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Loading ...December, 2009:
Evolution of the Travel Complaint
People love to complain. Whether it’s because of flight delays, security procedures or bad food, travel inspires some of the loudest and energetic complainers out there. Lately, people have been piling on the TSA like it’s their job (sometimes it is). But this is just the latest chapter in a rich history of travel complaints. You can trace incidents like this all the way back to the Biblical times. It’s a rich history and one that deserves exploration.
Over at Gadling, I’ve traced the evolution of the travel complaint. Before the TSA, travelers aimed their vitriol at God, airline food and babies. Now that’s a holy trinity!
Now, some of these gripes are justified while others are just people enjoying hearing themselves shout. Hopefully you know the difference between the two and stay above the fray when it’s the latter.
If you’re a complainer or know someone who is, do yourself a favor and give this post a read. Then leave a complaint in the comments.
Travel Tip #19: Be Curious
Things are not always as they appear and that’s never truer than when you’re traveling. Meager accommodations can be home to sensational features. Sketchy locals can turn out to be the most gracious hosts. And humble towns can provide the richest experiences.
Rather than judge things at face value or assume you understand everything that you are seeing, look deeper. Explore, ask questions and trust that your curiosity will lead to some of the best experiences of your trip.
Crash & Learn: The Invisible Plane
While you may worry that emergency crews won’t be able to find your invisible plane, rest assured that it’s opaque from the outside. Duh.
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Source: Virgin America A320 Safety Card.
Travel Tip #36: Don’t Be Intimidated
People may warn you that the world is a scary place. And yes, some neighborhoods in any city will be rougher than others. But if you’ve made the choice to travel, you’ve already leaped over the biggest hurdle.
The world isn’t as bad as the naysayers tell you. And it’s not as Utopian as the hippies say it is, either. We all reside somewhere in the middle and you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way if you travel confidently and relax your gag reflex.
Crash & Learn: Live to Balloon Again
No one loves hot air ballooning more than the Amish.
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Source: Outback Ballooning – Alice Springs, NT, Australia.
Travel Tip #44: Be Helpful
While some people don’t consider themselves to be citizens of the world, traveling will inevitably expose you to new people, many of whom are less fortunate than you. While I’d never suggest that you give handouts to every beggar and busker that you encounter, you should be a responsible and respectful human being when you are a visitor.
There are plenty of ways to leave a positive impression while you are traveling. Blog about worthwhile causes that you encounter (if you’re a loser with a travel blog), spend some time volunteering during your trip or simply treat people with respect and dignity no matter their station in life.
Whether you give a peso, publicity or just your time, leave a lasting impression with the people that you meet by improving their lives. And sometimes that takes nothing more than a smile.
Travel Tip #25: Put Your Camera Down
Just because you fancy yourself the next Ansel Adams doesn’t mean you need to burden yourself with every single lens and tripod that you own. Sure, you want to document your travels and preserve your memories. But, by keeping some moments solely in your mind, you’ll actually treasure them more.
So, put your camera down, take a deep breath and just be there. Be in that place. Be in that time. And maybe just wear some pants if you want to cover your legs entirely.
Travel Tip #102: Give Modest Accommodations a Chance
You’d be surprised how much fun you can have with new friends at hostels. And there are some remarkably decent motels out there (with more charm in their vending machine selections than some hotels have in all of their amenities combined). So, rather than splurge on a room at a swanky hotel, find some place interesting or unique to spend the night.
Have you stayed some place off the beaten path or with a fascinating history? Do you always avoid chains and seek out independent accommodations? Share your stories in the comments.
