Want to squeeze every last drop of value from your European holiday? You might be tempted to cram your itinerary with as many different stops as possible. That way, you’ll be able to see what several different cities have to offer.
But this approach, if pursued too much, might leave you feeling so exhausted that you can barely summon the energy to get out of your hotel room and actually go sightseeing.
So, how do we balance the need to go exploring with the need to avoid burnout? Let’s examine a few essential principles.
If you’re going to be moving every other night (or, worse, every night) then it’s unlikely that you’ll really exhaust every option that a given location provides. Instead, you’ll simply exhaust yourself. Avoid this problem by staying for a minimum of three nights in each location. This will minimise packing and unpacking, and allow you to become familiar (and comfortable) with your surroundings.
Flying is a major convenience if you’re travelling long distances. But the airport experience can also be a considerable source of stress. Fortunately, this is a problem that can be side-stepped with the help of Europe’s impressive rail network. Book the right trains, and you’ll be deposited right in the middle of whatever city you’re visiting. You’ll also get the chance to look out of the window, and marvel at the countryside through which you’re travelling.
There’s a reason that so many tech CEOs end up wearing the same hoodie-and-jeans combination every day. They’re looking to avoid decision fatigue. This is the process whereby your reserves of mental energy are gradually eroded by the act of making lots of small decisions over the course of the day.
On holiday, this can be a major problem, since you’re going to be constantly thinking about the foods you’ll eat, the transport you’ll use, and the money you’ll spend. Over time, this can be very bad news for your enthusiasm. But if you’re willing to commit time to planning, or you’re willing to invest in all-inclusive holidays, then you’ll be able to avoid this problem.
Each day you spend in a city should be defined by one major ticketed event or attraction. If you try to rush around three different art galleries in a single day, then you’ll end up feeling rushed – and you won’t have time to wander around and absorb the local attractions.
The cult of productivity can often worm its way into your holiday mindset. This can interfere with your ability to really unwind, and give your mind the freedom
to think about nothing at all. Set aside ‘lazy’ days, during which you don’t have any obligations to meet. This might allow you to see your itinerary for what it is: a tool, rather than a burden.
This is quite timely as I really want to go to Europe next summer. I’m not sure if I’m going alone or with a friend. Then, the decision to go by ourselves or on a tour. I like that three day rule. It’s very true that when you move every night (as we did last summer in Ireland and Scotland), you get very fatigued! Thanks for all the great tips, Emma!