5 Annoying Rites of Passage for Any Traveler

written on January 28th, 2016 by Rafia Abubakar

 

Milestones are marked by certain events or moments. Like when we pass a goal whether personal or career-oriented, planned or spontaneous. A transition from whence we go from not knowing, to be one the wiser. These moments of truth are subjects of long tales with family and friends or any willing listener. Who would have better stories to tell? A traveler of course.

Traveling itself is a rite of passage, ceremonious and life-enhancing for some. But I will not dwell on that for this article. No, I’d rather talk about the quirky, funny and downright annoying moments that make you say, “I’ve made it!” as a traveler.

The Wondering Wanderer.

You’re lost. You have no idea where you are and even when you think you’ve got it all right from the map, you’re still nowhere near that hidden cafe.

This is probably the first and easiest traveling initiation anyone experiences. But it’s alright, you’re in a new place. It happens. Ask for directions.

On another note, if you’re planning on going to a secluded place or a trail that may have small chance of passersby you can ask for assistance ahead, be sure to either have a local guide or inform people where you are going and what time you expect to be back.

The Joyride.

Another common story. You’re settled in your seat and even plugged to your iPod, ready for the long ride. Then you hear someone mention the destination. It’s not where you’re supposed to go.

There’s no shame in it. So you took the wrong bus, train, or airplane even (I did once, but got off in time before it left). Well if you’re in no hurry, this could be a detour worth checking out. Not every wrong turn is a bad thing.

More spaces to explore and a new route.

The One That Got Away.

This time you missed your flight/train/bus. It has just gone out of the station and you’re left behind. While this can be one of the most hassle experiences, especially for missed flights – rebooking and all, but it teaches a life lesson… be punctual! There’s no way around it. There could be a million reasons you were late. It may not even be your fault, but when it comes to traveling it’s best to think 2 or 10 steps ahead.

The Lost and Found.

You’re waiting at the conveyor belt, perusing every luggage passing you by. Looking for the familiar one you call your own. Slowly the carousel of bags becomes empty. Nothing is coming out. That mini heart attack you get when you realize your baggage is nowhere to be found.

Don’t freak out just yet, it’s not uncommon for some airports to accidentally load baggage on the wrong plane. Be sure to coordinate with the airline about the lost baggage. I know of someone who had to wait a month before they got their luggage back. Good thing they lost it coming back from vacation and not before.

If you feel you may have left it somewhere within the station or airport. Alert the proper authorities and ask to look in their lost and found section. Then there are those hopeless cases (Like the friend who left her bag of souvenirs at the waiting lounge, only to remember when she was back home) where it’s best to just… let it go.

The Moment Lunch Isn’t Agreeable.

Yes, one of the exciting parts of traveling is sampling all the new food and delicacies. For some people, this is the most adventurous thing they’ll do on a trip. But then it strikes even the best of us. It may be the way it was prepared that wasn’t agreeable or the canteen wasn’t as clean you thought. Worst case is they may have added something you’re allergic to in it.

This is why you should have handy pillbox with emergency meds. And remember to rehydrate when you have run in with indigestion and a very upset tummy. Sometimes it’s best to let it run its course, but do have yourself checked if you’re sure this is more than just something you ate.

So, are you the experienced traveler now?

While the things mentioned above are not the least bit pleasant and can be annoying, even frustrating at the time they happen, trust me they will be a good tale to share and you will find yourself laughing about it.

If you’re a frequent traveler, how many of these have you already been through? If you’ve ticked them all, well looks like you made it, with a traveler’s rite of passage under your belt. Believe me though, there will be more.