When writing about travel, it's far too easy to fall into the trap of focusing almost exclusively on the good side. Dedicating all your words to the trips full of smooth sailing where everything falls into place in paradise is fun. And easy.
It's more difficult to talk about the times when things fall apart.
Delayed Flights. Disappearing reservations. Missed connections. Strikes. Bus breakdowns. Staff shortages. (Sometimes all on the same day!)
These are just a small sample of some of the things lurking around the corner out there in the world.
Maybe we shouldn't be afraid of talking about them or running into them in the wild, because I've discovered something remarkable about travel over the years: unbelievably, things going wrong end up enriching the overall travel experience. Now, when something goes sideways on a trip, I crack a smile because I know it's almost certainly going to make a good memory.
I know it sounds a little crazy, but I assure you I've only come to this contradictory conclusion because it has happened to me repeatedly over the years.
View of Vienna from a local vineyard. (Photo via Österreich Werbung / Nina Baumgartner) (Österreich Werbung / Nina Baumgartner)
Just a few of the many examples:
The first takes place in the lovely Italian city of Florence. I was traveling alone and was on a multi-week trip around Europe. I arrived in town well-rested after time on the Croatian coast and rocked up to my hotel, eager to put my head down and rest.
Unfortunately, after being met with a friendly smile at reception, the grin turned to grim news. Through some sort of online error, it turned out that I had no booking at this hotel. After a fruitless extended search for the booking, I stumbled out of the hotel dejected and in disbelief. Instead of sticking around, I made for the train station and caught an overnight train to Vienna, where I would fall in love with the city and meet two other travelers whom I'm still friends with today.
Boat departs for the Stockholm archipelago in Stockholm, Sweden (Photo Credit: Scott Hartbeck)
Then there was the time in Stockholm when my wife and I rushed up to a boat heading to the city's famous archipelago islands only to watch it take off before our eyes. We stood crestfallen for a few minutes while catching our breath because the next ferry wouldn't be for another hour. But then a funny thing happened: we watched the ferry returning to the dock, where it dropped off a staff member, allowing us to make an unscheduled boarding. Next thing you know, we were on our way feeling on top of the world! An hour later, we were sitting in the sun soaking in a traditional Swedish island experience.
Would it have been just as good if it hadn't "gone wrong" first? Possibly. Did it taste extra sweet because of the drama? Absolutely.
Colosseum, Rome, Italy (Photo by Lauren Breedlove)
Finally, there was a fiasco in Rome because of a street demonstration. Since we knew that the city center would be congested with marchers and protesters, My wife and I left our hotel with plenty of time to spare and got on the bus that we knew was going to take us to the train station, where we'd make a quick connection to the airport.
Well, we got on the bus, and after about ten minutes of driving, it parked up on a residential street. I went up to the bus driver and quizzically said "Termini?" (the name of the main train station in Rome) and was met with a nod.
Shortly after, the bus revved back up and then soon we were on our way. Nope, just kidding, we were crossing back over the River Tiber right back where we started, but now late for our flight.
We jumped out of the bus and called a cab that took us straight to the train station, where we made it to the airport in the nick of time. There was nothing to do but laugh while tipping back a quick espresso.
Now, the whole ordeal brings tears of laughter to my face.
In summary, buy travel insurance and have your travel agent's number at the ready, but then go out there and see what happens because there's nothing to be afraid of.
Even if something bad happens, it is almost assured to turn into a good travel memory.
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