Lettie Goes Travelling

I used to think travel was about seeing as much as possible.

Packing it all in. Doing everything.

Making the most of every single moment.

Somewhere along the way, that changed.

We’ve all had those conversations:

“Oh, where are you going?”

“Oh, you must do this.”

“And you have to eat here.”

“Don’t miss this, that or the other.”

If you followed every recommendation, you’d come home exhausted — needing a holiday to recover from your holiday.

And that’s when it hit me.

Travel isn’t about impressing people.

It’s not about ticking destinations off a list.

(Although, I’ll admit, there are some very good apps if that’s your thing.)

For me, it’s about experiences that actually mean something.

Moments that stay with you.

Places, people and feelings that linger long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.

That’s what gets me through the grey British winters.

My Greek island trip is a perfect example.

I’d booked a small boat cruise — twice cancelled — and when it finally went ahead, it quickly became clear it wasn’t what I’d signed up for. The boat was out of action, the itinerary changed daily, and what was meant to be an adventure turned into a series of hotel stops I would never have chosen for myself.

I could have stayed.

That’s what everyone expected.

After all, I’d still have the photos. I’d still have been able to say I’d “done” the islands.

But it wasn’t right for me.

And for the first time, I listened to that instinct.

I walked away, made my own plans, and ended up having a wonderful trip — one that suited me far better than the original itinerary ever would have.

When I got home, people said things like,

“What a shame you didn’t get to see X or Y.”

But the truth is, those places will still be there.

I can visit them another time — in a way that actually feels right.

With every trip I’ve taken since, my confidence has grown.

That experience in Corfu was a turning point, but it wasn’t the only one. I’ve learned to trust my judgement more — not just in travel, but in life. In work. In relationships. In decisions that used to feel overwhelming.

I’ve learned that my instincts might be emotional at times, but they’re also informed. They’re grounded. And they’re usually right.

I even put that trust to the test with a mystery trip — filling in a detailed questionnaire about what I liked, what I didn’t, where I’d go and where I wouldn’t — and letting someone else choose the destination.

I only found out where I was going at the airport.

And it turned out to be perfect.

So if you’re thinking about travelling on your own, or travelling differently, my advice would be this:

Travel doesn’t have to be about escape.

Sometimes it’s about alignment.

Knowing what suits you.

Trusting your instincts.

Choosing experiences that genuinely feel good for you.

And that, I’ve learned, makes all the difference.

I share more of my travels and reflections over on Instagram if you’d like to follow along:

@lettiesgoestravelling