It would be to S. L. O. W. . . D. O. W. N.
This guy I used to date, he and I got along great and for the most part, we were excellent travel buddies. However, once in a while we would butt heads, always for the same reason: because I would want to do something (anything... anything but hang out and kill time) and he wanted to relax. After we parted ways, I remember he said to me, “If you were here we’d be on the top of a mountain already,” which was kind of a poke, but actually it’s the truth that I really hate to let moments of free time go to waste when I’m in a new place. Maybe it's FOMO, maybe it's a "seize the day" mentality.
Turns out we weren't meant for each other and, go figure, this very photo is exhibit A. It was, in fact, taken just a few hours after me arriving in Antigua, Guatemala, and look... I'm on top of a mountain! (Pokes and jokes are only funny when they're at least half true, anyways).
Two Weeks is My Digital Nomad Sweet Spot
Three years ago when I first started nomadding, I quickly learned that I have a two-week sweet-spot when it comes to traveling. Less than that in one destination, I start to get all antsy and the second I have a spare minute, I feel like I NEED to run up a mountain. Or visit a tourist trap. Or try ALL the foods. Go to ALL the places... Even though I've known that spending at least two weeks in a place makes me feel like I have time to spread activities out and chill for a sec, there's just so many beautiful places out there tempting me to move on!
I kept this in mind when I was booking this trip to Guatemala I'm currently on, which is why I decided to spend three weeks in this town. Now, because I have the time, I can hang up my clothes, buy groceries, work out, and still take weekend trips when I want to see more places. It’s also much easier to focus on work when I’m not always packing.
The nomad lifestyle is a constant balancing act, so if I can offer just one piece of advice for new nomads, it’s to remember that this is not a vacation—get to know each place you’re in.
Slowing down, not only will you be able to breathe, you'll actually be able to give genuine advice to other travelers going there after you. How many times has someone asked you for advice on a place you've been, and because you went on a tour or knew someone who was showing you around, that you really don't remember anything special that you did? How many locals did you meet there?
It’s not always possible, but if I could I’d spend at least two weeks everywhere if I'm working full time/40 hours per week. Any other nomads have a limit to how little time you’ll spend in a new place?
P.S. If he ever reads this, sorry I'm so not sorry for wanting to experience the world! We should've gone to Nusa Penida and you know it. #rude.
*Photo of me lookin' like the true Guatemalan local that I am ;)
#digitalnomad #guatemala #travelphotography #photography #fomo