The Big Negative with Traveling Abroad

Praying for Boston
Praying for Boston

Gallivanting across the globe seems glamorous. I love exploring new countries and cultures but there is a downside and I wasn’t until the blood mobile showed up at my place of employment.

My grandmother was a multi-gallon blood donor and although she inspired me with her endless generosity, I never really had the opportunity to donate, there was always some excuse. A few years ago I finally decided to do it when the blood mobile was in the office parking lot.

I was handed a form and asked a series of questions. When the question about traveling out of the country came up, when I learned who is ineligible I was shocked.

Thirteen months prior I had traveled to an area outside of Guadalajara, Mexico, which meant I could donate blood that day. Had it been 11 months, I would have been denied.

I had a medley of health issues up until December or so last year and decided it was time to donate again. When asked if I had traveled outside the country I answered truthfully.

“Yes.”

I had traveled for a week to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I was politely denied the opportunity to donate and told to wait a year.

Two weeks ago I was contacted by the local blood center saying my rare blood type was in need and I explained my willingness but was denied. Monday, following the horrific bombings in Boston, an email landed in my box inviting me to donate. I would have loved to, it would have made me feel as though I was able to do something but I would have been denied. *sigh*

Since I have two more trips to Brazil planned this year, it looks as though September 2014 is the earliest I can give.

A part of me feels a bit guilty. Albeit this travel to Brazil is for work, a selfish act impacts a selfless opportunity.

We all know traveling abroad rocks but what are the negatives?

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Jenn

Jennifer A. Huber is an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. The unexpected death of her former husband in 2008 reminded her how short life is. His passing was a catalyst for sharing her experiences with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to travel solo. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.

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