It is easy to think that travel needs to be fast-paced and full of plans – you make a list, map out every stop, and try to see as much as possible in the time you have. And although that sounds great in theory, in reality it can get exhausting pretty quickly.
Sometimes you just need to remind yourself that travel is not about ticking things off a checklist – you really do not have to do it all, and in fact, you do not have to do much at all if you do not want to. With that in mind, keep reading to find out why it is okay to slow down while travelling.
A Slower Place Is Fun
There is a lot to be said for taking your time – sitting outside with a coffee, wandering without a destination (and sometimes without a map), just watching people go by… These are the moments that are going to stick with you, not just the big sights but the quiet bits in between.
When you slow down, you also notice a lot more, so it is worth it just for that. Slowing down actually means being where you are rather than rushing through it, so in the end you will get a lot more out of your time away and you will have some amazing memories to look back on in the future.
Rest Is Part Of The Experience
It is not just okay to rest while travelling – it is necessary. You are out of your usual routine. Maybe you are walking more, staying up later, or going to unfamiliar places and trying to work out what to do. Your brain and body need time to adjust, and that means you are going to need to have rests.
Taking breaks does not, of course, mean wasting time – what it means is that you are giving yourself a proper chance to actually enjoy what you are doing, and that is vital. You could sit in a park, read a bit, or just take a moment to breathe, and whatever it is you do, it is crucial to know you are not being lazy – you are doing what you can to make things more manageable and more enjoyable, and that is always a good thing.
Letting The Day Unfold
Some of the best moments happen when you are not rushing – when you just leave some time open and go with the flow to see where things take you. Maybe you will come across a small market or find a bench with a view you fall in love with. Maybe you stay in and relax, play a few rounds of your favourite online games, and give your feet a chance to recover from all that walking around you have been doing. Whatever it is you do, it is still part of your travel experience.
Those slow, simple moments can become the best bits of the trip – true, they are not planned, but they are exactly what you need, and they will help you balance out the busier bits of the trip, so you do not get too exhausted and overwhelmed to enjoy wherever it is you are.
