Summary
Things We Hate About Traveling
I know what you’re thinking: what can you hate about travel? How could anyone complain about such a privilege? However, while Dave and I love traveling, there are definitely aspects that irk us, especially when we’re on the road for months at a time.
In this article, we discuss the top things we really dislike about traveling, which despite our experience, we consistently encounter.
Dirty Toilets
As budget travelers, we have encountered plenty of unsanitary restrooms; bus stations take the cake, with trains running a close second. Many restaurants are also less than appealing in this regard. Although we have developed lower standards over time, dirty toilets remain something we both absolutely detest. Timing bowel movements and avoiding fluids just to escape another grim encounter is far from enjoyable.
Cracked Heel
Traveling often leads to cracked heels for us, particularly two months into each journey. Living in flip-flops has its drawbacks, and unfortunately, walking in polluted streets seems to exacerbate this issue. While our feet remain soft in summer back home, they become rough and stained while traveling. Seeing other travelers with pristine, crack-free feet only amplifies our discomfort.
Kids Working
Traveling through developing nations often reveals heartbreaking realities, such as children selling goods or working in service roles instead of attending school. Witnessing young kids miss out on their childhood due to their families’ struggles to survive is painful. We can’t help but feel saddened when we see anyone, especially children, in such distress.
Rude Neighbours
Traveling often means sharing spaces with others, yet many fellow travelers seem completely disregarding of their noise levels. Whether we’re catching an early bus or arriving late at night, we try to respect our neighbors by keeping quiet. Therefore, it is baffling how some individuals choose to speak loudly and cause disruptions at inconvenient hours.
Getting off the Bus/Train
Although we cherish moving to new destinations, the chaos of disembarking from buses and trains can be overwhelming. The wave of touts eager to offer rides or accommodations is exhausting. Consequently, we dread the experience of managing our luggage while battling through a crowd upon arrival.
Leaving New Friends
One of the highlights of traveling is forming meaningful connections with others. Meeting like-minded individuals often leads to friendships that feel timeless. Therefore, parting ways becomes one of the toughest aspects of our journeys. We genuinely dislike having to say goodbye to our newfound friends.
Being Asked to Buy Drugs
No matter where we travel, Dave consistently finds himself approached with offers to buy drugs. Initially, we thought it was due to his long hair, but even with a more conservative haircut, the requests persist, particularly in locations like Kathmandu. It may seem trivial, but the constant inquiries can become quite an annoyance.
Bugs
In tropical countries, insects can be an unavoidable nuisance. While we expect to see bugs outside, our budget accommodations often expose us to unfortunate encounters indoors. From ants swarming our snacks to cockroaches joining us in bed, these experiences can be quite disturbing. After some alarming incidents with fire ants, Dave has developed an intense aversion to any bugs, which now impacts our ability to relax.
Pollution
Pollution is a major concern in many Asian and African countries, where smog fills the streets. The impact on our respiratory health is significant, causing congestion and illness. We worry that our travels to these heavily polluted areas may be detrimental to our health, and we are keen on seeking destinations with cleaner air in the future.
Smoking
As non-smokers, the prevalence of smoking among fellow travelers can be off-putting. While locals may refrain from lighting up, many travelers indulge in chain smoking, particularly in interior spaces. This creates an uncomfortable environment, especially when seeking refuge from outdoor pollution and heat, ultimately affecting our well-being on the road.
