As exciting as a tour can be, it can be exhausting, too. Sometimes, all the sightseeing and traveling can really catch up with you and you can stay to feel really burnt out. The problem is, once you start to feel that way, it can make the rest of your tour a little less enjoyable. After all, nobody wants to spend the day exploring when really all they want to do is take a nap. And, there’s nothing wrong with that. Even the most experienced travellers need a day off.
Do you? Here’s what you can do on your tour when it’s time for a break.
1) Go To a Cafe
There’s nothing I love more than taking a day off of touring by spending it in a cafe. Even if you need to go to something familiar– like a Starbucks — that’s okay. Of course, Europe pretty much has some of the best cafes in the world, and they can virtually be found on any corner. Bring a notebook, order a coffee, and relax. You deserve it!
2) Wander a Bookstore
If you love books, and there’s no better way to take a break from your tour in a bookshop. Much like cafes, Europe has great bookstores, libraries, book sales, and even used bookstores. Grab a book off the shelf, pop a squat, and read your little traveler heart away!
3) Grab a Drink in the Center
Every major city in Europe has at least one plaza or downtown area. These spots may attract a lot of tourists, but generally, groups just walk through and take a few pictures. Now that you’re taking time off from your tour, you can actually pop into that cool bar you saw with the artwork inside and beautiful architecture. Order a drink (maybe a local brew?) and enjoy the atmosphere.
4) Treat Yourself to a New Clothing Item
If you spent a lot of time saving up for this tour, that means you probably had to forgo buying new clothes for a while. But, you’ve saved up enough to be here in Europe, and maybe now it’s time to treat yourself for all that hard work. Also, what’s better than saying you bought that (insert clothing item name here) in Germany or France? Take a day off your busy tour by doing much more than just window shopping.
5) Stay in Your Hotel and Relax
Sometimes, we feel guilty when we slow down during our travels. After coming all that way, no one wants to miss anything. But, the truth of the matter is that we all need to truly rest while we’re on the road. If you’re starting to feel restless, your defenses will go down and it will be very easy for you to get sick, and then you would have no choice but to rest. Take a break from your tour by staying back in your hotel and relaxing.
Go to the pool, check out the spa, hang out in the lobby, or simply stay in your room in your PJs, order room service, and pig out while watching Netflix. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with doing this once in a while while you’re touring. Best of all, you’ll have plenty of time to get refreshed and ready for that evening’s activity!
We all need a break from traveling. Going on a tour is one of the best ways to see a new place, but it can definitely wear you down. Recharge your batteries with these tips!
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in Mexico and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
