KoMiSa's Top 5 Pet Peeves of Traveling

I was reading one of my favorite travel blogs "Oneika the Traveler". Oneika described her top 5 travel pet peeves, which got me to thinking what my top pet peeves are. Oneika and I have a few pet peeves in common (numbers 1, 4 and 5).

1. Everyone Should Speak English

  I think not! Maybe it is the language geek in me but I find that a lack of respect for the culture and native tongue to expect natives of that country to speak English when they have a their own language. I also find it rude. Instead try to learn or at least carry a few key phrases with you in the native tongue of your non-English speaking travel destination. Being able to say hello, please and thank you in the native tongue can get you farther than you may think. Speaking in the native tongue not only shows your respect but it often makes the other person more receptive to helping you. Put yourself in the native person's shoes. Be patient and gracious to whomever you interact with on your trip abroad whether their English is great, okay or nonexistent.

2. Close-mindedness:

Everything is not going to be the same as your home country. Expect both similarities and differences. Be open to the differences whether it be the language, the way the street signs are displayed, the food, the transportation, music, time zone change, etc. Isn't that one of the reasons to travel, to experience not only the similarities but the differences of the foreign land? Travel is so much more than going from place to place. It is about embracing the experiences, the culture, and atmosphere around you.

3. Stares:

I have to be honest, I sometimes dislike the stares that I get when I am traveling. I understand that in some of the places that I have traveled the native people there may not be used to seeing someone with my skin color or my hair texture thus I get stared at. I know that the stares are sometimes very innocent. We all often find ourselves staring at someone or something if it is new to us or not of the norm whether we intend to or not. That I understand and is not what I am referring to. 

What I am referring to are the times when I have a sense that the stares and the comments that follow are less admirable and cause me to feel a bit uncomfortable. I am fortunate that the latter has happened on very rare occasions and most often when I was traveling in a group rather than alone. What has always helped me with this is understanding a bit of the history and present day culture of the place I am traveling to. This helps me to put everything into it's proper perspective and enjoy my trip.

4. Paying for Checked Luggage:

Although I can pack a carry on with everything I need like no other, I hate that I have to pay for something that I feel should be included in the price of the ticket. I mean really, if I buy a ticket from New York to Hawaii for a week long trip, it makes sense that I will need to check a bag.  It is not like I haven't dropped a significant amount of money for plane tickets as it is.  I know that this fee is here to stay. It doesn't mean that I have to like it. Dare I say add the expense to the rest of the hidden fees that are included with the price of the airline ticket. As for now my trusty carry-on and I will continue to gallivant in and out of airports as my travel adventures continue.

5.  High Price of Airline and Airport Food:

I am not a fan of the higher price of airline food as well as the higher prices often found in airports. Some might say that I am frugal. I however like to think that I am just being smart with my money. I have already paid for the flight so I don't appreciate that I have to pay for a meal if I am taking a 6 hour domestic flight. (International flights, a meal is usually included.) To avoid paying for food on planes and higher priced food in airports I often bring my own. I stay in TSA regulations so no liquids but that pastrami sandwhich on rye with coleslaw is all me. 

To see my inspiration for this post check out Oneika's Travel Etiquitte: Her Top 5 Pet Peeve's.  (http://www.oneika-the-traveller.com/travel-etiquette-travel-pet-peeves.html) 
Thank you Oneika for inspiring me to think about and write about my pet peeves!

What are your top travel pet peeves? Leave a comment and let me know.

KoMiSa's Take Away Thoughts: Pet Peeve's may annoy you from time to time but it is no reason to hold you back from traveling nor a reason to ruin your trip. Recognize them for what they are if they pop up, then let them go, and enjoy your travels. 
 
Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, no It's KoMiSa Trapeze Flying

Trying new things was always a huge part of my study abroad experiences. Whether it was trying a native dish in Spain, learning to sketch an urban setting in Brazil, or meeting new friends while taking a free walking tour in Paris; trying new things and studying abroad/traveling go hand in hand for me. Should I have to stop trying new things while I am home in my native country?  Of course not!

I have come to realize that traveling and trying new things are important aspects of my life. They allow me to step outside of my comfort zone and grow as a person. Since I can't travel all the time, at least not yet, I figured I would try something out of my ordinary close to home. That is just what I did last week when I went ... Trapeze Flying.

I used to walk by Pier 40 in New York City where the Trapeze School is located every day when I worked at Newsweek but it wasn't until I was in grad school in Spain that I realized that I wanted to take a class. Fast forward a year and I was on the roof of Pier 40 ready to step out of my comfort zone to see what Trapeze flying was all about.

I figured my birthday week would be a great time to take the class and celebrate God blessing me to see another year. Thus, last Tuesday I went to my old stomping grounds and took my first Trapeze Flying class. With my Sharon Striders' Breast Cancer Walk Shirt to represent my ancestors/ angels in heaven I was ready to "fly".

Surprisingly I was not as nervous as I thought I would be. Whenever a nervous thought popped into my head I would visualize myself having a good time. I told myself how freeing it would be and how good it would feel to do something new and different. Learning how to swing and do the beginner tricks was a lot of fun. I did far more than I ever thought I would or could for my first time. It was definitely a confidence booster. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and enjoyed yet another new experience. Would I go trapeze flying again. Definitely!!! Hopefully next time I can convince a few friends to enjoy in on the fun.

To see me "fly" check out the video below.

KoMiSa's Take Away Thoughts: It is great to try new things while traveling or studying abroad but don't forget to see what new things there are to experience right in your "own backyard".

Hasta el proximo,

KoMiSa