Travel has a magical soothing effect on us, doesn’t it? Exploring a new place allows us to step out of our comfort zones and live new adventures. It’s a humbling learning experience that makes us more world-wise than the best classroom lessons. Whether it is travelling within or outside India, new languages and dialects, customs, and food preferences await us reinstating the magnanimity of the world and the tiny place we inhabit. That said, everyone’s reason and outlook for the ideal travel experience is different. As a parent who mostly travels with kids, I choose places to keep them interested and entertained so I can enjoy my peace. Funny as it may sound, I’ve been judged for it and ‘not doing enough’ on my trips as if it were somehow their business. The idea for this post arose from the hurt of a similar jab a while ago that I haven’t yet been able to ease. A guilt trip for your precious travel trip is not allowed, right?

Social media can be credited for introducing us to many new dream destinations but it has also brought everywhere we go under scrutiny. Your choice of hotel (Oh, not a five-star? Tch.), mode of transport (Roads and trains are so time-consuming, ya!), and even the locations you chose (Typical touristy picks, really.) get loads of unsolicited advice and reactions. If you don’t want to be put on a guilt trip, look out for these frequent red flags, sucker punch them, and throw them out the window. You had a good time, that’s all that matters.

You went through a travel agency

Most people find travel agencies a convenient option. They take care of your travel including any cars/buses needed during the trip, your stay, food, documentation, and most importantly allow you to travel with groups. This becomes an important security advantage especially when you’re travelling internationally. While others might find their fixed itineraries a tad restrictive, choosing a known company over unknown risks is up to you. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

You didn’t try the local cuisine

Vegetarians can have trouble finding good food during travel and even the available choices needn’t be good enough for their tastebuds. That’s a certainty most are prepared for and stock up accordingly. However, holidaying on say a beach doesn’t mean that not trying the seafood there mars their experience. Let them enjoy their ghaas-phoos while you dig into your seasoned carcasses from their local cuisine. (Hurt, did it? Well, it hurts us too!) Save the guilt trip.

Your pictures aren’t perfect

Oh, where do I begin? Let me say it out loud, unless you’re commissioned to take perfect destination pictures or are a travel blogger, your pictures are for your consumption. There are a few passionate travellers who carry sophisticated gear but let’s admit, most of us rely on our good old mobile phone cameras. Although they have a limited range, one can click amazing pictures using hacks one can easily find online. On a personal trip memories count, perfection doesn’t. Always remember that.

Your itinerary was crammed

In today’s busy life, there’s a huge gap between planning and taking a trip. If work schedules and kids’ vacations weren’t tricky enough to maneuver, you need to focus on the weather and footfall of your preferred destination. You can’t holiday in the same place again when there’s so much else to see, right? Unless you’re vacationing for relaxation your trip is bound to be rushed. The meter’s ticking, so visiting one place in a week or three is your call. Better not to have FOMO than being sent on a guilt trip any day.

You should’ve consulted with me

This must be the best and most relatable one. People expect to be included in your plans for their perceived knowledge even if you don’t need it. “I could’ve given you better suggestions.” “You went there but missed the best part.” “Goa trip in monsoons and miss the carnival? What a waste!” and more such responses are all too common. They fail to realise (or they do but need an ego-massage) that it’s your time, your money, and hence your rules. Let them revel in their wisdom and ignore them.

The good old days when people knew you were off travelling only after they missed seeing you had their charm. Announcing to the world before and after your trips is more about visibility than taking a break and unplugging. What’s more, it’s routine to be online and share your experience in real time and that’s alright. What isn’t is to allow anyone to dissect your trip. Going on a guilt trip for a wonderful family trip is not done.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2024

© This site A Vibrant Palette is the property of Varsha Bagadia. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Varsha Bagadia and A Vibrant Palette with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.