Winging It Travel Podcast · Monday, September 14, 2026
Hammond posits that the intensity of short-term travel enjoyment, often involving drinking and maximum engagement, stems from its finite nature, creating a 'temporary persona.' He argues that this travel self might even be perceived as one's 'real self,' leading to sadness that this persona cannot be sustained in daily work life.
“So then that is a temporary persona. So do we miss that persona? Because in those periods of time, that is potentially your real self. And you have an immense sadness that you can't be yourself like that day-to-day at work for various reasons.”
“So it's not just about missing geography or country or culture. I mean, it can be for sure. Some countries do hit you like that. But I think it's saying goodbye to a temporary version of yourself that only exists in that motion. And that is a tough thing to analyze as well, isn't it?”
“It is finite. And that is beautiful in itself because it cannot be recreated. You made a decision to go then with some people, and it will never be recreated exactly how it was. Everyone's in a different place to next year compared to then.”