What are some things you don't like about traveling?

Travelling - Traveling is an exciting activities and you meet a lot of people with different cultures and visit a lot of beautiful places.
Philippines
August 28, 2009 1:53am CST
Traveling is a very exhaustive experiences but the real adventures awaits you in your choice of your destination. However, if you travel alone and without a tourist guide. You may encounter some undesirable journey to meet you along the roads. Aside from cultural barriers, languages, unfamiliarity of the roads, places, and of the different strangers you will likely meet. Their are undesirable things you have to be prepare to meet ranging from snatchers, robbers, kidnappers, and taxis over charging. Kindly shares your undesirable experience you meet when you travel alone or with a companion? What tips or strategies you gonna shares with fellow travelers to avoid facing the same situation that you experience along with your journey?
10 people like this
32 responses
@flagella08 (5065)
• Philippines
28 Aug 09
i love travel ling with friends before. now i don't do that more often since the fare or the gasoline is already high.it seems that traveling is already a luxury amidst the financial constraints that the world is facing now. if someone will invite me for free i would be very much willing to go. i love to see places. it was just sad that i don't get to see them more often. when i got the chance to travel with my husband during his event trips i would love to do so.
2 people like this
• United States
28 Aug 09
Hey! The cost and gas is what stoped me this year from traveling as much as i would like . it sucks because i love to be free and see!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
28 Aug 09
yeah, I too like to travel and when it is given an opportunity that someone will be the one to pay for my travels. Why not? I am even to volunteer myself for free. i really love to travels and i really get bored in seeing my places over and over again. Traveling is a way to unwind and relax, better with your family as your companion. It is really fun and enjoyable surprises are coming all along the ways and into awaiting in your destination.
2 people like this
• Philippines
30 Aug 09
yes free stuff are always great. traveling for free is more great especially when you haven't been to that place since then. when i was in college i often went to my friends and dorm mates places and enjoy there for some days. most of them come from places near great beaches and i felt like i wouldn't wanna leave the place ever.
1 person likes this
@gary1125 (173)
• Australia
28 Aug 09
What a coincident, I just started a topic about the worst travel which you ever had.... For me, I hate to carry lugages, probablly because when I traveled a lot, I usual moved my staff around as a student, so not a single time I can have a light carrying.
2 people like this
• Philippines
28 Aug 09
Yeah, I also hate to bring lot of luggage. It really destroy my fashion sense Aside, from it, my body weight could not afford to pull heavy things as get petite body. Then, it really shrink my height and I look like am having a hunchback with carrying heavy pack bags...
2 people like this
• United States
28 Aug 09
I wish I could just do a light carry on but I have so much and always seem to pack way too much . sad thing is most times i dont even wear what i pack and end up buying tees on sale in nyc.
1 person likes this
@mzz663 (2772)
• United States
28 Aug 09
The worst thing that ever happened while traveling for me was sitting on a plane next to a guy that was really drunk. I could smell him, not just his breath but sweating the smell out of his pores. I asked to change seats. Later he started talking to people and annoying them, glad I moved, it was a long flight.
1 person likes this
@mzz663 (2772)
• United States
4 Sep 09
Ohh, yuck! We don't have a lot of public transportation opportunities here, if you don't have a car, you don't go anywhere. I wish we did have it available here sometimes, but some of the answers here make me kind of glad I don't have to deal with some of this stuff!!
• Philippines
30 Aug 09
Lol, that could happen to anyone as you could not really choose who you want to seat beside you, especially if you are traveling in a crowded and public transportation. it even get worse such as in a non-aircon bus and their a rural passengers who even bring their animals, extra large baggages and little children. They even scatter trash sometimes noisy and you got to encounter weird and smelly passengers. That is really a reality and you could only feel calm and relax after you arrive at your destination..
• Philippines
5 Sep 09
lucky you..in our country you have a lot of option in terms of traveling by air , land or water. If you are traveling by land, people here uses public train, buses, cars, jeepney, motors, tricycles, even pedicabs and they are available both aircon and non-aircon . And, If you visit here their are private cars ou could rent for days or hire a driver to make the driving for you, or settle for a aircon shuttle bus to take you anywhere. Some have their own private vehicles and it is the convenient ways to travels to avoid being trap in crowded groups. Then, water based vehicles like public ship are also available by economy, and cabin room, or settle for a private ferries. Then, the travel by air or by plane is the most fastest and convenient way to travel. You could get to your destination in a far places for as quick as 1 hours depending on your destination..The scenario s what I mention eally happen, especially if you are traveling in rural areas..
@bjcyrix (6901)
• Philippines
29 Aug 09
What a very appropriate(?) discussion for today.^_^ I just got back from a tour you see and yes, I havent had any good sleep for the last 48 hours. It was also very hectic when I got back. Anyway, Ill try to focus more on the traveling experience since that is the main topic of your discussion, right? Well, it wasnt my first 8 hour travel by bus without my parents but it has been a while since my last one, almost 7 years actually. One of our major subjects kinda requires us to be involved in Exposure programs that would definitely aid us in better understanding the actual operations of a successful exporting business. We were able to visit their warehouses and shipyards, as well as drive around 2 interconnecting cities that are highly patronized by foreign investors. The number of hours traveled seemed to be more than the time that we visited the cities and the plants. But it was okay for me because I used that time inside the bus to either get a bit of sleep or to get to know my other classmates more.^_^ At the end of the 2-day tour, I wanted to stay a bit longer in those places and learn more but we do have time constraints. However, Im glad that at least I was able to visit those places as well as establish good friendship bonds with my other classmates who I usually dont get the chance to talk to during classes.
@bjcyrix (6901)
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
Wow, you just summed up my response perfectly. I did learn a lot, had fun and I actually want to continue that discussion I had with a classmate. It was just something he said.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
oh, yeah, you got to enjoy your trip with your bunch of your adorable classmates. How about your chum? well have a nice day!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
Hi bjcyrix..how's your tour? gotta be a nice experience out of here for a while! Well, that is a good exposure program which your school provide and going to help you understand your courses that merely seating in a classroom with all the theory. At least you got to see it with your self the actual operation and how a exporting business operates. it would surely gives you a lot of ideas which could help you in your future jobs. Then, what even fun is you get to know more of your classmates and have a nice day strolling and chatting while enjoying some beautiful scenes of the places..
1 person likes this
@airakumar (1553)
• India
28 Aug 09
I love wondering new places and especially by train. Because I hardly get chance to travel by rail. By train I can see so many thing outside like trees, birds, animals al the natural beauty. But my experience while traveling once by train was very weird. It was last year when you were traveling and suddenly a lady came near me asking how I am? and all..started conversation while I was not interested but she was continued. I once said..I am not interested in whatever you are saying but still she was like...radio just going on. I got irritated and then I said this to my husband to handle this and sort out. Just tell her to go and sit in her place. He then insisted her to sit in her own place saying that I am not well..:-) I was very much shocked that after she sat on her sit she started mummering about me. It was the worst feeling. I thought is she mad or something that she wants to talk forcely where other is not interested..
• United States
28 Aug 09
Hello, If I had the money I would take a plane but then at the same time I love the freedom that a car would bring , and most times I feel strange without one. I have taken a train before and like it.
• Philippines
28 Aug 09
Oh, that is really unnerving experiences, that is really irritates you..when you have to enjoy being at peace with yourself by enjoying the scenes along the way an interruption come, which really annoying. Even, though you explain your sides she would not stop talking. That is really kind of a person who like to be the center of attention-an attention seeker which likely spoils your moods and that is why you insist on your husband to sit on besides you for her to leave you. In a situation like that were really cannot control the behavior of the person, as she really uses that way to disturb other passengers, except when you travel in your vehicles you will never be disturb..Anyway that is already done, all you have to do is to keep seeing what on the outside while the train is passing by and never mind the smik on her face..
1 person likes this
@tintukm (1102)
• India
29 Aug 09
All place have to be first of all, be made aware to us.The superb environment of place to where we travel makes us forget its demerits by the beauty and class at times.Traveling through road has been as much troubling for me in my entire life in any form of it can come through,then by train has also experiences of less comfort and dealing with different people too is a tough task.By air travel has also not been so wonderful at times,with the fellow passengers.The luggage also give's us hick ups during traveling.New places can be unsuitable too.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
I too hate to travel by land or sea, i get dizzy and vomit most of the times. Traveling by air is the fast and the best method for me. But, some people do not like to travel frequently in a plane. They get weird feeling it is fast, but it is also fast to get die from air crash. hope it does not happen to me. But, i really feel comfortable flying by plane. Yeah, traveling in an estrange places could get you a more wacky with uncharted roads and not so friendly folks. you get to have a lot of patience to get by and arrive at your places of destination safely..
• Philippines
1 Sep 09
yap, traveling alone takes a lot of guts and having a companion is a blessing as you could have a share of you fun, joy and annoying scenes. Hopefully when you get to your destination all is well and kicking..By the way plane is fast but the morbid risk in traveling not only by plane but also in terms of all types of transportation Were need to be extra cautious when we travel and wish no untoward incidents happen along our journey....
@tintukm (1102)
• India
1 Sep 09
Place are always confusing there are new people everywhere,specially when one travels alone this strange feeling come's across of being scary.But after getting on with people and mingling with them offers much relief and then excitement come take care of us.By the way you won't crash in a plane,if this thought remains in your mind then its not a good thing,think good for good.Happy lol.
1 person likes this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
1 Sep 09
Travelling makes me very tired too. It also makes me feel sick alot of times also, especially if I am not the one driving. I hate wasting alot of time on the road also. It makes me feel dizzy at times too and gives me a headache.
1 person likes this
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
11 Sep 09
hi neelianoscet!^^ i love traveling! but yeah, just like you said, no matter how fun it is, there would always be some discomfort. first of all, preparing things. most of the time i get a hard time preparing my things because i want to bring a lot of stuff which i cannot do. sometimes i tend to bring too much clothes which makes me suffer because my baggage is heavy! another would be the public restrooms. i have been to a lot of dirty public toilets and it's really a discomfort to use them. i've been to nice toilets too but they are just few. so sometimes i just tend to hold it in until i arrive in my destination. this is why i bring a lot of tissues.^^ lastly would be expensive souvenir items! why can't they just sell cheap souvenirs so we can buy a lot more right?? that would definitely promote their place.^^
1 person likes this
@applefreak (3130)
• Singapore
29 Aug 09
i guess i've been lucky so far in my traveling. i've not had much nasty experiences when i travel abroad. i'm an asian and i've only visited asian countries so that might be why i've had pleasant trips. i've been to china, japan, thailand and malaysia. other than the occasional rude people who can be found in any and every country, i can't say i've had any nasty experiences. i do a lot of research before i travel to any country the first time. i learn the culture and do's & don't's of the country so that i won't offend others unintentionally. i also plan my route so that i know how to get from one place to another. i do get lost sometimes but that is fun too. i get to see things i wouldn't have seen otherwise.
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
That is a good things for you have not experience any troubles with your travel, unlike other traveler have experience hassles, trips delays and even accidents along their journey. I t is nice to plan ahead and know your routes like you mention it will saves you from a lot of misinformation knowing you are on a right track. also having enough preparation and advance knowledge of the places you are going, including the amounts of spending. You get a lot of saving knowing where the best cheap hotels , good food and tourist places where they charge less..
@metschica25 (5399)
• United States
28 Aug 09
Hello, My friends and me last min decided to take a last min hockey trip to see our team hopefully make the playoffs. This was all thought of within less that one week of the trip . Had to hurry and find tickets , and rent a car . The car was a little smaller and 2 had to sit in the back and all they did is complain and complain! I even gave up my front seat and sat back there and made due. Sure it was cramped but i paid for the car with no help . I had a few I oww you money and well only one person out of 4 paid me . That would of been ok (ugg maybe i didnt have the money lol) just was the complaining and seeing our team lose. Sure there some good times as well . I think with vacations the things that get me the most is money because you cant do all you wanna do and i know my fiance has a hard time just letting go and all he does is think when we get back we need the money . Also, its hard if you get lost or dive in some city like new york city or dc . subway remember that LOL.
1 person likes this
@ilyzium (1197)
• Canada
28 Aug 09
Hello, Oh, where do I begin...:) No just kidding, for the most part I really do enjoy everything about traveling but there are some things about it that irritate me. Ok, well I really hate the travel restrictions that we have now: or I should say the non existent baggage allowance for certain airlines. I mean really, when you're traveling from North America to Europe which is a fair distance, you should be allowed to carry more baggage. Also the exhorbitant airpot levy fees, restriction of carrying my water bottle on the plane. I don't like the fact that places that I previously enjoying visiting have become overrun by tourists, yes I know I am one when I travel, but I just prefer to mingle with the locals is all. I find larger airports quite stressful, especially the navigating around trying to find your gate when they have not one but several large terminals, also lugging heavy luggage around, the delays of the plane, when you're pressed for time and barely have enough time to find your gate or when at the last minute they switch gates on you. Traveling with a grumpy companion can also be a source of stress. I know that traveling with my husband is quite stressful, because as soon as we fly into a country, we always rent a car and that's where it all begins...Well, since the husband is the driver, I am the navigator with the map, and heaven forbid if I miss our turn or something and we wind up circling all around with me getting yelled at, etc. Language barriers can also be a source of stress, for example when you're at a restaurant and your meal arrives, nothing like what you had ordered.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
30 Aug 09
Hi metschica and ilyzium..your experiences are something funny and terrible. But, it is really a part of journey and you meet a lot of people with different attitudes, some may bother, annoy or irritate you..but it is part and parcel of the essences of an exciting travels as you are expose on this different scenes it will taught you to act more wiser the next time you travel. As you already know what to expect the dreaded expectations and get ready to face the unexpected. as you gather more experiences you are going to be a bright traveler who know the do's and dont's and you will never fall victims to haughtiness and ignorance of any places you will likely to visit. The next time around will more sweeter and you are more prepare to faces the hurdles, the delays, the languages and cultural barriers as you are have more experience of your first travel and learn from your mistakes. Then, this time you will surely enjoy your travel and before you left the places, good fun and memories will still linger in in your minds.
1 person likes this
• United States
30 Aug 09
I've only ever traveled to one place in my life either by myself or where there wouldn't be someone waiting for me at the airport. That was kinda scary for a small-town girl! But, it wasn't bad and I did it for several years in a row. Now, it's harder with kids in tow but we usually only travel to places we know.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
Yeah, that right i too are afraid to travel alone with no companion, but I get used too now, but before i travel I make sure i got a contact person to fetch me on the airport. In your cases, with a kids it is really not convenient to travel with a bunch of kids and the flexibility is lost. Then, you have to attend to their needs not just your needs. You also need to hold them all the times as they got loose from your hands they gonna escape and it is hard to chase them around playing hide and seek. But, it is fun to have kids with you as long as you have companion to assist with you and will get to look at your belonging wherever you decides to stroll around or get to go to beautiful sites..
@suesan35 (478)
• Sri Lanka
30 Aug 09
One of the most exhausting travel experiences I had was in China. Of course I was with my friends, and we were travelling from Beijing to Shanghai by train. It was mostly to save on fares and also to experience the countryside. The journey itself was uneventful and the Chinese people were very helpful. But once we got down at the station there was so many steep escalators that we had to get on to up and down so many times carrying our heavy bags with thousands of people rushing past us it was absolutely horrific. Even worse were the porters who were insisting that they carry the bags for us but were demanding such exhorbitant amounts, and they didnt look very friendly either. All of us were utterly drained by the time we got out of the station that we said never again by train in Chine.
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
Yeah, that is really a tiresome experience and you got to meet a lot of unscrupulous people along the way. It really a cultures differences and languages barriers which you have to face. And, it is a good things if you have a companion that you may never get lost and somehow you got have a protector..You really need to take guard of all your valuables to avoid being victims of robbers or snatchers as it is good to wear simple clothing and avoiding wearing expensive jewelries. This may prevent spying from criminals who are out to look to victimize traveler with their schemes...
@mickly08 (769)
• China
30 Aug 09
Hi,neelianoscet.I would like to sleep on the train,but many people like chatting .Sometimes they speak very loudly.I don't know how to deal with them.I don't like to chat with strangers .I just want to get a good sleep.But it is always impossible for me .
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
Hi, mickly..yeah that is a common scenario every traveler have to face every time their are on a travel especially in unfamiliar places. You need to get adjusted to the environments and the cultures. I too get sleepy when I travel but I do not do it alone as I am wary of my unknown seatmates and may stole my belonging. I only sleep with a companion, but most of the time I could not sleep if the surrounding is noisy. I pray most of the times to reach my destination safely and very excited to meet my relatives/someone who are waiting to me..
@Shahrus (68)
• Philippines
28 Aug 09
I LOVE traveling! Exhausting, true, risky, unfortunately true, but then so can crossing the street. I prefer to travel alone, since it forces me to make friends and really go out of my way to interact with others, both fellow tourists, as well as locals. I find that I tend to see more, go to more places, experience more things and learn more, than if I were with someone I know. Traveling with friends provides you with a comfort zone. Alone, you are forced out of it. Then the learning and experiences really begin. There has not been a country I've either lived in or visited, where the locals did not make exceptions for tourists... to a point. I think the trick is to understand you're not on your home turf anymore, and act accordingly by treading carefully, respectfully, but with an open mind. There is something in everyone that responds to this in some way or other. For every bad experience I've had while traveling: drivers who overcharge, overly-friendly natives (not always a bad thing, actually... ahem), hostile and unfriendly ones, etc., I simply put on my very-sorry-I'm-new-here look, and someone or other always comes to my rescue. It is important to distinguish the very-sorry-I'm-new-here look, from the I'm-a-clueless-dork-take-advantage-of-me look. I'd demonstrate, but considering the limitations of the print medium... Bear in mind that criminals and jerks do not take advantage of people randomly. They always scan for potential targets, select, observe, then act. Enjoy the scenery in whatever new place you find yourself in. Just keep an eye out on where you're walking, and who's walking too near you.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
30 Aug 09
Yeah, all the things you observe along with journey is a great tools which you could make you more of a wiser traveler based on your experiences. All of this stuff, crazy things, your expectations, including the not so welcome ones are going to face the hurdles along the journey,but all of this are worthy once you get to your destination. All the messed up, the hazard things, annoying sights, cultural barriers and others people different attitudes are all parts of a memorable journey. This are ways to be expose to other parts of the world, where we could discover and enjoy the places. Without this hassles it would be a perfect travel dreams but it seem to fail with lack of preparation. With your experiences that you undergo in your travel could give more tips and strategies with fellow traveler could be well appreciated with your credible insights..
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
That would really be an exciting journey and you got to meet a lot of fellow traveler who have more experience to recounts their travels tip which could help a fellow traveler to know the do's and dont's really saves you a lot of inconvenience in hustling through the complexities of traveling without any first hand knowledge of the place. it helps to be more friendly and open minded to trust fellow traveler..
1 person likes this
• Philippines
30 Aug 09
Very true, neelianoscet, very true. That would indeed be one of my travel tips. Whenever I get to a new place, one of the first things I do is go where all the other tourists like myself hang out. You can always spot the ones who've been there a while, because they have a more relaxed "yup, I'm no longer a newbie here" look. Then I go for the kill, and pummel them with questions. They always spill the beans. One can only trust travel guides so much, after all. The ones who got there a few weeks or a few months before you, they know, and they always love to recount their war stories, so to speak.
1 person likes this
@derek_a (10873)
29 Aug 09
I really don't mind going to new places and meeting new people in foreign lands, but what that problem for me is that fact that I don't sleep too well when away from the familiarity of my own home. This means I get very tired and then after a while I am counting the days until I can get home and have a good night's sleep. - Derek
1 person likes this
• Philippines
29 Aug 09
Yeah, I feel the same things even if you travels million miles away from your country. Nothing beat the home sweet home feel comfy..and this really have effects on your frame of mind. Their is something good in your home that you really miss when you are out in another stranger places... I think being with your beloved and the things you you loved is irreplaceable no matter how beautiful the places where you travel, home is still the best places to stay where hearts and minds are at peace..
@chvenki (32)
• India
29 Aug 09
i love traveling. with my family.i enjoyed the jurny. i am citting window side of trees and bird's are very nice.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
Yeah, nice view glancing at the outside windows, it takes all the worries away and even their is annoying people. You look at the other direction to divert your attention from them..
• Philippines
29 Aug 09
I don't like being lost.it is a terrible waste of time.I also don't want to lose money and come face-to-face with a robber or kidnapper.I don't want to be hurt while traveling.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
yeah, very true when you are unsure of the right directions and you ask the wrong person for the directions. you might likely get misguided and waste a tons of money in finding the exact address and driver may over charges you as he sense you are lost and may take advantages of your current situation.
@shellyli (55)
• China
29 Aug 09
i went to travel for some times , but i had go by myself . so very time we din't meet the trouble . if i want to travel by myself , i will choice go with the travelling team .
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
Yeah, with a companion or in a traveling team their is no chance you will get lost as you have companions whom you could rely on during your travel. it is also important to have companion when you stroll in a strange places and in cases you get lost among the crowds their is a companion who were going to told your other companion to help to find you or assist you in case you get sick..
• India
29 Aug 09
I love travelling and there is nothing that I find tiresome about travelling. It is said that "It is nice to have a place to go to but it is the journey that matters in the end." Always travel safe and with enough money in your purse and travelling will be the most enjoyable experience for you!!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
Yeah, having enough money is a sure way to enjoy and have fun with a travel. Nobody want to travel with an empty stomach, unless you are a stowaway or in a rush to get out from your arrogant mate..Then, it is also safe to have your money in an atm and not keep all your money as cash. As you really never know what you gonna meet along the roads, maybe an accidents or a troubles with a vehicles may cause you to be stranded for an hours. also, it is important to bring along with you some medicines for headache, diarrhea and nausea in cases you get an illness along the way..
@levyx22 (187)
• United States
29 Aug 09
I love traveling! I cannot complain about it at all, except if it's in a car, horrible long car rides really can put me over the edge. Once I get to the destination I am happy as ever!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
yeah, car travels in a long hours is really tiring and boring, but if you enjoy the sights along the road you could glance for a while, but if you are passing in a deserted places it is really tiring. Then, you could always sleep while traveling for an hours then take your snacks. Then, avoid hitchhikers as they may be dangerous to stop to get them to rude a lot of missing person becomes victims of wrong person they met along the way. Then, it also good to bring along with you medicines, in cases you feel dizzy..