Travelling the country (or for some, the world!) is a thrilling experience that trumps most things. The excitement of booking that plane ticket, or mapping out the road trip. What new sights will you see, and what adventures await?
But travelling for long periods of time can also be tough. It’s not just glitz and glamour like most social media accounts would have you believe. Long trips can be exhausting, emotionally taxing and leave you feeling homesick.
Travel Writer Dineo Zonke has travelled to 32 destinations thus far, one of which was a year-long backpacking trip in Central and South America. She shares the difficulties of being far from home, and what she learned from it.
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‘I started my backpacking trip in September 2018 and ended it in August 2019. I went to all the countries in Central America and a few in South America: Dominican Republic, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, and Peru,’ said Dineo.
Las Penitas, Nicaragua
Though you’d think the logistics that go into planning a trip this size would be a lot to handle, Dineo said it was quite the opposite. ‘I always try to not overthink my travels and plan in advance. I literally only booked for my first two nights and just winged it from there. Financially, I had been saving for a year while I was working full time in Johannesburg.’
Utila Island, Honduras
Dineo was not enjoying her work environment at the time, so when the opportunity presented itself, she and her friend packed their bags and set off.
Caye Caulker Island, Belize
‘It was a trip of a lifetime but there were times I experienced travel burnout from constantly being on the go. I also missed out on very important celebrations of my family and friends.’
When it came to being homesick, Dineo said she had to learn to accept that missing home would be her reality for the rest of the year.
The Ruins of Tikal, Guatemala
‘Travel burnout for me is when you are travelling full time or regularly and you’re just tired. I mean, travelling should be relaxing,’ she added. As a person who enjoys adventure travel, at times my trips are more exhausting. When I feel that I am burnt out, I try to travel at a much slower pace in order to give myself time to relax so that I can still fully enjoy the experience.’
Cascada El Chiflón, Mexico
Despite backpacking being a more affordable way of travel, Dineo commented that the financial aspect of her trip was one of the hardest situations to navigate. ‘I think the toughest was accepting that I would not be making an income but rather use my savings to live out my dream.’
Suspension bridge over Cangrejal River, Honduras.
Dineo firmly believes that every trip comes with a lesson and that this trip taught her that she is ‘truly blessed and fortunate to be able to live this life’.
In March 2019 she reached her goal of visiting 30 countries before turning 30. ‘Seeing the world excites me and has made me realise that there’s no one way to live.’
Dineo in one of her favourite places, Port Alfred
Keep up with Dineo on her travels through her blog or follow her on Instagram.
Pictures: Dineo Zonke
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