Mardi Gras is over, the parades have ended, and the beads are packed away. It’s Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent—the 40 days leading up to Easter. For Catholics that means a season of reflection, self-discipline, and, of course, questionable seafood Fridays. For everyone else, Lent feels more like a cultural ritual or the perfect excuse to set a personal challenge. Giving up soda? Facebook? Chocolate? (You rebel, you.) Whether it’s spiritual or just a fun dare, it’s all about hitting reset—your way. If you’re ready to make a real sacrifice (or just travel smarter), here are seven things travelers should give up for Lent—and forever.
Not Catholic? Not a problem. Consider this a long-overdue travel detox, because honestly, some of y’all need it.
1. Skipping the Local Gems
Chain restaurants and cafes are easy, but where’s the adventure in that? Ditch the generic menus and hit up small, locally run spots instead. Not only will you get fresher, locally sourced food, but your money will actually support the people who live there. Bonus points if you take your headphones off, smile, and strike up a conversation—you might walk away with a great story to tell.
2. Nonstop Sightseeing Frenzy
You know the drill: racing from one landmark to the next, snapping photos just to say you’ve been there. We’ve all done it, but it’s time to ditch the checklist mentality. Slow down, soak it in, and actually connect with your destination. Trust us, it’s way more rewarding—and way less stressful.
3. That One Cringe Travel Pose
You know the one: arms stretched out at Machu Picchu, “holding up” the Leaning Tower of Pisa, fake deep gazes into the horizon. We’ve all been guilty, but it’s time to retire these overdone Instagram tropes. There are more creative ways to flex your travel game—like not flexing at all.
4. The Sunburn You’ll Regret Later
We get it—soaking up the sun feels amazing. But is a golden tan really worth the risk? Spoiler: it’s not. Melanoma cases are on the rise, and lounging by the pool without sunscreen isn’t helping. Whether you’re hiking, swimming, or just out and about, slap on some SPF 15+ (at least), throw on a hat, and stay hydrated. Future you—and your skin—will thank you.
5. The Sass
Here’s the thing—complaining with a side of sass is practically an art form. Whether it’s shading someone’s questionable outfit or an offhand complaint about hotel décor that looks like it was ripped from your grandma’s basement, these witty little zingers have been part of gay culture for ages. It’s humor, it’s camaraderie, and when done right, it’s downright hilarious. But—and this is a big but—there’s a difference between an artful insult and just being rude. So, know the line and don’t cross it (read: the infamous meltdown at Charlotte Douglas Airport, where American Airlines staff were accused of separating vacationing husbands from their “girls”—Shelby and Dolly.) After all, we’re all in this together.
6. Travel Snacks That Go Too Far
Listen, snacks are life—no arguments there. A road trip without snacks? Unthinkable. But there’s a limit, and you know it. Packing a sensible granola bar or some trail mix? Smart. Wheeling an entire cooler through airport security? Chaos. And don’t even get me started on folks who bust out smelly foods mid-flight. There’s a time and a place for tuna salad, and buddy, 30,000 feet in a cramped aluminum tube ain’t it. Keep it classy (and share your chocolate, maybe?).
7. Overpacking (a.k.a. “Just in Case” Syndrome)
Packing light is basically witchcraft. I mean, how does anyone decide what they won’t need? But if you’re bringing 18 shirts for a weekend getaway, it’s time for an intervention. Pro tip? Roll your clothes to save space, stick to versatile basics, and, oh, don’t forget the charger you swear you packed but definitely didn’t. Bonus points if you manage to avoid the dreaded “suitcase explosion” whenever TSA decides to rummage through your carefully curated chaos. Team carry-on for the win!
Final Thoughts:
We know—it’s incredibly hard to be a queer person in the world right now, especially in church, even in a relatively welcoming one. But Lent isn’t just about faith—it’s about reflecting, evolving, and growing, much like traveling. Traveling is about evolving—seeing new places, trying new things, and, yes, learning from past mistakes. So whether you’re observing Lent or just leveling up your travel game, it’s time to leave these seven sins behind because some habits should stay in the past, like my altar boy days.
Now, let’s all pray for a complimentary upgrade.