Remember. You Can’t Do It All.

Here’s the thing about traveling. Whether you have six days, six months, or sixteen years abroad, there will always be more to see, do, eat, and explore. It’s natural to fall into the trap of trying to pack everything in. After all, if you’re visiting a place you might never return to, shouldn’t you make the most of it?

That mindset is tempting, and one I’ve struggled with many time. You want to feel like the time, money, and effort were all worth it - that you checked every box, saw every landmark, ate at every recommended restaurant.

However! Chasing completeness often comes at the expense of connection.

There’s a quiet magic in slowing down. In lingering at a café. In wandering aimlessly. In standing before a single painting, not just snapping a photo and moving on, but letting it pull you in for long enough to actually feel some way about it.

When we rush, we remember less. When we pause, we savor more.

So the next time you travel to a destination far from home (or even close by), remind yourself that you won’t - that you CAN’T - see it all. And that’s okay. Let that pressure go. Instead, set your intention to fully enjoy whatever you do end up experiencing, whether it’s ten things or just one unforgettable one.

You may return home with fewer photos, but with far richer memories.