10 Things I’m Thankful for While Traveling

A Thankful Heart

I’ve found it almost impossible to complain and be grateful in the same breath!

Even in the imperfect moments, thankfulness has a way of altering perspective.

This is my first “holiday” blog.

I couldn’t let Thanksgiving pass without incorporating gratitude with my love of travel.

10 Things I’m Thankful For While Traveling

1. Safety

Any traveler, especially a solo one, can’t take it for granted once they arrive (safe and sound) to their destination.

To return home and turn the key (in one piece) is an equal blessing.

Every time a plane lands without any mechanical failures or that flight leaves on time, I’m thankful.

My trip to Chicago trip was filled with traveling setbacks.

I know how it feels to get that dreaded “flight cancellation” alert!

We may expect positive travel experiences considering money as a fair exchange. Not all are fortunate.

I’m thankful each time I see my luggage intact on the baggage claim carousel.

I’m even more relieved when nothing is missing!

I injured my ankle this year on a trip and it took about 4 months to recover.

I was wheelchair-bound, had a cast, boot, and crutches.

One accident was enough to totally change my daily routine.

I’m thankful I’m back to normal now. But my injury won’t be far from my thoughts on my upcoming trip.

2. Culture and Diversity

I’m thankful for all the different cultures I’ve gotten experiential knowledge with.

I can appreciate those of another culture because life would be boring if we were all alike.

My travels have helped me be a more sensitive, tolerant and compassionate being.

I’ve interacted with patois speaking Rastafarians in Jamaica to descendants of first freed African slaves high in the mountains of South America.

The pic below is a homemade cup I was gifted with during my visit to Trenchtown.

I will always treasure it.

Culture means everything to me. I couldn’t travel if it was taken out of the equation.

3.Delicious & Adequately Portioned Food

I’m a foodie. I say it a lot! This is a reminder in the slight chance you missed it!

I add “pickiness” to that disclaimer!

Maybe that’s why there are so many fried fish pictures from my travels. I keep saying I will expand my palate.

I love a good-tasting and filling meal.

The first picture below is an example of the side portions being too small. It looks like a “baby” plate to me.

The second one is a little better. The third one is perfect!

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Everyone in the kitchen is not called. Be grateful next time your food has you humming while doing the happy dance.

4.The Basic Necessities

Some may beg to differ, but I don’t consider myself high maintenance.

I don’t require 5-star accommodations. Many times a “3 “ with great reviews will do.

I’m thankful for what I refer to as “basic necessities”.

These would include privacy (haven’t ventured to hostels), comfortable bedding, AC, and hot water.

I’ve had to switch hotels over a rock hard bed. It’s hard to enjoy a trip with constant aches and pains.

I want to go glamping just to be out of my comfort zone!

My preference, however, is to sleep behind closed doors.

If I’m staying longer than a night, a t.v. wouldn’t hurt either!

5.A Working Iron

I don’t like wrinkled clothing!

Most of the time, hotels will list irons as part of their amenities.

If they don’t, the closet is one of the first places I check for one.

I can’t count the number of times they simply have not worked. What is the point of having them?

I have been grateful for a few times I’ve gotten the wrinkles out.

6.Great Customer Service

There’s nothing like great customer service! It happens much less than bad experiences!

The bestower could’ve chosen to do the bare minimum. Instead, innate goodness, caused them to go above and beyond.

What a great feeling!

I consider cleanliness part of great customer service. Communication skills are not too far behind.

As a customer, I respect businesses that can understand my feelings and show empathy. I respond better when I’m informed.

Great customer service also involves small touches that make you feel special.

I love how cruise attendants leave the towel animals after they’ve cleaned your cabin.

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7.Beauty

I’m thankful for the panoramic views and stunning architecture that leave me in awe.

God really showed off with natural landscapes and man follows close behind with physical structures.

I don’t mind rubbernecking to have my breath taken away!

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8.Free Stuff

We can act so spoiled in developed countries.

Acknowledging little things can leave room to receive the big ones.

I’m thankful for free carry-ons.

Spirit Airlines has discount seats but everything else is a-la-carte. I’m grateful that most airlines offer one carry-on free.

Though I’m not a light packer, I appreciate the option of only paying for checked baggage.

The second favorite freebie I’m thankful for is breakfast. A hot one is a bonus.

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*Other free things I like:

• Alerts from airlines/cruises

• Water bottles on (Carnival) cruises

• Plane snacks

• Early/late check-in

• Baggage Holding

• Airport shuttles

• Upgrades

• Wifi

9. Friendly People

As a solo traveler, it’s nice to meet people who you can have great conversations with.

If you get lost, it helps to find someone willing to assist.

I’ve met guides and cruise directors with whom I built an awesome rapport.

In Belize, I used all my available cash on tips. The rest was left in the cabin’s safe.

The venue did not accept credit cards.

Many in my group offered to pay for my drink which wasn’t included in the meal.

These were strangers and their generosity warmed my heart.

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10.Convenience

Technological advances can be a pain in the butt sometimes.

I’m thankful when they work as intended.

As a solo traveler, I appreciate restaurants with bars. That usually means a quick seat for one.

Rideshares are lifesavers. They’re convenient and work efficiently most times.

Walkable cities like New Orleans means you can stay near the center and save money on car rentals. Everything is 15 minutes away or less!

The most time I want to spend traveling is to and fro my destination.

Next time you’re traveling and come upon one of these 10, remember to be grateful.

Even if you experience the negative side of any, try to see the positive.

Attitude can make or break a trip.

I’ve resolved to not let ANYTHING spoil my hard-earned vacations!

Happy travels and thanksgiving!

What are you thankful for when traveling?

~Poof…Bee Gone

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