I’m probably going to get a lot of hate for this, but does anyone else feel… bad when traveling? I feel bad for not knowing a language outside of polite greetings, for loving a place so much that I visit every year and dream of living there (…Netherlands), and I even feel bad when walking into non-touristy spots and feeling like I’m taking up space from locals. It might be Reddit too where I’ve seen people complain about tourists and specifically not wanting Americans to visit. I make myself as small as possible while solo traveling (and as un-American looking as I can) so that I don’t do anything that would get me noticed. I try and visit mostly local shops, I respect local customs, I don’t use Airbnb as to not contribute to housing crises.

Does anyone else feel this way while traveling? I found a job that has provided me great PTO and now I’m able to travel so much more. I want to enjoy it instead having anxiety about it.