A backpacker's guide to pivoting when the trip isn't going as planned

Travel is often a big investment. We save money, pour hours into research, and book time off to go. Through conversations with travellers, reading about others’ journeys, or just good old travel tropes, we might form high expectations. There’s the common belief that travel changes us for the best. It’s supposed to be a valuable experience. One where we learn about ourselves, get closer to our travel buddies, connect with a place, and create memories to look back on. We think about once-in-a-lifetime experiences and profound shifts. Those are pretty high standards. 

But what if the trip doesn’t pan out that way? Let’s be honest: Even the best made plans can flop. The less-Instagramable side of travel can sometimes mean unmet expectations, missed buses, crowded “must visit” spots, poorly-matched travel buddies, or flat-out disappointment. 

So what then? Here’s how to pivot and salvage the trip so you don’t go home disappointed.

Take a moment to regroup 

It can be easy to forget that others usually just post or talk about the highlights. When your trip isn’t going as planned, those comparisons can make the situation feel even more disappointing. If things just aren’t going as you hoped, take a minute to feel that. Don’t bottle it up; call it as it is.

Feel the frustration, disappointment, anger, or irritation. Be angry that your expectations were based on overly edited photos where packs of tourists were cropped out. Be annoyed that your travel buddy refuses to eat anything on the menu. Be disappointed that you shelled out for a tour that left much to be desired. Allow that space to really feel it. Then, take a deep breath and figure out how to pivot…

Cancel plans if you're no longer interested in them

Now it’s time to change directions and salvage the trip. Start by assessing what is planned, where, how you’re getting there, and with who. Block off at least a couple hours to scrutinize the itinerary you’ve mapped out so that you can chuck out or cancel whatever no longer feels like a fit. This way, you can avoid even more upset or discouraged feelings.

Yes, travel often leads to self discovery. But that process can be messy. Maybe with things going awry, you’re gaining self-awareness to know what types of activities and places you actually like. Those might be different than the ones you thought you liked (or what the internet told you you must do) and it’s ok to cancel, rebook, or make changes.

Go with your gut

Travel can also be an opportunity to do some inner work. Like tuning into your needs, desires, and learning how not to betray yourself. If your first instinct was to say no to the big group pub crawl and stay in to finally read that book that’s been on your list forever, go with that initial plan. If your gut feeling on someone is that you wouldn’t get along (or worse, that they might not respect boundaries), listen to that. 

Sometimes we betray ourselves out of FOMO or not wanting to say no when in reality, we may just be missing what could have been a key moment while travelling. 

Prioritize the rest of the trip above all else

When travelling, there are a number of things that deserve consideration: budget, top activity choices, the purpose of the trip, and friends’ preferences (if you’re travelling with someone). 

If the trip hasn’t gone as planned and you’re bouncing back from a series of disappointments, it could be a good idea to make your happiness and enjoyment number one… even if that means spending a little more or choosing not to join your travel friend on an excursion you know you won’t enjoy. When enough letdowns accumulate, you just want to salvage the experience and make the most of what’s left. Sometimes that means it’s worth it to have a slightly awkward conversation, or spend an extra chunk of cash. Put yourself first so you don’t go home feeling like this trip was a write-off. 

Don't spiral

What’s done is done and ruminating about a disagreement you had, bad accommodation, or a really creepy tour guide isn’t going to re-write those experiences. Neither with spiralling and convincing yourself that “you’re a bad traveller,” “bad at languages,” or “not cut out for this.” 

When a trip isn’t going as hoped or planned, it can be so easy to let that experience get under our skin. That can get us down and really affect our attitude going forward. (Hence the advice in the first point about feeling the feels… but then actively moving on.) That’s easier said than done so booking something where you have to be fully in the moment could help. Like whitewater rafting, climbing a mountain, or taking a cooking class in another language. I dare you to overthink while you’re doing any of these…

Romanticize the trip going forward!

Everyone posts the highlight real. We know that. But part of even being able to post the wins, is being mindful enough to spot them as they happen. We all know the friend who comes home with enough travel stories to fill an entire evening. That’s the same friend who usually has beautiful photos not only of the larger-than-life days out but also the simplest, quietest moments that are somehow just as beautiful. 

There’s a big difference between pretending the trip was something it wasn’t, and romanticizing your own life and travels. The first looks like overly editing, leaving out key details, or flat-out lying (influencers are great at this). The second one is being able to acknowledge that yeah, the overnight bus was a total crapshoot and you actually didn’t really enjoy the “must see” landmark… but hey, the sun’s shining, you’re in a hammock chatting with your best friend as hummingbirds fly past, you have morning coffee in a stunning location, and everyone here is so nice. 

Believe that you can turn the trip around and you will. After all, travel is about learning how to be adaptable. Change course and in no time, you’ll be on track and actually enjoying the trip!