I started writing some lyrics recently that deal with the homogenization of places and cultures. Example of Nashville, TN comes to mind. It had a unique feel that started drawing massive tourism in the earlier 2000s, then people started moving there because they liked it so much, then they started turning it into every other metropolis. Now all those things that people supposedly moved there for have been turned into condos and offices. So many of the music studios and venues are gone, replaced by the culturally sterile cookie cutter buildings with no soul.
I did the work trip with the hotel and expensive designer office chairs and expensive fancy restaurant back in February. It was in a city that I love being in, but aside from the Uber drive to the restaurant I didn’t get to actually enjoy any of it.
Good on you, Stephan. Thank you for this article. It’s inspired me further.
Thank you Stephan! It's wonderful when you put your thoughts in writing and someone in a completely different part of the world understands what exactly you mean! I appreciate it.
I can relate so much! For a while I’ve even wondered if I’m depressed that I stopped traveling so much, but I agree with you that we might “wake up” to a new way of looking at things. And amen to books and the travel of the mind!
Great piece, Stephan. My wife and I were frequent travelers until we rescued a dog with separation anxiety near the end of the pandemic. Finding dogsitters who can stay in our home and can take care of him and our other dog is difficult, so we haven't had a weeklong vacation since we adopted him five years ago.
While I love the boy dearly, I was initially bitter about this. I came to realize that I don't miss traveling, for many of the reasons you noted. My wife flies for her job and nearly ever trip includes major delays or cancellations -- I don't wish to engage with those headaches. I've become annoyed by friends who treat travel locations like stamp collectors. And there are many places a short drive away that I haven't explored.
The upside is that I've been far more productive in my creative life! Those long hours of waiting in an airport or recovering from jet lag have been poured into composing music. I'm better off for it.
I’ve stopped traveling to Greece in the summer because of all the tourism. For example, I’ve never been to Santorini, even though I would love to see it. Of course, I want to explore all parts of Greece, it’s my country. Same issue in Turkey. They sold off all the national parks, so now they’re privatized, and it’s impossible to find a spot where someone isn’t selling you something or charging you money just to enjoy a beach. It’s really frustrating.
I still love traveling, but I prefer slow travel. Luckily, I can work remotely, so I’m able to live in places longer. I did a long weekend in Athens at the end of May because a friend insisted, and I regretted it. It was a good reminder of why I stopped doing short trips, I was more stressed than anything.
Honestly, I don’t know what the answer is, but I definitely think it would help if people stopped sharing so much on social media. I’m so glad that when I went backpacking in Asia eleven years ago, social media was just starting and it wasn’t as crazy. I would hate to do that trip now. When will people realise how amazing it is to just enjoy things without having the pressure to record everything? It’s fine to take one or two photos as a memory, but not everything needs to be documented.
I avoided going to concerts for the longest time because people were recording so much. But lately, it’s been refreshing to see that some venues in London have a strict no-recording policy, or that artists demand no recording during concerts.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Tuğba, and there's so much more to say regarding these topics of course which doesn't fit in a rather short, pointed essay. Personally I just don't enjoy traveling anymore, and maybe I've never enjoyed it as much as I wanted to believe I did, and it's been interesting to explore that realization.
I do agree that social media is a major issue. The concept of mass tourism goes back further than the early 2010s, but all the bad things about it are exponentiated now.
I actually think, Stephan, that’s a great reflection. Maybe it even deserves its own piece haha because my sister hardly ever travels. My best friend doesn’t travel much either, and just having them in my life has made me realise how much pressure people feel if they don’t have the travel bug. It’s like you’re seen as a bad person if you don’t enjoy traveling. I think more people would admit they prefer other things, but the whole world pushes you to love traveling. It’s ridiculous.
I completely agree. Some of my best friends love to travel; they've been asking me to join them on short trips, just like your Athens trip, and I've been pushing back more recently, but it does require mental effort and it sometimes makes you feel like you don't belong.
"People just feel a sense of accomplishment in being part of the machine". This rang so true! 100% agree on everything you wrote - thank you for sharing.
There was a very specific moment when I realized this a few years ago, and I even documented it with a video, because it felt so profound. I was walking from King's Cross station to the UMG HQ in the morning, and everyone around me was dressed sharply, walking firmly, visibly proud to be entering one of these offices. Somehow I could feel a glimmer of it too, remembering my days in Big Tech. It's a powerful emotion, a deep sense of purpose, and employers are definitely exploiting that.
I am travelling overseas far less these days, but for reasons that potentially differ a little from yours. I am just more keen to explore my home country and find all the beauty and wonder in that, rather than rush to head overseas.
I suspect the warmer temps are a factor too; Brits used to escape the UK in summer to find 'proper' sun elsewhere. Now, that's not so much the case; the weather here is roasting so there's not that drive to escape.
Generally though I've been almost puzzled by my lack of desire to travel overseas. I think a good chunk of it is just situational. Perhaps I'm working so hard that even the hassle of flying abroad no longer appeals. Maybe I am just perfectly happy chilling in a log cabin down in South West England. Who knows. But I am embracing it.
Just kidding. I think our reasons for travelling less (overseas or elsewhere) are actually pretty similar tbh – I love exploring my home country too, though my radius is probably even smaller than yours.
Funny you mentioned the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Myself and a couple of friends were frankly disgusted by the crowds at the Bastei a few years back; only to find that the actual hiking trail was totally empty! They really need to close the car park there and make the viewing point a reward.
That being said, we've all had that ultimate moment of cognitive dissonance when we're travelling and think "this place is really nice, it's just a shame about all the TOURISTS!"
100% agree about the Bastei and the need to close the car park!
I also know what you mean, but not sure about the cognitive dissonance. As I laid out in the piece, there are surely different ways to travel, and being against mass tourism driven by the prospect of social media clout doesn't mean having anything against respectful vacationers, or people just wanting to spend time in nature. In fact, I think that general hate against tourists is misdirected.
True enough. There's all sorts of beautiful nature which doesn't get the clout, and even some places that do (like the Schwarzeswald) are so large they're nowhere near capacity (yet).
"I don’t need days to recover, like I did after most trips."
In the same way that I have no time for hangovers (or choose not to have time for hangovers), I prefer not to take every opportunity to travel, much as how you describe. I haven't been on a plane for over a year. I do not miss it for all reasons you mention. I do like trains. But I'm happy to feel that I almost never "have to" go anywhere at this point in my life. Your description of the depressing hotel breakfast rooms is spot on. That awful-in-every-way capsule coffee is a reason in itrself to stay home. Thank you Stephan for laying this out.
Hey Judy – thanks for your comment. Yeah I agree it's ultimately about being more mindful about when and how to travel. I generally like trains too, but Deutsche Bahn (German train company) has been doing everything to turn it into a nuisance. I'm also happy that I rarely have to go anywhere right now – and I haven't had a hangover in 13 years. As you say, it's a choice. Cheers, Stephan
Hola , Entiendo Perfectamente Tus Pensamientos. Con 19 Años Recorrí América Latina En Motocicleta , También Toda Europa , Y Parte De Asia , Más Prácticamente Toda África , Por Cuestiones Laborales He Cogido Miles De Vuelos , He Participado En Carreras De Motociclismo Urbanas Como El TT De La Isla De Man Etcétera , Cómo Ves He Contaminado El Planeta Una Barbaridad , Y Lo Peor Es Que Soy Un Ecologista Total , He Plantado Miles De Árboles En Zonas Donde El Fuego Arrasó Miles De Hectáreas , Cuidó Y Mantengo Lo Más Limpio Posible Los Bosques Cercanos Donde Vivo , Pero Aún Así La Conciencia A Veces Té Persigue. Un Saludo.
Thanks for your comment, Bosquet. I agree that we'll have to live with those contradictions. Still, I find contentment in trying to live according to my values. All my best, Stephan
I started writing some lyrics recently that deal with the homogenization of places and cultures. Example of Nashville, TN comes to mind. It had a unique feel that started drawing massive tourism in the earlier 2000s, then people started moving there because they liked it so much, then they started turning it into every other metropolis. Now all those things that people supposedly moved there for have been turned into condos and offices. So many of the music studios and venues are gone, replaced by the culturally sterile cookie cutter buildings with no soul.
I did the work trip with the hotel and expensive designer office chairs and expensive fancy restaurant back in February. It was in a city that I love being in, but aside from the Uber drive to the restaurant I didn’t get to actually enjoy any of it.
Good on you, Stephan. Thank you for this article. It’s inspired me further.
Thank you Stephan! It's wonderful when you put your thoughts in writing and someone in a completely different part of the world understands what exactly you mean! I appreciate it.
I can relate so much! For a while I’ve even wondered if I’m depressed that I stopped traveling so much, but I agree with you that we might “wake up” to a new way of looking at things. And amen to books and the travel of the mind!
Great piece, Stephan. My wife and I were frequent travelers until we rescued a dog with separation anxiety near the end of the pandemic. Finding dogsitters who can stay in our home and can take care of him and our other dog is difficult, so we haven't had a weeklong vacation since we adopted him five years ago.
While I love the boy dearly, I was initially bitter about this. I came to realize that I don't miss traveling, for many of the reasons you noted. My wife flies for her job and nearly ever trip includes major delays or cancellations -- I don't wish to engage with those headaches. I've become annoyed by friends who treat travel locations like stamp collectors. And there are many places a short drive away that I haven't explored.
The upside is that I've been far more productive in my creative life! Those long hours of waiting in an airport or recovering from jet lag have been poured into composing music. I'm better off for it.
I’ve stopped traveling to Greece in the summer because of all the tourism. For example, I’ve never been to Santorini, even though I would love to see it. Of course, I want to explore all parts of Greece, it’s my country. Same issue in Turkey. They sold off all the national parks, so now they’re privatized, and it’s impossible to find a spot where someone isn’t selling you something or charging you money just to enjoy a beach. It’s really frustrating.
I still love traveling, but I prefer slow travel. Luckily, I can work remotely, so I’m able to live in places longer. I did a long weekend in Athens at the end of May because a friend insisted, and I regretted it. It was a good reminder of why I stopped doing short trips, I was more stressed than anything.
Honestly, I don’t know what the answer is, but I definitely think it would help if people stopped sharing so much on social media. I’m so glad that when I went backpacking in Asia eleven years ago, social media was just starting and it wasn’t as crazy. I would hate to do that trip now. When will people realise how amazing it is to just enjoy things without having the pressure to record everything? It’s fine to take one or two photos as a memory, but not everything needs to be documented.
I avoided going to concerts for the longest time because people were recording so much. But lately, it’s been refreshing to see that some venues in London have a strict no-recording policy, or that artists demand no recording during concerts.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Tuğba, and there's so much more to say regarding these topics of course which doesn't fit in a rather short, pointed essay. Personally I just don't enjoy traveling anymore, and maybe I've never enjoyed it as much as I wanted to believe I did, and it's been interesting to explore that realization.
I do agree that social media is a major issue. The concept of mass tourism goes back further than the early 2010s, but all the bad things about it are exponentiated now.
I actually think, Stephan, that’s a great reflection. Maybe it even deserves its own piece haha because my sister hardly ever travels. My best friend doesn’t travel much either, and just having them in my life has made me realise how much pressure people feel if they don’t have the travel bug. It’s like you’re seen as a bad person if you don’t enjoy traveling. I think more people would admit they prefer other things, but the whole world pushes you to love traveling. It’s ridiculous.
I completely agree. Some of my best friends love to travel; they've been asking me to join them on short trips, just like your Athens trip, and I've been pushing back more recently, but it does require mental effort and it sometimes makes you feel like you don't belong.
"People just feel a sense of accomplishment in being part of the machine". This rang so true! 100% agree on everything you wrote - thank you for sharing.
There was a very specific moment when I realized this a few years ago, and I even documented it with a video, because it felt so profound. I was walking from King's Cross station to the UMG HQ in the morning, and everyone around me was dressed sharply, walking firmly, visibly proud to be entering one of these offices. Somehow I could feel a glimmer of it too, remembering my days in Big Tech. It's a powerful emotion, a deep sense of purpose, and employers are definitely exploiting that.
I can imagine. I can absolutely relate as I am still (half) part of the machine. It's a very powerful and subtle dynamic indeed.
I am travelling overseas far less these days, but for reasons that potentially differ a little from yours. I am just more keen to explore my home country and find all the beauty and wonder in that, rather than rush to head overseas.
I suspect the warmer temps are a factor too; Brits used to escape the UK in summer to find 'proper' sun elsewhere. Now, that's not so much the case; the weather here is roasting so there's not that drive to escape.
Generally though I've been almost puzzled by my lack of desire to travel overseas. I think a good chunk of it is just situational. Perhaps I'm working so hard that even the hassle of flying abroad no longer appeals. Maybe I am just perfectly happy chilling in a log cabin down in South West England. Who knows. But I am embracing it.
Oh, please stop the busy-bragging, Darren! :)
Just kidding. I think our reasons for travelling less (overseas or elsewhere) are actually pretty similar tbh – I love exploring my home country too, though my radius is probably even smaller than yours.
Hey Stephan, ich empfehle Dir zu Deinem Plan das Buch „Fliegen ohne Flügel“ von Tiziano Terzani.
Liebe Grüße
Stephan
Funny you mentioned the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Myself and a couple of friends were frankly disgusted by the crowds at the Bastei a few years back; only to find that the actual hiking trail was totally empty! They really need to close the car park there and make the viewing point a reward.
That being said, we've all had that ultimate moment of cognitive dissonance when we're travelling and think "this place is really nice, it's just a shame about all the TOURISTS!"
100% agree about the Bastei and the need to close the car park!
I also know what you mean, but not sure about the cognitive dissonance. As I laid out in the piece, there are surely different ways to travel, and being against mass tourism driven by the prospect of social media clout doesn't mean having anything against respectful vacationers, or people just wanting to spend time in nature. In fact, I think that general hate against tourists is misdirected.
True enough. There's all sorts of beautiful nature which doesn't get the clout, and even some places that do (like the Schwarzeswald) are so large they're nowhere near capacity (yet).
Love the Black Forest! One of the most beautiful places in Germany.
"I don’t need days to recover, like I did after most trips."
In the same way that I have no time for hangovers (or choose not to have time for hangovers), I prefer not to take every opportunity to travel, much as how you describe. I haven't been on a plane for over a year. I do not miss it for all reasons you mention. I do like trains. But I'm happy to feel that I almost never "have to" go anywhere at this point in my life. Your description of the depressing hotel breakfast rooms is spot on. That awful-in-every-way capsule coffee is a reason in itrself to stay home. Thank you Stephan for laying this out.
Hey Judy – thanks for your comment. Yeah I agree it's ultimately about being more mindful about when and how to travel. I generally like trains too, but Deutsche Bahn (German train company) has been doing everything to turn it into a nuisance. I'm also happy that I rarely have to go anywhere right now – and I haven't had a hangover in 13 years. As you say, it's a choice. Cheers, Stephan
Hola , Entiendo Perfectamente Tus Pensamientos. Con 19 Años Recorrí América Latina En Motocicleta , También Toda Europa , Y Parte De Asia , Más Prácticamente Toda África , Por Cuestiones Laborales He Cogido Miles De Vuelos , He Participado En Carreras De Motociclismo Urbanas Como El TT De La Isla De Man Etcétera , Cómo Ves He Contaminado El Planeta Una Barbaridad , Y Lo Peor Es Que Soy Un Ecologista Total , He Plantado Miles De Árboles En Zonas Donde El Fuego Arrasó Miles De Hectáreas , Cuidó Y Mantengo Lo Más Limpio Posible Los Bosques Cercanos Donde Vivo , Pero Aún Así La Conciencia A Veces Té Persigue. Un Saludo.
Thanks for your comment, Bosquet. I agree that we'll have to live with those contradictions. Still, I find contentment in trying to live according to my values. All my best, Stephan