Why I Skipped Nicaragua's Must-Do Activities and What It Brought Me (My First Paid Writing Gig)

A few days ago, I was talking with a backpacker in Máncora, Peru. In an attempt to go beyond the usual hostel small talk — "What's your route?" and "How long have you been travelling?"— I asked him what activities or places he had consciously skipped. I was curious: were there things he regretted missing, or things he was glad he didn't do?

It led to a great conversation. I shared how I had skipped several activities in Nicaragua while backpacking there with a friend, and what it brought me.

Photo by author

One of the popular must-do activities in Nicaragua that I skipped was Popoyo's Secret party — a monthly gathering at a remote location. I am not a big partier when I travel (though I did have a phase, mostly during my first few trips). That particular night, I just wasn't feeling social. So while almost everyone from my hostel went to Popoyo's Secret, I stayed behind and went to a fundraising and film screening event — which, by the way, was minutes away from one of my favourite digital nomad accommodations to date.

It had been a long time since I had gone to a movie by myself, something which I used to do often in the Netherlands. The first time ever did it had been an "artist date" from The Artist's Way, a 12-week creative recovery course from Julia Cameron. That date actually led me to write my first published op-ed for a Dutch national newspaper.

At the event in Popoyo, Nicaragua, they first screened a local film about Sirenitas — an initiative that teaches girls confidence and community through surfing, while also creating a safe space to talk about girlhood. The main film was David Mesfin's Wade in the Water, a powerful documentary about the hidden Black history of surfing.

Wade in the Water left a deep impression on me. Everyone needed to know this story — not just the historical erasure, but also how it still shapes the surf world today, including which surfers qualify for the Olympic Games. Energized by the film, I pitched a Dutch journalistic platform with the idea. Within a day they replied enthusiastically. They loved it and even asked me to expand the pitch into a broader piece on the history of surfing. Not only did they pay me (!), but the editor gave me valuable feedback that helped me grow my writing.

All of that happened because I skipped a part tI didn't really feel like going to, and instead did something I genuinely wanted to do. That one choice led to my first paid freelance writing assignment.

It is easy to fall into the trap of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when travelling a popular backpacking route where everyone seems to be doing the same things. And sometimes, the "must-do" activities really are worth it. Climbing volcano Acatenango and seeing Fuego erupt in Guatemala, for instance, remains one of my absolute highlights after 1,5 year of full-time travel. Everyone does it — and if you can, you really should.

But there are plenty of activities that people do just because "everyone else is doing it." And you don't have to. For me, Popoyo's Secret was one of those. Other examples? Visiting every landmark or church in a city when you are not interested in that. Why not go to a museum instead? Or if you hate water sports, you don't have to surf in Puerto Escondido in Mexico or El Paredon in Guatemala. Go on a little-known hike instead.

The difference between travelling and tourism — a hotly debated topic — in my opinion comes down to how independently you make your choices. For me, travelling is about getting to know other places, people, and cultures and exploring how you relate to them. It is about learning who you are through where you go, who you meet, and what you do. Sometimes, that means skipping the main attractions and listening to your own curiosity instead.

So next time you find yourself in another round of hostel chatter, try asking: "What is something you skipped, and are either glad you did or wish you hadn't?" I promise, it will lead to richer conversations and give you new ideas for your own trip.

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