Imagine saving up for months (or even years), spending hours planning, and enduring the stress of packing, only to be met with travel fatigue halfway through your trip.
It certainly happens, and often the victim of travel fatigue ends up counting down the days until they arrive back home, missing out on their much-anticipated adventure.
As a travel writer who has spent years globetrotting, I can attest that travel fatigue can affect the best of us at anytime.
Here are 10 ways to overcome this exhaustion and get back on your feet so you can happily enjoy the rest of your trip.
1. Travel between destinations less
A couple enjoying a playful moment splashing water at the beach during sunset.
(SanyaSM via Getty Images)
It is common to experience travel fatigue, especially when flying, driving, or taking the train over several consecutive days or to multiple destinations across time zones.
The best way to combat feeling tired is to slow down. For example, if planning a cross-country road trip across multiple states, spend only five to six hours on the road before settling in for the night. Then spend quality time at your destination and accommodation, relaxing and unwinding.
2. Be flexible
People enjoying a local brewery.
(franckreporter via Getty Images)
Expanding on the first point, being flexible helps travelers feel empowered and less stressed. Having a loose plan for how you want to travel and where you want to go is a great idea.
Having a flexible mindset to change plans, experience local hangouts, and decide what you feel like doing while traveling takes the pressure off and lets you (and your travel companions) go with the flow.
3. Spend more time in one location
A couple with arms around each other, gazing at the Eiffel Tower, sharing a romantic city break in Paris.
(Unaihuiziphotography via Getty Images)
Taking it slow, getting to know one area, meeting locals, and relaxing while traveling are the perfect ingredients for a soulful trip.
Instead of flying to two or three different European countries for a week-long trip, just visit one. Heading to Mexico to soak up the sun? Check out one or two beach towns instead of more. Slow down and enjoy the journey.
4. Book a single room
A woman with her laptop in bed while enjoying a coffee.
(Maria Korneeva via Getty Images)
If you are traveling with friends, getting a separate room for a night or two can help you recharge.
Having quiet time to reset in your own space can help beat travel-induced lethargy.
5. Meet new people
Smiling friends holding up their wineglasses to toast at a rooftop restaurant surrounded by city views.
(Thomas Barwick via Getty Images)
On the flip side, I have friends who swear meeting new people helps them recharge their batteries.
Meeting new people, especially locals, is the best way to learn more about a destination. Locals will share places you might not otherwise know about, such as their favorite restaurants, bars, or hiking trails.
6. Take a day off from traveling
A tourist sightseeing the cherry blossoms in spring.
(Panuwat Dangsungnoen via Getty Images)
If you take a day off from your travel schedule and focus on things you would normally do at home, such as reading a book, lying around, watching TV, or going out for a late-morning coffee, it can provide essential rest and comfort.
Though this might sound like a waste of time, it is not. Get cozy at your accommodation.
7. Book a spa day
Traditional Japanese open-air bath.
(Zoey106 via Getty Images)
Having a relaxing spa day or getting a massage is another way to help beat travel fatigue. It allows you to rest, relieve stress, and slow down for a few hours between your travels.
One of my favorite ways to have a spa-like day is to visit local hot springs to soak. Many hot spring resorts also offer spa services.
8. Only take carry-on luggage
A young woman sits on a bench outside an airport terminal, two matching hard-shell suitcases at her feet.
(Brandon Colbert Photography via Getty Images)
Many avid travelers already know that one of the best ways to combat travel fatigue is to pack only a carry-on bag.
A backpack and a carry-on are easier to tote around and less to think about than lugging a big suitcase.
It can be difficult to pack your life into a small bag or two, but it makes a big difference.
9. Choose to be healthy
A young woman takes a photo of the cherry blossoms at Bispebjerg Cemetery.
(Nick Brundle Photography via Getty Images)
Choosing healthy activities, like going for a long walk, skipping alcohol, ordering healthy foods, and drinking plenty of water, are some of the best ways to combat feeling sluggish during your trip.
10. Ditch the social pressure
A woman sitting on a porch swing.
(Colin Anderson Productions pty ltd via Getty Images)
Put less pressure on yourself while traveling. You don’t have to tick everything off your bucket list or take perfect photos at every landmark.
Focus on the positive aspects of your journey, including what you saw, tasted, and felt during your overall experience.
Don’t squish too many activities into your days, plan for downtime, and you will enjoy your travels with more energy.
link