Journey On

Going on a vacation is an exciting time, filled with anticipation and dreams of new experiences.  The planning for a trip with a 14-plus hour flight and a 15-day trek begins with over a year of planning. 

Our journey began at Newark Airport, with Cape Town, South Africa as our destination. However, little did we know that our adventure would be marred by an unexpected turn of events. Our airline carrier of choice for this trip mishandled our luggage, leaving us without our belongings for the entirety of our vacation. I’ve seen this happen to other folks and I watched the news reports but never has it happened to us and of course, I didn’t fathom this trip would be any different.  In my post, we will recount the challenges we faced, the impact it had on our trip, and the lessons we learned from this unforeseen situation.

As we boarded the flight from Newark to Cape Town, we were brimming with excitement. The prospect of exploring the vibrant city, immersing ourselves in the rich cultural heritage of the motherland, and embarking on thrilling wildlife safaris had us eagerly looking forward to the days ahead. However, upon our arrival as we waited and waited at the baggage carousel and the crowd of passengers decreased. Eventually, we received the disheartening news that our luggage had been misplaced by the airline, or to put it bluntly- Our Luggage is Lost!

Losing our luggage presented numerous challenges throughout our vacation. Without our personal belongings, we had to purchase essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and medication, adding unexpected expenses to our trip. Moreover, the absence of familiar clothing and belongings made us feel out of sorts, diminishing our overall experience. We were unable to fully engage in activities that required appropriate attire, umm like my perfect safari outfit, lol, limiting our enjoyment of certain attractions and venues.

The loss of our luggage undoubtedly affected the overall quality of our vacation. Despite the breathtaking beauty of Cape Town and its surroundings, we couldn’t shake off the constant worry and inconvenience caused by the absence of our belongings. The excitement that initially fueled our journey was dampened, and we found it difficult to fully immerse ourselves in the incredible experiences this vibrant city had to offer. The frustration of spending precious time searching for replacement items at the V&A mall, vendor markets, you name it – we shopped there.  The worst was dealing with airline customer service for 2- 3 hours daily, which added unnecessary stress to what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation.

While the experience of losing our luggage was undoubtedly frustrating, it taught us some valuable lessons. Firstly, we realized the importance of packing essential items, such as medication and a change of clothes, in our carry-on bags. This would have ensured that we had the bare necessities even if our checked bags went missing. Additionally, we understand the significance of travel insurance, as it provides financial protection and assistance in such unfortunate situations. Furthermore, we learned the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and making the best out of challenging circumstances. Despite the setbacks, we made lasting memories and forged connections with the locals, who showed us kindness and support throughout our ordeal.

Our vacation from Newark Airport to Cape Town, South Africa was marked by an unexpected setback when this airline lost our luggage. However, despite the challenges and inconvenience caused by this unfortunate incident, we managed to make the best of our trip. We explored the vibrant city, witnessed breathtaking landscapes, saw Table Mountain, one of the seven wonders of nature, and met incredible people along the way. The experience taught us resilience, adaptability, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, even in the face of unexpected obstacles.

Believe it or not, on our return to the airport for our trip home our luggage was found.  Now we had twice the amount of stuff to return home.  Though the loss of our luggage cast a shadow over our vacation, the memories we made in Cape Town will forever hold a special place in our hearts.  But wait, I am still holding out for a vacation do over and when we travel again to Cape Town, South Africa I am traveling light, with only my carry-on luggage close by.

Saunders, Beverly 2023