Month eleven of the #take12trips travel challenge was an awesome month. I had gone to Johannesburg, of course I shared a few pictures on my Instagram . It is a trip that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon but one that I want to repeat.
Whenever I travel somewhere new, I try to do 50/50 of the expected and unexpected. By this I mean, you do the touristy stuff and also go off the bitten path. Because I have family in Johannesburg, it made this travel even more amazing. I knew the experience would be nothing like I have had before and it was that and more. I mentioned in an Instagram post that an assumption is made that you visit to South Africa is always going to involve safaris. Granted South Africa is known for its wonderful safari parks, I still get slightly annoyed at the assumption.
I had decided before I embarked on the holiday that I would be avoiding the stereotypical expectations. Instead I would focus on just relaxing and appreciating my family whom I had not seen for 10+ years. For some this would be considered a wasted opportunity but for me it was the perfect getaway.
Ever since I took to this travel challenge, I can count on one hand how many of the destinations were purely relaxing. In all the places I have visited, I spent a lot of time exploring the land. Don’t get me wrong, there is no regret here but reflection on how to do it better the next time. I realised it is just as important to explore a new place as is to get comfortable and relax in it.
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#Take12Trips ~ Month Eleven
How many of us have gone on a holiday only to come back and want a holiday from a holiday? We obviously go to get away from the daily routines but somehow end up more exhausted than before we left. I saw enough of Johannesburg that I was happy with and had enough time catching up with the family.
Did I get holiday blues after? Of course who doesn’t but mine were different in that I was not longing to be there again but glad I had the opportunity to be there. I am sure I will be going back sometime next year and I look forward to it but still happy to be home.
Read: Enjoy the luxury of freedom with BigBerry
challenges and Changes
Month eleven has really taught me a lot about myself and my capabilities. Not only about travel which has been a huge player but about myself and what I am capable of. Month eleven (aka September) saw me make so many changes, the biggest being stepping back from blogging. It was not easy to step away from this baby but for the greater good it had to be done. In case you’re not aware, I went back to university last month to do a masters in pharmacovigilance. I work full-time (40+ hours) 9-5, I only have weekends which for the next 3 months are booked. No I am not traveling again (except for one getaway next month and holiday in December).
All my weekends I am doing driving lessons in readiness for my test in a few weeks time, I am traveling for work and got university assignments. Drowning is what I am right now but being a wanderlust soul I still want to go somewhere.
The #take12trips travel challenge has really opened my eyes to my love of traveling and finding new places. I am thankful for the amazing opportunities that have come my way since I started blogging. I have learned so much and this year’s travel record is proof.
Have you travelled anywhere this year?
Do you find on longer trips you come back more tired than when you went?
Chrissy Hme says
It’s great that you got to reconnect with family. That’s better than seeing any tourist attraction I can think of.
Anosa says
I am so glad to hear that. It’s been like that for me too
Elizabeth says
What a fantastic year you’ve had! I’ve travelled too this year – bikepacking through the highlands of Scotland and down the Great Glen Way and climbing Ben Nevis, a press trip to Brussels and then a week’s solo camping in Bergen, Norway. I’ve had a fab year too. 🙂
Anosa says
Oh wow, you truly have had a best way of travel
Anamika Ojha says
This year I did solo traveling to many places and just loved all the experiences. But I hated the travel blues after coming from my few trips!
Anosa says
I totally know the feeling, its the worst because now you need another holiday to get over the holiday blues
Anosa says
Hope you manage to
Leslie Hernandez says
Sounds like this was a great challenge!! I love planing my trips but always leave room for some spontaneous fun ;-).
Great Post!! xoxo
Anosa says
Thanks, I love my trips because 90% are spontaneous
Mai C. says
I love that you decided to just slow down and enjoy time with your family! That’s the best kind of vacation. I can’t believe it’s month 11 of your challenge!
Anosa says
I can’t believe it either but I am so happy 😁. I am gonna start again if I can
Karlyn Flores says
What a good challenge and a great trip. Thanks for sharing this with us
Anosa says
Thanks for stopping by
Beth Shankle Anderson says
Great challenge! I love the concept and execution. Keep us posted as it’s very interesting!!
Beth || http://www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Anosa says
Thanks Beth will do
Pooja Kawatra Gupta says
That 50/50 idea is quite cool and will definitely going to try it out.
Anosa says
You should it has served me right the last 11 months
Janine Good says
This sounds like the perfect challenge for me! The expected unexpected is marvelous. I do love spontaneity on my trips, but also well thought out itineraries.
Anosa says
I am the same and I think that’s half the fun of going away
Courtney CJ says
I definitely take the time to recharge after a trip. When I went to Europe instead of going straight to DFW, I went home to NJ to visit mom and get back on American time. I’m also truly envious of you going to South Africa!! Ahhh. One day.
Anosa says
It’s important to take some time to recharge.
Anosa says
Thanks, I made it a point tp travel more this year because I am not sure if I will be able to afford it moving forward
Ickle Pickle says
How awesome – I love your 50/50 idea, I must try it. I am a little cautious when I go on holiday, this would be great for me. Kaz x
Anosa says
I too am cautious since I am a solo traveler. I do a bit of research and also ask the locals if I can
Erin Sellers Mauldin says
I really like how you do 50/50 of expected and unexpected. What a great way to learn about a new place!
Anosa says
Thanks Erin, it’s nice to see the famous areas about that place but even more fun to visit the not so known places
HollyAllie Noah says
Love this challenge! I need to plan a trip soon.
Anosa says
That’s exactly what I am thinking
Jojo Vito says
being caught in between work and the desire to travel is really a challenge. It happened to me many times. I am working as a graduate school professor, doing some consultancy on the side and writing 3 blogs. It’s all about strict time management and prioritizing 🙂
Anosa says
Vito I definitely bow to you on that amazing time managment and knowing how to prioritise
JamieSplendry says
Looks like a great trip! I like every this idea of taking a trip every month, I need to try it!
Anosa says
You should if you can its awesome
Amber says
How fun! I wish I could travel more but we don’t have the extra funds, plus we have kids in school.
Anosa says
It definitely is fun and I can understand your position at the moment
Hannah Heartss ❄️⛄️ says
What a cool challenge! I haven’t traveled at all this year x
Anosa says
Its a lovely challenge and hope you manage to travel next year
Clara Myers says
Glad you were able to enjoy your time there the way you wanted to.
Anosa says
Thank you Clara
tara pittman says
I do need to take more trips. Now to just find the time.
Anosa says
Hahaha, go search using skyscanner
Melanie Smith says
It is a fantastic idea! Thank you for sharing this post!
Anosa says
Thanks Melanie
Jodie Whitham says
Love the idea of the #take12trips challenge! Thoroughly enjoying reading about it! Unfortunately I’ve not been abroad this year, but loved reading through your experiences lol x
Anosa says
Thanks Jodie, hoping next year you will go somewhere abroad
Sarah Bailey says
This is such an amazing challenge – I would love to have the ability to take 12 trips in 12 months (sadly my health wouldn’t allow it). Blogging can be something that does take up so much time I don’t think people realise how much work we do in the background. x
Anosa says
I don’t think many do realise the sacrifices that come with blogging but then again 90% of the time we only share the good parts