love of travel 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.

True but little known facts about Tanzania.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Aug 4, 2021 | 0 comments

I am a strong proponent of research. I believe it’s essential to know about the culture and customs of the destinations you travel to. It’s a well-known fact that Tanzania is home to Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. However, several other points are important to know. In my blog, I try to give more than just picturesque information. Here are some true but little-known facts I found out about Tanzania.

Since 2019, mainland Tanzania has been enforcing a ban on plastic bags. There are a range of fines imposed on travelers if found improperly disposing of plastic bags. Visitors should avoid carrying plastic bags in their suitcase or carry-on before arriving in Tanzania. Ziploc bags for toiletry are still allowed. There is a special desk at all entry points into Tanzania to dispose of plastic bags visitors may unknowingly bring into the country.

It is illegal to wear camouflage in Tanzania. Green camouflage clothing is reserved exclusively for Tanzania’s People’s Defense Force. While you may see some people may be wearing some colored camouflage outfits. Know that only official military personnel is permitted to dress in the official green camouflage uniforms. Travelers can be stopped by police, forced to change clothing, and fined. It’s simply not worth the hassle.

Parts of the Tanzanian population are Muslim. Some places can be conservative, and men and women usually cover their knees in public. Traditionally women wear only skirts. However, tourists and foreigners often wear pants but should try not for them to be form-fitting. To be safe, avoid shorts and skirts above the knees. Also, avoid wearing tops that bare your shoulders or cleavage. A headdress may also be appropriate. And as always, please try to respect the culture.

Knowledge about Tanzanian culture is essential. Visitors should always use their right hand for greetings as the left hand is associated with toilet activities. Greeting only one person in a room is considered impolite, so acknowledge everyone in the room. Males and females may eat in separate rooms even when related. Also, saying no to food being offered to you or smelling food is considered impolite.

Age is highly respected in Tanzania. Greeting an older person is sometimes accompanied by a bow. Much respect is given to older tourists. It’s common to see bargaining in shops and marketplaces, even to have prices increased for foreigners. However, age can be advantageous when bargaining in shops and the market.

These are but a few little-known facts about Tanzania. I encourage all travelers to research their destinations before travel. Have you ever been surprised by cultural etiquette? I’d like to know.

Know before you go-Covid testing.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Aug 1, 2021 | 0 comments

The travel industry has bounced back significantly despite the realities of Covid. One of the many reasons travelers chose to be vaccinated was so that they could travel. However, with all the developments around COVID-19, many destinations now require COVID testing before departure. While checking in for an international flight recently, I witnessed a passenger being denied travel for not having the correct testing documentation for travel. Here are a few ideas on Covid testing you should know before you go.

Covid testing.

There are two types of COVID testing available, diagnostic and antibody tests. Each traveler should do their research on travel testing requirements. In general, there are three types of testing, an antigen or rapid test, a molecular test, also known as an RT-PCR test, and an antibody test. As stated in the name, a rapid test provides results quickly, while a molecular test may take twenty-four to forty-eight hours for results. The antibody test uses blood and can be available the same day or 1-3 days, depending on lab processing. An appointment for testing is often required, along with proof of identity and insurance if applicable.

Travel requirements.

To be sure you meet the travel-specific COVID testing requirements, travelers need to plan accordingly. Each country’s requirement, although similar, may be different. One of the main differences between the antigen/rapid test and the molecular/RT-PCR test is that the antigen/rapid test may not detect early COVID-19 infection. Due to this fact, many countries will not accept the results of an antigen test. In addition, the timing of testing can be a factor. Some destinations require testing at least 72 hours before travel.

Do the research.

Doing your research is essential as the test timing can depend on departure or arrival at the destination. Travelers must present documentation before travel, so please check with the airline or destination to be sure of testing requirements. Many airports do not have testing facilities, and as stated before, a rapid test may not fulfill requirements for proof for travel. Airlines cannot override the specific country testing requirements.

Medical screening.

Additionally, due to COVID, passengers may be subject to medical screening. Some destinations will also require an antigen/rapid test upon arrival at the travelers’ expense. In addition, the USA still requires a negative COVID test before entering the US. There have been reports of travelers having to extend their travels due to a positive COVID test before departure. As always, I advise everyone to wash their hands frequently and wear a mask to protect themselves.

Have you had to be COVID tested for travel? How was it? I’d like to know.