When you’ve got a nine to five job and have a limited number of vacation days a year, it’s easy to get a little ahead of yourself when it’s time to travel. As we planned our trip to Budapest, Mike couldn’t stop to take a breath without me finding a window of opportunity to bulk up our stay with a list of side trips.
Mike wisely reminded me that the trip on which we were about to embark was also a vacation. Time away from work and planning so we could properly relax and recharge. Reluctantly at first, I decided to take his advice and what followed was a bold decision that somehow brought us to uncharted territory.
When we went to Budapest, we simply stayed in Budapest.
Sure we were just a few hours away from places like Prague and Vienna, but we also became so familiar with one city that we adopted a regular cafe, the Central Cafe. I even became the mayor for a hot second.
We didn’t pack up our bags and move there, but for the first time since I did that in another city, I was reminded what it’s like to truly immerse yourself in a new place. I can’t say I won’t city hop again – let’s face it, I’ve only got a few weeks a year to get away and it’s a big world out there – but next time I’ll definitely be more open to slowing down.
How do you prefer to travel?
I absolutely love that. Sometimes I feel a little bad and like I’m missing out for not seeing more, but I think you have a better experience when you take it slow and enjoy where you are at the moment. Plus, it’s true- the worst thing is coming home from vacation and feeling like you seriously need a vacation!
I am totally like you that I plan too many things, especially in Europe I’m like wow I’m so close to all these things I must go to ALL of them. Luckily my husband reminds me it’s supposed to be a vacation so I try to strike a balance
I’m a go, go, go type of traveler, but I think that, for our next vacation, I’d like to just sit on the beach somewhere and drink frouffy drinks.
that was very reasonable of you, susan.
Hi! I’ve tried both juggling 3 countries in 1 trip and just staying in 1 city for a trip. I would say that I enjoyed the 1 city trip better than the juggling since, having 1 city to explore, you can take your time to relax and just enjoy.
I’m glad you were able to slow down in one spot!