Most of us feel excited when we plan for a trip.  We’re escaping the boredom of our daily routine.  We will see new places, taste new food, and perhaps visit with relatives.  We refuse to believe anything could go wrong.  And yet,  it frequently does.  Optimism is a desirable trait, but  pessimism prepares us for travel setbacks. 

Let’s say you are flying to your destination.  Who would spend days on the road  when an airplane gets you there in hours?  Nine times out of ten, that works.  But sometimes it doesn’t.  Your flight gets delayed, and you’re stuck in an airport with a bunch of crying babies, and irate  passengers. Your  frustration with this scenario is inversely proportional to the amount of optimism with which you began the trip.   This wasn’t what you expected!   You while away the time reading old e mails and Facebook posts , and buying stale, $10 sandwiches if you’re hungry. .  But look, there a lady calmly reading a paperback book.  She reaches in her purse for a package of mixed nuts,  and nibbles away while sipping a bottle of water.   She knew this might happen, and she’s prepared for it.  Not angry, not bored, just making the best of a bad situation.

Suppose you decide to drive, and  have a very long trip ahead .  The triptik  tells you it will take 10 hours to reach your destination.  You’re counting on that, and the fact that there are fast food restaurants all along the interstate.  Suddenly, you’re in a traffic stall.  There’s been an accident , and no one can say when the road will be clear. It could be hours.  Now, you realize you have to pee.  This happened to us once when on a 1500 mile trip.  I finally found a paper cup to relieve myself.  Why hadn’t we ordered one of those portable unisex travel urinals?  You can get them online for under $10.  

Braver, and more adventurous folks  will hop on a motorcycle to reach their destination.  There’s nothing like being on the open road and enjoying nature while driving.  But the fact is, driving a motorcycle is dangerous.   Many cyclists refuse to wear helmets.  Their optimism  doesn’t always pay off.. Motorcycle accidents accounted for 14% of all traffic death s in 2011.  Any motorcyclist with a dependent family should have a life insurance policy, but many don’t.  A reasonable dose of pessimism might save a bereaved family from financial hardship.

Autumn is a popular travel season.  Enjoy your trip , but be prepared for a few setbacks.