How To Travel Without Starting To Hate Travel: Seven Things I’ve Learnt

Travelling is always a unique experience – even if you go to the same place more than once, no trip will ever be the same. It creates space to spread our social butterfly wings just as much as it affords an escape from reality, rendering the tapestry of adventure far more intricate than we may imagine. But while we share the highs, we don’t talk enough about the lows. Few discuss travel burnout and how to travel without starting to hate it. 

In truth, the solutions are deceptively simple, even while battling the constant pull to be in a new place with wishing to stay in my bed forever.

It is all about reenergizing and finding a balance. A delicate dance between a buzz and serenity. Here are seven invaluable lessons I’ve gleaned as I deepen my understanding of how to travel in a way that always keeps me ready for a journey!

How To Travel Without Starting To Hate Travel

Check Your Guilt and FOMO

Travelling often means wanting to take advantage of limited time, not having enough energy to do it all and then feeling guilty for wanting to rest. 

Therefore, learning how to travel guilt-free and acknowledging that you are human is vital. Realise that it’s perfectly okay to have priorities beyond ticking off a to-do list and to miss out on an activity if it means gaining time to recharge your batteries by indulging in a quiet night or a leisurely day of much-needed solitude.

Don’t Pack Your Itinerary With An Endless List Of Things To Do

I am guilty of this just as much as the next person, but it takes time and practice to resist the temptation to over-plan a trip. Leave room for spontaneity, and the liberty to follow your whims down unbeaten paths. By breaking away from a strict schedule, you will find solace in staying in the moment and just living. 

Enjoy The Simple Pleasures 

Take pleasure in the little moments – like savouring a delicious meal or watching a breathtaking sunset. It is in the simplicity of travel and most mundane experiences that we sometimes find the most joy.

Space Your Trips Out

Avoid the trap of overcommitting to consecutive travel plans. Give yourself time to decompress and reflect between trips, allowing for deeper immersion and appreciation of each destination.

Travel Solo – To A Certain Extent

In this case, I do not mean travelling solo for an entire trip but rather, taking moments to do things on your own even if you’re in a group. Whether it’s taking an early morning walk around a beautiful city centre, heading to a museum by yourself for an hour, or even trying out a peaceful activity that others may not be excited about – embrace freedom and understand that even if you are travelling with friends and family, you do not need to be joined at the hip 24/7. 

Be open to self-discovery, setting boundaries and taking breaks so you’re not ‘on’ all the time. When you learn how to travel like this, it stops feeling like a chore and you return to the reasons why you loved it the first time you ever made a trip.

Travel In The Off-Season

Seeking out quieter times to explore popular destinations feeds a desire to savour the essence of a place without distraction or feeling drained by the energy of incessant crowds. It also means appreciating a location for what it’s supposed to be, devoid of tourist traps.

Listen to Your Inner Voice

Above all, trust your instincts and pay attention to your emotional and mental well-being. Honour your needs for both social engagement and isolation so it is easier to navigate how to travel with grace and authenticity.