Traveling is not uncommon, even for people from more modest backgrounds. I am the same age as Meghan, and when I was in high school, there was always school trips during spring break that you could take. They were affordable compared to most travel (student discounts). I never did, but I know my cousin did. She raised the money doing her after school jobs. My sister who is a teacher has actually gone as the teacher chaperone on a few.
Reading this article and previous you really get a sense she had a balanced life. Though she was raised with money, and on sets of tv shows with dad, there was more to life. She talked about volunteering in soup kitchens and such as well. Its great her parents gave her a sense of work ethic and the value of money even when they had their own.
Working minimum wage in high school is a bit of a right of passage. While many teens do it, many teens would not have a glowing review for doing it. Their other 'obligations' and I don't mean school and studying (dating, clubs, activities) often take priority in their minds. Nice to see she is remembered fondly.
It seems from an early age she was good with working with others. And with connecting with the public. Both in high school and college. This speaks well to her future in the royal family.
But indeed soapstar, she isn't the only member of the family who has worked less then white collar jobs to support themselves. Maybe not minimum wage fast food for some, but certainly not glamorous or 'royal' careers.
-Autumn was a bar tender and a promotional model to pay for college, and she did some bit acting as well
-Mike only made 10,000 a year when he first started playing professional, and to cover the bills he worked in a food truck selling fish and chips
-Sophie trained as a secretary before she got into public relations and waitressing
-Gary Lewis is a construction worker
-Camilla worked as a secretary in her day, and receptionist
The extended royal family of course lives very private lives, and have careers. The heirs of Kent and Gloucester are married to a doctor and to a college professor. There is quite a broad range of people for her to meet at Christmas parties, and I am sure she will find some to hit it off with. I am sure she will get along with the family, but even in the closest families, there are those you hit it off with better then some, those you gravitate to talking to.
The Earl of St Andrews is a former diplomat. Sophie Winkleman is an actress like Meghan. I am sure she will find things in common with others.