Think back to your last trip – what story do you tell? Chances are, you may have seen a great tourist attraction. What you probably remembered and chuckled about however, are the unexpected things that happened along the way.
When my friend Kinda and I traveled to Ireland we had one of the best trips we could have imagined. It came by being willing to roll with the punches and find humor in the mishaps. Here are five ways we had a trip worth talking about in Ireland.
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1) Miss a boat/train/bus. In our case, it was taking the “Happy Hooker” to Inisheer Island for bike riding and wait…and wait…and waiting for the boat to come back. After a fabulous day of bike riding, lunch on the beach, and exploring a shipwrecked boat, we went back to the dock to await our boat. But it didn’t show up. Not for hours. We thought we would never see the mainland again. It did finally come and memories were made! Chances are, if you go overseas, you will miss a bus or other form of transportation. This one will will come naturally. Don’t despair when this happens – just keep in mind that it will be an amazing story later.
2) Take a back road and join the dancing. After getting turned around a few times, stomachs growling from hunger, we happened upon a fun street market filled with homemade breads, delicious jams and cheeses and, surprisingly, dancing vendors. They were absolutely enjoying life and were unashamed to break out in the Tennessee waltz when the music hit them just right. We would never have found that if we hadn’t wandered off of the usual path.
The street markets of Ireland
3.) Get lost in the rain. You can get mad or you can get nice and meet a cute Frenchman! With the streets shut down for a racing event, we found ourselves completely without transportation running through the streets, and jumping over barriers in the cold rain. Fortunately, we came across a young man from France who also was lost. Let’s just say it brightened the rainy day! Don’t give up on your trip if some inclement weather or situation threatens it – roll with it!
Finally made it to the rail!
4) Don’t overlook the little things. Traveling through Connemara, on our way to another town, we came across a town that was having their 200th year anniversary. We stopped to enjoy the music and festivities. Walking through the local craft booths I came across the trip souvenir I was looking for- a beautiful painting. But this painting means so much more to me now because I bought it on such a special day. I’m so glad we stopped.
Exploring the towns of Ireland
5) Be friendly. One of the best things about our trip was all the people we met there, from the Irishman who pulled me out of the river to the Swiss girl we let pack into our car for part of the journey. It’s not just about where you go, but who you meet along the way. Our best stories have names and faces attached to them. One of the girls we met in a hostel will even be meeting up with us again this year when we go to Europe.
New places. New friends.
What about you? What are some of your favorite travel mishaps or things you’ve stumbled upon that made the trip worth talking about?
Kristian Kelly has a degree in Broadcast Journalism and has worked as a producer for the international teen tv show Skunkstv. She travels and speaks at conferences both here in the US and overseas. Some of her favorite travel memories include going on a safari in Africa, skiing in Sweden, and thrift shopping in London. Learn more about Kristian
Being forced to change plans because of bad weather or even being trapped by a typhoon (and then sitting in a Japanese hot-onsen waiting for the rain to stop) are definitely part of my unexpected adventures. Also, taking unusual ways of transportation, like a naval vessel from Taiwan to China and then being accompanied to the city centre (being further than expected) with some friendly locals. Some fun stories always guaranteed when traveling without local currency and trying to find an ATM without any language skills. In fact, every trip almost completely consists of these “difficulties” that lead to mind-broadening experiences every single time. I feel like I somehow started to provoke them subconsciously 😉
Wow Kathrin – you always have amazing stories!! It’s true though, the most uncomfortable experiences tend to be mind-broadening. I, like you, wonder how I attract so many “opportunities” to grow 😉 We will have to have you post soon about your adventures!
I did a summer study abroad in Dublin and loved it! When we were there one of my friends and I had a picnic in St. Stephen’s Green and after getting approached by some guys we were wary of, a group of friendly Irish guys saved us.
We ended up becoming friends with them and they were able to show us Dublin from a local perspective and we all still keep in touch!
It always pays to be friendly, especially when abroad.