How long should you travel for? Finding your ideal trip length

One of the most common questions we hear is, “How long should I go away for?” The truth is, the answer is deeply personal—it all depends on what you’re comfortable with, the purpose of your trip, and your lifestyle. Some of us are ready to embrace life on the road for months at a time, while others start to feel the pull of home comforts after just a few weeks.

Take my dad, for example. He seems to be slowly edging towards the four-week mark as his sweet spot. After that, the washing machine and home comforts start calling (and maybe seeing his daughters too?!). So, how do you find your travel sweet spot?

Relaxation vs. discovery

The first thing to consider is what kind of trip you’re after. If you’re craving relaxation, studies suggest a shorter getaway may be your best bet. Research from the University of Tampere in Finland found that 8 days is the ideal duration to maximise “in-the-moment happiness.” That’s enough time to disconnect, soak up the atmosphere of your destination, and truly unwind without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

On the other hand, if you’re all about discovery—immersing yourself in a new culture or exploring a bucket list of destinations—a longer trip might be more fulfilling. According to data from Utrip, journeys lasting more than 7–10 days allow you to settle into a rhythm and get to know a place more deeply. See more in an article by Conde Nast Traveller.

Backpacking and long-term travel

For those who can’t resist the call of adventure and have a flexible schedule, long-term travel is where the magic happens. Trips that last 3–6 months are the sweet spot for many, offering plenty of time to slow down and embrace the laid-back, spontaneous vibe of backpacking. You’ll have the chance to explore several countries, get to know a place beyond the tourist spots, and really soak up local life at your own pace. No rushing to catch that next bus, just a carefree, “Let’s see where the road takes us” attitude.

And of course, backpacking is absolutely not just for kids in their 20s. The proportion of backpackers now over 30 has more than doubled - from less than 5% in 2002 to around 10% in 2017 according to the WYSE Travel Confederation. So if you’re thinking that this particular adventure is for the younger crowd, think again—it’s about the journey, not the age.

What does 'far' mean for you?

When it comes to travel, 'far' is all relative. For some, crossing a few time zones feels like an epic journey. For others, it’s not truly far unless you’ve packed a passport and planned for a 12-hour flight. If you’re venturing halfway around the world—say, from the UK to South-east Asia—it’s worth staying longer to make the most of it. After all, it’s not every day you can hop between tropical beaches and bustling night markets. Many travellers opt for 6–8 weeks to meander through places like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, down to Malaysia, and Singapore, before heading home again.

Not feeling quite so intrepid? A closer-to-home trip might be more your style. Or, you could split your South-east Asian adventure into two shorter excursions if that's more comfortable. Whatever you decide, it’s about what feels right for you.

Finding your sweet spot

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long you should travel—everyone’s 'sweet spot' is as unique as their ideal seat on a plane (aisle? window?). Here’s a handy guide to help you figure it out:

• 1–2 Weeks: Perfect for a recharge—just enough time to ditch the to-do list and replace it with sunsets and sangria.

• 3–8 Weeks: Great if you fancy a proper deep dive into one region, with time for leisurely mornings and the occasional spontaneous detour.

• 3–6 Months: Now we’re talking! This is for the adventurers, the slow travellers, and anyone dreaming of truly getting lost in the rhythm of life abroad.

• 6+ Months: You’ve gone full globetrotter. Whether you’re ticking off a bucket list or embracing the nomadic lifestyle, this is all about creating your own version of home—just on the move.

  
  

At the end of the day, your ideal trip length is as much about your personality as your plans. Whether you’re a two-week sun-seeker or a six-month explorer, the most important thing is to travel in a way that feels good to you. So, what’s your magic number? Let us know—we’re ready to help you map out your next adventure, whether it’s near, far, or somewhere in between!

If you would like more help and advice when it comes to planning your dream trip, click below to find out how we can work together:

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