Stubborn Travel

It may sound crazy to say it – but yes, travel burnout is a thing.

For me, the guilt makes it even tougher. How can something so rewarding and privileged as travel leave you feeling drained?

But it totally can. Any regular traveller will know it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, and that being constantly on the move can really wear you down, both physically and mentally.

If that’s where you are, I feel you. These are the 10 tips and talking points that have helped me most when feeling burned out on the road.

Give yourself a break

I don’t know about you, but I can get into a really negative spiral with that aforementioned guilt. I forget that it’s often the burn out itself that is feeding that negative talk.

Travel can be a privilege, but that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to feel tired or overwhelmed. Burnout happens to the best of us. It’s easy to feel guilty when you’re not loving every second of your journey, but remember – it’s normal.

Your feelings are valid, even when you’re in a dream destination. Acknowledge how you’re feeling, give yourself some space, and know that it’s OK to not be OK all the time. Travel isn’t always sunshine and smooth sailing.

Make time for reflection

I always find that a little self-reflection can work wonders. Travel can be overwhelming – new faces, new places, making travel plans, keeping your valuables safe. Transport, finances, packing/repacking (don’t get me started), trying not to be rude or get sick… there’s a lot to process all the time. It’s easy to miss the signs of stress creeping in.

Take a moment to pause and ask yourself: Am I doing too much? Am I resting enough? Am I chasing my own happiness, or someone else’s?

Reflecting regularly can help you zone in on what’s causing burnout, and hopefully make necessary adjustments.

At the same time, you can also give yourself the opportunity to truly remember and feel gratitude for the journey you’re on. Think about the people that made you laugh or helped you, the landscapes you witnessed, the foods you loved. What you found funny or kind, no matter how big or small. What you’ve learned, the challenges you’ve overcome.

I find journaling to be particularly therapeutic (it serves as a keepsake too), but you there are plenty of ways to pause and reflect, whether it’s taking a few slow breaths each morning, meditating, or just finding a calm place to be alone for a little bit.

These moments of reflection can provide clarity during a hectic journey, while hopefully reminding you why you started your adventure in the first place.

Take a vacation

Yes, you read that right. This one’s particularly important for long-term travel: you’ve got to learn how to relax when weariness sets in.

When exhaustion beckons, heed its call. Give yourself the gift of a well-deserved rest or vacation.

Relaxing looks different to everyone, but it will probably involve stopping, so you can at least eliminate the grind of making transport connections, moving every few days or feeling pressured to sight see.

Find a quiet spot to recharge. Whether it’s a beachside hut, a mountain cabin, or just staying put for a while, giving yourself space to rest and relax is crucial. Your journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Look after yourself along the way.

Take a break

And on that note, let’s get one thing straight – it’s OK to take a breather. You don’t have to be constantly ticking off bucket-list items or pushing yourself to the limit. Travel should be enjoyable, not a source of pressure. So, if you’re feeling drained, give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing for a bit.

Curl up with a book, have a lazy day, or just wander without a plan. There’s no shame in slowing down, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need to recharge and get back to enjoying the adventure.

Try something different

Sometimes, we get so caught up in checking off items on our itinerary that we forget to get lost in the moment. Take a break from your sightseeing and try something completely different.

Forget your plans for a day and try something unexpected. Maybe you can learn a new skill, go to a dance class, speak to someone you normally wouldn’t chat to, do a language exchange, join a workshop. Ask your accommodation to help you set something up or have a look online. Wear a smile and mix it up!

Look after yourself

It’s SO easy to forget about your health when you’re constantly on the go. But neglecting it only makes burnout worse. It sounds so basic, but remember to exercise, sleep, eat well, wash your hands and stay hydrated.

When it comes to gyms, group classes are a great way to meet people if you’re traveling solo. Fried street delicacies once in a while are part of the travel experience, but balance it with nutritious meals to avoid needing to park next to a bathroom for days on end. Prioritise sleep and take time to relax. Incorporate activities that help you reduce stress, whether that’s talking a walk, cooking or speaking to a friend.

Remember, you’re in it for the long haul. You need your best self at your side.

Look for familiarity

Being abroad can sometimes make us feel isolated and disconnected. Finding a little slice of home somewhere can bring some much needed.

Maybe that’s a bookstore with books in your native language, an event that aligns with your hobbies, or a movie that’s in your genre. Find a sport or activity you enjoy, or a show that interests you. By finding pockets of familiarity, you can create a sense of belonging, making travel feel a little less overwhelming.

Set goals

Travel burnout can make us forget why we started traveling in the first place. Setting goals and planning for the future can help reignite your passion and give you something to look forward to.

Whether it’s deciding to learn a new skill specific to your destination, adjusting the budget for your trip, or making a list of dream places, set goals and plan for the future. This helps rekindle motivation and the enthusiasm for exploration.

Embrace the present

Traveling can sometimes feel like a race against time. The pressure to see and do everything can often lead to travel burnout. But traveling is not a race, especially if you’re on a long trip. It’s okay to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Remember: travel isn’t a race. It’s OK to slow down. In fact, it’s necessary. Take time to savour the moment – whether that’s enjoying a slow morning coffee or wandering aimlessly through a new city. Try your best to embrace the unexpected. Take the time to smell the flowers. Enjoy a cup of coffee in a café, take the time to engage in a meaningful conversation. Some of the most memorable travel experiences come from surprises outside your comfort zone.

Evaluate your desire to go home

Travel burnout can make us question the desire to continue traveling. Those feelings are valid, and it’s important to take the time to evaluate them. You need to assess whether you genuinely want to return home or if you’re dealing with a temporary setback.

The pull to go home can be so strong. Trust me — I’ve been there. Sometimes it’s telling you that you really do need to go home, and it’s important to listen to that gut feeling. But other times, we’re responding to stress, burnout or a bad situation, and things could feel very different a few days down the line.

Think about what you love about traveling and why you started. Remind yourself of the incredible experiences you’ve had so far. Ask yourself if there are changes you can make to continue enjoying the benefits of travel. Think slowly and carefully, and try not to make any decisions in a rush.

Travel burnout is normal. It’s something to look out for and overcome, not to fear

If you’re in that awful spot feeling stressed and unsure of whether you want to continue your journey, remember that travel burnout is really, really normal. The more we travel, the more we learn how to mitigate and avoid it.

For me, travel burnout means I need to stop travel for a few days and solely focus on recharging. That means no trains and buses, no movement, no packed schedule. Usually that’s enough to recharge my batteries and restore my excitement.

If slowing down brings on the FOMO, try to remember that there’ll always be more to see and more to do, and what matters is how you absorb and enjoy your journey. Even if you manage to do everything on your list, you won’t be happy about it if you’re cranky and exhausted all the time. So just give yourself that break. Practice giving yourself what you need to have stamina for the long haul.

Final words

If you’re currently in a travel burnout hole, I so feel for you. I’ve been there so many times, and can’t count how many strangers I’ve cried in front of in a moment of despair. Whatever it is you’re looking for to feel recharged, I hope you find it, and that you’re able to keep it for a long time to come.

I’d love to know:

• Have you suffered travel burnout? What did it look like for you?
• How did you overcome it?
• Are there steps you actively take to overcome travel burnout?