Why I Finally Stopped Trying to “Do It All” on Holiday

Why I Finally Stopped Trying to “Do It All” on Holiday: A Complete Guide

A few years back, I was that person—the one racing through cities, determined to cram every museum, landmark, and recommended restaurant into one dizzying day. 

I’d return home more exhausted than when I left, my memories just a blur of queues and photo stops. Sound familiar?

Must Read: Is Travel Still Fun If You're Always Documenting It?

That’s when I had a proper word with myself and decided to change how I travel. These days, I plan less and experience more. I’ve discovered that slowing down doesn’t mean missing out; it means actually enjoying yourself.

Take my last weekend in the Lake District. I’d sorted my airport parking Manchester needs early, finding one of the best airport parking deals online.

That one job meant I began my trip chilled, not stressed—no last-minute panic about my car or budget.

Once there, I didn’t rush. I wandered quiet lanes, sat by the water, and simply watched the world go by. Without an endless checklist, I noticed everything: the smell of rain on dry stone walls, the warmth of a proper pub welcome, the sound of my own thoughts.

Also Read: The Art of Stylishly Minimal Packing.

Letting go of the “must-see everything” pressure transformed my holiday. It stopped being about filling a photo album and started being about filling my cup.

So now I choose a few meaningful moments and savour them completely. And it all starts with a bit of prep—like sorting your parking—so you can truly switch off the moment you leave home.