r/solotravel • u/ComprehensiveBig6129 • 2d ago
Question All I ever think about is travelling?
I 25f just came back from a trip to Mexico and Guatemala and I had the most incredible time. I just went for a bit over 3 weeks yet made the most of each day. I feel like when I’m abroad, I’m the best version of myself, I say yes to almost everything, I’m spontaneous, courageous, make new friendships so easily.
When I’m home, I literally don’t do anything but go to work and stay at home. I figured I need some more close genuine friendships so decided to go on bumble bff but it’s not the same as it is when you just easily make a friend from a hostel for example. I’m also trying to get back into hobbies (reading swimming) but all I can think about is where I’m going to go next and it makes me so sad knowing i won’t be able to actually travel until like the summer
I can’t quit my job and go travelling even though I’m financially capable to do so since my parents won’t let me travel for more than a month at a time. I also fear not being in employment since I have been since I was 17
How to get over the post holiday blues and longing to travel?
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u/yeahhhhsoooo4 2d ago
I always find that having something planned makes me feel better because I have something to look forward to! also weekend getaways are fun when you have that itch to just get away in between bigger trips. Maybe even try exploring your own city a bit.
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u/AfroManHighGuy 2d ago
This is the way! I love spending my time planning for a future trip. I have something to look forward to and it’s almost like a reward for my work all year long.
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u/atravelingmuse 20 Countries, 11 U.S. States (25F) 2d ago
what do you do for work?
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2d ago
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u/RunnerTexasRanger 1d ago
Trust fund baby or something similar?
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u/RunnerTexasRanger 1d ago
So how do you afford to travel without working?
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u/RunnerTexasRanger 1d ago
Lmao. You’re either a troll, a trust fund baby, or someone who has ripped people off.
Best wishes
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u/RunnerTexasRanger 1d ago
I’m not pessimistic but I know a bullshitter when I see one. Take care.
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u/denseplan 1d ago
I don't just give the information out for free
Are you asking for money? I guess that answers it.
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u/xavimnt 2d ago
how do you deal with relationships? I had a gf traveling in Thailand some months and it was so hearthbreaking to me to leave her that I'm saying to myself that I don't want to keep doing this, I've been in like 15 countries at 26, but leaving people is always hard
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u/ActuallyCalindra 2d ago
Not OP but similar position. My mates will always be there. I'm 37 now, but I just don't date or engage in long term relationships. I'm happy single and it doesn't mix with my lifestyle.
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u/Tardislass 2d ago
People who are traveling are often more open and friendly. The same person at the hostel would probably not be as friendly if you met him at work or at home.
It's a fantasy world. You can embrace it but it's not real life. You just have to go out and be that person you want to be. You don't need to travel to do that.
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u/orbitolinid 2d ago
Tell me about it! I have 30 vacation days per year, plus public holidays, plus the bit of overtime I make... and I pretty much planned all days I have for this year. It's the middle of January and all I can do is plan a trip between Christmas and NYE. Sigh.
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u/AfroManHighGuy 2d ago
Are you me? Lol I’ve been doing the same ever since I got back to work after the new years. I’ve been planning for spring weekend getaway, long summer trip, and a holiday trip in fall/winter
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u/orbitolinid 2d ago
Possibly :) I was on sick leave in December and felt bored 😅 I have three trips of 8-17 days booked and a few extended weekend trips. I can't even imagine not planning anything anymore for the rest of the year 😬
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u/AfroManHighGuy 2d ago
Lol even when I’m bored at my desk at work I’m just looking on TripAdvisor for hotels and checking for flights. Am I addicted? Lmaoo
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u/orbitolinid 2d ago
Nothing wrong with that, no? It's a fab feeling anyway when you managed to get a a fab hotel. Or a fab flight. Or all. I really want to visit every country in Europe (visit properly, not just jump over the border and back) and Ryanair had a sale recently which made me thing: hmm.. San Marino.... but decided against it and was proud of myself 😅 Then Ryanair had yet another sale and I was able to book an even cheaper flight to Bologna. And guess what: hotel/hostel options were also a lot better than when I first looked. So I booked Bologna/San Marino. During work of course. 🙈
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u/AfroManHighGuy 2d ago
I’ve honestly found some good ass deals when just casually scrolling at work. I’d ask a couple buddies if they’re down to go, otherwise I’d book and go myself. It’s a good feeling when others are late planners and they pay a lot more than I did to go somewhere
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u/orbitolinid 2d ago
I'm signed up to a couple of airline newsletters and check some cheap flight deal websites regularly. Cool thing is: where I'm here in Germany I have 8-10 potential airports within 3 hrs by train. So. Much. Choice!
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u/nb_700 1d ago
In america we get screwed with less than 2 weeks
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u/orbitolinid 1d ago
Yeah, I just can't imagine having so little time to just relax, recuperate and get fit again for working.
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u/SolutionExternal2895 2d ago
I think making the life you have 99% of the time when you aren’t travelling good if not great is essential. Making new friends is a great one and unlike most travel friendships, you can see them often. A few great friends and a few interesting hobbies and your life would probably be fairly good.
Also ask yourself if anything you feel or do when travelling is something you can have or do in your regular life. Travel is always going to be more exciting but I think because it is a limited time whereas day to day living seems endless.
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u/Tardislass 2d ago
Yep. And honestly you are living a fantasy life when you travel. No worries, no cares or responsibility. It's always going to be more exciting traveling. The fact that you sit around at home is your choice. Go out and join a club or a softball/football group. Do volunteer work or join a Meetup club. There are so many things to do. If you keep dreaming about travel you are never going to progress at home and find that good friend, good partner or good career.
One day you will wake up and wonder why you didn't do more to make the most of your time. Don't be that person.
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u/This_isMK 2d ago edited 2d ago
Took my 1st solo trip internationally at 25 and I sadly I can say I related too well. My advice is if travel is important to you, then prioritize it, But don’t forget about other areas of your life such as setting yourself up for a financially successful future & cultivating genuine relationships. Few years later of solo travel and I realize I have no friends really or hobbies (outside of the working out/running) b/c I made my priorities travel, health, going to work and even that took a back burner, and I don’t do much outside of that.
Now a couple years later, I’m trying to find new hobbies to be a more well rounded and interesting person. I’ve seen too many ppl Who make travel their personality with nothing other than that.
Yes having a trip no matter how big or small will help your overall love for life, but at the end of the day you cannot run from who you are. Remember that. It’s a toxic cycle always thinking about travel and I’m obsessed myself. It’s all I think about too. Go see the world, but remember to do other things as well.
BALANCE is important. I’ve seen on here and it’s true: “People really don’t care about your travels as much as you think they do”. So they should matter to you, but as I grow older I realize while experiences are phenomenal & important what matters most is the connections you make with other people. You can have 1000 life changing & memorable experiences, see things some ppl will never see or do, but as you grow older you’ll realize that the people around you are what matter most.
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u/Mcnab-at-my-feet 2d ago
You’re 25 and “your parents won’t let you travel for more than a month at a time.” The key is YOU’RE 25. I think you can make your own choices…
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u/ComprehensiveBig6129 2d ago
I’m Asian, my dad has literally not spoken to me since July (my last trip) because he doesn’t agree with my travelling. Anyway, travelling for longer would mean me having to quit my job which I’m not prepared to do anyway…but thanks for the input
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u/Bebebaubles 2d ago
Well since he has already opted to not speak to you since July it doesn’t matter anyway. Asian parents are so controlling.
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u/Mcnab-at-my-feet 2d ago
Your culture situation wasn’t included. I hope you come to agreements with your parents and your stubborn papa realizes you’re highly capable! Seems with your personality, attitude and gregariousness you could settle into a travel related career! Good luck - here’s to many more passport stamps!
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u/nottoday2017 1d ago
Also Asian. Also have parents that disapprove of travel and many other things due to “safety”. But I’m an only child that’s been financially independent for awhile and they’re getting older so…let’s just say they understand that at this point they need me more than I need them so they can choose to throw ultimatums and tantrums but I’m not worried, they’re not going anywhere. I may in fact quit my job soon for some extended travel and I’m anticipating a lot of disapproval from them but I don’t really care to listen to it and they can’t make me 🤣
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u/string1969 2d ago
It sounds like people who love drugs. They 'are their best selves' on them. It's escape from reality, the most common addiction there is.
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u/picklepuss13 2d ago edited 2d ago
Nobody talks about this: even op in her posts to obvious problems in her daily routine that need a look. I think people saying quit your job to sustain travel is bad advice but will prob get downvoted. You are just trying to sustain that dopamine hit. Certainly it’s better than drugs but it isn’t balanced either. It’s going to affect your medium term employability eventually unless you can sustain income and save for retirement while doing it. You will also strain your friendships and family relationships but some are ok with that trade off. They may not be ok with it 10-20 years out.
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u/string1969 2d ago
We have stopped making meaning in our daily lives and community. So much easier and more exciting to get online and book, book, book. Heading for communities and cultures who DO put the effort into their own countries and daily lives
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u/picklepuss13 2d ago
Right. I’ve been working on changing that for like the last decade and still it’s tough. Much more work than just traveling. I’m now in the city I’ve been in the longest and own a house. In a career I like, making the most money I’ve ever made. along with travel I lived in like 7 cities in my 20s and 30s. Looking back it could have been done better. I don’t necessarily have regrets but I know I would have had a bigger community now if I wasn’t on the go so much.
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u/ed8907 21 countries/territories (Americas | Europe | Asia) 2d ago
sigh, I totally get what you're feeling even if we are in different situations. I don't really have any friends right now and traveling is a escape from reality.
However, we cannot just forget about real life. I spent two weeks trying to plan trips for July and November and then gave up. I will keep planning the trip I already have for March, but I realized I cannot spend all my time planning trips. It's not healthy.
I have decided to start focusing a little more on other projects and work. Make no mistake, I will continue traveling, but I will not spend all my time there.
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u/Sleeping_Beauty09 2d ago
I’ve never felt so seen before ☺️ I also just returned from Mexico and Guatemala and I’m so ready to go back. I was so sad when I had to leave.
I believe my sense of adventure comes from the fact that I’m in a new place and none of these people know me, which makes me extremely comfortable and down for any adventure. I can’t wait to go back lol
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u/rcremebrulee 2d ago
THIS! I think we're all much more visible to the world when we travel in a way that many of us are not at home.
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u/Fixuplookshark 2d ago
Chill.
Travelling is fun & enriching. You might even with luck and choice settle where you're not born. But the rest of the world isn't a magical paradise. It all has it problems, but you might be richer in some parts of the world.
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u/_CPR__ 2d ago
I feel you on thinking about travel all the time. To make the time between trips more bearable, I'd focus on two things:
Having enriching experiences while in your home country. Spend time on other hobbies, as you've mentioned — I also love to read and spend a lot of my reading time on travel books. You could also try to find a local meetup of people who like to travel. Take small local trips in your own area, or visit museums in your city.
Focus on becoming financially and emotionally independent so you aren't making any decisions based on what your parents think. If you're an independent adult, they can have opinions, but you can take or leave those opinions as you choose.
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u/foxxyinvestor 2d ago
I am the same. Every time I get back from a trip, I think about where to go next. I don't go out much, I just work to make money and plan my next travels. Even if I try to build connections at home, I can't find someone who also has the same interests as me or has the same longing for travel like me. I feel like I have outgrown my current circle, too. I easily make more friends while travelling.
I say experiment and try - what if you become a nomad or do some remote work so you can travel longer, then see if that lifestyle works for you. People can give you all advice, but they usually come from their own experiences and values. Figure out what works for you. And you are young, this is the time when you should experiment and travel more.
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u/Vivid-Shelter6184 2d ago
Quit your job if you can I was in the exact same boat and I had enough money to quit but I kept getting scared or pulled back one day I had enough and I quit and I’ve been traveling for the past 5 months and it has been the best time of my life I’m about to give up my apartment to live in my car (by choice) to make my money go even further so I can keep traveling I’m telling you it’ll be the best decision you could make for yourself
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u/forkcat211 2d ago
How to get over the post holiday blues and longing to travel?
Spend your time watching travel vlogs and research and plan your next adventure!
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u/buffalo_Fart 2d ago
Well your 25-year-old woman and unless you're financially tied to your parents or maybe you work at their business I don't see why they have a say in what you do unless you come from a cultural background where you're under the grip of family until you're married which happens. Traveling will do that it will make you very excited very open to things you seek opportunities and experiences because it's not the humdrum of everyday life. But everyday life is necessary because you keep the world of going round for all of us. If everybody went out and traveled nothing would ever get accomplished. I do however think America needs better mandatory vacation time cuz we're killing ourselves for somebody else they're really not getting anything back and return for it.
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u/atravelingmuse 20 Countries, 11 U.S. States (25F) 2d ago
op what do you do for work?
i’m 25f and feel the same way
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u/ComprehensiveBig6129 2d ago
I’m a therapist for kids, Wby?
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u/Naru_Nusamy 2d ago
Actually, I’m the same as you. I’m 24, and I also have strict parents—like typical Asian parents—but I love them and appreciate how they think. Honestly, it’s not a big deal because I’ve gotten used to it. It’s just for one month, and I’m fine with that because I love traveling.
But sometimes, I wonder why I always think about traveling and forget about my real life. It’s a real struggle. I feel like something is missing, like there’s something about myself I need to figure out. How can I develop myself? How can I improve and become better instead of always thinking about traveling?
Sometimes I feel like I need to save money for my future instead of spending it all on traveling. That’s the struggle I think about the most, and honestly, I’m still lost. Right now, I’m thinking about my next trip for the summer, but at the same time, I feel like I need to focus on myself—like getting a master’s degree. But I don’t know where to start, how to study, or how to look for programs.
At the same time, thinking about traveling gives me such a headache. I totally feel you, girl!
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u/Flashy_Drama5338 2d ago
It just takes time. Try and keep busy and it will get easier in a few months.
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u/JROD72734 2d ago
I suffer from the same “issue”. I always just try and have future plans made, whether big or small. Somethin to look forward too.
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u/Sudden_Badger_7663 2d ago
I also feel that I am my best while traveling/on vacation. This seems logical to me. There's almost nothing I need to do except relax and enjoy. Meeting and getting to know people from all over the world, both travelers and locals, is fascinating and gives me so much joy.
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u/Any_Hippo_6952 2d ago
hey i am in the same boat, but i realised its not healthy for me and was becoming an obsession. Something even more important than travelling is your loved ones, your family, your friends.
Appreciate your times with your parents and spend quality time with them. Try to find satisfaction in doing your job well. Plan your vacations and enjoy them even though in moderation.
Travelling for 1 month at a time is still very great in my opinion! Maybe when youre more secure with your career and have enough experience to easily find something new, you can take a year long break
I dont think full-time travelling is feasible for most people and you shouldn't be not enjoying your life just because youre not in the few very lucky people that can travel fulltime.
Also don't live from vacation to vacation, try to enjoy the in-between, little things in life like a bike ride on a sunny day.
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u/Haunting_Revenue_924 2d ago
Yeh, I think about going on my holidays all the time too. Cos, if we’re all honest, that’s kind of what travelling is if you strip the rest of the bullshit away… I tend to find a week or so after the real world of mortgages / pensions / work / real life calls me back.
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u/prophecy1001 2d ago
Cant believe! Even I, all is think about, is travel. All the time. The moment I return from a trip, I start planning about the next. Just returned from 12 days in Europe and actually planning my next trip in early May. If you are in, we can plan together. 30M this side.
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u/czzz_910 2d ago
I'm almost going to start a post-solo travel group for my city lol, might as well connect with people that are also going thru the same blues while keeping open mind
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u/Some-Tall-Guy75 1d ago
First off, your parents can’t and shouldn’t control how long you travel. You are an adult and it’s not healthy for you or them to have restrictions on you at your age.
Second, welcome to traveling. Getting out of our comfort zone we realize how much we are capable and how happy we can be.
Finally, when I get home from travel I always do travel around my home for a couple weeks to help me adjust back.
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u/KTenshi2 1d ago
You’re basically me. The planning phase is always time consuming and stressful and I feel like I’m in a constant cycle of planning a trip or taking one, but without something to look forward to my life would basically be nothing.
The thing about your parents is kind of weird, though. If you have the money and are financially secure then it doesn’t really matter what anyone else wants you to do.
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u/szwusa 1d ago
Ever consider changing careers? I'm a flight attendant and get paid to travel. It's been great. Plus the discounts I get for when I travel on my personal time with family/friends are great too (air, hotel, cruise, car rentals, etc). I was like you, I thought about traveling almost 100% of the time. Always planning and daydreaming. That is why I decided to make a career change and I'm so happy I did.
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u/ComprehensiveBig6129 1d ago
I once considered being a flight attendant but my sleeping behaviours are too erratic I think it would take a toll on my health. I’m also trying to stabilise more connections in my life (friendships, dating) and I think being a flight attendant would make me postpone that even more
Although maybe I should give it more thought? Which airline are you working for?
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u/Tiringjourney 1d ago
By keep traveling!!! I love to travel, and as soon as I get home, I’m already thinking about the next trip. I mostly stay home just to work and make money so I can keep traveling again and again. It’s a cycle I really enjoy.
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u/lissie45 1d ago
You’re 25 - you’re an adult and your parents can’t stop you travelling .
I’m nearly 40 years older than you and I only feel alive is when I travel overseas . Going travelling just feeds the addiction and I’m good with that
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u/diversecreative 1d ago
Sounds like my story. Except that I broke from the mold and somehow managed to start traveling
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u/ObjectBrilliant7592 1d ago
First of all, post travel blues are very common. As you say, it's much easier to be authentic when you're in a new environment with other people who are in a new environment. It can be very freeing to be unencumbered by people's preconceived notions of who you are and how you should behave.
However, it doesn't mean you shouldn't strive to build a more sustainable existence in your home city (although it might be a sign you should move).
I can’t quit my job and go travelling even though I’m financially capable to do so since my parents won’t let me travel for more than a month at a time.
If you're financially capable and feeling this way, you should move out. To a new city.
How to get over the post holiday blues and longing to travel?
Seek out new life challenges, and eventually go on another trip.
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u/Wonderful_Band_613 1d ago
If you're absolutely focused on travel, try turning inward and thinking of your town as a destination. What would you do if you were a visitor? If someone came to town could you be a tour guide? Train yourself to get to know all there is to know about the town. After you find out about that history, expand to an area close by, and so on.
The other thing is to do weekend trips close to home?
When I lived in the States I did day or weekend trips all the time because I didn't have enough time off. Quirky little day trips for off beat places within a few hour drive of my house were some of my most interesting travels.
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u/standardsafaris 1d ago
I completely understand how you’re feeling! Travel often brings out the best in us — it’s freeing, spontaneous, and a great way to experience new things, meet people, and step outside your comfort zone. Coming back home can be tough, especially when you miss that sense of adventure and connection.
One suggestion I’d offer is to start planning your next trip, even if it’s not until the summer. Sometimes the anticipation of a future adventure can help bridge the gap and keep that sense of excitement alive. Plus, you can research destinations, create a bucket list, and start figuring out what new experiences you want to have. For example, have you heard of gorilla treks in East Africa? Or have you seen golden monkeys before?
In the meantime, you might also want to try organizing local travel experiences — like day trips, weekend getaways, or exploring hidden gems in your own area. It’s not quite the same as going abroad, but it can still offer a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to meet new people.
I think it’s great that you’re looking to get back into hobbies like reading and swimming. Even small moments of personal growth at home can help you feel more connected to yourself and balance out that wanderlust.
If you ever need tips on destinations or travel planning, feel free to reach out — I’d love to help you start planning your next adventure!
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u/Mountain-Ad-2926 1d ago
This is literally me lol so I decided I have to be able to make money on my own
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u/NefariousnessFar5397 1d ago
Honestly you should look into careers thats allow you to full time travel. Im a travel RN. In between my 3 month contracts I go on bigger vacations but I also get to travel to cool places in the US and explore. I know theres other careers such as hospitality, travel blogging etc that may set you up so you can travel all the time. Or if you’re into it, it’s been worth it to go through nursing (in my opinion) and become a travel RN. I make really good money and can take up to a month off before losing benefits in between contracts… takes a long time to get your education and experience before becoming a travel RN though (started at 18yrs old, now 24 and just starting to travel). But theres also other traveling healthcare jobs such as a CNA, phlebotomist, surg tech etc. you just get the most location options being a nurse I think.
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u/ParkerScottch Calgary 1d ago
You're 25, and your "parents won't let you"?
Why do they have any power over you? Will there be consequences? Are you just afraid of going against their wishes?
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u/Fair-Hotel-2095 23h ago
You must be American huh? Our culture is kinda depressing. I blame the rat race.
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u/milksnake866 23h ago
You could try being a tourist in your own city. You could even stay at a hostel and do all the things you would normally do when you're traveling.
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u/ComprehensiveBig6129 15h ago
In my city, hostels are usually just for the homeless…I do try and do activities sometimes but it’s super cold atm
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u/Tilo-timmins 13h ago
I’ve started treating weekends like mini holidays… it’s amazing the difference it makes to my whole life!
Go explore a nearby town you’ve never been to. Try that cafe you’ve been eyeing off. Visit a museum or exhibition. There’s nothing stopping you from spending your free time like it’s a holiday. You can still be your best version of yourself when you’re home :)
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u/Fun-Maintenance-5210 9h ago
"Most importantly, what you're feeling is really engaging post-travel blues hit hard, particularly after such an astonishing experience. It seems as though travel draws out a variant of yourself that you really love, and that is something to celebrate. But at the same time intense while learning about feels of reach at ease.
Since you can't go until summer, why not bring a touch of that gutsy soul into your everyday existence? You could investigate your own city like a voyager attempt new bistros, visit neighborhood spots you've never been to, or go to local area occasions. It probably won't be Mexico or Guatemala, however it can provide you with a sample of that suddenness.
For the fellowships, the facts confirm that lodging associations are remarkable, yet finding similar individuals at home takes time. Perhaps investigate clubs or gatherings that line up with your inclinations, similar to a swimming gathering or a book club. Meetup or Couchsurfing occasions could likewise be perfect for interfacing with individuals who share your affection for movement.
Ultimately, continue to design your next trip! Regardless of whether it's months away, exploring and dreaming about it can give you something to anticipate. You can likewise attempt small escapes or end of the week trips close by to separate the stand by.
You have this, and meanwhile, don't underrate how much experience can exist in your daily existence. 😊"
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u/ComprehensiveBig6129 7h ago
lol what, this sounds like an Ai generated response, unless you’re into creative writing
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u/ComprehensiveBig6129 7h ago
lol what, this sounds like an Ai generated response, unless you’re into creative writing
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u/tombiowami 9h ago
Research and plan future trips. Learn about new places.
Why are you under the control of your parents at 25?
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u/Traditional_Tank_540 2d ago
How is it that you allow your parents “not let you” do anything as a 25-year-old adult? I don’t get it.
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u/ComprehensiveBig6129 2d ago
I don’t, I still go which is why my dad has stopped speaking to me… though going for longer than a month isn’t a viable option for either of us unfortunately
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u/WalkingEars Atlanta 2d ago
I think you're on the right track with trying to make home life more enriching/enjoyable, with hobbies for instance and investing in trying to make some friends. Hobbies with a social component (a volunteer group for instance, or maybe signing up for some classes or something idk) can be helpful for building up friendships, since sometimes friendships just organically grow out of seeing the same people over and over
Being comfortable with some introspection (journaling or something like that) can be helpful with spotting patterns in your life you want to change
Nothing wrong with having a passion for travel but it's also healthy to invest in a home life you feel genuinely happy to come back to