The Unexpected Travel Lessons

Traveling is one of my favorite things to do in my life. I enjoy exploring new countries, meeting and getting to know locals and fellow travelers, eating traditional food, and immersing myself into their culture especially when I volunteer in that area.


I plan my trip way ahead of time. I buy may tickets 4 to 6 months in advance to get the best airfare deals and also make accommodation arrangements through couchsurfing or staying in a hostel 1 to 2 months in advance. I often have a very detailed itinerary on what I am going to do each day.
On Jan 3, 2013 for my VolunTourism and Love Project, something that I was not expecting happened - I was not allowed to check-in to get to my final destination due to a lack of visa.


At LAX airport as I was checking in, the airline staff asked for my visa for Vietnam. I told her I did not know I needed one for Vietnam and she said that a visa is required to enter Vietnam. She said that I will not be allowed to take the flight. I was in shock when she told me this but at the same time I was laughing because I am in disbelief that something like this can happen to me just 90 minutes before my flight. I was determined to get to Asia no matter what so I told her to get me to the flight to Seoul, Korea because this is where I have my layover before supposedly heading to Hanoi,Vietnam. Thankfully, they did allow me to go to Seoul. And now, I rebooked my flight to Hong Kong instead of going to Hanoi. I have no definite place to stay in Hong Kong yet.

I still do not know the reason why my trip to Hanoi  is not going yo happen. All I know, I trust that God has a plan and everything happens for a reason.  Every setback is just the beginning of great adventures. This unexpected change in my travel plans has taught me about Surrender, Going with the Flow, Trust and Being in the Present Moment. TYG !