Travelling is all about getting comfortable with getting out of your comfort zone. Frequent traveling can be stressful and exhausting. Even though no one is safe from a travel burnout, the least you can do is try to make a strange country feel a bit more comfortable. Follow these tips to make every country you visit feel comfortable when you’re burned out.
Travel differently
Once you’ve realized that you have a travel burnout, try to make your next trip feel a bit differently. For example, you can take a train instead of flying. Or if you travel on a bus a lot, see if there are any other options. Small things shape our experiences while we travel. Try to do something a bit different this time, maybe you’ll like it better and maybe not. The important thing is as we try different things, it’s hard to get bored or tired.
Make your trip more comfortable
You can get travel burnout if your accommodation or flights are not comfortable enough. If you’re an experienced traveler, you probably how to plan your budget and create a spending plan. See if there are any options to travel more comfortably without spending a lot. Check if your carrier offers any travel reward programs, like travel credit cards or free miles. They usually have a lot of options for frequent travelers, so if you can’t avoid traveling a lot, you can at least make yourself feel better about it.
Another obvious alternative is booking in advance. When booking ahead, you’ll be able to save money, choose better deals with more comfortable flights and layover times.
Lean more
Learning new things can make your trip feel different and gives it a purpose. Learn the deeper meanings of the traditions and cultural norms of the countries you travel to. Respecting cultural differences allows to understand the locals better and improve the overall experience.
Don’t let the language barrier discourage you. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language ahead. Or take a language course, if you’ve never done it before.
Be open-minded and embrace cultural differences. Locals will most likely do things ‘their way’, be ready to accept the cultural differences, and learn from your experiences. Use the differences in traditions, phrases, and superstitions as conversation starters with the local people.
Unpack once you arrive
Suitcases will make you feel uncomfortable by reminding that you’re on the road. If you’re planning on staying in the country for some time, unpack your clothes immediately after arriving and put the suitcases away. Lay out your cosmetic products, hang up your shirts, and organize your devices and chargers. This will make a sterile hotel room feel a bit more comfortable and homier.
Keep a travel journal
Travelling can be overwhelming and emotional. Pulling out your journal can be a great way to take things that bother you out of the mind and on paper. Once you’ve acknowledged that you have a travel burnout, you’ve already taken a huge step towards getting rid of it. Write down how you feel and track how your emotions and concerns change over time when you’re on the road.
Communicate with the locals
A common symptom of a travel burnout is homesickness and feeling of loneliness. This can be changed only by socializing. Seeing and making friends with new people can be stressful, especially in a foreign country. But if you get out of your comfort zone on this one, you’ll end up feeling less lonely and more sociable. Start small by making eye contact and smiling when talking to the people in coffee places, shops, or restaurants. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, directions, or advice.
One of the best ways to socialize and meet new people in a new city is by going out to a local bar. You will be able to start a conversation with local people, ask a bartender for recommendations, and meet other tourists. Remember that there are always a lot of people who are excited to share their home country and culture with you.
Another great way of getting comfortable and meeting new people is by visiting local events. Research to find out what cultural events take place in the city. Visiting festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, cubs, and local markets is a fun way to discover everything new and make friends.
Walk a lot
You will find some of the best discoveries when you’re on foot. Take long walks or run around your neighborhood to explore your surroundings. Get away from the tourist places that might be too crowded. You will be pleased to find a lot of hidden treasures only locals know about.
If you’re not into walking that much, try cycling. Cycling through a strange city is a great way to explore street art and culture sites. Bike paths are usually designed to show off the best parts of a city. Pedal your way down one of the local bike paths to see the best sites the city has to offer.
Self-care
It’s hard to even think about self-care when you’re on the road. If you’re tired and burned out, neglecting your health won’t do anything good for neither your physical nor mental health. Eat healthy and organic food, work out regularly, even if it’s a 20-minute yoga practice, and stay hydrated. It’s also useful to treat yourself from time to time. You can get a facial or massage in a local SPA to relief some of the stress.
Wrap up
Travel burnout is real and it can hit people at any time during their trips. If you travel and experience a lot, you will eventually end up being exhausted and stressed out. Luckily, a travel burnout can be healed with just a little self-reflection, diversity, and self-care. Try making your trips different by meeting new people, keeping a travel journal, and treating yourself.