The Editing Eagle

So, you’re going to Europe for three weeks and can’t wait to pack your holiday with sights, cafes, shows, museums, shops and restaurants, right?

It’s only natural that when you travel somewhere new (especially if you’re coming from the other side of the world), you want to maximise every minute of the journey and ensure you see all the best spots!

Yet, there’s something about the haste to cram, the rush to catch the train and multiple alarms buzzing throughout your trip that begs the question: Is a rushed holiday really worth it?

Now, I know what you’re thinking, and no, I’m not talking about sitting on a street corner slowly eating gelato and tasting every layer and element—eating mindfully. Although, that sounds great. I’m also not talking about walking so slow you become that person everyone needs to overtake. 

I’m talking about enjoying your holiday.

Say, whatttt??

“But I do enjoy my holidays—when I fill them with all sorts of fun stuff!”

Same. 

It’s occurred to me that the best way to enjoy something is with a slow pace. 

No, I don’t mean slowing down your daily walking speed or talkinnnggg realllyyyyyy slowwwwlyyyy. 

I’m talking about having margin. You might have something pencilled in the diary every day, but be sure to allow margin—free time to explore, find hidden gems in the city and get lost in the wonder of the trip. Or days to stay in your hotel room and order room service, spend a few hours at a café reading a book, take the afternoon for a long unplanned walk or walk past and buy last-minute tickets to a show because you had margin in your day to do so.

Going slow isn’t necessarily about how fast we talk, walk or eat—though it’s great to take a slower approach on those things—it’s about creating margin to enjoy. 

When we rush and cram, our minds are thinking, quick, quick quick or go, go, go! There’s an urgency and a restlessness that won’t settle until everything gets done! But once everything is complete, it’s good to ask yourself, did I enjoy that? 

My best travel memories are the unplanned moments filled with walks through beautiful streets, finding cute cafes and taking in the wonder of a new place. 

The best conversations are when we aren’t in a rush to leave. 

The best food is when we aren’t rushing the process, but we’ve got time to enjoy it. 

The best moments we experience are the ones we enjoy because we allow ourselves to be there—and not somewhere else.

Have a wonderful holiday, and fill your time with adventures, but don’t forget to slow down, so you can enjoy where you are.