One of the biggest and best realizations you can make as a traveler is that you can’t see everything. No matter how hard you try, there will always be a trail you didn’t hike, a picture you didn’t take and a food you didn’t taste.
Too often, myself included, we attempt to cram in the absolute maximum of whatever place we’re visiting, sometimes running around like a chicken with our head cut off. By trying to experience it all we forget to truly enjoy what is around us and simply soak in the moment.
What’s worse is that by running ourselves ragged we can burnt out.
This happened to me a few times on my first big trip. From one stop to the next it was Go! Go! Go! until finally my body threw on the breaks and demanded I take a rest.
There are three places in-particular that the above scenario 100% occurred. I feel as though I got gypped and wish I could go back and properly explore each spot with more time and energy then my first visit.
If you want something to happen or change, I think its good to simply put it out there – so, that’s what I’m going to do.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Even thought I spent over a week in Hanoi, I was WHIPPED!!
After zipping through Cambodia and traveling from the south to the north of Vietnam, by the time I got to Hanoi I had burnt myself out. Although I still managed to check out a few of the sites, and complete an insane bet by filming my cobra video, the combination of chilly weather and exhaustion had me sleeping and resting for the majority of my stay.
Reading through my journal entries it is clear I loved Hanoi and even noted that I’d love to live there for 6 months to a year, someday.
Edinburgh, Scotland
I didn’t see any of Edinburgh. Nothing. At all.
It was raining, once again I was worn out, and the one castle I did want to visit was closed because the Queen was in town.
Prior to my visit, I knew the Scottish city had so much to offer but the forces were against me. Nearing the end of my 3 months in Europe my body knew I needed a break, especially if I wanted to enjoy Ireland and London.
So, rather then risk getting sick and begrudginly go site seeing in the rain, I stayed in and vegged. In retrospect I should have ditched the hostel circuit and treated myself to one of the many cozy, Edinburgh hotels in the city – like The George Hotel Edinburgh. Every now and then, you have to step things up a notch and treat yourself.
Once again…next time around.
La Paz, Bolivia
I LOVED Bolivia. I didn’t see much of it to be honest but what I did see was incredible.
My arrival in La Paz followed a robust itinerary through Brazil and Argentina. I was traveling with the three British gals and covered a lot of ground.
By the time I arrived in the capital city I was zonked. Pair that with a bit of altitude sickness and you got one lazy, unmotivated Brock. I did get the chance to see the Cholitas Wrestling and explored the Witches Market, but I feel La Paz and the rest of Boliva had so much to offer and I was just in no position to experience it properly.
On my next trip to South America, Bolivia is getting some serious time in my itinerary.
There are certainly a few other places I would love to explore further. In fact, any place I’ve been would be worth spending more time in as there is always SOMETHING to discover and learn about.
The above three however are at the top of my list, and the next time I’m in any of their regions…I’m not leaving until I’ve done them justice.
Where have you been that you were burnt out and wish you could have explored more thoroughly?
Leave your response in the comments below as I’d love to hear them!
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