Why is the Chinese Way of Traveling So... Exhausting?

[Sylvia Franecki]

Certainly, here's the translated text into English, aiming for a smooth and natural style that still conveys the original tone and ideas accurately:

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Hello there, fellow enthusiasts of travel!

• Recently, I keep pondering what really makes a fun trip?

  • Personally, I’ve grown increasingly disenchanted with the “checklist-style” trips. This means heading to crowded, well-known destinations, taking a quick snapshot as proof of your visit, and rushing off to the next item on the list.
    • A friendly reminder: especially in China, famous attractions such as the Great Wall or Forbidden City tend to be incredibly crowded during holidays, reducing the authentic experience.
  • It feels so exhausting, and somehow, you seem not to have truly "seen" anything.

• I believe, now it’s our turn (yes, speaking of us young people!) to experiment with some “updated” styles of travel?

  • For example, staying longer at a location experiencing life like a local — strolling through an open-air market, finding a cozy café for a break, or learning about local crafts.
  • That’s what “seeing the world” should be about — exploring, tasting, rather than completing tasks.

• Speaking of which, do you find the saying that “travel is a test of human nature” quite fitting?

  • When venturing out together, everything from food and accommodation to transport needs to be negotiated. Any unforeseen situations will inevitably reveal a person's true character.
    • Key insight! If you plan to undertake a long trip with your significant other or close friends, prepare mentally; it can either elevate your relationship to new heights or... Well, we get it. Clearly communicating expectations and budget planning beforehand is crucial!

• My ultimate dream is naturally “travelling around the globe”! Although the road ahead might be long, let’s take each step steadily.

  • Hopefully, our travels aren’t just about self-discovery but also sustainable living — perhaps by reducing disposable products usage, respecting local culture and environment.

• So, what say you all —

  • What do you think the essence of travelling is about?
  • Could you share any remarkable “non-checklist” experiences?
  • Or, got any ups and downs with companions during journey that you wish to share? (Or how can one avoid a “disaster” along the way?)

Let’s discuss this together! Looking forward to your stories!

[Rafael Rau]

When we visited Paris, we brought our two kids, aged 5 and 7. We stayed in an Airbnb near the Louvre. The kids were early risers, so we'd head out first thing in the morning for a stroll to the Louvre, grabbing breakfast from a stall we passed on the way. The line at the Louvre wasn't too long, so we got in quickly and just wandered around. We didn't have a specific plan for what to see, but you know how kids are – they love being where the action is. They even managed to squeeze through the crowd for a photo in front of the Mona Lisa. In the afternoon, we took the metro to the Eiffel Tower. My daughter was tired and didn't want to go up, but my son did, so Dad took him. Meanwhile, I took my daughter to a nearby French restaurant where we enjoyed a warm bowl of bouillabaisse, along with some duck leg and snails. After they came down, we browsed the luxury shops on the Champs-Élysées. For dinner, we returned to a small restaurant near our Airbnb. Overall, it was a pretty relaxed day.

[Madeline Hermann III]

Makes sense.

[Katrina Sporer]

Sounds like you're the one who's tired. Everyone else seems fine.