I’m in Canada this week, and my partner and I are crashing in guestrooms. People talk about the stress of hosting, but I find sometimes being a guest overnight comes with its own stresses. Things like unfamiliar showerheads, not knowing what food in the fridge is up for grabs (or if the fridge is even something it’s OK to check in!), and varied interpretations of … Continue reading How to Be a Good Houseguest While Travelling
Now that I’ve been wearing my tracker for a couple of weeks, I’m starting to remember all the things I loved and hated about it—and how my tracking these metrics would sometimes help me deal with my anxiety, or made it even worse. Continue reading How My Fitness Tracker Helps (and Hurts) My Anxiety When Travelling
Last month, I wrote a piece about how I pushed myself to do too much on a trip, and I paid the price with my mental health. I sometimes struggle with being a harsh critic of myself; of noticing when I fall down, and forgetting when I get back up. But I was looking through photos of that trip recently, and I found one that … Continue reading Sometimes, Improving As a Slow Traveller Means Holding All the Purses
Travel days—the days where you’re going to or coming home from your destination—can be stressful. Navigating public transit, long lines through security, getting through the airport and finding out your airline has declared bankruptcy (RIP Spirit Airlines!)… it can be a lot, especially if you’re an anxious person. If you’re looking at reducing travel anxiety, check out these practical tips for a calm travel day: … Continue reading How to Have a Calm Travel Day (Tips for Reducing Travel Anxiety)
Feeling rushed, overwhelmed, or exhausted on trips? I outline the 4 signs you’re travelling too fast—and provide simple, slow travel trips to help you enjoy your trips more and remember them better. Continue reading Signs You’re Travelling Too Fast (and How to Slow Down)
I took a break from blogging last week, and I felt guilty about that. On a trip last weekend, I realised too late that I’d ignored a lot of advice that I try to live by in place of excitement, and it completely backfired. I forgot the most basic rule of slow travel—to travel thoughtfully and intentionally—and spent the rest of the week trying to … Continue reading When “Yes” Turns Into Anxiety: A Slow Travel Reality Check
If you’re anything like me, you might worry when you travel that you’re missing out—not getting enough out of the experiences that you’ve travelled so far to do and see. So many voices tell us what to do and see when we go out—Instagram, TikTok, magazines, blogs like mine—but it’s impossible to see everything in a single trip. But damn it if I didn’t try! … Continue reading How to Slow Down While Travelling: A Guide for Overwhelmed Travellers
This bank holiday weekend, I wanted to take a break from the hustle and bustle of London for a day trip. After considering a few places, I decided to head to Richmond for a day trip that was equal parts boutique shops and cheery pubs, and nature-filled walks with views of parks and rivers. I wanted to share my itinerary—although I feel like I did … Continue reading The Perfect Nature-Filled Slow Day in Richmond, London
I’m an anxious person, and this used to spell disaster for me when I was away from home.
Until I was about 26, I was dealing with my mental health in ways that didn’t help—toughing it out, reading self-help books, blaming my job for the stress I was under, and wishing that I could just “get it together”. Continue reading If You’re an Anxious Traveller, Slow Travel Might Be the Answer
I’m introverted by nature, and although I love travelling, sometimes being in a new place can feel like a “heavy lift” mentally. All of the things taken for granted in my regular life—that I’ll know what all the street signs say, how to order a coffee, and what way to look before I step into the street—all go out the window. It can be challenging to question things you take for granted. Continue reading Free Peaceful Places to Rest While Travelling (That Aren’t Cafés)
No Small Wander 