Alyosha RobillosI won’t lie. I used to think that a great travel experience largely depends on the number of days you spend in a place.
A weekend away must be too fleeting — too rushed — for you to actually absorb what’s going on around you. But then again, they say if you spend too long in a place, it might actually ruin that palpable excitement you’re overcome with when experiencing something new. That is, after all, one of the reasons why most of us travel, right?
But there are many reasons why the number of days you spend travelling doesn’t (or shouldn’t) matter. And before you disagree, just hear me out. I, too, was a non-believer before someone challenged me to think otherwise. Without further ado, how long you stay in a destination doesn’t matter when you travel because…
As they say, “quality over quantity”
Think about it. People always say that if the quality of a certain thing is outstanding, then it automatically beats something else that comes in great numbers but is just so-so. Three tasty, healthy, slow-cooked dishes that are every bit the culinary delight will ALWAYS be more satisfying and filling than a day of consuming unlimited junk food and empty calories. It may not be the best comparison, but you have to admit it makes sense.
Making travel great means crafting the best itinerary you can come up with no matter the length of the stay. It’s not really the number of days you have to be conscious about, but what you choose to do with your time while travelling.
Long and short vacations both have pros and cons
Sure, a long vacation affords you the luxury of time, but a short vacation allows you to test the waters first before you commit to a longer holiday. A long vacation naturally accommodates more go-tos and must-sees so you’ll have a hard time filling all your itinerary’s slots, but some people actually find it more difficult to plan a short sojourn simply because you’re trying to fit so much in a limited amount of time.
Some find a short getaway too exhausting with little breaks in between, while long vacations bore eager wanderers who can’t stay put. All kinds of vacations have pros and cons. I hate to burst your bubble, but there is no perfect holiday. And that’s okay. You just have to find what works for you at any given time.
Both are equally exhausting and rewarding
A true traveller will always love being out and about no matter how long or short the trip. There’s this satiated state that wanderers might call their happy place. It’s when you have a strong tendency to lose track of your schedule because you’re just pleased to be in a place you’ve been wanting to see for so long.
You know what they say, time flies when you’re having fun. You’ll find yourself enjoying any travel experience regardless of the duration of your stay.
You’ll create beautiful memories either way
Come on, you’re in a strange and wonderful new world — and chances are you’re experiencing a lot of firsts in what could even be a dream destination. So no matter how long you stay there, you’re bound to have a trip that’s one for the books.
If you’re the type of person who has a hard time remembering every little detail of your trip when you’re in a rush, take lots of photos so you can preserve precious moments. Or keep a travel journal and make sure you don’t skip an entry.
Also read: Why it’s Important to Write About Your Travels
It really depends on the purpose of your trip
You also have to consider why you’re travelling in the first place. Is it to escape the hustle and bustle of your everyday grind even just for a bit? Everyone needs a quick refresher every once in a while. Are you on a business trip, mixing work and leisure? Then you should be happy to be able to squeeze in a few tourist spots in your remote work schedule. Or are you going on an all-out holiday where you plan on forgetting the number of days you’ve spent touring or lazing around majestic sights? Reminding yourself of the purpose of your travel may help you decide what you want out of the experience.
At the end of the day, though, only you can choose what to do with your time — and if you actually find these things worthwhile. It all boils down to a matter of mindset. Why stress about the length of a trip when you can just grab any opportunity to travel and make the best of it?
Also read: Travel Itinerary or No Travel Itinerary? That is the Question
