Travel is one of those things that many people only get to experience through their devices.
You read action-packed blogs, ogle over stunning sceneries on Instagram, or jealously ache over wild parties you wish you could experience.
For a lot of people, travel is merely something they live vicariously through online.
But what many people don’t realize is that it’s not always what it appears to be.
There’s a side of travel that rarely gets highlighted on the internet.
There are certain negative aspects that tend to be overlooked, but also a silly side that only frequent travelers will understand.
While glamorous landscapes and relaxing beach shots are typically how we think of travel, these other sides rarely make the forefront of our screens.
So, I’m here to keep it real.
I’m throwing those perfectly edited Instagram pictures to the wayside and sharing some truth about my travels.
While I’ve never claimed to be great at capturing photos and videos of my trips – I prefer to leave the camera behind so I can live in the moment – I scoured my albums and found some solid proof of certain travel realities.
From the good to the bad, these are some of the sides of travel that you may not know about.
1. The view of your hotel vs. The view from your hotel
Many places have beautifully designed hotels that look fun and inviting in every photo.
While the view of your hotels may look epic, your personal view while at the hotel may not be glamorous.
While you look back on photos and think, “Wow that place was beautiful,” the memory of your actual view may remind you that it was a little less than perfect.
2. Before you get that perfect shot.
To get that Insta-worthy photo, you better work bitch.
Wading through difficult waters, hiking long and treacherous paths, and waking up at the ass crack of dawn to avoid crowds are all realities behind those drool-worthy pictures.
3. People are not as secluded as they seem in their pictures.
That perfect photo of just you and the sunset? Yea, you’re not alone.
Most known tourist spots are littered with tons of other visitors trying to get the same shot as you.
Almost all these beautiful pictures were caught at opportune moments.
Getting a beautiful travel photo is not a fun or easy process.
Waiting over and over for people to get out of your shot as they’re also trying to get their perfect shot? Really glamorous stuff.
4. Human statues are the weirdest things ever.
I had no idea that this was a thing until I traveled around Europe.
But yea, people get all done up and stand around the streets as creepy statues in hopes that you’ll throw some euros their way.
They’re the creepiest fucking things I’ve ever seen and I’m glad they only appear to be concealed in Europe.
5. Traveling is a real pain in the ass.
The actual act of moving from place to place is a real pain in the butt.
Worth it, but a pain.
From tons of lines, waiting around, to cramped spaces on trains and buses; you learn some serious patience as a traveler.
6. Navigating roads in a foreign country can be a nightmare.
Can you imagine surviving in this type of madness?
Yea, it’s an organized chaos that I’m not equipped for.
The streets can be very difficult and dangerous to be on, so you have to be really careful!
7. You'll see a lot of people struggling.
From hangovers, to exhaustion, to heavy bags, and to heat; traveling is not for the weak.
8. Travelers sleep whenever and wherever they can.
I’ve seen countless people sleeping anywhere and everywhere and it never gets old.
It’s a tiring life, but someone’s got to do it!
Taking advantage of poor, sleeping travelers is one of my favorite travel memories. This guy may also be drunk…
9. There's always a reason to dress up like an idiot.
People are way more open to letting their hair down and acting like an idiot when they’re traveling.
Theme nights and silly garb are common occurrences.
10. There are animals everywhere.
Stray animals are everywhere when you’re traveling.
I’ve seen dogs, cats, horses, chickens, birds, rabbits, cows, and iguanas in the most unsuspecting places.
It’s also very common to get attached to the strays that hang around your accommodation.
At least for me it was.
11. You'll see a lot of funny and confusing signs.
Some of the signs you see may not make much sense to you.
But they’ll always keep you on your toes!
13. Funny shit you'll never be able to explain again.
The best part of traveling is witnessing some of the strange things that you’ll never be able to adequately explain again.
Whether you had to be there in person or just can’t describe what you witnessed, some things may just have to remain hilarious memories.