Dealing with Travel Burnout

We've been away from home the past 3 1/2 years and have been back once since. At this point it feels like a long time to have been away. And now we're in our last legs of this somewhat epic adventure with a few more somewhat amazing destinations on the itinerary I'm starting to feel a concerning level of apathy towards travelling. Oh another temple/waterfall/statue? Another long bus ride? More seafood pasta? It can get somewhat repetitive.

And not to mention the relationship strain of being in the company of one person 24 hours a day. I find myself dreaming of wonderful brunches with friends at home. Laughing and just relaxing. Doing a good jog along the coastal walk in Tamarama. Lounging in my own living room, maybe doing some watercolouring on a sunny spot on my balcony next some friendly cacti sitting in some cute pots I made myself. Yes, I'm dreaming of domestic bliss. Because for me, travel seems to be best appreciated when it is at bookends with being productive and work. When it is a reward for working hard. Once it starts to feel like routine - it becomes the work. 

So I'm wondering now, if it's worth it. The monetary, physical and emotional investment, to do the travelling for a bit longer or whether not just to go home and do it another time when I'm in the right frame of mind to appreciate it. I don't think there is a right answer but I hope I'll be able to work through it.

Watching My Sister Ships

I read a poem once about watching your other lives, your sister ships, from ashore, wanting to be them and follow their paths yet helpless as you watch them row off into the distance. They are those other life decisions you didn't make. Those choices you said no to instead of yes and vice versa. They are your friends of similar age who had families, businesses, houses, holidays and fellowships. They are you and yet...they aren't you. They represent to me what is now colloquially known as your 'FOMO' (fear of missing out). 

These sister ships always have a certain allure, like a mermaid song to a lost seaman. They call to you with the promise of better things and make you second guess your own choices in life. However, I never for a millisecond regretted the decision to sell up and travel. My own ship has taken me to exotic countries where everyday my eyes, ears, tastebuds have wondered at the variety of life. It has taken me to treasure chests of different experiences and people beyond my own sphere and comfort zone.

All this in the search of the ultimate truth in life. Doing what you feel the authentic you would do and following that internal compass that hasn't failed you yet. Because you're the captain of your own ship and the shores you seek are those of happiness. And this place is different and ever changing.