish is that an airline would come up with 'Family Friendly' flights or 'Family Friendly' sections, so anyone that got on there knew it was going to be Katy-Bar-the-Door from the Git Go.
Disney really understands what parents/kids want -- maybe Disney sponsored plane sections or flights? A little cross-marketing opportunites ?????? Could be a win-win for all????
Let the corporations solve the problem to their benefit.
I would not want that seating mandated, but I would allow myself to be bombarded by Disney characters while being surrounded by other misbehaving children to save other grown-ups' sanity.
When I get to my seat and see other families around me or the longing look of a grandmother missing their own grandkids, I breathe a sigh of relief.
And I am NOT one of those moms that takes their kids to nice restaurants etc b/c my money spends just as good.
At the first peep of discord in any place other than a kid-specific venue, to-go boxes are asked for and we are hitting the door, so the good grown-up people around us can enjoy their hard earned meal in peace.
.... the problem with flying is that without a parachute there is no place to go!!!!
Holy-smokes! Let a thread go for a day and look what happens! Thank you, thank you, thank you, everybody, for such super posts!
shadowmoss
5-31-12, 11:43am
I enjoy travel. It is much easier to travel by air especially when you just have a carry-on. At the risk of sounding like an infomercial, I use my ScottEVest when I travel by air and it has pockets to keep all the little things in place and it just goes in the bin all in one piece. My computer(s) get carried in my backpack and pulled out into the open, which causes some anxiety until they are safely stowed away again. I have light weight travel clothes, including some reversible things that are one color on one side and another color on the other so my clothes fit easily into a rolling carry-on and can be hand washed and dried easily. Since I live in the tropics I don't need the heavy clothes, and just time my trips home for when the weather there is warm.
I also enjoy traveling by car. I do the trip between Nashville, TN and Kansas City, MO usually at least once when I'm home. They have conveniently placed casinos every 2-3 hours along the interstate and so I stop and eat/play slots/drink their free coffee (yes, I know I'm paying for it in the slots) and then hit the road again. I prefer to not actually 'stop' but sleep in rest areas and such and drive straight through on trips up to 3 days. I've done that at least twice. For me, it's fun. I don't travel with others along so that I can make my own schedule.
I'll try train travel as soon as I can as it seems to be a nice way to travel as well. Also, down here I've used buses a lot more, but only for 3 hr trips at the most. I'm hoping to travel around Central America next year via bus and my trusty day pack/ScottEVest/carry-on so I'll report more at that at the time.
On my blog I show what I traveled with a few weekends ago: shadowmoss.blogspot.com
studentofecology
5-31-12, 12:37pm
I don't like how much it costs, how much time you're sitting in a car/train/plane, but I also don't like to concept that your life is something you want to get away from. I know, I know, work, family issues, stress and all of that, but I personally want my life and my home to be somewhere that I want to be...somewhere I don't want to leave, because I like it so well.
But of course, I'm not there yet.
I don't like how much it costs, how much time you're sitting in a car/train/plane, but I also don't like to concept that your life is something you want to get away from. I know, I know, work, family issues, stress and all of that, but I personally want my life and my home to be somewhere that I want to be...somewhere I don't want to leave, because I like it so well.
But of course, I'm not there yet.
Well, my favorite vacations are sort of "my life--intensified." I like living in an urban environment with great architecture. So my favorite vacations involve--urban environments and architecture. I'm not so much a mountains or ocean type. A little of that is fine, but my feet like to be on pavement, preferably cobblestone or brick.
I love to see new places as much as anyone, but the whole ordeal just nearly kills me. I ache from head to toe no matter the mode of travel, usually feel horrible from eating out too much. And I will never (if I am consious) fly again!!! I flew once from Washington State to Memphis (7 hours) and suffered from motion sickness the whole time.
I really like travel shows, tho and usually see pretty much what I would go to see anyway. We do the best we can. :)
I also don't like to concept that your life is something you want to get away from. I know, I know, work, family issues, stress and all of that, but I personally want my life and my home to be somewhere that I want to be...somewhere I don't want to leave, because I like it so well.
But of course, I'm not there yet.
In a way I agree, but in a way I disagree. Traveling can imprint new things on your brain in a really cool way and timestamp a moment. My #1 place to be is at home, but I have so many really nice memories of specific points of time with family because my senses were so in tune with imprinting a memory with sounds, sights and smells. They're like holograms you hold in your mind forever.
The kids are leaving at 7 a.m. for 10 days with a youth group trip - have they started packing yet? NO. They are so like their mama.
I don't like how much it costs, how much time you're sitting in a car/train/plane, but I also don't like to concept that your life is something you want to get away from. I know, I know, work, family issues, stress and all of that, but I personally want my life and my home to be somewhere that I want to be...somewhere I don't want to leave, because I like it so well.
But of course, I'm not there yet.
People who enjoy traveling take their lives along with them. For most it's an adventure, not an escape.
studentofecology
5-31-12, 5:23pm
People who enjoy traveling take their lives along with them. For most it's an adventure, not an escape.
In a way I agree, but in a way I disagree. Traveling can imprint new things on your brain in a really cool way and timestamp a moment. My #1 place to be is at home, but I have so many really nice memories of specific points of time with family because my senses were so in tune with imprinting a memory with sounds, sights and smells. They're like holograms you hold in your mind forever.
Well, my favorite vacations are sort of "my life--intensified." I like living in an urban environment with great architecture. So my favorite vacations involve--urban environments and architecture. I'm not so much a mountains or ocean type. A little of that is fine, but my feet like to be on pavement, preferably cobblestone or brick.
I know many, many people see travel this way; I'm recalling a time in my life when it seemed that everyone around me was hankering for some vacation time, and saying things like "I'm just so tired and stressed- I need to get away". It just seems really sad to me, that so many people build their lives so that they are so stressed out, tired and worn out that they feel they need a break from their day to day existence.
It was during this time that I decided that I'd build my own life such that I liked being home, and to maintain my home and my life such that I didn't want to leave because it was so good to be home. But it's not so much the place that matters to me, it's more building your life in such a way that you don't feel the need to run away. At the same time, I'd really like to WOOF some day, maybe bike across the continent, and go to Thailand.
Travelling for fun, adventure and new experiences is one thing in my mind, while going somewhere else so that you can sit on a beach and not care about what is going on because you are run ragged and worn out is another. I would rather have the time and space for peace and rest built into my life, than carve out a few weeks every once in awhile to put a dead stop to what I'm doing so I can decompress.
Great stuff everybody! Lovin' everyone's take on this subject.
IshbelRobertson
6-1-12, 12:07pm
I travel quite a bit. Nowadays it's mostly within the European area, but every couple of years to Australia. The travel is ALWAYS hard - but the sights, sounds, smells, food - including music and culture, just cannot be experienced any other way, so it makes the travel a fair trade-off.
I have read that there are hotels in places like Las Vegas, where you can pretend you are in Venice.... no, not really, you'd be in an hotel mocked up to look a little like an area of Venice!
I agree, even from a non-traveler, the sights, sounds, smells, food, etc, would be so unique. Gee, I can't wait for the day...
I have read that there are hotels in places like Las Vegas, where you can pretend you are in Venice.... no, not really, you'd be in an hotel mocked up to look a little like an area of Venice!
I've had the good fortune to stay at the Venetian in Las Vegas and to travel to Venice. Both were great, but aside from hearing strains of Samba Italiana at dinner in both places they were decidedly not the same experience. I personally preferred the real deal even though the travel to get there was much more involved.
I have read that there are hotels in places like Las Vegas, where you can pretend you are in Venice.... no, not really, you'd be in an hotel mocked up to look a little like an area of Venice!
I've never been to Las Vegas and have no desire to change that claim. My daughter, however, as been several times. A few years ago we treated her and my son-in-law to a trip to Paris. When we visited the Eiffel Tower she said "Oh, I saw this in Vegas". Her mother's reply, "You didn't actually say that did you?"
awakenedsoul
6-2-12, 10:21pm
Great thread Mrs. M.! I don't hate anything about traveling. I was on the road for fifteen years when I toured with Broadway shows. That was the happiest time of my life! We went first class, and were paid very well. I loved the people, the excitement of seeing the world, and the creative high of achieving my artistic dream. I was young, open, and felt very fortunate. I recently took a trip to Carmel, CA. Wow! I hadn't had a vacation in several years, and I just loved it. I drove, brought my two dogs with me, and stayed in two beautiful places. The first was a fancy hotel that allows dogs. I loved the luxury, tranquil setting, and delicious food. The second night I stayed at a quaint B&B. The whole trip cost me $500. Rather than making a longer trip at a cheaper motel, this was a real treat. I still felt rested, and I stayed within my budget. Here's what helps me: I make a list of everything I need to pack. I get it all organized before I leave. I spend a couple of days preparing. I pack delicious homemade food, comfortable, quality clothing, a good book, my crocheting, and my journal. I enjoy talking to people I meet. Each place has its own culture. I don't mind the packing...it's all part of the deal. I bring my Uggs slippers, a sweater for the cool nights, and comfortable walking shoes. I love the travel soaps and lotions they give you at the nicer hotels. I bring my own coffee maker and ask for a refrigerator in my room. This way I can keep soy milk, cream, fruit, and sandwiches. I normally don't eat out, so going to a restaurant or cafe is a big deal now. For me, travel expands my aura. I get new ideas and inspiration. I also appreciate my cottage and land more when I return home. I check out real estate feel lucky that I bought my home when prices were low. I love the art galleries, the beach, the nature, and the lovely landscaping in Carmel. Once home, I work at duplicating the gardens and B&B elegance and simplicity in my home. For me, there's nothing like travel. I plan to do more of it.
Well, that does it, Awakenedsoul, I'm travelling with you! :) Yummy sandwiches are my favourite when travelling. (Hint-Hint)!
happystuff
6-3-12, 10:14pm
I love to travel also. I experience and enjoy and learn so much while living with so little....I truly am happy when I travel. It always amazes me when I return home to so many excesses. I'm still trying to fix my daily life to more reflect my "travel" life. :-)
Excellent point, Happystuff, Re: enjoying and learning so much, while living/existing with so little... I'm a firm-believer in the idea that many of us tend to forget/overlook just how much we really do have.
awakenedsoul
6-5-12, 6:32pm
Yes, Mrs. M. and I make my sandwiches on homemade bread! I remember telling a friend of mine (when we were working together in a theater in Berlin,) "I'm happiest when I'm getting on a plane." He said that he was, too. (This was back in 1990...I haven't been on a plane since they implemented all of the new security measures.) It sounds corny, but car travel makes me appreciate how beautiful the USA is, and it gets me out of my head. I enjoy meeting fellow travelers and locals. (Train travel is great for this!) It also makes me appreciate all of the space I have at home.
I'm sitting here in the airline lounge at LA, getting ready to go to Dallas, and after work in Dallas I go to Cleveland and then home on Friday. I have Philly on Sunday followed by Chicago next Tuesday. Fun, fun, fun! My Kindle is loaded and I'm ready to go!
Y-u-m-m-y, Awakenedsoul! Ditto, car travel, on my end, too!
How does one get so lucky as to live the travelling lifestyle you do, Catherine?
OK the thing I hate most about travelling is that I can't check in here very often. Miss this site (and the members) when I only look at it once every few weeks.
That and mosquitos (amd crowds) in summer when camping - UGH!!!!!!!!!!!
I hear you on the mosquito's, Spartana. With the tremendous wet season we've had, I'm anticipating a walloping this year re: mosquito's.
I could never do house-sitters... If the day ever comes where travel is in the cards, we'll get family to drop-by the house to check-up on it, etc.
Gardenarian
6-20-12, 8:49pm
We always get a house-sitter to watch our spoiled little dogs. I know a number of college and post-grads kids who are willing to house-sit for free so they can get away from their parents' house for a while.
At this time my life I have little desire or need to travel. I seem to always get sick when traveling, so that would be the thing I hate most, I guess.
treehugger
6-20-12, 8:53pm
I am the lone homebody in an extended family of intrepid travelers. I like the idea of travel, but the planning and the expense stress me out, so, even when we have disposable income, I don't really enjoy traveling. In another life, I'd love to be someone who loves to travel.
Kara
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