Unexpected Journeys: A Reality Check on Unplanned Travel

Have you ever found yourself in a situation like my current story, where a seemingly frivolous trip turns into an unexpected travel experience? My journey to Hong Kong and Macau in December 2016 is a classic example of those spontaneous adventures. This story serves as a cautionary tale for those who embark on unplanned vacations without proper preparation.

Planning versus Unexpected Journeys

My parents and younger sister were planning their trip to Hong Kong and Macau. Like many, they believed in taking advantage of visa-on-arrival options, especially since they are relatively easy for travelers from certain countries. They contacted a trusted travel agent for hotel and flight bookings, considering the trip a wonderful holiday destination suggested by their mother's peers.

The Unexpected Call

Just two days before their departure, my father called me in a panic. Unfortunately, he had suffered a minor stroke a year prior, and his recovery was still under observation. While I was annoyed by the sudden request to join the trip, my father had prepared a substantial cheque on the pretext of assisting with the expenses. He later explained that he was only partially sponsoring my trip, a fact that made me uncomfortable, especially considering my personal circumstances where every expense counts.

Compromising Comfort and Convenience for a Family Emergency

My mother stepped in to convince me to join them, even offering additional medical support in the form of emergency assistance. After much deliberation, I reluctantly agreed. The travel package came with an inflated price due to last-minute booking and the addition of an extra passenger. I also had to consult with my business partner about transferring funds from my current account, which, although unnecessary for him, was a necessary step due to organizational rules.

The Chaos Before the Journey

In the rush to prepare for the journey, I had to buy new clothes, toiletries, and even a new mobile phone charger. My little sister ended up doing a considerable amount of shopping for me, and even our passports remained at home until the last moment. We almost missed our flight due to a few minor obstacles, but ultimately, we made it to the airport with just a few hours to spare.

The Journey Itself

Upon reaching the airport, we faced a long queue for immigration and security checks. My flight was fairly empty, and I used a tranquillizer shortly after boarding to sleep through the journey. In Hong Kong, we faced another challenge when we had to take a ferry to Macau, which was a prolonged wait.

Emotional Strain and Culture Shock

In Hong Kong, we experienced a culture shock. Rooms were compact, and the people were unfriendly and not very welcoming. However, we still managed to take evening walks and enjoy our subway rides to Tsim Sha Tsui, which reminded me of entertainment videos by Russell Peters. The DisneyLand in Hong Kong wasn't as enjoyable as expected, and we only managed to take one ride due to crowd density.

A Medical Emergency and Quick Solutions

On our final day, my father complained of chest pain and restlessness. It turned out to be gastritis, and he recovered the next day. Despite the aforementioned logic flaws in my mother's insistence, the trip proved to be successful in the end, bolstering my resolve to avoid unplanned travel.

Conclusion: Learning from Experience

Post this trip, I resolved never to take any unplanned trips again. However, I realized the importance of having travel documents and visas in place. This experience taught me to be more prepared and to understand the potential consequences of last-minute planning. Over the years, I have traveled to countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, and South Africa on short notice, always with visa and travel plans in place, ensuring a successful and enjoyable journey.

Remember, while spontaneous travel can be exhilarating, it's essential to be prepared and aware of potential challenges. A well-planned trip not only ensures a smoother journey but also allows you to fully enjoy your destination without unnecessary stress.