When I took my recent trip to Ecuador and Panama, I went with my usual backpack of travel stuff (carefully packed and not too heavy) and some new high-tech equipment: my new camera—an Olympus XZ-1 (a high-end point and shoot)–and my iPad2 (plus an amazing Zaggmate keyboard and a WordPress app).
I was all packed up and…ready to go. To travel and blog.
And as a travel blogger, that’s what I was supposed to do, right?
Well, if you’re one of the regular readers here, you might have noticed something unusual over the past 6 weeks….
I did not post. Not even once. Not even a Trippy Travel Photo (and believe me, I had plenty I could have shared.)
So what happened? Why did I disappear? Well, that’s the point of this post—to share why I did it, what it was like and what’s next.
Why I Didn’t Blog
1. Feeling of Being Out of the Moment
I found myself doing things and thinking about the blog I’d want to write later. I’d find myself jotting things down. Soon, I found myself not really having the experience of traveling, but instead of pre-blogging or blog planning. This felt too out of the moment for me.
Buddha statue at hotel in Boquete, Panama--relaxing place to be
2. General Loss of Time
Perhaps I don’t notice it at home, but I do when I’m away. Blogging takes a lot of time (unless you’re just posting a photo). There’s writing, editing, photo selection, posting, Tweeting, responding to comments, etc. And after being out all day sight-seeing or being active, it seemed like it would really cut into my time.
3. My Love of Photography Took Over
I’ve always loved photography and so, having a new camera really fed into that. Suddenly, I had an F 1.8 lens, a bunch of art filters and so much more. I felt like I was part photojournalist and part artist and just couldn’t stop. It really put me in the moment creatively and that was sheer pleasure (once I overcame the camera’s learning curve.) My iPad 2, which allowed for some really fun editing via certain apps, was a blast.
Lime tree in Ambuquí, Ecuador (altered in iPad2 app)
4. Blog Writing Competed with Book Writing
One of my goals for the trip—and main reasons for taking it—was to work on my book (memoirs) about living in Ecuador 15 years ago. I needed to revisit and relive some of it—to pick up details, etc. And while there, that’s exactly what I did.
And every time I was tempted to blog about the country, I felt torn between my book and the website. Fortunately, the book won. At times, though, the photography won. 
5. Taking a Break From Blogging….Felt Good
I love my blog and have devoted a lot of time to it over the past year (anniversary is in August). And I’m proud of it. But I was also feeling burnt out by it. I think I needed a break and just didn’t realize it. And so, the break just sort of happened and when it felt good, I went with it. At a certain point, I said–why not just wait until I get back.
Me in Quito during my first Couch Surfing experience
6. I Don’t Have to Blog
Also, the fact is–I’m not a full-time traveler/blogger. I’m a full-time teacher and thus, don’t rely on my website for an income. I don’t have to blog. I think that’s part of what made it easy to take a break. If I were a full-time traveler/blogger with advertising, etc., I probably would have had to blog or to schedule posts in advance.
What Happened as a Result of Not Blogging
1. I Read More
Because I wasn’t blogging–and because I sometimes had limited Internet–I ended up reading, which is something I don’t usually have time for. I forgot how much of a pleasure it could be! I think I read 4 or 5 books, one of which was By the Rivers of Babylon. Loved it and couldn’t put it down.
2. I Saw My Web ratings (traffic, influence, etc.) Plummet
My “numbers” re: Web traffic and Twitter influence (some of which are bogus and some of which count) took a plunge. Significantly and rapidly. I was a bit surprised (at the speed) but not entirely. And I’m definitely not concerned. Hopefully, in the case of the scores that matter, they will increase again.
3. I Made Progress on my Memoirs
I accomplished a good chunk of my goal. Most importantly, I worked through 3 very difficult chapters that were not coming together. I have a bunch of paragraphs for the ending ready to be edited and some clear ideas re: where that’s going. I also wrote some new material. The word count is now at around 52,000. I feel good about it, too!
4. Spent a little more time on Facebook
I felt like keeping in touch with my family, friends, colleagues, etc. back home and so, I spent more time on Facebook. It was a great way to share photos and mini updates re: where I was, and I enjoyed it.
5. Had a Lot More Time to Enjoy My Trip
My trip was 5.5 weeks long and it felt like the time passed the way it was supposed to. Not too slowly and not too fast. Just right. There were some times where I felt very in the moment and in a slow sort of space. In a Latin American ‘mañana’ groove. Chilled Out. And I think that’s what I needed.
Me and a wonderful family in Casco Viejo, Panama City, taking a break from salsa dancing in the street!
Now What?
Back to a Regular Blogging Schedule
I’m hoping to return to the schedule I followed before: once a week and occasionally, twice a week. I’ve got some great posts coming up, too, including: Quirky Quito, Captivating Cuenca, How Ecuador Has/Hasn’t Changed, The Woman Who Gave Me Her Bracelet, Moon Rise Over San Blas and many more!
Kuna woman looking for fish for dinner (San Blas Islands of Panama)
Keep Working on the Book(s)
I want to keep writing my memoirs re: Ecuador and to wrap up my other book (memoirs re: a number of countries around the world), which is at 95,000 words (rough draft).
Strike a Balance in My Life
I realize that over the past year, thanks to my blog, I’ve gotten a bit out of balance in terms of exercise and healthy eating. This needs to change. I may need to reduce my time on social media (limit it to certain days of the week?). This, I know, will be a struggle.
Your Thoughts?
Have you ever taken a break from blogging? Why or why not? How long? What was it like?
Do you ever feel it’s hard to strike a balance when traveling and blogging? Do you think the length of the trip matters (RTW long-termers vs 1- or 2-month travelers)?
Thanks for reading and for hanging in there with me!
I’ve actually been planning a hiatus like this for a while and thinking about how this would affect my numbers, etc. Now that I blog for work, too, my travels have been a bit different… I want to enjoy the moment again. glad you got a break and were able to work on other things for a bit
Brooke vs. the World recently posted..Day 174: The House Sit Hunt Begins
Hi, Brooke. Have you been planning a break? That’s cool to hear! What I noticed about the numbers was that one week was OK, but at 2 weeks, I noticed a bigger drop. Then after that, it was really fast and huge. The good news, I think, is that one can probably get those numbers back up again relatively quickly if they go back to their old blogging schedule and if they have a good number of incoming links. I can’t be sure, but I think so. Will definitely let you know.
If/when you do go ahead with some time off, enjoy! I’m sure you’ll be back in the moment…
I hear you! I’m so glad I began blogging after writing my book. Blogging requires so much energy as you say, and when you’re trying to pump out 1,000 words a day minimum, you only have so much creative energy to spare. Blogging can quickly become a black hole for time and efforts.
I’m so pleased to hear about your progress with your memoir!
Torre recently posted..What happens when your once-in-a-lifetime adventure is over?
Hey, Torre…you are so right re: the black hole. There are times when I spend more time on the blog than on the book (and tweeting, etc.) and I don’t like that. You are very lucky you finished your book first! And when I think about how much I did before I started the blog, I’m glad I did it when I did (the 2nd book). I don’t think I could do both at the same time. Too much! Anyway, thanks for reading, commenting and for the general support!
You made the right choice. The important thing is living your life and enjoying it, especially your travels. Blogging comes second (or third, fourth, fifth, etc.) to that.
Odysseus Drifts recently posted..The Unauthorized Autobiography of Captain Polyglot
Thanks, OD! You’re so right–blogging has to come after the other stuff, like life. I agree! What’s interesting also is that while I made the choice on one level (a conscious one), on another, I felt I had no choice–meaning, that when I tried to blog, I simply couldn’t. The ideas were there, but the energy wasn’t… And I think that was my inner self simply saying ‘no’ to it.
I always have fantasies of dropping off the social media/blogging map. It’s interesting to think that some of our fears with blogging and such aren’t very different than fears rooted in other aspects of life — you worry if you stop working and creating, you’ll suffer somehow and people will stop caring (reading).
Hi, Lauren. You have those fantasies? Glad to know I’m not the only one. True–it’s easy to fear that others will stop caring/reading, etc. I’m very pleased to see (based on this blog) that people were curious to see why I disappeared. Feels good to know I was thought of while away!
Good for you! I have to say I missed you, having fairly recently starting to follow you, but I totally get it. Although my blog looks as if it goes back to 2008 I really only began to write regularly a little over a year ago, and I did find it kind of took over my life. I was thinking about how I would write up something, rather than enjoying it for itself, and I was getting home from, say, a concert, and staying up until stupid hours writing about it, and thus practically losing the next day! I know it must be really different for those for whom it is a sole source of income, but I think it’s always good to take a step back from just about anything, and reassure ourselves that whatever it is still works as it should and is worth the time we devote to it, whether its blogging, running, cooking, whatever.
Glad to see you back though!
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Thanks so much, Linda. So nice to know I was missed….appreciate that!
So your blog’s taken over your life, too? I have a feeling it’s happened to many of us. I know what it’s like to ‘lose the next day.’ That’s the worst–especially if it’s nice out. I’m trying hard not to do that, but sometimes it happens.
True re: those who use the blog as a primary income source; they really have to keep it going. Of course, then, they’re traveling for longer and have the time in between. In any case, I’m glad to have had the time away. I’m still feeling good from it!
Well welcome back! Looking forward to reading your upcoming posts…
Raymond @ Man On The Lam recently posted..Growing Old Before My Time
Thank you, Raymond….posts coming soon!
Good choice! Not from traveling, but from everyday life I know exactly what you mean about ‘blog planning,’ etc. I’m so glad you choose to be more present in your trip.
Great photos and I look forward to reading more!
Emma recently posted..Craft Hope Invitation
Hi, Emma! Thank you. So good to be in the moment, no? It’s interesting what can happen with photography. I think there’s a fine line there somehow between being in the moment (the creative side) and imagining what you’ll be doing with the photo (posting). Anyway, so glad you like the photos…talk soon!
Good for you for realizing your priorities – working on your book, photography, enjoying the moment – and taking the break that you needed at that time. I do believe that the amount of time of the trip does matter when it comes to blogging real time. When you’re only gone for a few weeks or months, you have to pack in as much experience into that time as you can. When it’s a longer trip, you can take breaks from travel to focus on catching up on photos, writing, blogging. But, it’s still not an easy balance!
Enjoy the rest of your journey. And if you don’t blog about it now, you can always do it when you return home.
Audrey recently posted..Panorama of the Week: Philadelphia Freedom, Philadelphia Food
Hi, Audrey. Thanks for joining the chat!
Yes, I agree re: the trip’s length of time. If I had been gone for 3 months, I think it would have been different. Most likely, what I would have done is posted every other week, striking some sort of balance. You’re right, however–the challenge is finding that balance.
Glad to see you back! Your insight about how being a blogger takes you “out of the moment” when you’re traveling is spot-on. It’s so hard to just “take a vacation” when you’re a blogger, because you’re constantly seeing things through the lens of “can I get a blog post out of this?” I really admire the healthy attitude you’ve taken toward your break (not being too concerned about numbers, etc.). And yes, blogging has not been good for my health, either. :-/
Hi, Gray…thank you! You’re so right re: that “can I get a post out of this” thinking. It happens so often and so easily. Interesting re: blogging not being so good for your or my health. I’d really like to work on that somehow, but I don’t know (yet) how to get that needed balance. Perhaps I should post and ask for tips? LOL
Nice to be in touch again!
I experienced exactly the same thing, just over a month ago. I was a bit burned out and worrying about ideas for my blog when it hit me – I’m not a full-time blogger. I, like you, am a teacher. I’d be doing things and worrying about “would this make a good post?” “can I use this picture online? no, I’ll take another 10 until I get it perfect” etc etc. So, I took myself away for a bit, and then posted my first thing in around 5 weeks or so yesterday.
However, I was shocked when my stats were actually pretty stable (thanks to a link on a Korean lifestyle site being set up just before I took myself offline – it draws a lot of traffic!)
Glad to see that you’re back, though. Can’t wait to read about your trip (and hopefully that book some day!)
Hi, Tom. You, too, huh? Very interesting that you’re also a teacher. I’m so glad to hear that you took that same sort of break. It seems that many of us travel bloggers don’t and perhaps we need to.
Great to hear that your stats stayed stable. Awesome!
Thanks for the encouragement re: posts and the book–appreciate it! Hopefully, I’ll get something set up on here at some point where people can read a chapter or two.
i feel for you Lisa… as what I’ve observed too in my life… blogging took over… but I’m giving it a timeframe…. just enough time to launch my other online ventures… trying to strike a balance here too… glad to know you’re back… miss seeing you in Twitter
flip recently posted..How Much Did I Spend in Hanoi
Hi, Flip. You too? Glad you know you’re working to strike a balance…good luck! And thanks for the kind words. Missed you and the others, too!
As I plan my RTW trip next year, I often wonder about how much time I want to spend blogging. Obviously, my blog is not a source of income, but I do enjoy putting posts up and having them be read. That being said, I am not going to sacrifice the authentic traveleing experience for a rich online one, so this will be tough. You found what works for you and hopefully I will too.
Scott recently posted..Won’t Look Back in Anger
Howdy, Scott! Good for you….the authentic in-the-moment experience is awesome and worth sacrificing some of the online experience for…definitely. I look forward to reading about your trip in the future!
Looking great in the photos Lisa! And so relaxed
Glad you’ve had an enjoyable trip. I’ve thought about the whole blogging vs enjoying the experience thing and I think I will just go with the flow and see how I feel. If I don’t feel like writing a post, I won’t and vice versa. I want to make sure that my posts mean something to me and hopefully the readers too, rather than feel as though I’m squirrelling away on my blog in a dingy hostel room the whole time. I know that works for some and they’ve had positive results, but not sure it will be for me.
Julia recently posted..You Found My Site HOW????
Hi, Julia. Thanks for the compliment re: the photo…believe it or not, I took it myself! And you know what? Now that I’m looking at it again, I’m realizing that I did look relaxed. And that’s a good thing!
Re: the blogging vs traveling experience, what you’ve said makes sense. Going with the flow is the key. If you find that you’re sitting in a dingy hostel room too long because you’re blogging, you’ll know it’s time to step outside and back ‘out there’ and into the moment.
Thanks for the visit!
A blog is definitely work. I do make income off of mine, and it’s more enjoyable, creative income than my other work but still, it’s often hard to make myself sit down and write the next post. If I was on a 5.5 week journey, I’d definitely keep mine going, but I completely understand your desire to take a break. I know you really like to be in the moment when you travel, so I think you did the right thing.
Sabina recently posted..Top 10 Things to See and Do in Istanbul
Hi, Sabina. Yes, it is work–for sure. Cool that you make $$ off of yours….I may need to chat with you re: how to get into that sometime!
Meanwhile, thanks for joining the conversation and for understanding my experience/perspective.
Totally feel you! I post 3 times per week but usually write the posts for all the week coming in a day or two and then take a rest as I really need it, too! Anyway, good luck with your book
crazy sexy fun traveler recently posted..XEL-HA AND WHAT TO DO IN THE BIGGEST NATURAL AQUARIUM IN THE WORLD
Hi, CSF Traveler. Glad you empathize! 3x/week…wow! Smart to do them together…makes sense. Thanks for the encouragement re: the book!
Good decision! Seriously!
I have several blogs, and one of them ‘ruined our Europe trip last year’, at least according to several important people (the most important of all being my husband, who was on said trip with me!) I spent hours each night writing (and recording the bad parts of the trip for all eternity) and responding to comments that were not always very nice (ok, that often were not very nice!) As our summer trip for this year approaches (less than three weeks!) my husband is again concerned. He asked me last night ‘this isn’t going to be like another Paris trip, is it?’ I asked ‘in what way do you mean?’ to which he replied ‘where you are obsessed with your blog?’
I was forced to say that yes, then, it WAS going to be just like the Paris trip. Though since that conversation–and after reading this post–I’m thinking about what it would be like to not blog while on the road. I can still write, and I will still take (thousands of) photos, so I can post it when I return, right? The losing my audience thing scares me though.
But clearly, based on the number of comments here, you’ve not lost yours!
Welcome home–I can’t wait to read all about it!
Tracy Antonioli recently posted..Follow my Friend: Learning Spanish in Mexico City
Thanks, Tracy. Glad you understand what it was like. Wow re: the Europe trip. Sounds rough–especially the negative comments. And during the trip. Not easy.
As for your upcoming trip, here’s my advice. Perhaps post every other week and make one or two posts photo essays. In other words, keep it going, but keep it light. A nice compromise. I think your trip will be more enjoyable that way. And your husband will be happy too!
Re: readers staying with you….I must say that I’m overjoyed at the response to this post. I feel like I left home for a while and just got back to my friends/family. Wow! So…I think that people you’re truly engaged with will hang around. And my best advice is–enjoy that trip and post 1/2 the time or save it for later!
Thank for joining the chat and for sharing your experience!
Sounds like you make the right decision in taking a break. You know your priorities.
Since I am doing long-term travel and am jobless and traveling a lot slower (living in Buenos Aires for 3 months now), I find it easier to stick with the regular blogging schedule. But I still get burnt out sometimes and have to force small breaks.
I am really looking forward to your posts on the San Blas Islands. I didn’t have time to go (that’s what happens when you pre-book flights) when I traveled through Central America.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Why I Will Not Go to a Soccer Game in Argentina
Hola, Stephanie! Thanks for understanding. I think being away and seeing how limited time can be showed me the priorities.
Meanwhile, your situation is different and it makes sense that you can keep it going. Cool! Interesting that there are still times of feeling burnt out. Good, though, that you take some breaks.
Glad you’re looking forward to the San Blas posts. I think they’ll be interesting and useful. I found that planning that trip was challenging. And then taking it was….well, an amazing adventure that was….challenging. LOL You’ll see soon enough!
PS: Thanks for your advice re: P City!
Well done Lisa – I did pretty much exactly the same as you over Christmas. 6 wks in central America and left the blog untouched. The rankings/ratings fall off a cliff as you say, but they come back soon enough for what it’s worth. But like you, I found I suddenly had a lot more time to enjoy the moments and situations instead of thinking about when I was going to write/update.
Congratulations on doing so well with the book as well- sounds like you have done really well with that! Look forward to reading about your trip in the coming weeks.
Andy Jarosz recently posted..Hotel showers: why can’t they get it right?
Hi, Andy…and thank you! Glad you know that you did the same and survived the numbers game! Interesting that it was also 6 weeks. Wild. Amazing, isn’t it, to suddenly have all that time? And to not have the pressure (self-imposed but there nevertheless)? I really liked that feeling. Perhaps a bit too much (hard now to get back into it).
Thanks mucho for the support re: the book (hope to share some chapters soon) and re: my upcoming posts!
You’ve got a F 1.8 lens?!!! OMG, I’m soooo jealous!
That said – welcome back! You were missed, but so good to hear “why”. Excellent post, so thoughtful with spot on points re: the downside of trying to blog while traveling and the time squeeze of all this techno. So true that there’s only so many hours in a day/night and I often wonder what other travelers are missing when I see streams of tweets. Ah yes, “balance” that’s the key to it all, yes?
In any case, I look forward to your future posts on the trip – especially your thoughts on those luscious San Blas isles!
Dyanne@TravelnLass recently posted..Inspiring Other Lasses of "A Certain Age"…
Hola, Dyanne…thanks for stopping by! Yes, an F 1.8. And I think it goes to f 2.5 at its max. Nice for a point and shoot, right? Of course, there’s a price one pays for that…a high one, that is. Worth it, I think.
Re: blogging/traveling…I really felt that my time on Facebook was cutting into my moments; when I considered posting, I feared losing a half day or so. Not just from the posting, but also from the tweeting, etc. You know the scene. I do think, like you, that many are missing something if constantly posting (unless they’re traveling full-time and forever and they must post for $ and happen to have tons of time).
Thanks for all and cool re: San Blas…definitely will have one or two on that. One may be called “Moon Over San Blas” or “San Blas: Curse of the Eclipse”. Something like that!
Great to have you back in the blogging and social media world!
Melvin recently posted..FInding the best Paella in southern Spain
Thanks, Melvin….I appreciate that very much!
We are actually taking a break as well after one year of traveling. We are heading back to Valencia, Spain (our HQ) to catch up on “real” work, meet friends, go to the dentist,taking care of taxes and just to relax a little.
And now traveling whole year around is NOT a vacation!!!!
For 91 Days Travel Blog recently posted..The Witches’ Market
91 Days–Taking a break? Nice. Valencia sounds like a great place for your HQ. Enjoy! And I agree re: long-term travel not being a vacation. In some way, it’s probably more work than my 6-week trips because if it’s long-term, then the blog (or something else) becomes the work.
I’m so glad you wrote this! This trip has been my first experience of blogging whilst travelling and I’ve found it really hard to strike a balance. I was starting to think I was doing something wrong and everyone else was able to write witty posts, add in thoughtful pictures, keep track of twitter, update their facebook page and do a decent amount of blog reading and commenting in no time at all. Otherwise, how the hell are these people actually managing to fit in any travelling between blogging? It’s great to know I’m not the only one and I think you made the right call to take some time out and focus on your travels.
Sarah recently posted..Learning about the Vietnam War in Vietnam
Thank you, Sarah! I totally hear you…I wondered about the same things. How could one do all of that while traveling? Perhaps they’re doing it late a night? Now that I’ve chatted with some folks, it seems that it’s mostly those who are on very long-term trips who are doing it. They have the time.
Glad you think I made the right call–appreciate that!
I definitely take time away while I’m on small trips. I usually don’t even go online because I’m so busy enjoying the moment and taking photos. I love the time away and I think once Scott and I go on our long-term trip, we will likely be posting a lot less frequently. I really want to spend weeks or months at a place in Peru where there is nothing except waves, great food and great people.
I can completely understand why you would want to spend your time traveling rather than being online. I’m sure your numbers will go back up. Based on the amount of comments on this post, it seems you were missed!
Christy @ Ordinary Traveler recently posted..Nepal in Black and White – Photo Essay
Christy–That’s awesome that you don’t even go online during the shorter trips. Cool. I was on Facebook a bit too much, but I wanted to share photos and it was relatively fast and very easy. I think that’s great that you’re going to really chill and not post a lot on the longer trip. Sounds good.
As for the numbers….yeah, I just saw one of them improve in a matter of several days. And very nice to know that I was missed…..makes me feel great!
Thanks for a really insightful post. I too have found myself facing a little bit of a writing roadblock. While I haven’t been traveling, per se, I found myself caught up in the fun and activity of summer. But I finally realized that once you take the pressure off yourself to create, create, create, that’s when you can really come up with some creative content and ideas.
It sounds like you had an amazing trip. Can’t wait to hear (and read) more!
Chris @ Packed Suitcase recently posted..Guest Post: Walking The Ageless Trails of the Camino de Santiago, Spain
Hi, Chris. Glad you enjoyed the post! True re: removing the pressure and allowing for the creativity to flow…so nice when that happens. Thanks for joining the chat and hopefully the posts re: my trip will be coming soon! Take care…
I have decided to move to summer hours now that I am home. I’m only posting twice a week vs three times so I can focus more on friends and family. Oddly enough I find it easier to work on the road.
ayngelina recently posted..So much street food so little time
Hola, Ayngelina. Summer hours sound good. Interesting re: finding it easier to work while on the road. Meanwhile, enjoy the summer (?) back home!
Good for you and kudos to you for making such great progress on your memoirs! Blogging does take up so much time and I’ve often found myself traveling while thinking about what would make a good blog post. I’m also going to be reducing my # of posts for August due to getting married and going on my honeymoon. I’ll probably write posts before I go as I don’t want to be blogging on my honeymoon – that would be a sign of a problem
Laurel recently posted..Barefoot Park – Germany’s Quirkiest Attraction?
Hi, Laurel. Thank you! I was happy to make the breakthroughs on those tricky chapters. And now, I must keep going. That’s the hard part. It’s so easy to stop.
Re: blogging/traveling…it can be too much (unless one’s traveling for months and months, I think). You’re getting married? Congrats! And yeah, I would definitely post before the wedding. Honeymoon posting would be too much–LOL. Hey, I’m getting ideas for a post now re: “signs/symptoms of blogging addiction.”
I have so struggled with this! I am a Web program manager by day, have professional twitter account for social media & web trends…and sometimes I just need to experience life and not be tethered to my computer day and night. Please continue to share how you are striking a balance!
Darlene recently posted..nydarling: How sentimental are we to be moved to tears by a dance routine?! Kudos Catilynn, Mitchell & Mandy MooreI love it! #soyouthinkyoucandance
HI, Darlene. You, too, huh? It’s brutal and it can take a toll on so many areas of your life. I don’t exercise as much now and really need to make a change. I may really work up a plan of sorts and share it here. I would like to experience offline more and online less. I just don’t know how to (yet). Hopefully, soon. Thanks for sharing!
I just found out your blog, I love the way you write about your schedule, plans and feelings. I’m also thinking about one or two books, I kind of have the topics pinned down and need some more research and a lot of organization. I’m still on the road (well, have been for the last 6 years..) and after a year in Shanghai I’m just preparing to move again to a new destination. Exhausting, I still manage my time not to stop blogging, but the books are a little on hold. I can’t wait to be settled again..for a couple of months..and start writing full time. Your blog is very inspiring on how you organize yourself, I totally hear you on the pleasure of reading, right now I find my time to read only on the metro!
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Hi, Angela. Glad you found it and thanks for the feedback! Awesome that you’re considering writing some books.
6 years on the road? Wow. And moving now? It’s a lot. It’s hard to blog and write a book. The amount of writing I did before starting the blog (one year ago) has decreased and I’m concerned. The trip I took really showed me how much time was going to blogging (since I didn’t do it and suddenly had tons of time). Anyway, based on what some have shared, I may write a post on “how to balance blogging and life.” Of course, I need to figure it out first!
Thanks for the visit/comment! And PS: I love the name of your site….it’s great!…and good luck with the book writing!
Blogging shouldnt feel like work, it needs to find a balance of fun and work
Zablon Mukuba recently posted..Reasons To Love Volunteering Abroad
HI, Zablon. So true! And I think that’s what it felt like for me while away. Now that I’m back home, it’s more fun somehow.
I think this is a great idea. Sometimes you lose focus while you’re blogging and forget about what is really important while you’re travelling. Enjoy every moment and then think about the blog afterward.
I’ve just taken a break of about 2 months from blogging. I returned from 18 months travel and found that reading people’s travel blogs just made me sad that it wasn’t me. I’m now in a place where I can enjoy travel blogs again and use them as inspiration for my next trip.
I look forward to keeping up to date with the future blogging schedule.
Hi, Monica, and thanks for joining the discussion. It is so easy to lose focus on the actual experience you’re having when blogging. I agree–enjoy the moment, blog later.
You too a 2-month break? Wow. Nice. Interesting reaction to reading others’ blogs, though. I think I can understand that. Also, often after a long trip (and the shorter ones), there’s a letdown–some sort of post-travel blues. I usually get that for a couple of weeks.
Good luck with your return to blogging!
Welcome back! I hear you about how it can take away from the experience. And congrats on the progress of the memoirs, great strides!
Pete Heck recently posted..The Gimped Girl and The Blind Boy
Hi, Pete…thank you! Glad you get it, too. And thanks mucho for the encouragement/support–appreciate it!
Finding a balance is definitely key! Glad you’re back, and congrats on your memoirs; can’t wait to read it.
Thanks, Randy! Hard to find that balance, and somehow, on this trip, it sort of found me. Now to keep the momentum going! Thanks for your encouragement and interest…hope to share a chapter or two with everyone soon!
I never, ever blog when I’m traveling! I’m a full-time grad student, with a part-time job, an internship and a fiancé, dog & friends I’d like to have remember who I am…haha…thus my blog is for me to have fun with. Since I’m not a full-time traveler, I don’t want to waste precious time working on blog posts that I could just do when I’m at home. I always bring a notebook to joy down ideas, but leave the laptop at home – and really only go online to check in with family and friends. Yeah my numbers plummet but the core people I connect with through my blog are always there when I return refreshed from a lovely vacation
Hi, Ashley. Good to know that you understand where I’m coming from–and get why I waited. You sound really busy, too. Also, you’re not a full-time traveler, either, so it makes sense. The notebook (paper–LOL) sounds like it’s working. Cool! Most importantly, you’re coming back feeling refreshed!
Thanks for sharing your perspective!
PS: Cool name on your blog! Will have to check it out and see where that came from.
I can see why you need a break from blogging. You have over 60 comments already. If I got that many comments, I would need to take a break from it too.
I understand wanting to take a break, especially after you explained your reasoning behind it. I’ve thought about it too. So far, I’ve only let one week go by without posting something. It didn’t affect my stats much though.
Glad to see you back.
Steve recently posted..Why Talent Isn’t Enough for Success
Funny, Steve–yes, responding to comments does take some time! But it’s probably the most rewarding part of having the site. I think what wears me out is being on Twitter and dealing with technical issues on the site. Also, spending a lot of time on writing and tweaking. I’m sort of a perfectionist (recovering) and that makes it worse.
You’ve only let one week go w/out posting? Excellent. I admire your discipline/consistency!
Thank you!
I felt the same way. And I think I need to take another break soon and give myself some time to not write at all and just travel around the state…..just me, my other half, and the camera. Next week we head out to San Diego for Comicon. It should be fascinating:)
Rohrerbot recently posted..Radiance
Did you really? It seems to me that lots of us feel a bit burnt out from blogging–even though we love it. Glad you’re going to take a break and travel. SD sounds great. Have wonderful time! And thanks for keeping in touch…
I came back from my 3 months around Asia last June and got so depressed about being home etc I couldn’t write so I stopped forcing it. By the end of January I was raring to go so I got into Twitter properly, found the inspiration and ideas to keep writing and haven’t looked back since =)
Toni recently posted..The life and travelling goals of an impatient traveller
Hi, Toni. I totally understand that feeling; I sometimes get a bit down after a trip and my trips are usually 5 weeks or so. I would imagine the post-travel blues could be even more intense after a few months. Anyway, I think it’s good that you took a break. And it’s awesome that you’re back to it now–great!
You’ve put into words a lot of how I’ve felt on my trip to France. I’ve been here for 6 weeks and have another 2-4 weeks to go, and I have found it really hard to blog. Internet connectivity issues aside, I have found that I prefer to be outside experiencing France rather than inside writing about it. I’ve made copious notes for future posts, but they’re just that: posts to be written when I get back. I too have noticed my stats plummet, but I’ve also spent more time on Facebook and thus have felt a more genuine connection with friends and family than I usually have. Like you I’ve also read more in the last 6 weeks than I usually do in an entire year.
This trip has definitely made me realize how much time blogging pulls from my life, which may result in some changes after I get back home.
Hi, Kelsey. Glad you can relate. I totally hear you re: experiencing vs writing about it. It cuts into your time and detracts from the experience–definitely (unless you’re on the road for a few years, I think). Interesting that you’ve been on FB more; I did the same thing. And wild/great about the reading, no? Since I’ve returned to NJ–and to blogging–my reading habits have returned to normal, sad to say.
If you do make changes when you get home, I hope you…blog about them. LOL. Well, only so that I can read and learn from you!
Even hardcore blogger take a break
Sure if you abandon your blog for few months then traffic will go down. Google like fresh content.
Either way – that not your problem.
You blogging complete non profit and that a value in itself.
We know for sure that your writing without money in mind.
Luke recently posted..Get a degree fast
Thanks, Luke. Sounds like you really understand the situation!
Balance, that is key and figuring it out is tough. Right now I feel like I spend far too many hours at the computer. I am about to embark on my third expat adventure living and teaching overseas. I know that teaching, traveling with my dog, blogging, photography and keeping in touch with family are going to require balance.
Lisa recently posted..Expat Living; Taking the Plunge for a Third Time
Hi, Lisa. I agree–figuring it out is really tough. Somehow, as hard as we try, it’s easy to get pulled into the various time-sucks (most of which are enjoyable, of course). Good for you for haing a 3rd ex-pat adventure–awesome! Best of luck with juggling everything and I look forward to seeing how it goes. If you figure out the secret, let me know!
Thanks for stopping by, by the way–a pleasure to meet you!
[...] 6 Reasons I Took a Break From Blogging [...]
Way to go on writing a book! I dream of doing the same and/or being discovered by National Geographic one day. Siiigh. Dreams take time right? I have seen more summer traffic on my blog, because I have had the time to devote to it (I am a teacher as well
Taking a break from it would probably serve only to decrease the slight momentum I currently have. Fortunately, like you, I don’t HAVE to blog because it’s not my job. I like to keep in mind that the blog is first for me, and my outlet, and then for anyone else who cares to join. Great post.
Claire recently posted..My 7 Links: I’m One of the Cool Kids Now
Thanks so much–it’s been a lot of work, but I’m happy to be finished with writing my book (actually, not the one mentioned in this post, but a second and different one). Now on to the editing! So cool that you’re a teacher, too.
Taking a break from blogging is a double-edged sword and things can go either way after you’ve been away from it. I’m glad I’m back in the groove now, but I can see how someone could be tempted to stay away longer…
Looks like you made the right choice – it’s so easy to fall into the trap of travelling for your blog rather than for yourself, or feeling that you absolutely must write something rather than leave the blog for more than a few days. Sounds like you had an awesome time and looking forward to hearing it about it
Laurence recently posted..My top ten photos of New Zealand
Hi, Laurence. Thank you! I’m glad it worked out as it did; it really felt good. I was amazed by the response to this post because I saw that others have had similar feelings.
Meanwhile, I had a fantastic time in Ecuador and Panama–both were wonderful. More posts coming soon!
[...] I was in Ecuador and Panama, I took a break from blogging…and I officially finished writing my book–the rough draft of my travel memoirs—Tales [...]
I often wonder about some of those professional travel bloggers, I wonder how much their blogging drives their travel choices and to be truthful, a lot of the stuff on their blogs is just mindless filling. I think if you don’t want to make money off your blog, if it’s more about sharing your stories when it suits you to do so, then that’s great. Your blog is always interesting and refreshingly individualistic, which is why I like it so much. You’ll keep this fan even if you take a break!
Naomi recently posted..The time I almost died
Naomi–Hi and thanks so much for what you said. I really appreciate it! I think it can/does get tricky if/when someone accepts a sponsored trip or a press trip and has to write about certain things. I have not yet done anything like that and if I ever do, I’d want “off-the-beaten path” time to be part of my agreement. That way, I would be on my own and doing what I normally do, stumbling upon adventures and interesting locals. To only write about hotels and tours wouldn’t work for me.
Thanks again. Your feedback and kind words inspire me–especially during times of fatigue/burnout!
I’ve just come back from a huge blogging break of over two months! Mainly for the some of the same reasons you went on a break as well. I was out, living life, traveling, practicing my photography, meeting people, and I don’t know… blogging just seemed like it would cut into my time (I’m passionate about writing when I truly feel it, and when it comes from my heart). I also didn’t have internet!
I knew I just needed a break, and that when I eventually got back to it, I’d have so much to say, and so much to blog about. It’s refreshing when you do come back it.
I hope your book turned out to be an amazing experience for you.
Michi recently posted..Snowy days, burning cars, and a bit of history on Northern Ireland.
Michi–Hi and thanks for sharing. Great that you took a break, too. I think it’s a wonderful thing to do and one does tend to feel renewed as a result.
Thanks re: the book. When I took that break, I worked mostly on one book and then when I came home, I realized it was time to finish a different one. I know that might sound confusing. Anyway, I’m happy to be almost finished with the one I’ve been working on since then. Yay!
Hi Lisa, I’m a regular visitor of your blog. I really enjoy your stories. Keep up your good