Life can get tough sometimes during a long trip overseas...
Before I left Australia a colleague and friend of mine, Louise, warned me against becoming blasé on my year-long journey around South America. Over the course of a long trip it is easy to lose your energy for the countless experiences that are on offer each and every single day. She explained that she had experienced similar feelings on her longer trips overseas.
Three months into my travels, I have to admit that there have been some occasions where I have felt the same way. Despite each day bringing new opportunities and new people, I have had days where I simply feel like sitting at the hostel all day – reading, writing or (and I like this one a lot) … sleeping.
My friends would probably tell me that I'm crazy – 'Wait, you're in Buenos Aires and you're sitting in your hostel all day!?' – but the truth is that sometimes being a vegetable for a day is exactly what you need to recharge your batteries.
I've justified these days by referring back to my original itinerary. Of course I've strayed from my initial plans several times and I don't regret a thing, but having a good idea of the places you definitely want to visit before you set off on your trip is a great way of keeping yourself in check. It also helps on the flip side, I've had a few occasions where I've learned about new places I could have visited on my travels but simply didn't have it planned. This has kept me honest with my budget.
In short, I've learned that it's ok to have a vacation from my vacation every now and then, as hard as it sounds! For anyone else planning a long trip, keep this in mind. Plan where you really don't want to miss and let the surprise side trips be a wonderful part of your travels as well.
Nos vemos and safe travels!
Teddy.
[Photo credit: Kike Barro]
Like A Backpacker 
Good boy! You have to look after your mind and body. Your senses are on full alert and they need recharging often. Be nice to yourself every now and then.
PS do you get and read any of these comment?
Thanks Merrilyn! I read all comments and respond to them too! You’re one of my top commenters, thanks!
MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIINN
Sounds like you deserve a day of rest maaaain! Every Friday, Jews across the world endure a days rest, known as Shabbat, God created everything in six days, and He rested on the seventh day (Gen. 2:2). You are your own god, and from one to another, rest days have no impact picking up women, I know of this because I’ve had rest days for 25 years so take it easy BIG CHEESY…
Maaaaiiiiin!
You’ll be pleased to know that I had to rescue your comment from the spam folder, must have been your eloquent religious talk! Thanks for the sound advice!
Hey Teddy, thought you might like to know that one of your past cherubs wrote about you in his NAPLAN persuasive yesterday. The topic was to convince readers why you think someone should get a Hero Award!
Sharon I am honoured! Please send me a message on Facebook with more details! Although I’m not sure what I have done to deserve one. Take care!
I love the foto! How long do you have left to travel in South America? I am planning on traveling along the west coast from the south of Argentina up to Columbia after my semester finishes. Who knows? Maybe we will cross paths again!
If you move quickly we definitely will, I’m going in the same direction! I’m enjoying your blog, take care.
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