Travel = PATIENCE
Do you like to travel? Have the pandemic lockdowns put a crimp on your vacations and getaways? Is the pent up energy and drive to get out ready to be released? Or has it already?
Well, let me let you in on a little secret. Most of us feel the same way. With summer in full swing, almost every place worth visiting in our country is being descended upon by the masses. National parks, beaches, resorts, camp sites, local shops and restaurants — you name it, we are finding every nook and cranny.
In the United States, about half the population is vaccinated. Most Covid related mandates have been lifted. People feel safer and we have the itch to get out. Lockdowns allowed us to save money and, thanks to our benevolent government, lol, we have extra money to spend. Why not use it to travel?
Meanwhile restaurants, shops, and other businesses are sorely understaffed. Longer waits are the norm. Businesses keep shorter hours. I often see the stress on the employees’ faces as they deal with inconsiderate or irate customers. People not bothering to wait until a table is cleaned, getting ill because they have to wait, giving mean looks or cursing under their breath.
Employees question why they should bother in the first place. In fact, I saw a young lady quit in the middle of a shift last week! In front of everybody, she took her apron off, threw it to the ground, and while exiting said, “You know, no amount of money is with putting up with this shit.”
I can only hope the customer got the message, but probably not. Perhaps these people tell themselves that they are supporting these businesses?
“They’ve been locked down for so long. They need our support.
Do the businesses need those types of people? Of course not. More likely the shop owners and employees need a break or a thank you. In fact, they may close down because they cannot take the stress of dealing with entitled cliental!
Perhaps the perpetrators are unaware, or perhaps they just don’t care. They may not be necessarily bad people, but they have an innate sense of entitlement so common in our society.
In public areas trash bins are overflowing and restrooms are even stankier than usual. Litter along the trails and roadways is more common. Traffic and parking is horrendous. The list continues while we, the tourists, use it all up until it’s gone. Worry about someone else to clean it up. What a selfish mindset!
In my opinion this approach dilutes the fun, makes others miserable, and dampers the experiences. Ultimately, the worst part is that we are putting the future in jeopardy.
In ten years, maybe less with the rapid acceleration of things, we will be complaining about how all the public lands have gone to shit. We will become accustomed to long waits. Perhaps draconian restrictions will be in place because of our own stupidity. Laws are usually created to protect people from themselves.
PATIENCE is needed now more than ever. As all of this pent up demand surges, it is is not only financial support businesses could use, but they also need understanding and respect.
Don’t get upset for long wait times, tip better, be aware of how much time you spend at the table so others can enjoy a meal. Maybe hit the grocery store instead.
Public places could use a hand as well. First and foremost, pick up after yourself! Help clean up even after those idiots who leave things behind. Try to find less crowded spaces by researching a destination before you go.
Travel is supposed to be fun, I get it. I know you spent hours planning and mucho dinero. You want the trip to be perfect. You have waited more than a year to get out. The extra cash is burning a hole in your pocket.
But please remember, patience, mutual respect, and a bit of understanding will go a long way when traveling this summer and beyond. While enjoying those trips, reflect for a moment. Think about what you can do to help. If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Basically, just be a decent individual.
