Are vacations supposed to leave you more exhausted than when you started? One doctor’s viral post has ignited a fiery debate about why modern holidays feel more like a marathon than a retreat. Dr. Sunita Sayammagaru, a medical professional, recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her observations on how people are transforming their vacations into stressful to-do lists. Her post, which quickly went viral with 163,000 views and hundreds of comments, highlights a growing trend: instead of unwinding, travelers are rushing from one destination to the next, ticking off landmarks like items on a checklist. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this relentless pace a personal choice, or is it driven by external pressures like social media and financial constraints?
Dr. Sayammagaru argues that the modern approach to travel often prioritizes quantity over quality. “When holidays meant for relaxation become stressful, what’s the point of even going?” she questioned in her post. She contrasts this with her own family’s approach, where they focus on visiting just one or two places, savoring each experience without the pressure to see it all. “We know we can’t visit every single spot, and that’s okay,” she wrote. “We enjoy what we can, without rushing to the next thing.”
But not everyone agrees. Some social media users pointed out that time and money are limiting factors. One user shared, “Not everyone has the luxury of multiple trips. If I’m in Europe on a visa, I want to see as much as possible before I leave.” Another added, “Maybe they’re on a budget and want to maximize their journey.” And this is the part most people miss: The pressure to create Instagram-worthy content is also fueling this rush. As one commenter noted, “Their happiness doesn’t come from the holiday itself but from the dopamine rush of social media attention.”
The debate doesn’t end there. While some argue that meticulous planning is necessary to make the most of limited time, others believe this mindset defeats the purpose of a vacation. Dr. Sayammagaru’s post has sparked a broader conversation about what truly makes a holiday worthwhile: Is it the number of places you visit, the photos you post, or the moments of genuine relaxation you experience?
What do you think? Is the modern vacation culture unsustainable, or is it a necessary adaptation to our fast-paced world? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going!
