I Love Travel, I Hate Travel

Until about 2 years ago, I worked at this tech company based in California. That’s when I had the chance to become a full-time globetrotter!

The company develops software for managing hostels and hotels, so you could say it’s already connected to the travel world.

It was founded by two avid travelers who were eager to work with like-minded souls.

Way before the pandemic hit and made remote work normal, they set up the business so we could work from anywhere we pleased (picture palm trees and coconuts), with a flexible schedule and unlimited paid time off.

Let me tell you, the company owner had a real gift—he could work a crowd!

As for me, I was in the Marketing department, and my job was organizing events all over the globe.

Once, we went to Berlin.

Actually, we've been there multiple times, but this particular trip, I managed to score us a spot to give a conference during an event, which meant our booth would be flooded with people.

Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, it wasn’t exactly a Barbie dream job, all rosy and perfect.

Don’t get me wrong—I had three incredible years there, but as the company grew, so did my aversion to the corporate world that slowly crushes creative spirits.

Anyway, we were in Berlin and this guy with a gift for public speaking gave a speech.

I can’t pinpoint whether my lack of motivation had already started or if it was just from handling 50,000 details for three international events in two months, but I can barely remember what was said in that speech.

However, what I remember vividly is the phrase that he used to open the talk.

He said: "I LOVE TRAVEL, I HATE TRAVEL."

That got me thinking...

Do I have a love-hate relationship with travel too?

Fear not! Allow me to elaborate.

Who hasn't loathed waiting in long airport queues, knowing that paradise awaited on the other side?

And don't get me started on those cute little roaches welcoming you to your dream vacation.

Yeah, traveling has a way of pushing your limits, no doubt about that.

On this topic...

A couple of weeks ago, I met up with my family in Mexico to visit Bacalar, known as the 'Lagoon of Seven Colors. And let me tell you, it's absolutely stunning.

There were ten of us sharing a car, a house, and making daily decisions together.

Where to eat, where to go, someone injured their foot and couldn’t walk, someone wanting to do every possible activity, another person refusing to do anything. You get the picture.

One person craving spaghetti, another one wanting tacos, and then there's that one person who fancies milking a cow and devouring it afterward.

Exhausting.

So, here's the thing – sometimes, traveling can be a bit overwhelming.

One night—it was pizza night—my cousin asked me:

- Isn't traveling a bit stressing to you?

I stared at her for a good five seconds before replying:

- Actually not, because I don't travel. I live in places.

But let me clarify, when I say I live in the places I visit, I mean it. I stick to my daily routine, work, exercise, cook, and relax just like I would back home.

The only difference is, once work is done or the weekend comes, I find myself in a paradise waiting to be explored, with different customs and new people to meet.

- Still, I get what you mean. Last year, we traveled to Costa Rica for 15 days just because it worked with our schedule. By day 9, I wanted to ditch my backpack in some remote waterfall, never to see it again.

But hey, that's just my preference. I don't despise traveling, but I do love living in the places I visit.

You see, when you stay longer, even if it's just a few months, that’s when unforgettable moments start to happen, and you start shedding the burdens of that backpack we all carry around—trust me.

So, what's my advice to those who have only 15 days to go on a trip? Should that stop you from traveling?

Oh, please, don't!

Keep traveling, and I hope even more people who don’t travel start!

Even though it can be tiring, it's still a way to break free from your usual routine, experience nature, expand your mind, and simply live so many beautiful moments.

Sometimes, depending on the trip, short periods of travel are the only option.

Take Iceland, for example – it's awesome to spend 10 days in a van, seeing waterfalls and unbelievable rock formations, but living on the ice permanently is a whole different story.

But hey, to each their own, right? If you want to move, I won't judge you.

Heck, I'll visit!

For me, I just prefer and find it more sustainable to make a life in a comfy place and then explore the surroundings in my free time.

That way, I get to do more of what I love – and that's the beauty of it!

So, why am I telling you all this now?

Well, in the past two years, my style of traveling has changed a bit due to a new job and traveling with someone else.

It got me thinking back to that phrase my boss said.

During these two years, I've done more short-term trips and haven't worked at times. And let me tell you, it's been quite an adventure! But, it can be draining long-term.

That's just how it is.

I've also missed out on certain things while traveling this way.

Like making friends who become family, discovering hidden spots only locals know, learning more about the cultures I visit, getting involved, paying bills, making plans without an expiration date, and truly feeling at home in a place.

You achieve that feeling when you stay – even if it's just for a few months. It's not about the length.

You might agree with me—or not. I even disagree with myself sometimes.

So, what kind of travel format do you prefer?

It's all about finding your own style (trust me, there's one for everyone).

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