Is touring price all the difficulty that comes with it? | Information, Sports activities, Jobs

As you all know, I write from moments I’m within the thick of ideas that bubble up from long-ago reminiscences that select to resurface at simply the best — or flawed — time. This week’s piece? It involves you from the consolation of my house, after what felt like a endless journey again from Poland. And not simply any journey — a journey expertise so chaotic, so layered in delays and detours, it begged the query: Is touring nonetheless price it?

Let’s begin at first. My journey to Poland was daunting however significant. Leading and studying, pushing myself in methods I hadn’t earlier than. But let’s be actual — touring overseas is not any straightforward feat. From the get-go, it was customs after customs after — you guessed it — extra customs. Add in individuals making an attempt to shove clearly-too-large carry-ons into overhead bins, gate brokers arguing with passengers about checking their luggage, households blocking the aisles making an attempt to arrange their row…it’s a full-contact sport simply attending to your seat.

And that’s earlier than we even take off.

Then comes the climate. Oh, the climate. What ought to have been an eight-hour flight shortly was a ten-hour saga, because of storms rerouting our path. And simply once I thought the worst was behind me, I landed at Washington D.C.’s Dulles Airport… solely to go nowhere.

Flights have been delayed. Then canceled. And as soon as that occurred, the accountability magically evaporated for the airways — no rebooking help, no lodge voucher, not even a “good luck.” Weather, in spite of everything, means they owe you nothing.

At this level, I used to be closing in on 23 hours of journey, performing on caffeine and willpower alone. But I used to be sure and decided to get house. So I did what any delirious, decided lady would do: I obtained a rental automotive.

After navigating limitless customs strains, finding my baggage (which took longer than it ought to have), then searching down a automotive in a sea of pissed off vacationers, I lastly hit the street. Yes, I paused for a nap at an expensive buddy’s home — however then I used to be again behind the wheel, heading house. Because whereas D.C. would possibly really feel like a second house, I wanted my first.

And it made me marvel — when horror tales from journey appear to have change into the rule slightly than the exception, is it nonetheless price it?

The query got here not simply from my very own exhaustion, however from the tales shared by fellow vacationers throughout me. In the customs line. At the gate. In the rental automotive foyer. Everyone had a narrative. Everyone had handled missed connections, misplaced baggage, hours of delays and the rising unpredictability of flying. No airline or airport appears unscathed. It’s within the information. It’s in our conversations. And it’s now part of practically each itinerary.

So…is it price it?

Here’s my reality: sure.

Even by the exhaustion, the frustration and the sheer ridiculousness of airline wonderful print and climate disclaimers, I nonetheless say sure. Because for me, journey is greater than a vacation spot. It’s connection. It’s progress. It’s tradition. It’s problem. It’s messy and arduous and typically uncomfortable. But it’s additionally inspiring and unforgettable.

And I made it house. A little bit extra drained, sure. But additionally slightly extra resilient.

So now I flip the query to you: When the journey will get tougher, when the techniques really feel damaged and the stress threatens to outweigh the enjoyment — do you continue to say sure to touring?

Because I do. Every time.

Mother, creator, entrepreneur and founding father of Dandelion-Inc, Lisa Resnick needs to listen to your story. Share reminiscences along with her by emailing lisa@dandelion-inc.com.