I knew travel fatigue had hit me when we were in Trujillo. The heat was relentless, I was exhausted, and everything just felt like too much. We had already spent countless hours on buses, moving from place to place, and another nine-hour journey was looming over me. Even though we try to slow things down, staying in places for an extra day or two to catch our breath, the constant need to plan never really stops.
There’s always something to figure out. The next bus. The next hostel. The next country. My partner works remotely, which adds another layer of responsibility to our days. And for me, stepping back and doing nothing feels almost impossible. My brain is always buzzing with logistics, trying to keep things running smoothly.
What is Travel Fatigue?
Travel fatigue is a state of exhaustion (physical, mental, and emotional) that sneaks up on long-term travellers. It’s not the same as jet lag, which is temporary and tied to time zones. Travel fatigue builds over time, wearing you down despite being in places you once dreamed of visiting.
Why Does It Happen?
For me, it comes down to a mix of things:
- Constant movement: Long bus rides, border crossings, and unpacking/repacking take a toll.
- Decision fatigue: Choosing where to sleep, what to eat, and what to do every day is mentally exhausting.
- Lack of routine: No stable sleep schedule, irregular meals, and different environments disrupt my balance.
- Sensory overload: New sights, sounds, languages, and cultures flood my brain nonstop.
- Social burnout: Meeting new people is great, but as an introvert, I get overstimulated quickly.
- Guilt: I love nature and traveling, so why do I crave comfort and consistency? Shouldn’t I be grateful for every moment?
Finding a Balance
I’ve realised that loving travel and feeling overwhelmed aren’t mutually exclusive. It’s okay to love the adventure while also yearning for a break. It’s okay to feel reluctant about moving again, even when the destination excites you. And it’s definitely okay to want low-stimulation days, especially when the constant “go-go-go” wears you down.
Here’s what I’ve been working on to manage travel fatigue:
- Giving myself permission to slow down: Skipping an excursion or spending a day in your hotel room is not a waste.
- Letting go of the pressure to “do it all”: I won’t see everything, and that’s okay.
- Creating small routines: Even simple things like morning coffee, journaling, or an evening walk help add a sense of stability.
- Taking rest days seriously: Not just physically resting, but mentally disconnecting from trip planning.
- Accepting that travel isn’t always fun: Some days are frustrating, exhausting, or overwhelming. That doesn’t mean the journey isn’t worth it.
Final Thoughts
Travel fatigue isn’t something that means you’re doing it wrong, it’s just part of the experience. It’s the other side of the coin when you’re constantly pushing beyond your comfort zone. The key is recognising it, allowing yourself to rest, and remembering that travel isn’t about how much you see, but how you experience it.
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