Happy Thursday lovelies! 😀 Are you ever curious about what happens behind the scenes, with your favorite travelers?
As travelers, we often share the ‘glamorous’ side of travel on Social Media and Travel Blogs. But a bunch happens behind the scenes that we don’t always share….
7 Behind-the Scene Travelers Secrets No One Shares!
In all honesty, these are not ‘secrets’ per-say but hey! Come along for the ride, as you might just find yourself…. 🙂
1. Packing is a Bottomless Struggle…
We looove to travel, but can we skip the packing part? I am yet to meet anyone who enjoys packing!
Instead, we compile Packing Tips to help you (mostly ourselves) get organized, but we still end up forgetting the crucial stuff, like a toothbrush and socks!
Actually, most arrivals at our destinations start with a trip to the nearest supermarket…. Can you relate? 😀
2. Farsickness Is a Real Thing
Farsickness is a longing for far off places and people you’ve never met. It can start from the moment you get back home from a trip, as reality hits home…
Symptoms of ‘Farsickness’…
- Always reminiscing past trips and browsing through Instagram pictures…
- Staying in the same town/city for long periods causes a hint of claustrophobia…
- Constantly dreaming up the next adventure!
>The BEST cure is to go wherever the winds may lead. 😀 But if that’s not an option, actively planning for your next trip works….
3. Of Lemons and Lemonades…
Even the best laid plans go wrong. ~ Wise Human
On our travels, we often encounter countless mishaps, failed attempts & the good ol’ meltdowns that never see the light of day…
One time in Laikipia, for instance, we didn’t have a place to sleep after a hotel fell through… It was really hard not to panic.
I remember the guys sharing horror stories of how they’d spent nights in places with bedbugs… yikes
We found our ways to Kinamba, a small town that’s literally at the end of the road. 🙂

Not Kinamba…
Our search for cheap accommodation eventually led us to a lodging… You know those upstairs rooms, beneath a butchery and local bar? 😀
And they have these 1-rooms with a bed, where if you wish for the luxury of a private bathroom, you have to add more money… 😀
As it turns out, that was probably the one night we truly relaxed because we weren’t quite ‘working’.
The landlord’s boy showed us to a local movie shop where we stocked up on classics. But fatigue wouldn’t let us prosper; after one movie on Mwarv’s laptop, we had to call it a night. 🙂
Though we may not always share, such mishaps sometimes make for the best stories!
>>Staying focused on the bigger picture + a flexible attitude helps. 🙂
4. We Get Homesick Too!
Homesickness happens to even the most seasoned travelers!
It creeps up when you least expect it…. Say you’re in a gorgeous place having the time of your life, when suddenly a yearning for home strikes!

That moment before homesickness strikes…
My Tricks For Homesickness:
- Call up or text your loved ones…
- Bring something familiar like a scarf to drape over the pillow, making it feel homely.
- Share your feeling with travel-mates. I think that’s when true bonding starts- especially when their cute babies’ pictures surface… 😉
- Take time out to do something that reminds you of home, like listening to a favorite playlist…
6. Crisis Brings Travelers Closer
While traveling is fun, crisis during travel cements relationships with even the best of strangers!
One fateful trip landed us in police custody (don’t panic- ‘mistaken identities’) and later on to hospital… It was the scariest thing ever! 🙁
On another trip, my companions and I got a crazy bout of food poisoning, while in the middle of nowhere…
Yet, looking back, these instances bonded us in special ways… Of course at the time it was mayhem, but hey! 😀
P.S. Don’t borrow trouble- but if it should happen, you could make great friends for life! 😀
7. Being ‘On Holiday’ Is A Myth
Have you ever come back home feeling like you need a holiday from your ‘holiday?’
I’ve observed that most people who travel for a living, don’t know how to be ‘on holiday’.
The big question: Where does the work stop, and the holiday begin?
Nevertheless, touring these amazing places is a BLESSING that we don’t take for granted. And though it takes conscious thought, we know how to have fun. 😉 😀
Bonus:
Our trips usually take longer because we can’t help doing this… 😀
Photo Credits
Wanjiku Thuo
Eric Vateta
Josh Kisamwa
Tj the_mentalyst
& Marion Mithamo
Cheers to you, my friends, for reading! 😀 Did you identify yourself or someone you know in any of these ‘secrets’?
I would love to read from you! Be sure to leave a comment/question or input down below! 😀
<<Love & Light. Stay Inspired Always>>
22 Comments
Marley
April 22, 2018 at 5:49 pmYap – holiday is a myth, but still always want to travel…
Good read!
Scrapbook Journeys
May 25, 2018 at 12:37 pmThat’s the spirit Marley! Travel we must! Thank you for reading!:D
Nesh Ule Msee Wa B4
April 20, 2018 at 3:11 pmI missed my buses twice (Kigali & Kampala) for having a kabambe phone and forgot about the change in times zones. Kigali trinity bus company put me in there second bus to kampala where i was to pick my other bus to Nairobi. In Kampala, a boda boda guy had to do his magic for me to get to my already departed bus Modern coast, we got it at Mabira forest as they enjoyed roasted chicken on mshikaki sticks. Trip of my life Jan 2015.
“I’ve observed that most people who travel for a living, don’t know how to be ‘on holiday’.”
This is just me, i never travel or sight see for self but on behalf of/for others. taking it upon myself to go travel and enjoy enjoy and enjoy. will gladly share my other experiences behind the scenes.
Scrapbook Journeys
May 25, 2018 at 12:35 pmI feel you! Hahaha there’s something about Kampala and being left by the bus?! I wonder if they do it for fun? Haha, it does make for the funniest stories though, why lie! Speaking of, how come I’ve never passed through this chicken-ful forest… That’s an experience I am yet to have! Next time, take me with you brother dear. 😀 And yes, I hope you take more trips and really feel the holiday part 😉
Fina
April 19, 2018 at 10:19 pmYeah good stuffs Marion I enjoyed reading this.. The thought of packing and un packing oh my goodness I really don’t doing that , I can relate girl.. I love to travel but I can’t obvious skip the packing part.
Scrapbook Journeys
May 25, 2018 at 12:31 pmGlad you enjoyed the read girl! Thank you! 😉 We shall overcome this packing part ay? 😀
Fina
April 19, 2018 at 10:09 pmYeah good stuffs I enjoyed reading this the thought of packing and unpacking back gosh I don’t like I usually ask someone to assist me, or I have to write what needs to be packed..
Scrapbook Journeys
May 25, 2018 at 12:30 pmFina! Yes, for sure a packing list is ‘our friend!’ Haha, I feel you my dear. We will need a list for Kisumu soon! 😀 😉 #winkwink
John
April 19, 2018 at 9:18 pmBeeb smiling throughout the read, have taken several trips through the read, and your final question,,, yeh!, been identifying myself all through, especially with the mention of Laikipia trips! got fewer speakable words!
Scrapbook Journeys
May 25, 2018 at 12:29 pmHi John! I am glad you enjoyed the read, and Yes I am sure you can relate! 😀 Cheers to those Laikipia trips, wacky moments and all! 😀
Vivian wanimo
April 19, 2018 at 5:34 pmSo real. If only things could just pack themselves and unpack
Scrapbook Journeys
May 25, 2018 at 12:28 pmViv! We are on the exact same page!Perhaps robots are indeed the ‘hope of the future’? Hehe 😀 In the meantime we’ll keep on keeping on! Thank you for reading!
Wanjiku
April 19, 2018 at 5:14 pm…..and then sometimes you get to some place which was awe inspiring, jaw dropping from the pics (website) and you are already ticklish from the excitement then whoa! The real thing is does not meet half your expectation!
Also is it me or its easier to pack if you are staying away longer? You can throw in lots of favourites (or all )! Say All socks…Wait till you have to pack for two days and you don’t know what to really leave …. Like will my hair need oiling in two days, should I pack in sandals…..
Good write Marion. So true!
Scrapbook Journeys
May 25, 2018 at 12:04 pmI know what you mean, Lol those anti-climax moments are the worst! But we live and we learn, ay? 😀
Hahaha,I get anxiety about packing, and long trips heighten that anxiety! 😀 But I feel you 100%
Thanks Sue for reading! And taking the time to comment! 😀
Christine
April 19, 2018 at 3:08 pmHaha! Yes! The best plans don’t always happen as planned !
..and those moments when the trip is on such a high.. Then the longing for home strikes.. Only to want to pack and go immediately am home for another trip!
So relatable!
Good stuff
Scrapbook Journeys
April 19, 2018 at 4:18 pmYay, thank you for reading Christine! Glad you found it relatable…haha it’s a circular world, this thing called travel! Keep Traveling! 😀
Mitha
April 19, 2018 at 2:49 pmI think you’re suffering from far sickness hihi *hides*
Scrapbook Journeys
April 19, 2018 at 4:16 pmOh you know me so well! 😀 Hahaha, that is so very true! Can’t wait to shoot off to some new place soon! And this time, you are coming! :P:D
Mitha
April 20, 2018 at 4:18 pmMy bags have been packed for a couple of weeks now all I need is the time and location.
Scrapbook Journeys
May 25, 2018 at 12:36 pmHahaha Sawa! Twende Kisumu! 😉
Stom al-Madusi
April 19, 2018 at 2:05 pmFirst off, I really love packing. Who doesn’t?
Secondly, I love the secrets. I could relate with all. I just realized that I’ve been subconsciously following these steps in my trios without knowing.
Scrapbook Journeys
April 19, 2018 at 4:15 pmHahahaha 😀 Well, that settles it! You are my newly appointed ‘Packing Genie!’:D
Thank you for reading Stom!Hehe and now you know-keep on! 😀