I really love how you pointed out the privilege in the people who are saying to travel less. I find that a lot with people who say stuff like, “Don’t go to Paris. It’s so crowded and overhyped.” But they’ve already been to Paris so it feels a little hypocritical to judge the hard working person with two weeks off a year who just wants to see the Eiffel Tower.
Exactly this. I’d personally find it far more useful if someone said “go to Paris, but here’s how to experience it like a local”.
Most people aren’t hopping on flights every month. They’re just people who work and want to use their time off to experience somewhere they’ve dreamed about for years. I don’t think curiosity becomes shallow just because a place is popular.
100%, Riana. Telling someone “they’re not missing something” is completely different to them experiencing the thing themselves and reaching the same conclusion.
Thank you for sharing your insights. I feel many are collectively having these realizations around travel, and the speed and depth at which we consume it, right now.
Decades ago, after having backpacked solo for extended periods, I was told by a handful of friends and family, 'It's good you did that now to get it out of your system'. I knew they were just projecting because they did not understand how indispensable it had become for me. Traveling at all stages of life (single, married, then with children, etc) requires a lot of dedication to the concept. I never did it to make money, so in that sense it was the freest thing I could have chosen.
Hi Ibtissam! Such an important piece on many levels. I love how you’re desribing real travel as uncomfortable and even boring at times, just like life in general. Also, great point about who gets to decide that we should travel less…🤡❤️
Love this. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how there’s no “wrong” way to travel. Seeing new places and interacting with new people is pretty much always a net good. I also think who am I to tell someone not to go see the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum when I’ve been lucky enough to see those things.
Love it. Slower travel gives you the time to absorb a place, to live your life there, boring as it may be at times. But that's actually the point. You want to spend the time savoring everything about it, even if everything isn't tasty. You can't properly do that while on a typical vacation visit of a few days. And sometimes getting sidetracked from your plans can lead to something more memorable. I've been to Slovenia and am planning to return at some point to do some hiking. Thank you for mentioning Vintgar Gorge. Never heard of it but definitely checking it out!
“What am I actually travelling for” is such a simple question, but it’s amazing how rarely we ask it (I include myself in that). It’s a question we need to keep coming back to as the answer is in constant flux.
I always love and appreciate your perspective on slowing down. We're nearing the end of our Cotswold walk and I'm feeling the urge to sit somewhere for a bit. Tired of packing up every morning. Looking forward to ten days in Bath, all in one place.
I really love how you pointed out the privilege in the people who are saying to travel less. I find that a lot with people who say stuff like, “Don’t go to Paris. It’s so crowded and overhyped.” But they’ve already been to Paris so it feels a little hypocritical to judge the hard working person with two weeks off a year who just wants to see the Eiffel Tower.
Exactly this. I’d personally find it far more useful if someone said “go to Paris, but here’s how to experience it like a local”.
Most people aren’t hopping on flights every month. They’re just people who work and want to use their time off to experience somewhere they’ve dreamed about for years. I don’t think curiosity becomes shallow just because a place is popular.
Yes! It’s such a privileged take to gatekeep popular places and look down on people who want to see them. They’re popular for a reason!
100%, Riana. Telling someone “they’re not missing something” is completely different to them experiencing the thing themselves and reaching the same conclusion.
Thank you for sharing your insights. I feel many are collectively having these realizations around travel, and the speed and depth at which we consume it, right now.
That gives me hope 😊
Big fan of this philosophy. <3
Thanks so much for writing this! I’ve had this buzzing around my head for months and you’ve put it so eloquently.
Thank you for your lovely comment. I'm so glad it spoke to you
Some deep thought here, and wise words.
Decades ago, after having backpacked solo for extended periods, I was told by a handful of friends and family, 'It's good you did that now to get it out of your system'. I knew they were just projecting because they did not understand how indispensable it had become for me. Traveling at all stages of life (single, married, then with children, etc) requires a lot of dedication to the concept. I never did it to make money, so in that sense it was the freest thing I could have chosen.
Hi Ibtissam! Such an important piece on many levels. I love how you’re desribing real travel as uncomfortable and even boring at times, just like life in general. Also, great point about who gets to decide that we should travel less…🤡❤️
Love this. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how there’s no “wrong” way to travel. Seeing new places and interacting with new people is pretty much always a net good. I also think who am I to tell someone not to go see the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum when I’ve been lucky enough to see those things.
Love it. Slower travel gives you the time to absorb a place, to live your life there, boring as it may be at times. But that's actually the point. You want to spend the time savoring everything about it, even if everything isn't tasty. You can't properly do that while on a typical vacation visit of a few days. And sometimes getting sidetracked from your plans can lead to something more memorable. I've been to Slovenia and am planning to return at some point to do some hiking. Thank you for mentioning Vintgar Gorge. Never heard of it but definitely checking it out!
“What am I actually travelling for” is such a simple question, but it’s amazing how rarely we ask it (I include myself in that). It’s a question we need to keep coming back to as the answer is in constant flux.
There's something beautiful about having nothing to do and even being a little bored. Well said.
I always love and appreciate your perspective on slowing down. We're nearing the end of our Cotswold walk and I'm feeling the urge to sit somewhere for a bit. Tired of packing up every morning. Looking forward to ten days in Bath, all in one place.
Such a deep insight, Ibtissam, and beautifully written as always. I relate so much to what you're saying here. Thanks for sharing this.
I always enjoy your posts and travel wisdom, Ibtissam. The older I get the more I savor our travel experiences and slowing down more to enjoy vs rush.