I travel for one simple reason—to stay sane.
It’s my way of recharging and rebooting when life starts feeling too routine.
Every trip gives me that dopamine rush—you know, that thrill of seeing a new place, meeting new people, and discovering new food that makes you forget your diet ever existed.
But more than the pretty photographs, travel gives me memories.
The kind that warms you up when life decides to be extra tough.
The not-so-glamorous side of travel
Let’s be honest—traveling isn’t always all smiles and sunsets.
The first monster you have to face? Your wallet.
Because unless you’ve won the lottery, travel can get expensive. Flights, accommodations, food, souvenirs… it all adds up faster than your kids can say, “Mum, pabili?”
Then comes time.
Work deadlines, school schedules, errands—it’s hard to just pack up and leave. So yes, travel often ends up pushed to the bottom of the priority list.
But every time I finally manage to get away, even for a short trip, I’m reminded why it’s worth it.
My 5 best travel hacks (from a mom who’s been there)
1. Pack a ton—and I mean a TON—of patience.
If you’re traveling with kids, patience is your passport.
They have moods, they get hungry every five minutes, and their favorite travel souvenir is always the most overpriced item in the gift shop.
“Mum, please? It’s so cute! I need it in my life!”
Trust me, you’ll need a deep breath (or ten).
2. Always pack extra clothes and toiletries.
Whether you’re solo or with your mini-me’s, accidents happen.
Spilled juice, motion sickness, delayed flights—you name it. A fresh change of clothes and a mini hygiene kit can make a world of difference when you’re feeling grimy and cranky mid-trip.
3. Make copies of your important documents.
Photocopy your passport, tickets, hotel bookings, and keep digital versions too.
Nothing ruins a trip faster than realizing your documents have gone MIA. Having backups keeps the panic attacks at bay.
4. Have an itinerary (but keep it flexible).
Winging it might sound adventurous, but fumbling your way around a new city without a plan usually ends with wasted time and unnecessary stress.
Plan your must-see spots—but also leave room for spontaneous adventures.
5. Choose your travel companions wisely.
Seriously.
You could be in the most beautiful place in the world, but if your company is a walking stress ball, you’ll be counting down the days to go home.
The best travel buddies are those who laugh with you when things go wrong—and share their snacks.
Why you should keep exploring
Despite the cost, chaos, and kid meltdowns, traveling is always worth it.
It gives you a new perspective, a break from your routine, and sometimes, even inspiration for your next big idea.
If you’re a business owner, you’ll be surprised how much creativity a change of scenery can spark.
And if you’re just someone who needs to breathe again—trust me, the world is waiting to remind you how good it feels to be alive.
So go. Pack your bags. Explore.
The laundry and emails can wait.
Ettenyl Writes 