It’s OK to Not Be OK When Traveling

I have a dirty little secret to share with you: travel isn’t always amazing. Especially longer trips. I know that’s not what people usually write about, but it’s true. Sometimes you’re just not feeling it—and that’s part of the deal.

I was in Rarotonga recently, and had a good example of this. It’s beyond beautiful—clear water, blue skies, palm trees. All the stuff you’d expect from a tropical island. But my first day there, everything just rubbed me the wrong way. The resort was packed with loud, obnoxious groups. The service was slow. I couldn’t find anything that felt genuine or interesting. It felt like I was just going through the motions, and honestly, I was in a garbage mood as several friends confirmed.

My first instinct was to shake it off. I told myself, “You’re in paradise. You should be grateful.” But that just made it worse. The truth is, sometimes you’re just tired, or hangry, or burnt out from being constantly on the move. Or maybe it’s nothing specific—you’re just off. It happens. That’s part of life and it doesn’t go away just because you’re in paradise.

It wasn’t an easy lesson for me to learn, but the truth is: you’ve got to let yourself have those days. There’s no point pretending everything’s perfect all the time. If you’re annoyed, be annoyed. If you’re tired, take a break. You don’t have to be in love with every place you visit every second you’re there. It’s true when you’re at home and it’s just as true on the road.

The next morning, I got up early, went for a run, and things just seemed to click. The sunrise was gorgeous. Several people waved and said hi as I ran past. I found an amazing cafe to work at and write a post. I felt more like myself again.

Not every moment of a trip is going to be magical. But even the rough ones are part of your story. If you’re out there traveling and you hit a wall, don’t stress. That feeling will pass. Just like it does at home. Travel is all about collecting stories and experiences and growing from them.

Let yourself have down days. Learn and grow from them…and while they won’t go away they’ll be much easier to manage. It’s true what they say about burying your feelings being unhealthy: let it all out there…the good, the bad, and the ugly, and celebrate it as part of your story.

And honestly—with views like this, it’s hard to stay grumpy for very long!