The Curse of “What’s Next?” – Why Your Travel Itinerary Might Be Killing the Magic

There’s a phenomenon we’ve witnessed time and time again over our years of both amateur backpacking and professional travel planning. It doesn’t discriminate: solo travelers, families, honeymooners, even corporate retreat-goers fall into its trap. And we get it, we really do.

We call them “The Insatiable.” You might know one. You might be one. No judgment. But it's time we talk.

Who Are The Insatiable?

They’re the ones who make it to the most jaw-dropping viewpoint, snap three pics, turn around and say, “Okay, what’s next?”

The sun hasn’t even set yet. The colors haven’t even hit that deep, molten gold. Your feet are still tingling from the hike. Your soul hasn’t even caught up with your body yet.

But they’ve already moved on —mentally or physically— because the itinerary says the next stop is in 14 minutes (and some seconds away).

Look, we know the type. In fact, we used to be the type. The ones who had to maximize every second of every trip. Who planned trips like military operations. Who ate dinner with one eye on the plate and the other on Google Maps.

And what did we get out of it? A ton of mediocre photos, a blurry memory, and absolutely no idea what that delicious dish in Bodrum actually tasted like. (Probably regret, though. Definitely regret.)

The Hidden Cost of Overplanning

When you fill every moment with movement, there’s no space left for the unexpected. And trust us, that’s where the good stuff lives.

The spontaneous conversation with a local that leads to a hidden swimming hole. The slow coffee in the middle of a chaotic market where time magically slows down. The decision to stay one more night because something about that place just feels right.

You can’t program those moments. You can only make space for them.

Dopamine Detox, Anyone?

Let’s be real, some of us are straight-up addicted to novelty. We chase the next view, next meal, next town, next stamp. But maybe what we need isn’t more movement. Maybe what we need is to feel again. To slow down. To let awe catch up with us.

That’s why we design our Misogi Way adventures with this golden rule: Leave room for the unknown. Even if that unknown is just lying in the dirt and watching the clouds shift over a Bolivian salt flat.

Let the Moment Land

Here’s a radical idea: What if you arrived somewhere amazing… and just… stayed? What if you didn’t check your phone? What if you didn’t plan the next 48 hours during the golden hour? What if you breathed in the altitude, the silence, the moment, and actually felt it?

You worked hard to get there. Give your soul a second to catch up.

Conscious Travel = Intentional Time

We’re not saying throw out your plans. We love a well-thought-out route. Logistics are sexy. But so is freedom.

So next time you're planning a trip, whether with us or on your own, do yourself a favor: Leave space. Leave time. Leave something unplanned. And when that moment of magic shows up, don’t ask what’s next. Ask:"Is this it?" Because sometimes, it really is.

And if you’re not sure where to start with this kind of travel, we humbly suggest… a Misogi.

It’ll break the dopamine loop, trust us. It’ll challenge you. It’ll slow you down. And when you come back? You’ll remember how to savor again.

During his trip to Porto, Santi decided to take a break from his checklist, the result? This pic of "Amor de perdición" with a glass of porto