Things I’ve Gotten Bored of While Traveling for So Long

In the travel world, there’s something known as the travel curse. It’s the idea that the more you travel, the more beautiful places you see, the more certain experiences start to feel a little less special.

You still want to explore, see more, and soak in new places but some landscapes, historical sites, or cultural experiences start to feel repetitive or underwhelming after a while.

For example, after exploring the Philippines and seeing some of the most stunning beaches in the world, a beach in the Caribbean might not wow you as much.

Or after visiting the Vatican and walking through Ancient Rome, a church in another European city might feel just like another church.

From my own experience and from talking with other long-term travelers, there are certain things that tend to get repetitive over time.

This is not to say these experiences aren’t worth seeing because they absolutely are, but after seeing dozens of the same type of thing, your excitement can fade. Here are some examples from my travels.

Religious Buildings

The most common one is religious buildings, whether temples, churches, or mosques. Some are so stunning or unique that I would visit them again no matter what. But after seeing ten temples in Thailand, the eleventh one does not have the same impact.

I have spent months in Southeast Asia exploring dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, in Japan, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Borobudur in Indonesia, and many more. I am at the point where I need a break from temples before they feel exciting again.

Churches and mosques are similar. After spending time in Europe, I walked into countless churches, some grand and awe-inspiring, others small and modest.

After exploring mosques across Turkey, the Middle East, and beyond, the experience starts to blur together.

This is why I think long-term travelers need to prioritize religious sites that stand out historically, architecturally, or culturally.

Places like the mosques in Istanbul, Angkor Wat, the Vatican, the Western Wall, Borobudur, Batu Caves, and Japan’s Red Gate Temple remain incredible experiences because of their history, spiritual significance, and sheer beauty.

Smaller or less significant sites can feel less impressive when you have already seen so many. If you are truly passionate about history and religion, this might never apply to you.

Caves

A more random one is caves. I have trekked, boated, and explored dozens of them recently, some massive, some tiny, some breathtaking.

Caves are fascinating, but after seeing some of the largest or most unique in the world, smaller ones start to blend together. They are still cool, but the magic wears off when the experiences feel too similar.

Night Markets

Night markets are a lot of fun and a great way to experience local culture and try street food. But in places like Southeast Asia, they start to feel repetitive.

Some cities have incredibly unique markets, but others are filled with the same fake Adidas shoes, Louis Vuitton bags, street food, and touristy souvenirs you have seen elsewhere.

They are fun to explore once in a new country, but after a while, they lose their charm when you realize it is all been done before.

Waterfalls

This one is tricky because I love nature. I enjoy sitting by a waterfall, listening to the water cascade down the mountainside. But some waterfalls that become tourist attractions feel artificial.

Crowds, paid entries, and Instagram-famous swings can take away from the raw, natural beauty. Some waterfalls also just are not as impressive after seeing massive iconic falls in places like Hawaii or Indonesia.

When they are more about the spectacle than the nature, it is harder to appreciate them.