A train platform sign that changed destinations after we'd boarded, followed by a language barrier issue for our second try had us moving in the opposite direction from where we needed to go. Two additional transfers later, we were back to our original departure point to await the next train for the location we had originally planned. All of this happened while coordinating our ever-changing arrival time with the manager of our holiday rental through the use of translation software on our mobile phone. Needless to say, it was an extremely trying afternoon.
The fun continued the next morning when my husband and I awoke with plans of laundry, hot showers and breakfast preparation only to find the water was out in the brand new apartment building where we were temporarily renting a furnished flat. This was about the time I decided that a refreshing brunch of freezer-chilled coconut vodka was in order. While a certain amount of snafu solving goes hand in hand with a long-term adventure, most frequent travelers will tell you there are days when working through problems for several hours straight will absolutely put you over the edge. Here are a few simple strategies for maintaining your sanity when you've reached your absolute limit.
Assistance: One of the perks of private rentals I've grown to appreciate most on the road is the availability of local knowledge that comes with having an immediate contact upon arrival at your chosen destination. It's even more of an asset when that contact speaks the same language you do. Our favorite online rental booking site allows us to filter by host language. When we need a break from whatever language barrier we are currently experiencing, we book accommodations with an English language speaker to smooth our entry into a new location and get tips about the places with the best prices, food, experiences and views. There have been times when they have even organized transportation from our arrival point and booked spa treatments at the places with the best value, based on their local knowledge. It isn't the same as having a hotel concierge, but it eases enough of the arrival stress that you can relax a bit before you enter the fray again.
While traveling in Morocco, we found it isn't uncommon for cafe staff to send an employee to one of the local stalls to fetch something for you if you happen to ask where you can buy it. We've accepted this support for things such as minor grocery items or a lighter for the gas stove at the vacation rental, while having them add the amount to our restaurant bill. We don't count on them offering, but when they frequently do, I am happy to take them up on the offer and throw in a bit extra for a tip afterward. This type of extra restaurant service might not be the cultural norm where you are traveling, but the overall lesson is a simple one. When the universe drops a helpful gift horse in your lap after a stressful day on the road, accept the support in whatever form it presents itself.
Relief: Let me be brutally honest. If travel is something you decide to incorporate into your life on a frequent basis, it's only a matter of time before you will experience the phenomenon of needing a vacation from your vacation. While it's no secret I'm a huge fan of plopping down on a stool at the nearest bar in order to get a grip, there are times when an hour or two of beverage therapy isn't going to be enough. Now that we are on the road full time, we have learned to give ourselves permission to take an entire day or two off when we feel the need.
In our case, a day off is defined by not going to see anything new, not checking work email or possibly not even leaving the rental apartment to do anything but grab takeout grub from the nearest food stall. It may sound odd to avoid amazing world-class attractions in favor of two straight days of binge watching our favorite programs on Netflix, but it works for us. I'm not above booking back-to-back spa treatments or spending an entire day chillaxing on the cushioned couch at my favorite local beach bar either. Whatever it takes.
Systems: Full time travel brings more than enough variables and shifting parameters into your life on a daily basis. Having a few go-to solutions and problem-solving options in your hip pocket will go a long way toward working out the kinks as easily as possible. One trick we developed out of desperation recently was doing a quick image search. Language translation apps frequently misfire in very confusing ways, making a simple request for directions to your desired historical monument into a mountain of travel trouble.
When we got our answer about where to find the historic underground water cisterns in El Jadida, Morocco, it was less than two seconds after pointing to an image on our smartphone. The 10 minutes of pantomiming and translation attempts had gotten us nowhere, but pointing to the digital picture? Bingo. We've never looked back. Since that day, image searches have helped us find everything from duct tape and beer, to fresh eggs and olive oil. Similarly, when navigating by train while dealing with a language barrier, using real time GPS data can help you determine whether or not you are literally on the right track.
.jpg?w=600)
