Reached 50 countries last month and it was not what I expected

I've been a digital nomad for about 8 years now. Last month I crossed 50 countries and honestly I thought I would feel more accomplished or something. Instead I felt this weird emptiness like I had been ticking boxes without really connecting anywhere. I had a similar feeling when I hit 30 countries a few years back but this time it hit harder. Now I am thinking about slowing down and spending 3 months minimum in each place instead of moving every few weeks. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of milestone letdown while traveling?

2 comments

2 Comments

sullivan.john1d ago

50 countries is a lot but honestly its not that impressive when you think about it. You probably spent more time in airports and on busses than actually seeing anything. 3 months in one place sounds like a good idea though, that way you can actually get to know a city instead of just checking in on instagram. I did 6 weeks in Medellin once and it was way better than the 3 days I spent in Lima just rushing around. Slowing down is the right move.

susanm221d ago

Totally agree with you on this. I used to be obsessed with hitting new countries and bragging about my numbers, but after a terrible rushed trip through Southeast Asia where I spent more time on buses than anything else, I realized I barely remember most of it. It completely changed my mind about travel. Now I try to stay at least a month in one place and actually get into a routine, it feels way more meaningful.