I’ve always been the kind of traveler who squeezes every drop out of a destination.
Even if I only have a few days in a city, I’ll fill them with early-morning hikes, back-to-back tours, buzzy restaurants, and enough walking to hit 15,000 steps without even trying. After all, if I’m in a beautiful place, I want to make the most of it.
My camera roll is full of photos of bucket-list moments, and every new experience has taught me something about myself and the world. But somewhere along the way, my version of traveling started to feel a lot like work. And after months of nonstop travel, I hit a wall.
On the first night of a trip to Maui, my last big trip after almost three months away from home, I became overwhelmed by exhaustion and had a panic attack.
I broke down crying and hyperventilating, feeling like I just couldn’t catch my breath. However, this breakdown brought me to a startling realization: I needed to slow down.
From that moment on, I knew this trip would be different
When I woke up the next morning, I had one goal: to do nothing. As someone who’s always on the go (both physically and mentally), I knew it wouldn’t be easy for me. However, to feel like myself again, I knew something needed to change.
Unlike my past trips, there would be no packed itineraries, pressure to post on social media, or chasing the next adventure. Just rest.
I let myself lounge in bed while I sipped my coffee, went for a walk on the beach, booked a spa treatment, then spent time on a beach chair for the rest of the afternoon.
I never left the resort that day, and I had to fight the guilt of not “making the most” of my time on the island. However, it was the very thing that rejuvenated me and brought me back to life.
It also encouraged me to put my phone away. In today’s digital age, vacations often come with an unspoken expectation to document, post, and share every highlight on social media.
And as someone who makes a portion of my living by sharing my travels on these platforms, that pressure multiplies tenfold. After the scary experience of that panic attack, I decided, for once, to step back from my phone.
I still took photos and shared parts of the trip, but it was because I wanted to, not because I felt like I had to. When my partner and I watched the sunset from our hotel room balcony, I actually took in the sky’s vibrant colors. I even ate my fresh sushi before snapping an Instagram story.
I felt more present and wanted to hold that feeling closely before inviting in the rest of the world to see and comment on my trip.
My trip to Maui changed the way I think about travel
What surprised me most about this trip wasn’t just how restorative it felt, but how much it reshaped the way I think about productivity culture and what “vacation” is really for.
I learned that every travel experience has its own purpose. Some trips are for adventure, while some are for rejuvenation. And that’s OK.
When I’m running on empty, even the most exciting itinerary or the most beautiful setting can feel like an obligation rather than the privilege that it’s meant to be.
By paying closer attention to my senses in the present moment — taking in the sound of the waves, soaking in the cool blue water against my skin, or the delicious taste and texture of fresh poke on my tongue — I returned to a state of calm and contentment. I was even able to be more present with my partner in such a romantic setting.
Ironically, slowing down ended up giving me more energy to move forward. After resting and letting my body and mind reset, I returned home feeling more focused and inspired to get things done.
For me, this trip was a reminder that true productivity comes from balance. Rest isn’t wasted time. Rather, it’s what makes everything else possible.
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