Is it possible to be disappointed by one’s travels or working holiday?

When preparing for a big trip or a working holiday, we romanticize it by conjuring up breathtaking landscapes, life-long encounters, unbridled freedom… And yet, once we’re actually there, reality doesn’t always match our expectations.

So can we be disappointed by our travels? The answer is yes. And it happens more often than you might think.

Common reasons for disappointment

1. Financial difficulties

It’s not a fun topic, but it has to be said that money is a common source of troubles when abroad.

If you don’t do enough research about the cost of living at your destination, you might be surprised that your savings won’t stretch as far as you expected it to. Similarly, if it takes longer than expected to find work (if you plan to work at all), you’ll also feel financial pressure. These situations make it hard to fully live out the experiences you want, so it’s always a good idea to bring more resources than just the bare minimum.

2. Inaccurate or unrealistic expectations

Toronto is a multicultural paradise! Tokyo is the city of futuristic robots! Paris is the most romantic place on earth! Sunny Sydney is home to the friendliest people ever!

Every country and even city has its own reputation. To a certain extent, all clichés are based on at least some shred of truth, but if you embark on a journey seeking to validate the exact image that you have of the place in your mind (or on your social media feed), then you risk facing disappointment. It’s natural to daydream a bit about a country that you’re excited about, but it’s equally important to remind yourself that you’re going there to discover, not to validate.

2. Fatigue, stress, and illness

Travel isn’t always restful. Anyone who’s road-tripped across New Zealand in a van knows: breakdowns, freezing nights, crowded campground showers, parking hassles… the adventure can get tiring.

On top of that, health issues sometimes crop up: food poisoning, a lingering virus, or a hiking injury can put a serious damper on the experience. Make sure you take care of your mental and physical health, and pace yourself to avoid burnout.

3. Isolation and loneliness

Heading abroad solo can trigger deep loneliness. Some WHVers expect a picture perfect experience, but once they arrive, integration into local life can be tougher than expected. It’s important to have realistic expectations (and strategies!) about making new friends abroad. It definitely requires patience and intentional effort.

4. Culture shocks

Culture shock can take unexpected forms. Even with good mental preparation, some interactions might serve as stark reminders that you’re no longer in the same cultural context.

• In South Korea for instance, some are surprised by the strict hierarchy (even between friends who aren’t of the same age), or the importance of physical presentation. These codified norms might be misconstrued by foreigners as distance or superficiality.
• In Canada, though most people are quite polite, you might be surprised by how difficult it is to get past small talk with Canadians. In a society that values harmony and diversity, it’s not always easy to know who genuinely wants to be friends and who is just being “nice”.
• In France, many people take pride in their willingness and ability to debate various topics as a way of strengthening rapport. To a foreigner who is not used to intellectual sparring, he may take it personally when his opinions are challenged.
• In the UK and Australia, sarcastic humour laced with subtle profanities might catch you off guard.

None of these cultural differences are inherently good or bad, but they can spark self-doubt or mental fatigue. Treat each person as an individual, but also be aware of the cultural context from which they come.

5. Going at the wrong time

Sometimes it’s simply a matter of timing. If you’re going through a tough stretch personally (grief, breakup, burnout), travel can amplify that struggle.

The vast open spaces of New Zealand and the cold snowy winters of Canada might be beautiful in photos, but they can be hard to appreciate in moments of great personal difficulty.

Travel doesn’t fix everything; sometimes being away makes you realize what you really needed was to pause, not necessarily to escape.

Whatever happens, you’ll learn

Feeling disappointed by your trip (or aspects of it) doesn’t mean it was a failure. It just means that you are a human who had a human experience, its highs and lows. It takes many WHVers some time before they find their footing in their new home.

Sometimes, just changing your routine or even perspective can shift everything. A single detail can give your journey a whole new meaning.

Just because a country is beloved by other travellers doesn’t mean it’ll work for you, and that’s okay. What matters is recognizing your own preferences, needs, and limits.

A few tips for managing the low points

• Don’t compare your trip to others; every path is unique.
• Accept the down moments without guilt.
• Talk about it with fellow travellers, with loved ones, on Facebook groups, or in a travel journal.
• Change things up. Even a small change in your routine or plans can inspire fresh motivation.
• Remember why you left in the first place, and what your goals were.

Conclusion

Yes, you can be disappointed by a trip. That doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for travel. It just means the perfect trip doesn’t exist. And that’s the meaning of the adventure: discovering yourself in unfamiliar settings, facing your fears, and sometimes reassessing your priorities.

What stays with us long-term isn’t just the pretty landscapes or backpacker parties… it’s also the moments of growth that we chose to work through.