Travel envy Archives - EbonyTravelers | Tips From The Experienced Traveler

Vulnerability and the lived experience

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Nov 10, 2021 | 0 comments

I focus on the lived experience because I don’t think people, things, and places become relatable until you genuinely experience them in real-time. We currently live in a very picturesque world, and I see so many people trying to get the perfect picture to prove to the world that they have experienced something. However, nothing trumps the experience, and it often cannot be relayed in the ideal image. In the lived experience, you must be vulnerable, and a perfect picture does not show that experience.

Being a flight attendant exposed me to so many different people and experiences. I remember people questioning my choice to be a flight attendant. How could I spend four years in college to earn a bachelor’s degree and become a “waitress in the sky?” The 23 years I spent traveling the world gave me more experiences than college ever could in hindsight.

I grew up in an immigrant family, and many of my early experiences came from being an immigrant. As a child immigrant to the US, I remember not wanting to be different and accepting the vulnerability of being different. As a young adult, I knew that my experiences were viewed differently and were unlike those of my peers, and it took me several years to learn to lean into my uniqueness.

When I first became a flight attendant, it was a time of genuine customer service and being “something special in the air.” Flight service included champagne and caviar service, and it would take almost two hours to complete a dinner service with cooked-toorder onboard chateaubriand.

Vulnerability is admitting that the first time I had chateaubriand was on an airplane. It was also the first time I had caviar, and I had been serving caviar for almost two years before I had the nerve to try it myself. My regret is not having tried it on day one! However, I did not want to be vulnerable and try it in front of my coworkers.

But that was my vulnerability, and I learned through my lived experience that holding on to the vulnerability of not admitting my naivety was only to my detriment. As airline services reduced year by year, I longed for the days of caviar and champagne service. It’s an experience few will ever get to experience, and I had the opportunity to experience it daily and didn’t for many years.

What are you giving up by holding on to your vulnerability? I promise you that the lived experience is much better than the picture opportunity. Live and be proud of your firsts, because they will not be your lasts. Have you been in vulnerable situations and learned from them? I’d like to know.

Covid Restrictions and Holiday Travel

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Oct 10, 2021 | 0 comments

Recently a friend traveled from Washington DC to Egypt. She discussed with me the harrowing experience of trying to get a required Covid test for travel. With recent federal guidelines, the need for Covid testing has increased, and availability has decreased. As the holidays are a busy travel season, it stands to reason travelers needing testing during the holidays will also surge. Here are a few things to think about regarding Covid testing and the holidays.

A surge in Covid testing

Many of the issues involved with the current availability of Covid testing affect the recent executive order requiring Covid vaccination for federal employees. Companies with over 100 employees will be required to comply with the order or face significant fines. As expected, there are many questions regarding the order and implementation that need an answer. However, the demand for Covid testing has risen, and so travelers need to prepare.

Thanksgiving travel

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s usually one of the busiest times for people to travel. In 2020, many suggested curtailing travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, and many ignored that suggestion. In preparation for the upcoming busy Thanksgiving travel season, the U.S. Air Travel Public Safety Act may require all passengers on domestic airlines to either be fully vaccinated, tested negative, or fully recovered from Covid.

Preparing for holiday travel

In essence, travelers should be aware of travel restrictions and Covid guidelines. They should know where their Covid testing sites are. Find out if they need to have Covid symptoms or can test as a precaution. Research the timing of their test before seeing friends and family as exposure varies. It’s also good to know the different Covid test options, PCR or antigen.

As with any travel experience, preparation is critical. Stay safe this holiday season and if you choose to travel, do it safely.

Travel and the language barrier

by Donna Hunter PhD | Oct 6, 2021 | 0 comments

It’s true that not being able to communicate can be frustrating and scary. However, it should never be an excuse for not traveling. There are universal ways of communicating like yes and no, and many other common gestures. There are also plenty of mute, blind, and or deaf people who travel. Not knowing a local language is very similar in that a few key phrases or gestures will help travelers through most situations. Here are a few ideas on travel and the language barrier.

Body language.

People communicate both verbally and nonverbally. If there’s one universal language that crosses all borders and cultural differences, it’s body language. Often, we don’t realize how much we communicate through facial expressions or gestures. When language is a barrier, the power of body language becomes enhanced. It’s incredible how much miming and pointing will suffice in any language.

English

Just as body language crosses borders, English is also considered the universal language of travel. Many tourist attractions have signage written in both the local language and English. The chance of traveling to a place where no one speaks English is very slim. However, communicating to locals in their language, no matter how inadequate your language skills, makes you a better world citizen.

Facial expressions.

It’s incredible how much we can communicate with our facial expressions. Our faces express and provide hints to our thoughts and feelings. Looking confused or worried will most often get you a response of help. A smile is understood universally as being friendly and open. With facial expressions, sometimes no words are needed.

Hello and thank you.

Just these two phrases will suffice despite any language barrier. No matter the destination, learning just these two phrases in the language of your destination will allow you to get by. Although these two words are not enough to carry a conversation, they will indicate respect for the language and people. Respecting the language of your destination will always get you the assistance you need for further communication.

The essential part of communication is giving and receiving information. When language is a barrier, it can be frustrating, stressful, and scary. However, travelers do not have to speak the native language to be understood when traveling to a country with a language barrier. Knowing a local language can enrich your travel experience, but not knowing should never be an excuse for not traveling.

Have you traveled and experienced a language barrier? How did you overcome it? I’d like to know.

Fall travel

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Oct 3, 2021 | 0 comments

Fall is a great time to travel. Leaves are changing colors, and it can be an excellent time for a road trip. However, the weather can be a bit unpredictable, and temperatures can drop unexpectedly. Here are a few ideas to consider as we head into the fall if travel is in your future.

Packing light.

Packing for a fall trip can be a bit tricky. Sweaters, hoodies, and jackets can be bulky to pack. One way to pack light is to think of dressing in layers. Layering long sleeves, vests, button-down shirts, and jackets make it easier to take on or off and adjust to weather changes. In addition, varying different items can refresh outfit choices leading to packing less.

Be prepared for weather changes.

Fall weather can be unpredictable so prepare for rain or sunshine. An umbrella or poncho will often come in handy. However, sunscreen and sunglasses might also be necessary. Mornings are usually cool and crisp while the afternoon warms up. In addition, rain is often in the forecast.

Off-peak deals.

Fall travel is much less hectic than summer travel as many destinations are much less crowded. In addition, fall can be one of the cheapest times to travel, and prices on airfare, hotels, and activities tend to be lower. Food also tends to be more affordable as fall festivals and seasonal changes in food make fall dining an incredible experience.

More hotel perks.

The hotel industry tends to slow down in the fall season. There are far fewer crowds, so hotels and other places offer more perks to attract business. It is easier to receive hotel upgrades, and hotel points go further than in peak season. Hotel staff is usually more attentive as they have fewer guests to serve, so the service tends to be better.

Fall sickness.

Temperature drops, more rain, and humidity tend to increase people’s risk of getting sick. Due to the change in weather, fall is often a time many people experience colds and cases of flu. This trend, along with the realities of Covid, means fall travelers should be more careful of fall sickness and try to stay as healthy as possible. Getting more exercise and sleep is a great way to enjoy a fall vacation while maintaining your health.

Do you have any plans for fall travel? I’d like to know.

Covid traveling tips.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Sep 19, 2021 | 0 comments

As most traveling happens in public spaces, it made sense for many to want people only to do essential travel during Covid 19. However, after almost two years of Covid, many who put off traveling have decided that life must go on. I wholeheartedly agree, and while there is no absolute way to avoid Covid, there are some precautions we can take to minimize our risks. Here are five Covid traveling tips I think help minimize your risks while traveling.

Get vaccinated.

There are many reasons people have for choosing to or not choosing to take the Covid vaccine. Everyone is entitled to their choice and opinion, and I respect that choice, whatever it may be. I realize that there may not be a lengthy body of research on the vaccines and their long-term effects, but pausing my life as I did in 2020, is no longer an option. I have always lived a life of taking risks and slightly different choices. The Covid vaccine is simply another one of those choices for me.

Choose a window seat.

Before Covid, my preference was always for an aisle seat. I like the ability to move around at will without having to disturb my seatmate. However, in an aisle seat, you are exposed to everyone who passes by you. The aisle seat gives you more exposure to people who may be sick. A window seat allows you to be more distant from the majority of airplane passengers.

Use the overhead bin.

As somewhat of a germophobe, the thought of putting my purse on the floor is disgusting. Putting your things on the floor exposes you to more germs. The airline may have wiped down the seating area before you got on, but I know for sure the floor has not been sanitized.

Sanitize your seat area.

For many sanitizing wipes has become the norm, and they are not only useful for your hands. Seatbelt buckles, armrests, headrests, tray tables, and screens are all places that the passenger before you have touched. Be sure to sanitize them, as you can never be 100% sure it was done for you.

Wear your mask.

To me, this is a no-brainer, but unfortunately, it’s not too many passengers. Many travelers seem to get into a sense of total relaxation during travel. I know masks are uncomfortable, but in addition to the benefits of filtering out the air, it prevents you from touching your nose and mouth with your hand. The same hand that’s been touching the very public seat you’re sitting in. Additionally, it is a federal mandate. No matter what airline you travel on, it is guided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It’s not possible to eliminate all the chances of getting sick on an airplane. But taking steps to lessen your exposure can be done. Traveling is a part of life and may be necessary. As with all travel, travelers should stay informed and plan accordingly. I hope these tips help. Let me know. Subscribe

Is a group tour right for you?

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Sep 5, 2021 | 0 comments

Group tour or not?

Depending on your travel personality, tour travel can be a pleasure or a pain. Enjoyable travel takes a lot of money, planning, and for things to fall in place. Planning a trip with different sightseeing on the agenda takes a bit of experience. An organized tour will provide all the organization and prep work for you. Considering the advantages and disadvantages, is a group tour right for you? Here are a few thoughts to consider.

Tour companies take care of all the organization and prep work for visiting landmarks. They usually include the most popular destinations so that your itinerary will offer the best of your destination goals. Tour operators and guides also provide a bit of insider knowledge since they are from the area. They often share historical information not widely known that can enhance the experience.

Organized tours have designated times and schedules. This scheduling can allow you to relax and enjoy your travel without having to create your plans. However, it prevents you from vacationing on your terms and timing. To many, this can be a significant disadvantage. The specific tour guidelines and lack of control can be a turnoff for many travelers. Being stuck on a tour bus with dozens of people or a tour with a standard of service not expected can be a turnoff.

Knowing the maximum group size, age specifics, or style of tour is also essential. Smaller group tours give the advantage of a more personalized and unique experience. Age specifics allow you to be more aware of the group capacity. A young adult going on a tour for retirees is a prime example of a mismatch. Alternatively, going on an adventurous tour when you find relaxing trips more enjoyable can be a disaster.

One advantage of an organized tour is the fact that tours give an aspect of safety. Tour companies are usually risk-averse. They often choose destinations and activities that cater to the age and preferences of the tour group. If travelers are not conscious of the age and demographics of the tour group, they can find themselves in undesirable circumstances.

Finally, pricing can be an advantage or a disadvantage. Tour packages can include meals, transportation, hotels, flights, entry fees, or sightseeing. Often travelers assume that their tour packages include items that are not included or available for an additional cost. Although tour pricing can be attractive, individual research and planning could also be more advantageous. If considering a tour, do your research to determine if a tour is right for you. Consider the advantages and disadvantages before deciding. Do you prefer tours or trip planning on your own? I’d like to know.