Let’s be honest, as travelers, we’re usually eager to explore somewhere new. We visit a destination, have a fantastic time, and often choose not to return because there’s so much else out there to discover. However, this constant search for new experiences isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it’s part of what inspired us to travel in the first place. Even so, there’s a lot to be said for revisiting familiar places.
Lately, I’ve been going back to spots I enjoyed in the past, and each visit has reinforced the value of returning to the familiar. I still believe travel is more about what you experience than ticking places off a list. Many destinations offer more than what you can experience in just a short trip.
So, here are seven reasons why you should consider revisiting places you’ve loved in the past:
1. Less Pressure: The first time you visit a new place, you usually have a checklist of things to do, sights to see, and foods to try, based on why you wanted to go there in the first place. By your second, third, or even fourth visit, you’ve likely done most of what you initially set out to do. This means you can slow down, really soak in your surroundings, and enjoy the place like a local without the pressure of a packed itinerary.
2. More Time with Locals: With fewer tourist attractions to rush through, you have the chance to meet and interact with the locals. This can be one of the most enjoyable ways to truly experience a city, town, or village.
3. Adjusted Expectations: On your first visit, it’s easy to build up unrealistic expectations since you’re basing them on things you’ve read or heard. Returning allows you to appreciate the place as it is, without the need for it to meet any preconceived ideas.
4. A Relaxed Experience: By letting go of expectations and a jam-packed schedule, you can unwind and really enjoy yourself. The stress of trying to do it all is lifted, and sometimes revisiting a place is key to avoiding the need for a vacation after your vacation.
5. Discover Hidden Gems: On your initial visit, you’ll likely hit the well-known spots. With subsequent visits, you have the chance to find lesser-known, yet amazing places that you might have previously overlooked.
6. Quality Time with Friends: When visiting a city where a friend lives, or traveling there with friends, often the busy itinerary means you don’t spend as much time with them as you’d like. Going back lets you relax and enjoy their company more.
7. Noticing the Little Details: On repeat visits, you start to pick up on small but significant details—like cozy cafes, quirky shops, or interesting architecture—that add richness to your memories of the place.