Why last-chance tourism is the latest controversial travel trend

Race to visit places threatened by climate change 'before it's too late'

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Photo composite of tourists visiting nature sites

Travellers are racing to see parts of the world that could soon vanish forever due to the effects of climate change, in a trend known as "last-chance tourism".

Travel and tourism is responsible for between 8% and 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2021 report from the World Travel and Tourism Council . As the planet warms, many of Earth's natural wonders – such as coral reefs, glaciers and archipelagos – "are at risk of damage and disappearance", said The New York Times 's Desiree Ibekwe. 

A growing number of travellers are seeking to visit such sites "before it's too late". But experts warn that the trend threatens to accelerate the cycle of destruction.

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What are the issues?

Popular at-risk destinations include the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in the French Alps, where thousands of people go each year to ski. Like many other glaciers, it is "melting rapidly", said Ibekwe. A new ski lift opened recently to allow visitors to "stay closer to the retreating ice", a move that has proved controversial. 

"At some point, you have to leave the glacier alone," one long-time traveller to the famous ski spot told NYT correspondent Paige McClanahan. "There's big machinery being installed. Where will it stop?"

That question is increasingly pertinent, said McClanahan. Throughout history, "humans have raced to be the first to scale a peak, cross a frontier, or document a new species or landscape", but "now, in some cases, we're racing to be the last."

Even well-meaning media coverage intended to inspire action can contribute to the problem. Last-chance tourism is happening mostly in areas that "make it into the headlines", Eke Eijgelaar, an environmental researcher at the NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, told The Independent in 2018.

"With more and more tourists looking for new and exotic things, they are a bit more attracted by media accounts of coral losses at the Great Barrier Reef and sinking images of Venice, and then choose that as their destination," he said.

And as tourist numbers rise, not all sectors of the global tourism industry are acting responsibly. "I've seen unregulated mass tourism in much of Asia and Micronesia, where snorkellers and divers are let loose with no instructions," said ecologist Peter Mumby.

Will it stop?

Defenders of tourism cite the benefits for communities that need an economic boost. The global travel industry supported 333 million jobs in 2019, said The Times , and an estimated one-sixth of the world's population relied on that income.

There is also evidence that visiting an ecological site may lead people to become more aware of their own impact on the environment. In a 2022 study of summer visitors to Mer de Glace, 80% said they would "try to learn more about the environment and how to protect it". Another 82% said they would stop visiting glaciers if doing so would protect them, while 77% said they would reduce their water and energy consumption.

The researchers behind the study concluded that nature-based tourism can "help clarify visitors' intentions to adopt environmentally friendly behaviours" – but more research is needed to see whether tourists follow through with their intentions. 

Long-term thinking is needed to protect ecologically fragile tourism sites, said Rachel Dodds, a professor of hospitality and tourism management from Toronto, speaking to The Independent.

"Without proper management and thinking about the limits to acceptable change, places are being ruined beyond repair," Dodds said. "Tourism is planned for the short-term, and policies or plans are not developed with the medium or long-term impacts."

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Soundroots

Discovering live music, artists, concerts, & tours

World Concert Tour Pros and Cons: Is it Worth the Effort?

April 9, 2023

World concert tours are the ultimate goal for many musicians, as they offer the opportunity to perform in front of fans around the globe. They also connect them with diverse cultures and potentially make a significant profit. However, embarking on a world tour is not a decision to be taken lightly, as it requires extensive planning, financial investment, and a lot of time on the road away from loved ones.

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of a world concert tour , highlighting the benefits and drawbacks that come with taking your music to a global audience. Whether you are an established artist or just starting, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of a world tour can help you make an informed decision about whether this kind of tour is right for you.

Pros: Increased Exposure and Fanbase

Stage performance in concert venues can bring numerous advantages for artists, including increased exposure and a wider fan base. Here are a few of the major benefits of starting a global tour:

Firstly, a world concert tour can help you reach new audiences and expand your fan base. When you perform in different countries and cities, you have the opportunity to connect with fans who may not have had the chance to see you live before. This exposure can lead to new fans, social media followers, and potential collaborations.

Secondly, a world tour can give you the chance to promote your music on a global scale. This can help to build your brand and create more opportunities for you to perform and sell your music in different markets. A successful world tour can also lead to media coverage, interviews, and features in local and international music publications.

Thirdly, this kind of tour can provide you with invaluable experience and skills. Touring globally requires flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work with different people and cultures. These skills can translate into other areas of your music career, such as negotiating contracts, working with promoters, and building relationships with fans and collaborators.

Finally, the experience can be a fulfilling and enriching involvement, both personally and artistically. Traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures can inspire new creative ideas, and performing in front of diverse audiences can be a rewarding and exciting experience for any artist.

Cons: High Costs and Exhaustion

While a world concert tour can be a dream come true for many musicians, it is not without its challenges. One of the biggest drawbacks is the high cost associated with it. Here are a few of the main drawbacks:

Firstly, a world concert tour can be incredibly expensive. The cost of flights, accommodation, transportation, and crew can quickly add up, leaving many artists in debt. This is especially true for emerging artists who may not have the backing of a record label or a large fan base to support them financially.

world-concert-tour-pros-and-cons

Secondly, this tour can be physically and mentally exhausting. Touring for weeks or even months on end can take a toll on an artist’s health and well-being. Long hours of travel, late nights, and lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, stress, and burnout. This can affect the quality of performances, and in extreme cases, lead to canceled shows.

Thirdly, the personal life of an artist can suffer as a result of a global concert tour. Spending extended periods away from loved ones can be challenging, and constant travel can make it difficult to maintain relationships. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can further exacerbate the stress and exhaustion of touring.

Lastly, organizing an international tour can be a logistical headache. Coordinating shows in different time zones and managing crew, equipment, and transportation can be a challenge, especially for independent artists. This can lead to miscommunication, delays, and other logistical issues that can impact the quality of shows and the overall tour experience.  

Pros: Cultural Immersion and Global Connectivity

Another significant advantage of embarking on a world concert tour is the cultural immersion and global connectivity that it provides. In terms of global connectivity and cultural immersion, these are some of the major advantages:

Firstly, performing in different countries and cities can expose artists to diverse cultures, traditions, and ways of life. This can inspire new creative ideas and perspectives, and lead to collaborations with local musicians and artists. The experience of traveling and performing in different parts of the world can also broaden an artist’s understanding of the world and promote cross-cultural understanding.

Secondly, a world tour can help artists to build global connections and expand their professional network. Meeting other musicians, industry professionals, and fans from around the world can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. This can help to build an artist’s brand and increase their chances of success in the international music market.

Thirdly, a world concert tour can provide artists with unique performance opportunities that they may not have access to in their home country. This can include performing at iconic venues or festivals, or in front of audiences that have a particular interest in a specific genre or style of music. This can lead to high-profile gigs and opportunities to build a loyal fan base in different parts of the world.

Concert World Tour Popular Music Genres Hiphop

Finally, the chance to give back to the world community can be one of the benefits of a world tour for performers. Many musicians use their tours to raise awareness and funds for social causes and to engage with local communities. This can lead to positive publicity and help artists to build a reputation as socially responsible and globally aware individuals.

Cons: Health Risks and Time Away from Home

World tours have their own set of cons that musicians and their teams have to deal with. Two of the most significant challenges faced by musicians during a world tour are health risks and time spent away from home.

The physical and emotional toll of a world tour can be significant, as it requires musicians to perform at their best night after night, often for several months at a stretch. The grueling schedule can lead to a host of health problems, including exhaustion, dehydration, and other illnesses. The mental health of musicians can also suffer, as the constant pressure to perform can be overwhelming. The inability to maintain a healthy routine while on tour can further exacerbate these issues.

Another major con of a world tour is the time spent away from home and loved ones. Musicians are often on the road for weeks, if not months, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can impact their mental health and their relationships with friends and family. Additionally, musicians often have to put their personal lives on hold while on tour, including their hobbies and other interests, which can be a source of frustration and stress.

Final Thoughts

As the music industry continues to evolve, it is likely that world concert tours will remain an essential part of the industry, providing musicians with the opportunity to connect with fans around the world and explore new musical traditions and styles. While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the live music industry, it is expected that the industry will continue to recover and adapt to new challenges in the coming years. With advances in technology, production, and logistics, musicians will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the live music experience, creating new and exciting opportunities for fans and performers alike.

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A Little Adrift Travel Blog

A Little Confession… Learning to Recover When Travel Fatigue Sets In

Last updated on January 12, 2024 by Shannon

Have you ever had those trips where you just feel the planets aren’t aligned for you to be traveling right now? Everything is going minorly wrong, or it’s altogether more exhausting than you anticipated?

Across my 15+ years of travel, sometimes travel fatigue set in quickly and made me feel tired, sad, and alone. I first experienced it on my round the world trip in month eight, and then when backpacking solo through Central America was far harder than I expected.

I was a solo traveler when I backpacked in Scotland and travel fatigue had set in

Like, much harder. Same deal with solo backpacking Africa years later, after a fun run of five years where life on the road jibed with my mental state at the time.

Travel fatigue is something not frequently discussed among travelers, but it’s very real according to science . While you can avoid it a lot of the time by being aware and proactive, it will eventually set in on any long-term trip.

With the right steps though, and with some prior knowledge of what’s worked for other travelers, it’s possible to cure travel fatigue—or at least recover enough to continue enjoying your trip.

What is Travel Fatigue?

Travel fatigue is a total exhaustion caused by too many days or weeks of constantly being on “alert” while you travel. It manifests as apathy toward travel activities that usually excite you, and a lack of motivation to enjoy local culture and cuisine. Like other types of burnout, travel fatigue is a feeling of deep weariness and disengagement.

A gorgeous sunset in San Pancho mexico often reset the travel fatigue

Pinning down what this looked like to me was actually one of the harder steps in the process of learning how to how to recover from travel fatigue. It’s not any one thing that I can always put a finger on.

For me, I would often still enjoy the countries I am visiting and many of the unique experiences. I would even slow down as a first remedy for it—in Central America I just planted myself in Guatemala to see if that would help with the travel fatigue (and because I really like Guatemala !).

But a few minor difficulties (and a few not so minor difficulties) would seem too big to handle—my mind blew them out of proportion as signs that I was doing something wrong. I’m incredibly grateful that I get to travel —that’s not the issue here. It’s more that the whole experience can seem harder work than it should be.

My round the world trip had ups and downs , but the tiredness I felt in Central America was just different. My debit card was cloned; money was stolen and it was a straight up fiasco to get a new one through the Guatemalan postal system and to my doorstep—a hostel in Xela that agreed to front me accommodation until my card arrived. This in and of itself, not such a big deal— it happens right ?

This incident, though, points to some wider overarching issues that have cropped up in the past three months—lots of illnesses this trip , some big family problems cropped up back home , and it seems like I’ve faced more general difficulties while traveling this part of the world.

considering your safety every moment is challenging

Science says travel is tiring on the body in every way —and that’s just the act of normal, uncomplicated travel.

So I had to ask myself: Are there more difficulties than on my RTW trip , or am I just tired? Is the Universe was conspiring against me—are the gods of travel just telling me to go home? Or is normal fatigue just combining with a few more trying situations to make this all just seem unmanageable. This is what I pondered.

Perception is reality, facts notwithstanding. We must alter our perception of a situation to see alternatives, and a different perception often leads to a different reality. That’s my firstline approach to travel fatigue: accept, acknowledge, and consider—reframe your perspective and perception.

Easier said than done though. When I was exhausted in Central America, I had a month left on my six-month backpacking trip before heading home to the States for a wedding. Although I deeply wanted to expat myself somewhere for six months or a year ( Thailand ?), to have a homebase and explore more from there, I needed to recover from my fatigue in the short-term. Here’s what worked when I asked long-term travelers for their best advice on curing travel fatigue, and steps to avoid it in the first place.

How to Recover From Travel Fatigue

a quiet sunset in Wadi Rum Jordan to reset

Update : After receiving incredible support from the travel community in the comments and via email—thank you, by the way—I’ve collected a list of advice for others who might find themselves in this situation: hitting a wall of tiredness and feeling complete inertia in your travels.

I’ve also written an extensive post on how to cope with loneliness while traveling , offering additional tips there, because loneliness often factors into travel fatigue, even if you’re not traveling solo.

If you’re feeling travel fatigue, first, know that you’re not alone. Then take steps to help cure those negative or lonely feelings. Travel can feel very isolating if you’re not vigilant, so please take it seriously and find the ideas that help you recover a sense of joy in your life and travels.

1. Pick a Place and Stay There

living in spain and traveling slowly,

Every time I feel similarly to how you’re feeling, I’ve realized that the constant movement from place to place was the culprit. And so I would just stop or I would move to some ideal place for three or more months in order to regroup. Derek from Wandering Earl

How to Avoid Travel Fatigue Long-Term

Don’t let your exhaustion get to the place of a bone-deep tired by traveling slowly. This is the single best way to ensure that you continue to enjoy every place you visit. It’s especially important in long-term travels.

Any traveler on the road for months should consider a place they’re keen to experience more like a local—then move there! Use my extensive digital nomad cost of living guides to find the cities and countries most welcoming to travelers in need of a break.

2. Take a Nap & Get a Solid Night’s Sleep

sleeping at an airport in the cold was tiring!

If you’re on a short-term trip and you need a solution today, consider taking a nap. And no matter how long your trip, make an early night of it for several nights in a row if you’ve been moving too quickly to get your recommended seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Sleep is important to wellbeing, and travel (and the strange beds, jet lag, and long days) can exacerbate any sleep issues you might have. Plus, things always look better when you are well rested. So, take a nap, skip the alcohol, and sleep.

Fiercely protect your sleep routines on the road. It’s easy to get caught up in the sheer joy and fun of round the world travel—that can mean late nights out drinking and enjoying the company of new friends—but if you’re on the road for weeks and months, you need a functional sleep routine, too.

To avoid travel fatigue in the long-term, consciously assess your sleep patterns and construct a cadence of travel that allows you to get a full night’s rest more often than not.

3. Assess Your Current Country & Consider Moving On

traveling in Guatemala is harder travel than in other places in the world

Although  we loved Guatemala, I have to say that traveling there was emotionally difficult at times. Each time we would tell people our plans, the response would be “ peligroso ” and we’d have to figure out whether we would be faced with armed robbery or just standard pickpocketing. It also seemed like a national pastime for people (locals and expats) is to tell you the latest bus-jacking or kidnapping incidence in the country. Audrey from Uncornered Market

When deciding your around the world itinerary , pick a mix of travel destinations that are easier and more challenging. Travel fatigue hit me for the first time after spending six months in challenging destinations across Southeast Asia and South Asia—all of that time “on alert” every single day took a toll on me mentally and physically, and I faced a bad case of burnout as soon as I left that region of the world.

A better designed itinerary will give you a balance of destinations—and a slow pace—so you can enjoy them without the exhaustion.

4. Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

eating well can help you recover from travel fatigue.

It’s really important to be sure you’re still eating healthy foods that give you energy, because a lack of certain nutrients (such as B vitamins) can affect both our mood (mind) and stamina (body). Trisha from Travel Writers Exchange

Like with sleep, it’s easy to let your usually diet go when you’re on the road and faced with any number of local treats. And in some regions, fried snacks—especially on travel days—are by far the easiest snacks to locate. But fresh fruits and vegetables are easy to locate anywhere in the world and you should maintain an awareness of your diet across a week.

Some days it’s fine to splurge on local foods, but you still need all of the micronutrients vegetables provide throughout each week on the road. Consider shopping at a local market and then cooking dinner yourself a few nights a week.

Or seek out vegetarian restaurants (even if you aren’t vegetarian) in meat-based cultures to ensure you can easily have a delicious and healthy meal on the reg.

5. Avoid Guilt, It Happens to Everyone

Taking a camel safari in Pushkar, India

We found India to be difficult, and we had quite a hard time with travel fatigue. To top it off we felt guilty for evening having travel fatigue. It eventually went away after we decided to relax on the beach in Sri Lanka for 10 days. — Deb from The Planet D

You can cure your travel fatigue faster if you acknowledge it as a natural part of the travel process. Sometimes you will face situations that are out of your control—perhaps a destination that challenges you at every turn, where you can’t find a good bed or a healthy meal for weeks.

That’s OK. You’ll get through it, and there is an enormous community of travelers around the world you can talk to online if needed—we’ve all been where you are, so reach out and feel safe knowing it can happen to any traveler.

6. Chat with Family and Friends

talking to friends and family back home is another cure for getting tired of traveling

Problems don’t go away on the road, they are amplified in many ways, so eat well and take it easy. Skype friends and chat, unplug otherwise. When you get shaken and feel more vulnerable, you need to fill up your cup, so you can enjoy the travel. Daily meditation and time in nature also helps us a lot, and we are lucky to be surrounded by good hugabuddies. ;) Jeannie from Soul Travelers 3

Stay connected to your loved ones when you’re traveling! This is vital throughout your trip, as it’s one of the first lines of defense in travel loneliness as well.

7. Unplug, Meditate & Exercise

unplug and disconnect to recharge

By moving our bodies on a daily basis we are doing what our bodies are designed to do and, at the same time, producing the wonderful endorphins that come along with the movement for which our bodies and minds are grateful. Chris Heuisler in Quartz

Exercise makes you feel good, even if you kinda hate it. And on the road, practicing good mental and physical habits like meditation and exercise are a first line of defense against travel burnout.

You don’t even have to make it a huge “thing.” There are fun and travely ways to incorporate both into your travels. You can look for urban and rural hikes to incorporate into your travel route, or take a fun approach to meditation like my friend Victoria did in her “ don’t knock it til you’ve tried it ” series when she was living in Ubud, Bali.

And you can also just bring along lightweight exercise bands and do some quick travel exercises every day to stay in peak mental and physical health.

8. Rent the Movie “ A Map for Saturday “

Easily one of the best films about long-term travel, you’ll find yourself continually reassured that you’re not alone in your up and down journey around the world. Nora from The Professional Hobo

Make sure you’re enjoying pieces of your life beyond just travel. Long-term travel becomes a lifestyle versus a vacation, and you should create balance between all the things you love.

Keep up with your favorite TV shows from back home if that brings you joy, and read all the time if that was your favorite pastime.

Keep routines you loved, and don’t feel guilty or as if you have an obligation to do anything specific on your trip.

If you choose to spend your entire first days in Bangkok holed up in a hotel room binging Game of Thrones , no one need judge you as travel is about the overall arc of a trip, and you can’t be “on” in travel mode every minute of every day.

Remember: It’s All Impermanent, It Will Get Better at Some Point.

I’ll chalk it up to my 10 days in Vipassana Meditation , but the Buddhist notion of impermanence applies here as well. It seems so bad at the time, but it’s a fleeting moment, circumstances are going to change. This is what I kept telling myself to get through my own bouts of travel fatigue.  :-)

A big thank you for the comments and support when I was feeling blue—and for you many additional great suggestions in the comments below—check them out as well if you’re looking for a way to come back to level after experiencing travel fatigue!

26 thoughts on “A Little Confession… Learning to Recover When Travel Fatigue Sets In”

WOW….I found you. Explaining how I’ve been feeling fell on dear, but deaf ears. I’m a newly formed “senior nomad” and since the end of July 2023, left behind my hometown solo (after selling house/car/stuff) to fulfill my wanderlust, and with no regrets at all. I was ready. Destination, both my adult children’s adopted country, Australia. I scheduled out a plan for my destination that included cruising to Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, coast of Maine, Quebec, Montreal. Then, with a two week reprieve, went to Vancouver for another two week tour/reprieve only to pick up a ship for a transpacific cruise from San Diego to Sydney, AU, my final destination. I couldn’t wait for a long-term stay somewhere to regroup. Two months into it, I had scheduled a cruise prior to cruise to New Zealand (on it) and trying to get the anticipation and excitement triggered off of doing what I wanted to do. It’s not the travel, but more space inbetween that can make it special again. Reading this article and finding your advice has really hit home, even though I’m just realizing the change I’m going through. You really helped. Thank you.

Your article came up as the first result when I googled “tired of traveling “. I was in Saint Lucia for 2 weeks which was absolutely beautiful and I loved it and didn’t want to come home. But my kid who is 8 made me feel so bad I went without her so I booked a 1 week all inclusive for us to Cancun.

But the trip was spoiled at the get-go when our hotel shuttle didn’t arrive at the airport. It was 10pm at night on new years and the airport was very empty, except for the scammers that plague the Cancun airport.

A guy with an “official ” badge and walkie talkie said he will get us a cab. Well they quoted an exuberant amount (140 USD) for a 20 min cab ride. Unfortunately I didn’t bring enough cash and had to use my credit card (later I found out they scam you by saying the transaction didn’t go through and charge again and at a higher amount). And they did it with my debit too. Ultimately I had to pull out $250 USD just to get us to the resort and to safety only to find out they charged my credit card $500 and my debit $500 ;(.

Went online and many people have been scammed and authorities let it happen. This made me hate this country and a trip I would relish and enjoy just became a misery fest where I look at every Mexican with suspicion and can’t wait to go home to my safe place.

I even saw cheap priced tickets to lisbon and wanted to book but travel fatigue/anger has made me weary and not wanting to go anywhere except to my local shopping mall 😐 maybe in a few months of complacent repetition, the travel spark will be reignited.

I just took a cruise through Mexico and felt exhausted once I arrived home. I don’t know if it’s age, stress, or feeling pressured from some of the staff members. I had a great time, but need to chill and get back to my routine for a week. There is always the worry of things that can go wrong, especially in this day and age.

GREAT article…. thank you. Feeling Travel Fatigue after just eight (8) days in Florida at my daughters home… As a now 80-year-old, restrictions on walking and needing more restful activities were embarrassing as well as annoying. My ability to get around the town while she worked… and I had NO friends or companions, was shocking.

I took a nap one day after only a one (1) mile walk, after a 3.2 mile walk the day before, then went to a women’s social–arranged for me–but did not fully recover, since I had to head to the airport the next morning…. and collapsed in a recliner once home… Then slept for 14 hours and felt exhausted, confused, lonely, and totally disinterested in all my normal interests…except “running away” all day yesterday….

Today, I found the term “travel fatigue,” and am so grateful… because my plan for being an 80 year old who generally feels like 60, was to do more traveling… now, I understand the toll being “on” and “alert” for days takes! So I can guard against putting myself in that situation!

Yes… I am currently on long term travel and I when I have to rest, I feel guilty. However, my body does tell me it’s time to get some sleep, rest and slow down. Sometimes I get annoyed at everything around me and that’s my clue to go to my hotel and just rest and stay in. It is hard working through the guilt though, very good article

Thank you, thank you for this article, particularly for item number five. I am in my favorite city in the world, in Scotland, and I’ve been beating myself up because I’m exhausted and I’m not taking advantage of every single thing there is to do here. I have been here for five weeks, was two to go, and I’m going to spend them doing the things I enjoy most and not worry about missing museum or a particular neighborhood in the city, or anything on a must do list for Scotland.

Exactly right Elizabeth! You’ll have far better memories of this trip if you abandon a sense of what you *should* be doing and instead enjoy yourself. If it’s your favorite city, you’ll be back for that museum! :)

Oh yes! Sending hugs from Spain!

Just after we started our open ended world tour, my step father was diagnosed with stage IV Cancer …a huge burden for him & my mother that also keeps her from her planned visits to us, I almost bled to death in Vienna one year, then broke & paralyzed my dominant right arm last August in a bike wreck….still numb & not fully healed. We've had to get serious dental work on the road, our off shore bank regularly cuts off our debit card without warning & sends are replacement cards to Ca even though they know we are in Spain for the winter. etc etc etc.

Problems don't go away on the road, they are amplified in many ways. Blogging on the move is not easy. Like everyone says rest , eat well & take it easy. Skype friends & chat, unplug other wise. Going slow is really key. We love our winters in a tiny foreign village far from expats, but, we're all itching to get on the move now again. When you get shaken & feel more vulnerable, you need to fill up your cup, so you can enjoy the travel. Daily meditation and time in nature also helps us a lot & we are lucky to be surrounded by good hugabuddies. ;) Replenish & the fatigue disappears!

Totally relate-able! I'm thinking of heading to Thailand myself this coming winter just to chill out on the beaches for a while and figure out where I'm going with life =)

The expat option sounds like a good one to explore. I like the idea of having a base somewhere. I get homesick at times.

We have “travel fatigue” all the time – aka laziness.

Like everyone said. It's not strange that you feel fatigued. With me it always helped to stay put for a while, just doing nothing.

Being an expat is great, so that's a good idea for your next trip.

I hope you feel better soon! Good luck. :)

Hang in there, Shannon. Your friends have all had good insight and advice.

Oh, I definitely relate! And there are so many conflicting emotions – guilt, fatigue, confusion – and you're not 100% where you're staying (Guatemala) because you're thinking of home and other things. It's tough. I agree with the others here – slowing down (which you've done), getting lots of rest, and trying to eat well (difficult sometimes) does help.

Also, although you love Guatemala (we did too) I have to say that traveling there was emotionally difficult at times. Each time we would tell people our plans, the response would be “peligroso” and we'd have to figure out whether we would be faced with armed robbery or just standard pickpocketing. It also seemed like a national pasttime for people (locals and expats) is to tell you the latest busjacking or kidnapping incidence in the country. And, food does make a difference and although Guatemalan food can be good, it also can feel limiting at times. We found it more challenging to travel in Latin America than Asia.

I know exactly how you feel Shannon. And with the problems you are facing with the debit card, the earthquakes, the illnesses and the family problems. You have a right to be weary. We found India to be difficult and we had quite a hard time with travel fatigue. To top it off we felt guilty having travel fatigue. It eventually went away after we decided to relax on the beach in Sri Lanka for 10 days. Staying in one place and recharging the batteries helped a lot. I think that everyone gets a little travel fatigue on long trips. Especially when they are facing a lot of obstacles like you are right now. During this last travel, we talked about having a home base of some kind during our next trip as well. The constant moving can be tough. Sending lots of love your way and hoping that things get better for you.

Hey Shannon – It's definitely not abnormal what you're feeling. Every time I feel similarly to how you're feeling, I've realized that the constant movement from place to place was the culprit. And so I would just stop or I would move to some ideal place for 3 or more months in order to regroup (hence the reason I've been in Mexico for 7 months now!). Without doing that every now and then, I tend to spend too much time worrying about projects I want to start and work I need to do and as a result, I don't connect with and enjoy my travels as much as I should.

Happens to everyone I think. The lack of routine, the living out of a suitcase, the poor diet as Trisha mentions… it can be tough. Hang in there – it will pass and soon enough you'll be on firm footing.

Sometimes what we assume is just travel fatigue is really that our bodies are reacting to a change in our diet, not the travel itself. It's really important to be sure you're still eating healthy foods that give you energy, because a lack of certain nutrients (such as B vitamins) can effect both our mood (mind) and stamina (body)….sometimes it can be due to a very low-grade infection that our body is working hard on fighting that saps our energy…….and of course, sometime it really is just fatigue.

Whatever is ailing you, I hope you recover quickly!

Fatigue can be measured by those little annoyances that “regular” life pose – i.e. having a debit card cloned. When illness strikes as well, it can rub the luster off travel. As a concept, us bloggers sell travel as magical, life-altering… heck, sometimes it's also reality, which completely explains your weariness. You probably need to recharge, quite natural for the mind and body. :)

Yep, it totally happens. It seems that not many people ever really bring it up, but it happens to a lot of travelers who are on the road for a while… they just need to settle down for a bit. Not sure why, but it seems that there is something to be said about having a “home”, or at least a “home base”.

Travel fatigue happens, don't worry about it. I totally like your plan to expat yourself somewhere. I'm a fan of depth over breadth and being an expat is an excellent way to have a (fairly) stable life while still experiencing another culture.

Hey, it can only improve from here…right? Sorry to hear things aren't going as planned, though!

Completely understandable. It's harder when you're on the go to deal with some things but once you settle in somewhere for a bit and get in a routine that helps to ease the fatigue. Hope things turn around soon for you, I'm sure they will :)

I think that we can get in these funks even when we're NOT traveling. Maybe this is just a response to having a few setbacks/family problems and not necessarily related to the traveling itself? Just a thought.

This was really helpful! It’s my last full day in Japan–my second trip here–and I’m completely exhausted. I love Kyoto, but I have been traveling solo by subway, train, bus, and foot for two weeks straight. I miss my friends and my own space, not to mention, my routines. So I’m taking it easy today–meditating, packing, and resting. I felt really guilty at first, but then I figured what I was experiencing was probably universal. Thanks, everyone. I actually feel a bit better now.

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Traveling Is Exhausting As Hell

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I clean my room and make my bed before I leave for a trip, because there’s no better feeling than arriving home to a clean room and made bed and plopping down for a good 12 hours of sleep. Traveling is exhausting. I’m not talking about a week long beach holiday or a cruise, although I’ve definitely heard of people needing a holiday to recover from their holiday.

Real life-on-the-road traveling spanning weeks and months is tough. It can be complicated, tedious and half the challenges happen before you even get to the airport. But man is it worth every hour of scanning for flights, mapping out a rough itinerary, and figuring shit out when it goes south.

While mine and other Instagram stories and posts might indicate an effortlessly hop from one amazing location to another, there’s often a black hole of information when it comes to the logistics of the whole thing and the daily recovery process. And that’s just part of it. On the road, you have to keep your wits and sanity about you at all times. Here’s some of the stuff you don’t often hear about.

Travelers sleeping on bus

Finding A Reasonable Place To Sleep That Doesn’t Suck

You know how much it cost to rent a decent hotel room in a major city. Let’s throw out a low average of $200/night. If I’m on the road for 30 days, that’s $6000. That’s not happening. Unless you’re a millionaire or traveling for business, long term travel requires a little more planning and compromise.

If I’m looking for a hostel, I’ll have to first know where I plan to. If I wait too long, the top rated hostels might be fully booked, leaving me with fewer options. If I book too early, I might lose my deposit or even the cost of the stay if I want to change my plans. I usually narrow it down to 3-4 options and then read through the reviews, hoping that the words bed bugs don’t show up.

If I’m looking to couchsurf, I’ll have to plan at least a few days to a couple of weeks in advance, reaching out to the host and hoping the good ones are available. This can definitely be sketchy for girls who are desperate for last minute accommodations. It can be difficult to keep track of multiple on going conversations if I’m moving from city to city. If I find a host, I still have to cross my fingers and hope that there’s no funny business when I arrive (sometimes later in the day or night than I’d like). If my plans change in one place, I hope that there’s no domino effect that might jeopardize the rest of my plans.

Booking Flights Before They Go Up The Next Time You Check

Spontaneity is great for letting adventures unfold, but can cause some deferred stress and coin, if you don’t know for sure when you want to fly. By far, my biggest budget busters have been flight increases. I remember seeing flights from Bali to LAX costing around $400 for when I wanted to travel. I wasn’t quite sure of my plans yet based on whether the weather would permit a sailing to Komodo Island. Waiting an extra day ended up costing me an additional $500 as that flight (the cheapest option) went up to $900. I had no choice, but to bite the bullet. That wasn’t the first and definitely not the last time. Even as recently as this week. I waited an extra 2 days to change an upcoming flight and it ended up costing me an extra $50.

Calculating Out Baggage Allowance

This is certainly a newer problem. It would be nice if every airline had the same policy when it comes to carry-on allowances, but of course, that would make things too easy. Used to be, you can just fit everything into a backpack and hop from one city to another. Now, I have to do math and pre-planning to see if I should bring a small enough pack/suitcase that will get onto all the flights, or get something bigger that would require me to pay an additional fee or check the bag for just one or two flights while affording me more space. Or should I just take the train instead not have to worry. Just one more layer to the planning.

Not we get to the actual traveling part.

Figuring Out Where You Are And Where You Are Going

It’s a whole lot easier now with my iPhone and GPS, but that’s not always reliable. I can’t tell you how many times the directions to a pick-up is something like, “walk 200 meters down the street and look for a tree that bends more to the left than the right. The bus will pick up opposite of the tree on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and on the same side of the tree on Tuesdays and Fridays.” Actually, that one was pretty clear. Even with the help of GPS, I’m often wandering aimlessly back and forth across a spot that I’m 100% sure I’m supposed to be (with all my gear and pack), that turns out to be on different street because they changed the spot yesterday morning. If I’m lucky to find it and make it onto the bus on time, I pray that the toilet hasn’t exploded like the last 3 buses and I don’t have to fight two Nicaraguan woman for the right to sit in the seat I paid for.

Keeping Your Stuff Safe

It’s almost instinctual at this point, but I have a perfect mental catalog of every single item I own on me when I travel. I need to know where everything’s at, even in pitch darkness (in case I need to leave at 4 am to catch a flight) and I need to make sure it’s all locked up and secure. Personally (knock on wood), I haven’t had any problems with my things being stolen across over 60 countries, but it only takes on time. When I’m out eating, my bag is wrapped around my leg or under the chair and/or table. I need to keep my hard drives separated, as with my passport and other forms of ID. This is more mentally exhausting than anything, but luckily, all this has become second nature.

3 Ways To Pass Out Quickly

  • Take 5 mg of melatonin and start reading.
  • Drink a cup of hot turmeric milk
  • Do a 2 minute meditative breathing exercise

Screwing Up Your Sleep Schedule

I genuinely believe that I no longer have an internal clock with my erratic sleep schedule across time zones. The upside is I can’t get jet lag if my body has no idea when it’s supposed to sleep anyway. When it comes to flying, you sometimes have to choose between waking up extremely early for a flight or arriving unreasonably late into a new city. I usually err on the side of early flight, which means I may choose to stay up all night to avoid missing it. Compound this across a few different time zones, and my body sometimes requires 13-14 hours of sleep to make up for a few days of not knowing what the fuck it’s supposed to be doing.

Traveler sleeping in back of rickshaw

Having To Do Stuff

I’m rolling my own eyes as I’m writing this part, but it’s actually exhausting to have to wake up and do cool shit everyday. It’s awesome once you get going, but one cool thing after another and you’re just ready to pass out when you get back to your room. Unfortunately, there’s bound to be a group of people who will drag you out for a late night knowing full well that you all have another early start because you all decided to sign up to go biking down something called the Death Road.

Not Getting Ripped Off

When I come home, I appreciate hard set prices. On the road, you’re constantly having to negotiate unless you don’t mind paying a little or a lot more for things. In some regions, bargaining is deep-rooted part of the process. I don’t even think some of the vendors are trying to rip you off. They just need to play your role and haggle down to a pre-determined price. Prices are flexible in so many places, that even seemingly set prices can be haggled, so you’re constantly wondering if you are overpaying. The upside is that in many of these regions, getting ripped off won’t amount to any significant amount, but it still can add up.

Delays At All The Wrong Time

Once in my life, I was running late for a flight and got a text saying that it was delayed. The rest of the time, nope. Flights tend to run on time if I get caught in a traffic jam, but get delayed when I arrive plenty early. The worst is when I’ve stayed up all night for a morning flight only to have it being pushed back in increments of 30 minutes at a time. If I fall asleep, I run the risk of missing the flight when it’s ready to go. Of course, if I new it’d be delayed for a grand total of 3 hours, I would have definitely taken a quick nap. Of course delays also impact everything that comes after it. Very fun.

Bed Bugs and Food Poisoning

Is it weird to say that I don’t even get bothered by bed bugs anymore. Sadly, most of the time I’ve been bitten, it’s been in some of the cleanest accommodations. There are places where I expected bed bugs and found some, but most of the time, it gets me when I least expect it. And food poisoning. As iron of stomach as I have, the most random things will get me. Eating a whole fruit bat? Nope. Some unrefrigerated meat that’s been sitting in the open for most of the day? Nope. Chicken sandwich. Touch of death. Luckily, I carry a little something that combats the food poisoning, but it still takes a lot out of you.

Am I missing anything? Sound off and let me know what drains you the most from traveling. To reiterate, despite all this, being able to travel is a privilege and I’d take it with all of its downs any day.

Updated on September 13, 2020

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Kien is an international photographer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. He captures his adventures on whereandwander.com and believes in living for those moments that make the best stories, told or untold. He is working through his bucket list and wants to help others do the same. Follow him on Instagram @hellokien .

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Valentina Stoycheva Ph.D.

The Great Exhaustion: Long-Lasting Pandemic Effects

Why now is exactly the time to slow down..

Posted November 28, 2022 | Reviewed by Michelle Quirk

  • As the world is returning to higher levels of activity, there are reasons why you may be feeling exhausted.
  • We do not just leave a traumatic situation, like a worldwide pandemic, and not have reactions to it.
  • Burnout, increased social interactions, and unconscious processes impact how we recover.

 Amy Z/Pixabay

If you are feeling exhausted, and you are not quite sure why, you are not alone. At least once a week, I hear from patients and colleagues alike that “I am just so bone-tired, and I don’t know why.”

While I am not aware of the numbers and official statistics nationwide, I personally know many individuals who have at this point needed to take time off from work under the Family and Medical Leave Act due to COVID-19 -related mental health difficulties . In March of 2022, The New York Times published an article titled "The New Phase of the Pandemic Is COVID Exhaustion." However, 10 months later, it seems to be that an all-encompassing and much more generalized exhaustion has become very hard to shake off.

It is hard to pinpoint where this sort of existential weariness is coming from when the world seems to be opening back up, social activities and travel have resumed, and, in a lot of ways, people are behaving as if a pandemic never happened—stores are now full of unmasked people, flights are sold out, and concert venues are working at full capacity. (I admit, I also have purchased tickets to three events in the last month.) By all accounts, the world—at least our corner of it—is mostly back to normal. So why are we feeling so decidedly “not back to normal”?

There are a number of reasons why a prolonged collective trauma , like the one we have all endured, also causes long-lasting consequences. Some may seem more obvious, while others may be unconscious and have more to do with the deeper layers of processing of our experiences, including how much time is needed to metabolize trauma. All speak to the very justified need to slow down at a time the world seems to be telling us to pick up more speed.

No Longer Taking Things for Granted

In my family, we have a tradition: If you attend Thanksgiving dinner, you must write anonymously on a sheet of paper at least one thing you are grateful for this year. All notes are then put in a basket and read aloud, with guests trying to guess who wrote each statement.

This year was unusual in that we had the first friends-and-family Thanksgiving in three years, so people were asked to write their gratitudes for the last three years. And here is where the even more unusual part comes in: More than half of the people present wrote statements like, “I am grateful my spouse and I survived”; “I am glad to be able to be with everybody again”; and “I am thankful we did not get sick.” These are not typical statements made during a typical holiday. They are the kinds of statements that we make when we have just survived something that tremendously shook up our world.

Being able to take some things for granted makes our lives easier. Deriving from years of research into the normative unconscious (cf. Weinberger & Stoycheva, 2019), we now know that, in order to function properly, our minds have to be able to rely on at least some consistencies in our environment. This is imperative, because we filter so much information in any given moment, that if we were doubting and questioning every single stimulus, we would become very quickly overstimulated.

However, as my family's statements illustrate, we are no longer feeling safe in such fundamental experiences as "I will see my family tomorrow" or "I, or my spouse, will be here, alive, for the holidays." Since we are no longer taking certain things for granted, such as safety, the ability to see our loved ones on a regular basis, and even the systems that “hold” our world together (including political, health care, and others, which have been significantly shaken up in the last few years), our ability to trust in predictability has been greatly impacted. It is natural that this will result in a kind of existential weariness.

The Adrenaline Dump

When we are under a lot of pressure or experience heightened levels of stress , our bodies react by releasing stress hormones , such as adrenaline, to help us deal with the situation. If you have found yourself functioning in a kind of prolonged fight-or-flight mode through the last three years, you are not the only one. The rapidly changing COVID-19 guidelines, the increased stress related to loss and grief , and the changes in social support we all experienced constitute one lengthy situation of heightened stress—a situation that none of us have ever experienced in our lifetime. The pandemic, for many, has felt like constantly struggling to poke our heads above the water, just to be hit with another wave again.

The long-term impact of this is the inability to effectively recover from stress, which means that our bodies were persistently bathed in stress hormones. It is understandable that once the storm passes, we may need longer to return to “normal” functioning. Fatigue is one of the hallmarks of the adrenaline dump—or the period after our bodies stop pumping stress hormones into our system to keep us able to cope.

are world tours exhausting

Similarly, if we look at how we process emotions—and especially the research of Emily and Amelia Nagosk i (2020)—we find out that burnout is mostly the aftermath of an inability to move effectively through the cycle of negative emotions. For a prolonged period of time, many of us could not complete healthy emotional cycles exactly because we were consistently facing new challenges. From more than a million deaths to date in the U.S. alone, to civil unrest, to mass shootings , to the politicization of a worldwide healthcare issue, we have not been able to catch a break and metabolize our negative emotions in a healthy way.

In May 2022, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, issued an advisory , declaring healthcare workers’ burnout a national emergency. And while certain professions have indeed experienced a much higher load as a result of a health-related global threat, nobody has been spared. In January 2022, the American Psychological Association published an article indicating that the stressors brought on by a prolonged pandemic have become “persistent and indefinite.” They traced a steady increase in across-the-board burnout since the beginning of COVID-19, including in the following areas: cognitive weariness, emotional exhaustion, and physical fatigue.

In Conclusion

It is challenging if, while the world is buzzing with action again, you feel like you are just not up to all the activities, socialization, tasks and chores, or emotional processing that is required of us on a daily basis. You may be asking yourself, "The pandemic is over, so why am I still so tired?" It may be even more difficult if there is a persistent voice in your mind telling you to make up for lost time because it has been so long since you did [fill in the blank]. However, these feelings are not abnormal or even unusual.

A good rule of thumb is to listen to your body, rather than the pesky voice in your head, and to take care of yourself in a way that will facilitate healing. What this means is this: If you are tired, rest; if you are overwhelmed, reduce the stimulation; if you are burned out , allow yourself time to feel your feelings and to introduce more joy in your life. We are all in our own recovery process and, despite what it might seem on the outside, it will take some time for the emotional aftermath of the pandemic to be fully metabolized.

Weinberger, J. & Stoycheva, V. (2019). The unconscious: Theory, research, and clinical implications. New York: The Guilford Press.

Nagosky, E. & Nagoski, A. (2020). Burnout: The secret of unlocking the stress cycle. Random House Publishing Group.

Valentina Stoycheva Ph.D.

Valentina Stoycheva, Ph.D., is the founder of STEPS (Stress & Trauma Evaluation and Psychological Services) and the co-author of The Unconscious: Theory, Research, and Clinical Implications .

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Tired of Traveling? Avoid Travel Burnout

Written by: Jamie Campbell

Do you feel like you might be getting tired of traveling? This could be a sign of travel fatigue or travel burnout!

What is burnout?  Burnout is defined as “mental or physical collapse due to overwork and stress”.

You could be experiencing a burnout if you ever wake up feeling dejected and exhausted, like you want to give up on the day before it has even started. These are the days when all you want to do is crawl back under the covers and not move all day.  I think most of us have had one or more of these days at one point or another.

Now, while you’ll often hear the term “burnout” thrown around when it comes to the subject of work or college, it can also hit you on the road, when you’re backpacking. I know what you’re thinking… “Travel? The thing we do to de-stress and escape the working world. Why doesn’t this decrease my chances of getting burnout?” It’s a fair question, but burnout can hit you a lot easier than most think.

There are two main causes of travel burnout when it comes to backpacking and living life on the road:

1. Never, mentally, fully escaping life back home. While you may have physically left, your mind is still stuck back home, in work or in other issues.

2. Travelling too fast. Travelling too fast has become more of an issue in recent years with everyone trying to cram entire cities into a few days and whole countries into a couple of weeks or less. While this is still undoubtedly better than the regular 9-5, there’s no question that this is a high-stress, high-workload environment.

So, what the hell can we do to avoid burnout hitting us? That’s what this guide is here to do. First, we’ll start by looking at the symptoms of burnout and what can cause them on the road. And then, we’ll get into how to cure these symptoms and how to avoid burnout completely.

So if you’re after a more relaxing, enjoyable and fulfilling travel experience, keep reading.

travel burnout travel fatigue

Symptoms of Travel Burnout

Burnout is like a brick wall standing in the middle of a road. It’s only going to hit you if you don’t see it coming. Luckily, there are plenty of early warning signs that suggest you might be suffering from travel burnout, or that you may be heading towards a crash in the near future.

1. High Stress or Anxiety

You may think of this purely as work-related but it can be just as common on the backpacking trail. If you’re constantly travelling to new places, never staying anywhere for longer than a few nights, never having a free moment scheduled into your day, that’s all going to catch up with you at some point.

2. Feeling Disengaged

Feeling disinterested and being unable to focus on any given task is a tell-tale sign that burnout is coming.

3. Negativity and Self-Criticising

Burnout can leave you feeling more negative than you usually do, both towards others and yourself.

4. Binge Eating

We’ve all been there, right? We get stressed out or we feel totally overwhelmed (perhaps by travelling too quickly or by packing too much stuff into our itinerary) and we resort to binge eating our favourite comfort food. I can usually tell I’m on the verge of burnout when I discover myself in the local McDonald’s, instead of at a local spot or street food cart.

5. Distracted Eating

Another common symptom and early sign of travel fatigue is if you find yourself distracted when eating. This could mean you’re eating and on your laptop or tablet at the same time. Work can wait. Netflix can wait... Especially when travelling.

6. Mental Exhaustion

This is what I was talking about at the beginning when you just want to spend the entire day in bed; not necessarily because of sleepiness but because of total mental and emotional exhaustion.

7. Constant Worrying

You have the same worries and fears playing around in your head, on repeat. And, no matter what, you can’t seem to quiet the noise.

8. Physical Illness

This will come rather far into the burnout process, so hopefully, you never get to this stage but it can happen. If you’re constantly doing stuff during the day and then partying into the early hours of the morning and not factoring in any downtime to the equation, at some point it’s all going to come back and bite you.

9. Increased Alcohol Consumption

For this one, it’s slightly harder to tell, since drinking and backpacking seem to be synonymous with one another. Red flags should be raised when you start drinking to escape the worries and fears in your head, to forget about your stresses and to combat the mental exhaustion.

But, sampling the local beer when eating out? Go for it. It’s a must! Partying with your new backpacking hostel buddies? Drink the night away! Just make sure alcohol is being used as a party enhancer and not solely as a stress reducer.

how to avoid travel burnout

Causes of Travel Burnout

So, we’ve covered the symptoms to watch out for, but that’s after burnout has struck. What causes travel burnout? In order to know how to avoid burnout on the road, we’ve got to understand what causes it to begin with.

1. Not Enough Sleep

Everyone’s different when it comes to sleep but most of us need seven to eight hours of quality shut-eye to minimise the risk of burnout. If we’re only getting a couple hours each night, burnout is almost inevitable and will catch up with us, eventually.

2. Not Enough Exercise

It can be hard to stay in peak shape while backpacking. Yes, there’s a lot of walking, exploring and adventuring to be had, and that has its physical benefits but it’s a lot more difficult to schedule in a workout or to go for a run than it is back home. Exercise is a known mood enhancer and energy booster so without it, we’re likely to feel more sluggish, negative and - ironically - more tired.

3. Constant Hurrying

Are you always packing your stuff last minute? Always running for the plane, train or bus? Burnout could be headed your way!

4. No Breaks

Breaks are important; in work but also in life. And that doesn’t change when it comes to life on the road. A lot of people return home from a trip, less relaxed than when they left because they didn’t give themselves any breaks. It was go, go, go 100% of the time.

travel fatigue

Ways to Avoid Burnout on the Road

We’ve covered how and why burnout hits you on the road, but now, let’s get to the meat and potatoes… How to actually avoid burning out to begin with. When we travel, our daily schedules and routines change. That is inevitable. And, when this happens, a lot of us backpackers don’t adapt to it well.

Instead of being reluctantly forced into these habit changes, if we are better prepared for them, we’ll be able to deal with them, adapt to the backpacker life better and manage to avoid burnout completely.

1. Make Time for Sleep

On planes. In taxis. On overnight trains or buses. If that’s what it takes, do it. Say your iPhone was down to 10% battery. Without charging it, it won’t work or even turn on. If our body is the phone then sleep is the charger and a bed is the plug socket in the wall.

2. Have a (Simplified) Exercise Schedule

Yes, it is harder to stick to your regular exercise routines when backpacking but it’s not impossible to stay in shape. Go out for a run, or even a walk when possible. If you have space, do some simple bodyweight exercises that don’t require any special equipment.

If you’re travelling slow and are staying in one place for an extended period of time, this gives you the chance to find fitness opportunities in the area whether it’s a gym or some local classes.

3. Slow Down

As I’ve mentioned, it’s far less stressful (and more enjoyable) to travel slow . On top of limiting stress and exhaustion, you’ll also make a deeper connection with the places you do visit.

4. Volunteer

Doing some volunteer work is already popular among the backpacking community and it can really help soothe the soul and make you feel great about yourself. As a side effect, this is a great way to avoid burnout.

Both laughing and making other people laugh give you one of the best feelings imaginable. Surrounding yourself with positive and funny people can be infectious when it comes to your mood and outlook on life. It’s not going to be difficult to find people like this while backpacking.

6. Take Days Off

You can afford to do this when travelling slower. Not every day has to be filled with a million tourist attractions. It’s okay to spend some days lying on the beach, chilling in your hostel or even sprawling out on your bed (or in a hammock if there’s one available) to read your book.

This will help you recharge and keep your energy up to make the most of the experiences and adventures you do have.

7. Schedule Alone Time

If you’re not backpacking solo, it can get difficult spending every waking minute of the day with the same person (or small group of people). It’s okay to do your own thing occasionally. In fact, it will keep both/all of you sane and will mean you actually enjoy the time you do spend together more.

how to avoid travel burnout on the road

Avoiding travel fatigue involves recognising the causes and the symptoms and then implementing measures and habits to prevent it from happening. If you’re travelling with a friend, you can become each other’s burnout accountability buddies. Having someone to help you out can give you a massive boost and will help you to avoiding that feeling of being tired of traveling.

That being said, it’s not going to be all sunshine and rainbows. Backpacking - like anything else in life - has its ups and downs . But by managing to avoid burnout on the road, you can enjoy the ups more and limit the downs as much as possible.

Author: Jamie is an avid traveller and has been backpacking since he left high school in 2016. He is the founder of the backpacking and budget travel blog, Gaijin Crew, which aims to teach aspiring backpackers to travel on a student budget and make long-term, extended travel a reality.

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"That Was 20 Years Ago, And I’m Sure It's Even Worse Now": People Are Sharing The Popular Travel Destinations They Did Not Enjoy

"The most fascinating part of the whole vacation was realizing that many people live for this place. The crowds…the prices…the lines. Never again for us."

Hannah Loewentheil

BuzzFeed Staff

When you travel to a new place, you probably leave home with high expectations. After all, you never know — you could be embarking upon your new favorite destination. But chances are, you haven't been head over heels for every locale you've visited.

Julia Roberts in a jacket over a floral top looking away against a cityscape background

So I asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell me about a destination that left them feeling underwhelmed. Here's what people said, along with comments from some redditors who love to travel.

1. "san francisco. the city was so crowded, i didn’t like the food, and the homelessness we saw all around us was extremely sad.".

Chinatown in San Francisco

2. "Virginia Beach. I love beaches, but Virginia Beach was murky and way overcrowded, and there was not much to do. It’s also near a military base, so having the constant military planes overhead was just unnerving."

Crowded beach with people sunbathing and umbrellas, adjacent to a walkway

— Chocolateboujie

3. " New York City . I remember coming up the escalator from Penn Station and immediately smelling pee. I recall walking streets that were lined with huge piles of stinky trash bags. It was so dirty everywhere, I was afraid to touch anything. That was 20 years ago, and I’m sure it's even worse now."

People walking across a street in NYC

— mellowswan58

4. "Cabo San Lucas. There were massive ships blocking the horizon, panhandlers who would stand in front of you so you couldn’t see the ocean, and hordes of people getting in the way at every snorkeling spot. There were beach chairs packed like sardines. I love other parts of Mexico, but Cabo was generally an underwhelming experience."

Cabo San Lucas Marina as seen from a resort

5. "Venice. This Italian city was so crowded and overrun with tourists that I couldn't even stop to enjoy the sights and experiences around me."

People sitting at an outdoor café in a busy square with an ornate building in the background

— alyssiadspence

6. "Disney World. My whole family was so excited about this Florida vacation, and we could not wait to get there. But we spent more money than planned (we still can’t even stomach how much we spent), we fought more as a family than we ever had, and we stood in line after line after line. The most fascinating part of the whole vacation was realizing that many people live for this place. The crowds…the prices…the lines. Never again for us."

Cinderella Castle at Disney World with visitors in front, clear sky

7. "Bora Bora in French Polynesia. Yes, it’s so beautiful, but there’s really nothing to do beyond the beach. And you have to stay at one of the super-expensive resorts to actually make a trip there worthwhile. The other destinations in the Society Islands were more fun and still just as gorgeous."

Overwater bungalows extend from a wooden pier into a calm sea under a sunny sky

8. "Egypt. I was so excited to go, but it was the worst place I’ve ever traveled to. Everyone tried to scam me relentlessly, from the airport clerk to the taxi drivers and the pyramids tour guide. People will tell you they recognize you from the day before, and they'll try to get you to ride their donkey and follow you even when you say multiple times that you’re not interested. It was impossible to walk half a block from my hotel to try to buy water without people constantly stopping me trying to get money in some way and some form. It was absolutely exhausting."

The Great Pyramids of Giza with tourists and camel rides in the foreground

— poeticfish417

9. "Tulum, Mexico. It has beautiful beaches but is otherwise completely devoid of character. It's expensive and boring (unless your only goal is to party with other tourists)."

Beach with visitors below ancient ruins, clear sky, and a traditional hut on the left

— coolmug64

10. "Sydney. I found it to be a very boring city. I hate that I wasted so much of my time in Australia there. Bondi Beach was just okay, and seeing the iconic landmarks like the Opera House felt like checking things off a box. After that, I wasn't sure how to spend my time. The city has no personality. As soon as I hopped on a train west, I saw incredible landscapes and met truly genuine folks. You can do Sydney in a day or two. I wish I’d headed into the bush the minute my plane landed."

Crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming, cityscape in the background

11. "Bali. This Indonesian island is still great in many ways, but it is increasingly overrun by obnoxious tourists and expats. I'm talking vapid, entitled influencer (or wannabe influencer) kinds of tourists/expats who wait in long lines to take selfies at historical/spiritual sites that they don't bother to learn anything about."

Beach scene with people on bean bags under umbrellas at sunset

12. "Amsterdam. It was so crowded, chaotic, and easy to get run over by other tourists on bikes who've never ridden before. I feel like it's romanticized a lot, but the first time I visited, I was genuinely disappointed. It's definitely dirty on the streets, and the canals have a lot of waste drifting in them."

Street view with people cycling and walking, historical buildings, and a church with twin spires

— u/Marveloes

13. "Paris. What a colossally overrated city. I’ve always heard that Paris syndrome was a real thing, but I wasn’t prepared for how disappointed I was actually going to feel after visiting. The crowds were atrocious, the locals are not friendly, to say the least (even though I could speak some French), and everything was absolutely filthy. And this is all coming from a San Francisco native!"

A bustling city street scene at night with illuminated shop signs and a crowd of pedestrians

14. "Portland, Oregon. My best friend and I drove across the country from Florida to Washington, stopping for national parks, iconic eateries, and more. We read so many good things about Portland online, but in reality, it was one of the most depressing places I’ve ever seen. The hotel itself was awesome, but outside those doors, the downtown area was awful. There was tons of open drug use, naked people on the sidewalk, and the smell of bodily fluids everywhere. It was too much. We saw other parts of Oregon and loved it (especially Cannon Beach), but Portland was a major disappointment."

The sun sets over a busy avenue in downtown Portland

15. "Santorini was pretty disappointing, in my opinion. I feel like the photos I've seen online must have been photoshopped. I expected beautiful views but ended up having to crop graffiti and dirty buildings from the backgrounds of my pictures. It was also so expensive. The cheapest lunch option I found was a small wrap for 11 euros. It really felt like a tourist trap. Rhodes, on the other hand, was gorgeous and affordable. This island was home to beautiful beaches and old medieval buildings. I would avoid spending much time in Santorini, considering how much more expensive it is than other, equally beautiful Greek islands."

Crowd of people gathered in Santorini overlooking the sea and islands

16. "The Alhambra in Granada, Spain. It was so crowded, especially considering how small it actually is. I’d seen so many photos of the Alhambra where it looked so stunning, and I envisioned it being this serene palace. In reality, though, it was beyond packed with tour groups. Perhaps this is a good instance of how inaccurately social media can represent popular tourist destinations."

Group of people under an ornate archway, looking toward a building's intricate facade

17. "Atlantis in the Bahamas. You have this image of a luxury resort before visiting, but upon arrival, you find this incredibly overcrowded place (and that’s *before* the cruise people arrive and completely take over the property during daytime hours). Anytime there was an issue with service, they would blame it on 'island time.' If one more person said the phrase 'island time,' I was going to lose it. We had thousand-dollar excursions, private cabanas, and dinner reservations all cut short due to island time. Paradise Island was beautiful, but we're never going back to Atlantis."

Atlantis Caribbean beach resort, with white sand coastline

18. "Naples. I did a big European trip after college and spent about a month in Italy. Naples was EASILY the worst place we visited. Seedy, run-down, trashy, unsafe, you name it. Would never go back."

The busy corner with street vendors between Via San Gregorio Armeno and Via San Biagio dei Librai in Naples

— u/ wanna_meet_that_dad

19. "Barcelona was disappointing to me. If you aren't a big drinker and don't want to do a lot of shopping, the city is kind of boring. Spend a day on the beach and another day touring, and you've pretty much done it all. That being said, going to La Sagrada Família was incredible. It made the rest of the boring trip totally worthwhile."

Crowded urban street with pedestrians walking, trees lining the path, and kiosks on the sides

20. "Nashville. Traffic is a nightmare, and you cannot enjoy the downtown area because it is so loud. All of the bars have music blaring out into the street, and it just blends together into one high-decibel sound wave. Not to mention, there are people who are homeless passed out in the middle of the sidewalks. The city reeks of urine and sewage, and on weekends, you cannot even walk without getting bumped into. Don’t even get me started on all the party buses, tractors, and pedal taverns that further congest things and add to the noise, with everyone in town for sorority events and bachelorette parties."

A busy street at night with neon signs and crowds in Nashville

21. "Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It's very artificial feeling, and the whole city has a crowded amusement park feel. There's nothing eye-catching. It feels like a lesser clone of Singapore."

Aerial view of Dubai Marina futuristic skyline with a man-made lake in the middle

— gabrielavillegasn

22. " Las Vegas , for me. I know it's a very popular tourist spot in the US, but I just can't stand going there. Like most people, I was excited to go at first, but just taking a big whiff of the air there makes me gag now. The streets can be really dirty, and traffic is terrible. It is really dry, and I personally can't stand not being near a body of water."

Las Vegas at night

— UncleBenjamin

23. "The Big Island of Hawaii . I recently went on a trip to the island. So many people rave about the views and the hiking trails past beautiful waterfalls. I was there for two weeks and spent roughly half of my time driving. Any waterfall 'hikes' were more aptly just short walks from the parking lot and up a couple of stairs. The volcanoes were cool, the weather was nice, and the views were okay, but I don’t think I would spend the time or the money to go back."

Visitors beside a rocky stream with a waterfall in a lush landscape

24. "Costa Rica. This country felt like a tourist trap. In many places, you have no option but to stay at an all-inclusive resort and purchase travel packages for adventure sports like zip lining, horseback riding, and more. There isn't much opportunity to deviate from these packages, and it's also very expensive. I felt that it was hard to learn anything about the local or Indigenous culture."

A person zip lining over trees and rainforest

Do you have something to add? Tell us in the comments or drop your thoughts into this Google form .

Note: Some entries have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Seven Signs You Are Suffering From Travel Fatigue

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Tips

Updated On: May 17, 2021

Long term travel can be tough.  After a couple of months on the road, it becomes work and many people suffer from travel fatigue.

After traveling for months, you are no longer in that honeymoon phase of excitement you are just simply exhausted.

Every day has been one attraction, temple, trek or museum after another. Sometimes, after you have been busy being a tourist for weeks on end, all you want to do lay down and take a nap.

Table of Contents

Signs You Are Suffering From Travel Fatigue

It can feel pretty strange when you are in a foreign country and other travelers are heading out in the morning for their tours and sightseeing excursions.

You think that you should be doing something too, but you just can’t motivate yourself, so you give into the fatigue and enjoy some time not traveling. Here are some signs that told Dave and I that we just may have a little bit of travelers Fatigue…

1. Don’t Care About the Top Sites Anymore

For example: You go to the Taj Mahal, its cold, misty and foggy for three entire days.

You don’t care.  You don’t even bother to go inside.  Instead you go to the only heated place in town…the coffee shop.

2. You Skip The Top Tourist Attraction

For example: You have an opportunity to see the astounding Amber Palace in Jaipur India …

Instead you go to the mall, walk around and buy some socks.

3. Had Enough of Local Food and Traditions

For example: Your hotel has traditional food and musicians playing on their rooftop restaurant.

It has everything you would want for a night out in India…

You go to Pizza Hut instead.  Not once, but twice.

4. Skip the Must do Tours

Not far out of town, there is a village filled with dancers, artists and local cuisine.  They offer tours to go out there from the evening.

You choose to stay in bed and stream “Sherlock Holmes” with Robert Downey Jr.  On your computer’s free wifi.

 5. Skip the City Tours

For example: You have two days in Delhi before flying out. It is pleasant outside.  It’s not too cold and the sun is out.  You are centrally located close to some of the cities best attractions…

You order room service and channel surf between HBO and the BBC

6. Cut Short Your Trip

For example: You should be heading east to Varenassi in central India.  You have planned to travel all the way to Calcutta…

Instead you buy a last minute ticket to escape for a month to Sri Lanka.

7. Throw the Budget out the Window

Example: You are on a tight budget, you can’t go over budget or you won’t have enough money to get through the trip. The last thing you want to do in dip into your credit cards, but you can’t take backpacking anymore.

You’ve thrown the budget out the window and you couldn’t be happier.

Time to lay on the beach and enjoy your travel in style. It’s the only way you can get back into traveling again.

So, now that we’ve had a month to detox in luxury and yes, we blew the budget, we’re getting ready to go back to India backpacking again.

8. Excitement of Travel is Gone

The excitement of travel has come back to us.

We dealt with our funk on a beach in the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

We recovered from our traveler’s fatigue. All it took was a a few days laying in the sand, playing in the surf and relaxing by the pool. That is how you cure travel fatigue. Stop traveling for awhile and then get back to business.

  • Train Travel in India: Tips for Navigating the Indian Railways
  • India and Mexico, More Similar Than You’d Think
  • The Many Faces of India: A Photo Story

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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38 thoughts on “Seven Signs You Are Suffering From Travel Fatigue”

THANK YOU for writing this post, after 5 months of Latin America I am tired of travelling. I went on a tour of Barrio 13 in Medellin this morning and now just want to hire an AirBnB for a month and live a normal life, with normal friends, with regular contacts, routines and a wardrobe. I’m supposed to be travelling for another 7 months and at the moment I am craving a normal life again… stability.

I love Downey posters, do u know what movie it is? .-= wmofree´s last blog ..Ice World 2002 TV =-.

That is from Sherlock Holmes

Ha Ha Ha! love it! If any place can give you travelers fatigue it’s India! .-= Dianne´s last blog ..Life is a lot like Jazz, it’s best when you improvise =-.

Haha, I can relate with that. When that happen, we move to different country, or even a country far away. Occasionally we will do a long-ish term stay, maybe a week or two, in somewhere budget, close to the beach. Relaxing and get ourselves reorganized. .-= Dina VagabondQuest´s last blog ..Cockatoo and flying fox paradise =-.

sounds like you wanted a change of environment or then gain maybe you’re right, you just got tired of moving around too much. sometimes i get the ‘sickness’ of trying to see everything at once, squeezing every possible activity in a day, which eventually burnt me out.

do we really need to see all? .-= flip´s last blog ..What’s the Future of the Travel Agencies? =-.

travel fatigue can be really tough especially if you have to face some frustrating situations… after such an intense travel experience, as you guys, you well deserve some time off! we are guilty too of many nights tv-watching but always up early in the morning for a long day full of adventures. .-= marta´s last blog ..Snapshot of the week: let’s fly away =-.

Oh wow this sounds so similar to our India experience I can’t believe it. We too spent time in more than a few Pizza Huts and may have even went to the movie theaters twice, but those things saved our sanity.

Hey Lianna, so happy to hear that we are not alone! We went to the movies in Mumbai and it was amazing. We lost ourselves for a few hours. You just have to do it once in a while for your sanity.

Ah traveller’s fatigue… I know it all too well. Instead of checking out the beautiful valleys of Bukitinggi in Sumatra, I sat in a cafe sipping hot chocolate and soaking up free wifi not once, but on three separate occasions.

I am amazed I was able to tear myself away from the aircon in KL’s choping malls to head up to Taman Negara National Park for a couple of nights but I am sure glad I did. Although I am looking very forward to three nights of vegging out, catching up on internet stuff and watching the Olympics.

Bring on some more travel – but not for a couple of weeks! .-= Kirsty´s last blog ..So Long Sumatra, Thanks for the Fruit Shakes =-.

Kristy. Ah, the shopping malls in KL! We couldn’t tear ourselves away either. But so glad when we did. Malaysia had amazing National Parks. glad you made it to Taman Negara. I agree, taking time is the key. We have finally settled into slowing down and not worrying so much. It only took us 3 months of traveling to figure it out!

Oooh, last time I tried to reduce travelers’ fatigue by sleeping on the beach, I ended up with an ugly sunburn!! Of course, I met some of my favorite other travelers when they walked by and pushed me and said, “Hey, Dude … (and, no, I’m not a dude) you should turn over!” ha ha

Hope you get rested soon! .-= Cherrye at My Bella Vita´s last blog ..Travel Tip Tuesday: Don’t Make These Five Mistakes When Planning Your Trip to Italy =-.

Sometimes you just have to slow down. It can be a blur of trains, planes and buses and even if you’re in a magnificent location, your body and mind just want to stop. There is nothing wrong with. It happens to the best and most open travelers. No shame in that.

To me that means that you have been taking in all the sights and sounds before and now you’re trying to process it all.

This is also a great ad for slower travel – staying for weeks instead of days if you can. .-= brian | No Debt World Travel´s last blog .. Are You Broke, Married, Have Kids or Older? Consider a Round the World Trip =-.

Brian, Thanks for the positive feedback. It is true it makes you slow down and process what you have been experiencing over time. You can get information overload and maybe travelers fatigue is just the way of dealing with it all.

I can relate to travel fatigue, but in my case I gave up cycling through Africa to RELAX in India. Most people either love India or they hate it and maybe you’re leaning towards the second category. Hope Sri Lanka will be what you’re looking for.

Ha Ha! I love it. Giving up Africa to relax in India. Let me tell you, sometimes we think of heading to Africa to Relax 🙂 I don’t think we hate India we just need a little break in order to enjoy the rest of it. Sri Lanka should do just that!

I can relate! Even on relatively short trips when the pace is fast, travel fatigue can set in. What I can’t stand are the feelings of guilt when you’re back home and didn’t do the things you set out to achieve. .-= Gourmantic´s last blog .. How Your Blog Can Turn Your Holiday into Work =-.

Travel fatigue can strike anywhere. Hopefully there will be no regrets on this trip 🙂

After a few weeks of hard core travel, I enjoy taking a break and just relaxing. If you are going to be on the road for awhile, you need it. Otherwise, you’ll go crazy .-= Nomadic Matt´s last blog .. Hostel Etiquette =-.

Well put Matt. You will go crazy if you don’t take that well needed break!

I am not sure I would call this Travelers Fatigue, feels more to me like you stopped being a tourist, and can call yourself a Traveler. There is a day when one accepts they live traveling, and they are not on vacation. There is no need to be walking around all day like a tourist.

Andy in Sosua, Dominican Republic Top Travel Blog .-= Andy Graham HoboTraveler.com´s last blog .. Andy HoboTraveler.com Travel Journal – Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:18:10 =-.

Thanks for your comment Andy. We like your analogy and never really thought of it that way but we will now!!

Thanks for the comment Andy. We never really looked at it that way before but we will now!!

India is a tough country and I can understand how you would get tired of it after a while. If you need a break from the chaos, I really think Thailand is a good option. It is almost . . . but not quite . . . like being in a western country and a lot easier than travelingin India. .-= Akila´s last blog ..thai feast: asia scenic cooking class =-.

Hey Akila, I agree, Thailand is a great option, we do love it there. Having been a few times we decided on something new and opted for Sri Lanka. What a great choice!

This is so true! I experienced exactly the same in India, even down to channel surfing between HBO and the BBC, and throwing out travel plans to go to Kerala in favour of slowing down for two weeks on Palolem Beach, Goa!

I think India especially invites Travel Fatigue, but it can strike anywhere – I’ve written about it hitting us in Peru

The key is not to exhaust yourself in the first place. Don’t try to fit too much in, schedule in plenty of time to simply relax and soak up the atmosphere, and try not to rush for too many early buses. Easier said than done when you’re in that first, energetic flush of a new trip!

To get over it, I find the best solution is to simply accept it, roll with it, enjoy the western food, air con and trashy films and wait for it to pass. Usually a change of scenery does the trick, as you say!

Here’s to guilt-free travel fatigue!

Hi Emma, You have a great point. I think that we tried to fit too much in. We kept on the move and you just can’t do that in India. It is also our first time running the blog full time while we travel and I think that we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to keep coming up with fresh content for our readers. and I think that you are right, as soon as we accepted that we had enough, enoyed the tv and food, we were ready to get back on the road and explore.

We usually don’t start getting tired of non-stop traveling until 6 or 7 months straight, but we go slow always with LOTS of unplugging & leisure days along the way. We also have a lot of time in nature that I think is important.

In almost 4 years of world travel, we have not had any travel fatigue yet, but we’re not in India yet either, although rural Morocco, Turkey and really anywhere new can be intense.

Weather DOES impact travel, especially extended travel. Traveling in cold, rainy, miserable weather, is just not fun….more so with a kid, even though we have done our share.

We now know, “too hot? Too rainy? too cold?” time to change locations! 😉

Enjoy your beach time and never forget that scheduled time to rest, reflect, rejuvenate, unplug & just do nothing is essential for long term travel! .-= soultravelers3´s last blog .. Seth Godin, Linchpin, Education & Travel =-.

No doubt a large part of your traveler’s fatigue stems from the fact that much of your travels in India turned out to be more frustrating and exhausting than you’d anticipated.

I know you found some parts of India to be beautiful and relaxing, but when much of your time is spent fending off hawkers, haggling with vendors for a fair price, trying to avoid the filth and pollution, and dealing with stressful transportation issues, that would exhaust the patience of anyone.

I had to smile when I saw the photo of your hotel room & TV, because I noticed the tea service tray – that’s not something you see here in the US – but it reminded me of the 2 month hiking trip Rod & I made through western Europe and the UK a few years back….everywhere we stayed we found that ever-present tray welcoming us, and sometimes it was the only thing that helped me de-stress and stay sane at the end of a long day, knowing that I could relax with a cup of tea or two and a couple of cookies…..such a civilized experience! .-= Trisha Miller´s last blog .. Suzy: The Finale – Suzy Speaks! =-.

Yes Trisha, things were a little bit more frustrating than expected and this no doubt contributed to our fatigue. The tea service tray is great and to see it here (because we have them in Canada) was a comforting sight. Sometimes a tea and some cookies can do wonders for the psyche.

Hi Deb & Dave,

Although you two claim to be seasoned travellers, your last few blog posts make you sound like a bunch of western teeny boppers who’ve never set foot in a developing country. I’m sorry you’ve had a “hard” time but to collectively call India filthy and not even go to the Taj Mahal is a sign of stupidity and not traveller’s fatigue.

My girlfriend and I are currently travelling in India (from Australia) and although find parts of India very dirty and some of the people quite unfriendly, our overall experience has been quite enjoyable. And yes, occasionally we love a quiet day and a western meal at McDonald’s, it’s not to say we’re looking for an escape from the country. We’re also travelling for two months, are at the halfway point of our trip, and are more than looking forward to the second half.

Among other things, I’m also surprised that you’ve found places like Bombay more enjoyable than some of the more “Indian” places. I lived in Bombay as a kid and although I love that city for it’s energy and vibe, I also consider it to be one of the dirtiest and full of money-hungry hawkers/beggars. And if you’re really that experienced, did you not do any research before you arrived? For if you had, you wouldn’t have expected a comfortable/western experience. A part of enjoying India is relishing just how different it is.

Anyway, each to his/her own, but i just wish you’d shown a little more respect to this old country.

Hope your Sri Lanka trip is more *comfortable*.

Hello Sahil,

Thank you for your response. I think that it is great that your time in India has been enjoyable. The great thing about travel is that it is a different experience for everyone. But I think that it is unfair to judge other peoples experiences so harshly. These are merely our observations and in no way are we disrespecting the country. If you take the time to read through our blog you will see that we enjoyed many places in India which included a visit to the Taj MAhal which was fogged in the whole time we were there. Sure some places we thought were filthy and if you believe that this is naive perhaps your judgment of Bombay is also off the mark. Calling it one of the dirtiest cities and full of money hungry beggars perhaps was your view but ours was different and we believe peoples opinions should be respected. We didn’t come to India for a western experience, but to be a so called seasoned traveler doesn’t mean you have to enjoy the filth of a country. Travel fatigue is different for everyone and so is how you deal with it.

Great article – and I can say that while not in India – we have done the same types of things when we are travelling- recently we got off a 14 day Med Cruise in Barcelona and had one last day of holiday – all we wanted to do was order room service and watch tv – we watched 7 episodes of the TV series “Damages” instead of exploring the architecture of Gaudi!

Oh well such is life!

Have a great time recovering in Sri Lanka!

Melanie .-= Melanie´s last blog .. Jan 25, Flying with Kids – How to Avoid Tantrums on Airplanes and other tips and trick for travelling with kids. =-.

Hi Melanie, Thanks for the comment. I love that so many people have done the same thing. Sometimes it is nice just to spoil yourselves with room service and english T.V.

We are currently experiencing this in Bangkok. We decided to to spend a higher amount per night and have ourselves our own studio apartment with free wifi, comfy bed, and TV with some English channels. Got some groceries for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Even manage to spend an entire day without leaving the apartment as we had leftover Indian food to eat for dinner! But we believe its good to spend a few days in the row of downtime and have found ourselves doing this all across the world during our trip, especially before we switch countries!

Enjoy the beach life! We just left the beach life of Thailand and are on our way up to Laos. I already miss the ocean!

Ahh, you must be loving your own studio apartment especially with all of the trimmings. Great way to recharge those batteries. We will enjoy the beach life for sure!! Have an awesome time in Laos you’re gonna love it!

Hi Dave & Debra,

I so relate to this. Such a shame not to have the energy to enjoy what you’ve been dreaming about. But then, recognizing the signs and doing something about them is important. A bit of self renewal – budget be damned – you’ll be on course again.

Take good care of yourselves, Janice .-= Janice´s last blog ..The Sundance Kids: an ode to the volunteers =-.

Thanks for the words of encouragement Janice. Our budget may get a little bruised but our vigor to get back at it will be renewed.

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Stage struck: for many musicians, settling down after the high of performance can be difficult.

Insomnia, anxiety, break-ups … musicians on the dark side of touring

Long hours in vans and solitary hotel rooms. Screaming fans when you’re on stage, then back home to feed the cat. Musicians talk about the psychological dangers of life on tour

W hile many may envisage the life of a touring musician to be that of a glorified jetsetter, the reality is far from idyllic. A recent study by charity Help Musicians UK found that over 60% of musicians have suffered from depression or other psychological issues, with touring an issue for 71% of respondents.

Singer Alanna McArdle recently announced her departure from Cardiff punk band Joanna Gruesome for mental health reasons, her statement hinting that the strain of touring may have been a factor in her decision to quit.And when Zayn Malik broke the hearts of millions by pulling out of One Direction’s tour of Asia – leaving the boy band shortly after – a source close to the band told the tabloid press: “Zayn went because he’d had enough. Have you ever been on the road for four years? ”

“The classic image of a touring musician would seem counterintuitive to all we know about well-being,” says Isabella Goldie of the Mental Health Foundation . “Drinking in moderation, avoiding drugs, getting sufficient amounts of sleep, and having a support base of close friends and family nearby. These are the bonds that help keep you grounded ... It’s no surprise that some musicians struggle.”

“Ninety-nine per cent of touring is the airports, the hotels, sitting in a metal tube for up to 16 hours at a time,” says Grammy-nominated producer Mat Zo (real name Matan Zohar). “It’s easy to let your mind and body slip into decay, even for a person with a healthy emotional state. For those with anxiety, hotel rooms are like prison cells.”

Meredith Graves, of Syracuse punk outfit Perfect Pussy, agrees: “We’re the luckiest people in the world to be able to do this; but that doesn’t mean it’s not hard. It’s psychologically taxing,” she says. “Being confined to the van for a 10-hour drive … You can’t sleep, you can’t move, you can’t do anything. It’s like a recipe for a breakdown for me.”

For many, the contrast between the highs of a successful show and the anti-climactic low that often follows can be hard to adjust to, a phenomenon that has been termed “post-performance depression’, or PPD. Mental health professional John C Buckner writes : “When the body experiences major shifts in mood, it is flooded with several different neurotransmitters, resulting in a biochemical release that leads to a feeling of ecstasy. After these moments the nervous system needs time to recalibrate itself to prepare for another release. After an exciting performance the body starts to balance out the level of neurotransmitters, and therefore it is not releasing the same level that caused the exciting feelings, resulting in the lingering sadness. In normal day-to-day life, biochemicals are released and rest/recovery follow, causing the typical ups and downs of life. In the case of PPD, the process is more extreme with higher highs and lower lows.”

Goldie agrees: “Musicianship remains one of the most exalted job roles and each live performance can provide a real high which can be hard to adjust to – especially when the elevated status that musicians receive is suddenly lost.”

US singer Willis Earl Beal on stage at The Falls festival in Australia, 2012.

“Touring can be destructive on a musician, it was destructive on me, that’s for sure,” former XL Recordings artist Willis Earl Beal tells meover the phone from his home in Washington State. “I’d come home from tour, and I’m back to feeding the cat. My wife at the time – I don’t have a wife now – worked 12-hour shifts , so I was cooking the dinner all that sort of shit. There was a lot of tension, because I’m thinking to myself, ‘I don’t deserve this, I’m a big star’ and that was one of the contributing factors in ending my marriage. This fucking career, the striving towards something that never existed and doesn’t exist.”

A breakdown of personal relationships is common, with many musicians feeling alienated from loved ones back home. Kate Nash , who rose to fame while still in her teens, says that the contrast between her life and that of her friends was hard to get her head around. “I was still living in a tiny bedroom at my parent’s house. Your friends are studying and you’re doing something very different. Even though that’s exciting, you can feel lost. You’re young and you’re not taking a normal path.”

Zohar agrees: “Relationships are compromised, partly because it becomes difficult to relate to people with a more stable lifestyle. Your problems and cares become radically different to the other people in your life.”

For some, however stressful and chaotic touring can be, it is preferable to daily life at home. “Touring institutionalises you and it can make normal life feel mundane,” says Vaccines singer Justin Young, recently returned from a handful of dates in the US. “You end up with a lot of expectations from life that aren’t always fulfilled in everyday tasks like going down the shops for a pint of milk or even going for dinner with friends. It’s hard to replace all that adrenaline.”

These sentiments are echoed by Nash: “When you’re on tour, you know exactly what you’re doing and what’s required of you. There’s a routine. It’s tangible what you stand for because it’s right in front of you. You come off tour and you’re like, ‘Fucking hell what is the point? What am I doing with my life?’”

But is treating touring as escapism healthy in the long-term? Isabella Goldiesays: “Life on the road can be exhilarating but it is vital that the musician has a place to call home, a place where he or she belongs.”

Kate Nash performs in San Francisco in 2013.

Many of those surveyed by Help Musicians were reluctant to seek help. One anonymous artist said: “I feel guilty asking for help with something I should be able to deal with given the issues in question are part and parcel of the career path I’ve chosen.” But Nash says it’s important to know when to take a break. “I think I was probably overworked,” she says, reflecting on her early career. “I was doing huge tours and having two days off and then going out again. It burned me out.”

Is it viable, however, for an artist that isn’t Daft Punk to simply not tour? Beal, for one, thinks not. “If I could just stay home and record, I would, but it’s not financially feasible for a musician to do so these days.”

A cruel reality then, but is the music industry waking up to the strain it may be inflicting on its own artists? “I hope so,” says Nash. “When you’re young, people tell you that if you don’t do something it’s the end of your career. But it’s not. People are fragile. Our brains are fragile and you can only abuse them for so long. The sad thing is that some people can’t take themselves out of these situations. That’s when it is a manager’s responsibility to go ‘Hey, I think we need to take a break.’”

Nash says that the internet has had a positive effect, in giving younger musicians more control of their own careers. I suggest that social media also means today’s audiences see artists more as human beings – and are therefore more understanding when they cancel a show. Nash agrees: “I’ve seen fans be really loving if that happens, saying, ‘The most important thing is your health. We just want you to get better.’

“I would like to think that an artist’s mental health is taken into consideration more now,” says Nash. “We’ve had enough people die, quite frankly.”

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TravelAwaits

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12 Proven Tips For Avoiding Travel Exhaustion

are world tours exhausting

Louisa Rogers

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Travel is my drug. Whether I’m in Aspen or Athens, I get a rush from the colors, the sounds, and the tastes. It’s all so exciting. But travel can also be overstimulating, when suddenly — without warning — the novelty and sensory input are just exhausting. The fatigue can last as little as half an hour, or it can go on for a day or two. In some intense countries I’ve visited, like India, it can last much longer.

The word “travel” is related to the word “travail” — to engage in painful or laborious effort. The connection may seem odd to us now, but etymologists believe it’s probably because travel was a rather strenuous experience during the Middle Ages. Even today, it takes effort and energy — and sometimes we just run out!

Over the years, I’ve developed numerous strategies to prevent and reduce travel exhaustion. Here are the 12 best.

1. Know Your Enemy

Identify exactly what tires you. Crowds? Noise? Traffic? Babies crying? Teens shrieking? Deafening music? Too much running around in too short a time period? Define the source of your stress, and then strategize. For example, I find that noise from heavy traffic can be overwhelming, so I avoid wide, busy avenues. The same goes for noise in restaurants. Before I decide where to eat, I sometimes use an app like SoundPrint to gauge the noise level in a restaurant.

2. Pack Comforts From Home

It’s well worth the trouble to bring things from home that restore and sustain you. I bring tea bags (because the tea flavors I like are not always available), a mug, an electric immersion heater, my iPod, headphones, a headlamp (for reading at night without waking my husband), and Sudoku puzzle books. What’s on your list?

3. Rely On Routine

Often, when we travel, we forget the importance of routines, but without them, we can become as cranky as three-year-olds. The Dalai Lama, who has been exiled from his native Tibet for more than 60 years, knows something about stress. When asked if he had one word to describe the secret to happiness, he responded, “Routines.”

These routines will vary, of course. When my husband, Barry, and I first visited Oaxaca, Mexico, we took Spanish classes in the morning, keeping afternoons free for visiting museums, textile markets, and other tourist spots. Years later, while visiting Angkor Wat , the ancient and extensive Hindu ruins in Cambodia , we explored the sites in the morning. Then we’d relax at the hotel during the midday heat, napping and swimming in the pool. In the late afternoon, after the weather had cooled off, we’d check out another part of the ruins.

One of my favorite routines anywhere is to sit in our room or Airbnb in the mid-afternoon, drinking a cup of tea. I might go through the photos I took that morning, deleting the bad ones, or write in my journal.

A hammock at an Airbnb.

4. Rest, Read, And Restore

Make your hotel room, Airbnb, or wherever you’re staying a sanctuary, your personal safe place where you can settle in and nest. After more than 40 years of marriage, I know that Barry (a true Virgo) is an expert nester. It makes no difference whether we’re camping, on a road trip in our camper van, or spending a night in a hotel or a month in an Airbnb — the first thing he does is put his belongings into their respective nooks.

If you’re traveling alone and can afford it, I recommend investing in a private room rather than a hostel, at least some of the time. And if you’re traveling as a couple, you might enjoy the indulgence of two beds so that one person can stay up reading or watching Netflix while the other goes to sleep early, without either of you being disturbed.

The summer that Barry and I bicycled across southern France, I had to take a day off from time to time to recharge. I love cycling, but day after day it sometimes can feel like a job. One August morning, Barry knew he wanted to cycle from the French town of Arles, where we were staying, to Avignon , about 25 miles away. I took one look at the wind and knew this was the day to give myself some rest and relaxation. After he took off, I settled into my perch in the cafe near our hotel, reading my juicy novel while drinking a cafe au lait and indulging in not one but two croissants. That afternoon, when Barry returned, saying the wind had been horrendous, I knew I had made the right decision.

5. Enjoy A Duvet Day

Respond to the call of the bed! This can happen at any time on a trip — even the very beginning. A friend flew from the West Coast to Quito, Ecuador, for a monthlong trip around the country. Apart from Canada, he had never been outside the United States. After an hour wandering the streets of the Old City, he was exhausted. Jet lag, elevation gain (Quito is at 9,500 feet), and culture shock created the perfect storm for overwhelm. He sank into his hotel bed, where he stayed for 14 hours before resurfacing.

6. Go Through Your Bags

I’m often surprised by how soothing it is to organize and order my things. Knowing what you have and where is strangely calming. Every so often, I’ll take everything out and inspect each item, making sure I need it. Things that are extraneous I’ll either toss or send home. (Yes, I hate to spend money on shipping, but it’s less stressful than carrying a heavy bag.)

A cozy Airbnb on the water.

7. Carve Out Alone Time

If you’re traveling with your partner or a friend, sometimes it’s rejuvenating to spend some time by yourself. My mother modeled this for me when I was a teenager. One late afternoon in the mid-1960s when my family was visiting Rome , she announced she was going to wander and window-shop for a while before dinner. “Could I join you?” I asked. “Well, you can come if you want, but don’t expect me to talk,” Mother said. “I feel like having some time on my own.” Looking back, I’m impressed with my mother for claiming her space in an era when moms were all about their children.

8. Make Time To Socialize

Then again, maybe what you need is time with another person. When Barry and I were on our sabbatical in 2000 , he and I visited the Republic of Georgia for a month. It’s a fascinating country, but I felt lonely for female companionship. Luckily, I had met an American woman who taught ESL in Tbilisi, the capital, so I called her and asked if she’d like to go out for coffee. At the cafe, she regaled me with stories about Georgian-style female gynecological exams. We were both in hysterics — it was just the therapy I needed! Nowadays, when I can’t find another person to hang out with in the flesh, I’ll Skype with a friend.

9. Concentrate On Just One Thing

Even a few minutes spent focusing on one thing helps to relax the mind. Start by sitting comfortably, inside or outside. Then focus your attention on a nearby object, such as a candle flame, a flower, or a tree. Let details and other things in the area fall away.

Your object of focus doesn’t have to be visual. You could concentrate on a particular sound, like the birdsong you hear outside, or the farthest sound. Or pay attention to your breath.

10. Do A ‘Body Scan’

Lie on the floor and get comfortable. Take a few deep breaths. Now slowly bring your attention to your feet and begin observing the sensations. If you notice any tension, focus on it. Visualize the tension leaving your body through your breath. When you feel ready, move on. Continue scanning your entire body, gradually moving up through your feet until you reach the top of your head. Notice how you feel and where you’re holding stress. If there’s any tension, breathe into it as you release it.

11. Do Gentle Yoga On The Floor

Simply lying on the floor can be deeply restful. Soften into the floor and let the earth hold you. Stretch. Notice which parts of your body are touching the floor and which aren’t. Then, lift your knees and rock from side to side. Try a spinal twist. Afterward, place your legs up against a wall. Lie on your back with your sit bones as close to the wall as is comfortable. Extend your legs up the wall, so that the backs of your legs are resting fully against it. This is a great way to ease fatigue and tension in your legs and feet. Finally, lie on the floor, stretch out your arms, and rest your knees on the bed or on a chair.

12. Seek Quiet Places

When you’re out and about, look for calm, unhurried places like churches, hotel lobbies, green spaces, and benches where you can slow down and pause.

If you’re like me, you’ll find that by incorporating one or more of these ideas into your traveling day, you’ll be less likely to get overstimulated. Take a nap, sip some tea, or stare out the window at a nearby tree. Chances are that before long, your enthusiasm and energy will return, and once again you’ll be appreciating the unique joys that only travel can bring.

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Louisa writes articles and essays about travel, expat life, physical and psychological health, spirituality, and food. In 2022, four of her articles were among Travel Awaits' 25 most-read pieces.

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For Gazans, Truce Talks Bring Tangle of Emotions

“It’s a form of psychological torture,” said one man in Rafah. “It’s unbearable. We’re told one day that the war is ending and then the opposite the next day.”

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By Adam Rasgon and Abu Bakr Bashir

reporting from Jerusalem and London

  • March 6, 2024

When President Biden suggested last week that a cease-fire was imminent , Khalil el-Halabi was elated.

Mr. Halabi, a 70-year-old retired U.N. official, paraded through a cluster of tents in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, delivering the news to people displaced by the war, prompting cheers and claps. But the joy didn’t last: The next morning, reports that gaps remained between Israel and Hamas brought him back down to earth.

“It’s a form of psychological torture,” Mr. Halabi said. “It’s unbearable. We’re told one day that the war is ending and then the opposite the next day.”

Palestinians in Gaza, whose lives may depend on a cease-fire, have followed news of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas with rapt attention. But a stream of conflicting reports has sent them on an exhausting emotional roller-coaster as they huddle in crowded apartments, tent cities and shelters.

The tension is especially acute in Rafah, which is densely packed with more than one million displaced people. Israel has repeatedly threatened to invade the city as it tries to root out the leadership of Hamas.

The United States is pressing for a cease-fire to be negotiated ahead of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month that begins in about a week. On Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris said a deal was on the table for a cease-fire of at least six-weeks, one that would include the release of hostages held by militants in Gaza and the entry of a “significant” amount of aid. The U.S.-backed proposal is to exchange scores of Palestinian prisoners and detainees for 40 hostages in Gaza, officials say.

But the negotiations appear to be making little progress. Israel refused to send a delegation to talks in Cairo this week.

A man with a bandaged head stands in front of three seated men, one also bandaged, amid tents and rubble.

President Biden said Tuesday that cease-fire talks were “in the hands of Hamas right now,” and a Hamas leader in Lebanon appeared to publicly reject the deal, insisting that Israeli hostages would be released only after a cease-fire was in place and Israeli forces have withdrawn, a condition Israel has rejected. But the militant group signaled on Wednesday in a statement that it was still open to negotiations “until an agreement is reached that realizes our people’s interests and demands.”

Nidal Kuhail, 29, a resident of Gaza City who is sheltering in Rafah, said people were closely monitoring their phones and radios for updates on the negotiations, but were growing tired of waiting day after day without a breakthrough.

“We’re oscillating between being happy and then frustrated,” said Mr. Kuhail. “This seesawing in news reports has made the people incredibly confused.”

Those fluctuations have been going on for months, as a series of talks have led to no relief since a seven-day cease-fire in November.

In early February, when reports suggested that Hamas and Israel were nearing a deal, a celebration erupted in the Kuwait Specialty Hospital in Rafah, with people whistling and applauding, said Omar al-Najjar, a volunteer medical intern there.

“The atmosphere was upbeat,” said Mr. Najjar, 24. “People could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.” But the next morning, newer reports showed that the parties will still far from overcoming their differences, casting a depressed mood across the hospital, he said.

Mr. Najjar said hopes for a cease-fire had been dashed so frequently that many were no longer paying attention to the news. “People have completely lost hope,” he said.

Over the past couple of days, the saga played out again. Arabic news outlets reported “significant progress” only to speak of “difficulties” a day later.

Hazem Surour, 20, originally from northern Gaza, said he had stopped letting news reports get his hopes up after months of Israel and Hamas failing to achieve a deal.

“We seriously need something real, not news reports,” he said. “We can only be patient and pray.”

Adam Rasgon reports from Israel for The Times's Jerusalem bureau. More about Adam Rasgon

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Talks between Israel and Hamas over a cease-fire in exchange for the release of dozens of Israeli hostages held in Gaza have stalled , dimming hopes that a deal could be reached before the start of Ramadan on March 10.

Benny Gantz, an Israeli cabinet member and a top political rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , met in London  with Britain’s foreign secretary, David Cameron, after holding meetings in Washington with U.S. officials and political leaders.

Israelis largely welcomed a U.N. report that supported allegations of sexual violence during the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack, even as a top Israeli official accused the organization of not doing enough to address the findings  — a sign of the rising tensions between them.

Shifting Ties: Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish minority has long lived apart from the nation’s secular mainstream, but the war in Gaza has both widened that divide and in some ways helped to bridge it .

A Winding Path: The U.S. airman who lit himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington to protest the war had left an isolated Christian community for the Air Force before turning to leftist and anarchist activism .

Setting Their Sights on Politics: Inspired by the unity they experienced in the military, thousands of Israeli reservists returning from the front line in Gaza are organizing for political change .

In the West Bank: Right-wing ministers in the Israeli government are agitating to settle more land in the occupied West Bank. Homesh, a re-established settlement, symbolizes their resolve .

Sensitive Refuge

Why Are Vacations So Exhausting for Highly Sensitive People?

A highly sensitive person looking overwhelmed as she enters a large crowd on her vacation

All too often, vacations turn into one big source of overwhelm for highly sensitive people. Here’s what an HSP expert says on making your trip relaxing instead.

Has this happened to you?

You spend months — or years — planning the perfect get-away. You’re finally taking a much-needed break from work or the kids. You’re going to explore that place you’ve always dreamed of visiting.

Bliss and relaxation will finally be yours.

But then the long-awaited vacation arrives, and you feel anything but relaxed. In fact, you feel downright exhausted, frazzled, and stressed. This isn’t the way it was supposed to be.

Let’s explore why travel can turn into one big source of drain and overwhelm for highly sensitive people (HSPs) — even though they’re drawn to it. I’ll also share some tips from an HSP travel expert to help you make vacations relaxing again.

Why Highly Sensitive People Are Drawn to Travel

Although travel can be overwhelming for HSPs, there are plenty of good reasons we’re drawn to it. Losing yourself in a faraway place is magical. And not only does travel capture our imagination, but it’s also rich with opportunities for meaning.

Highly sensitive people are “often drawn to the sense of meaning and inevitable transformation that comes from experiencing a new part of the world,” HSP travel expert Melissa Renzi told me. Renzi leads HSP-focused retreats to places like Thailand, Peru, and Guatemala.

And, because HSPs are deeply in tune with their senses, “travel can be enriching as we take in the details of our surroundings. And sometimes, when we step into unknown territory, we feel greater permission to be ourselves.”

If travel is supposed to be magical, why do HSPs often end up stressed?

Like what you’re reading? Get our newsletter just for HSPs. One email, every Friday. Click here to subscribe!

HSPs Process Everything Deeply — Especially in New Surroundings

For HSPs, the stress usually begins before they even leave the house. That’s because, according to Dr. Elaine Aron, author of The Highly Sensitive Person , HSPs process all kinds of stimulation deeply. This causes them to think deeply about things and to look at issues from many different angles.

And this can lead to stress and anxiety when getting ready for a trip.

When planning a trip, there are so many things to consider — where to stay, what to do, what to pack, etc. HSPs process everything deeply, and the details of their trip are no exception.

Not only do HSPs think about all the fun they’ll have on their vacation but also about all the things that could go wrong. What if it rains? Will I be safe? Will my shoes be comfortable? And on and on.

Pre-travel anxiety can shut down our wildest vacation dreams before they even take flight. Or, at the very least, it can leave us worn out before we even reach our destination.

The Problem of Overstimulation for HSPs

If we manage to actually get out the door, HSPs then face overstimulation at their destination.

“Travel situations with an abundance of sensory stimulation can overload the HSP’s nervous system,” Renzi explained.

That’s right, travel can actually be quite unpleasant for HSPs.

Highly sensitive people pick up on subtleties in their environment — again, it has to do with their depth of processing. They notice little details that others might miss, from the way the sunlight looks on an early autumn morning to the anger emanating from a pair of strangers having a fight.

Noticing these subtleties enriches the HSP’s life, often making them highly creative. But when you notice every little thing, it can add up fast.

Highly sensitive people tend to find comfort in routine and familiar environments because familiarity is less stimulating. When you’re vacationing in a new place, all that familiarity goes out the window.

Highly sensitive people aren’t the only ones to experience tiredness and stress while traveling. This well-documented phenomenon has been dubbed “ travel fatigue ” or “ vacation overwhelm ” by others. But for HSPs, due to their depth of processing, it can be even worse.

Too Many Things to Do, Do, Do!

A final reason vacations can be exhausting for HSPs has to do with this familiar problem: We only have X days here, so we have to make them count!

When you book the trip of a lifetime — paying all that money, taking all that time off work, and spending all that time planning — you feel compelled to make the most of it. You dash from one tourist spot to the next, intent on not missing a thing.

And while all that busyness would tire anyone out, it’s especially wearisome to HSPs, who need plenty of downtime to recharge from the overstimulation they face. Often, they’re the ones coming home saying, “I need a vacation to recover from my vacation!”

How to Make Vacations Relaxing Again — the HSP Way

So what’s a highly sensitive person supposed to do?

Travel doesn’t have to be exhausting. Here are five tips from Renzi:

1. Avoid over-scheduling by making deliberate choices.

Think about the environments that feed you. Then think about the environments that drain you. Does a casual stroll through an art museum sound relaxing, whereas partying at Oktoberfest sounds like a nightmare? Make deliberate choices about your travel destination and the kinds of activities you’ll do once you get there. The choices you make on your trip should make you feel good .

2. Tell others about your high sensitivity.

When traveling with others, be upfront about your needs. HSPs often feel the need to hide their trait. But casually sharing in conversation that you’re an HSP does a few things:

  • It sets the stage for having your needs respected.
  • It offers a chance to dispel myths about high sensitivity.
  • It serves as a bridge to deeper conversation (something HSPs crave).
  • It helps us find other HSPs, which can lead to new compatible travel buddies and relationships.

Not sure how to talk about your trait? See our guide to explaining high sensitivity to those who don’t “get” it .

3. Narrow your list of “must-sees.”

Simply put, busy environments and crowds can overwhelm the sensitive person’s system, so give yourself permission to skip them. Try choosing just one or two tourist hotspots then calling it good.

4. Build buffer days into your vacation.

And make them non-negotiable. You might make the first day after arriving at your destination a buffer day. Or the day  after  the trip is over, where you’re doing nothing but recovering.

Your buffer day might mean relaxing in your hotel room and ordering room service. Or doing an activity on your own (being alone lowers your stimulation level). After the trip, it might mean unpacking, cleaning up, and getting some R&R.

Here’s the trick: The only way to get your buffer day is to firmly schedule it. It won’t just magically happen, so this is the time to be your own advocate.

5. Give yourself permission to change plans.  

Even when you build downtime into your trip, it may not be enough. You may need to let go of some things and adjust your plan when necessary to take care of yourself. When we allow our trip to adapt to us instead of the other way around, we can find ourselves in a much more meaningful experience.

Want a vacation that’s actually HSP-friendly? Try this HSP retreat in Thailand

Want to take the stress and drain out of travel, and experience what it’s like to travel with other HSPs? Renzi still has upcoming retreats in some of the most stunning spots in the world — in a setting that honors your HSP needs for downtime and calm. The next retreat is being held amidst the stunning natural beauty of Thailand(!).

So what is it really like to travel with other HSPs?

“It was an acceptance I’ve never felt before in my life and I’ve been searching for since I was a kid,” said Marian M., who recently returned from one of Renzi’s retreats. “It was reinforcement that there are people out there who understand.”

Get $50 Off Your HSP Retreat

Surround yourself with infinite rice fields of northern Thailand, as you connect to cultural traditions at a gentle pace that allows you plenty of time to absorb your surroundings. This is a wonderful opportunity to travel with people who will honor your alone time and your ways of connecting without social pressures.

Takes place November 4-12, 2023 near Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Get $50 off with the code HSR50.

Click here to learn more.

You might like:

  • 14 Things Highly Sensitive People Absolutely Need to Be Happy
  • Why Do Highly Sensitive People Absorb Other People’s Emotions?
  • 13 Problems Only Highly Sensitive People Will Understand

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Jenn Granneman the co-founder of HighlySensitiveRefuge.com and the author of The Secret Lives of Introverts: Inside Our Hidden World . Jenn is a contributor to Psychology Today , HuffPost , Susan Cain’s Quiet Revolution , Upworthy , The Mighty , The Muse , Motherly , and a number of other outlets. She has appeared on the BBC and in Buzzfeed and Glamour magazine . Jenn grew up feeling overly sensitive in a harsh world. Today, she believes that her sensitivity is her greatest strength.

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Kid Cudi announces INSANO World Tour: Here's how to get tickets

Kid Cudi is ready for liftoff with his new world tour.

The Grammy-winning and multiplatinum artist announced his INSANO World Tour on Tuesday. Fans can register for early ticket access on insanotour.com through Sunday at 11:59pm PST. The artist presale begins March 12 at 12 p.m. local time.

American Express card members can also get early access with a special presale that runs from March 12 at 10 a.m. local time to March 14 at 10 p.m. local time. The general public sale reportedly begins March 15, per Billboard and Rolling Stone .

The 31-city tour, which is slated to kick off June 28 , will see the "Day 'n' Nite" rapper hit major North American cities including Austin, Washington, D.C., New York City, Toronto and Las Vegas before wrapping in Los Angeles on Aug. 30.

Hip-hop acts Pusha T, Jaden Smith and Earthgang will serve as opening acts for the tour.

Kid Cudi will head to Europe for a slew of concerts in 2025 . He is scheduled to play in territories such as Norway, the Netherlands, France and the U.K.

The tour announcement comes after the January release of Cudi's ninth studio album "INSANO." The album peaked at No. 5 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart.

The upcoming tour also follows Cudi's scrapped Moon Man's Landing festival. The Cleveland-born rapper, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, had the festival's second edition scheduled to take place in his hometown last August, but the concert was ultimately canceled.

Cudi said on X that the city of Cleveland would not approve the outdoor festival aspect. He also promised to come back to Cleveland and "find a better place" to hold the festival.

The 2022 iteration of Moon Man's Landing included performances from Cudi as well as HAIM , Playboi Carti , 070 Shake , Pusha T, Jaden and fellow Cleveland natives Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Chip Tha Ripper, among others.

Busta Rhymes tour: Rapper cancels all 2024 Blockbusta tour dates a week before kickoff

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Bruce Springsteen’s 2024 Tour Resumes This Month. Here’s How to Buy Tickets Online

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After cancelling his remaining concerts for 2023 due to health issues, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will finally hit the road again this month.

The new dates come in two clumps — a month-long swing taking place in mid-March through mid-April, followed by a second month’s worth of shows in mid-August through mid-September. Springsteen will kick off his 2024 jaunt on March 19 in Phoenix, AZ and will make stops in dozens of major U.S cities such as San Francisco, San Diego, Inglewood, Columbus, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C and more before wrapping up the North American leg in Baltimore, MD on Sept. 13.

The ongoing tour, which first began last April, marks the first live shows for Springsteen and the E Street Band since the conclusion of their 14-month, worldwide “The River” tour in Australia in February of 2017. The E Street Band’s members are: Roy Bittan – piano, synthesizer; Nils Lofgren – guitar, vocals; Patti Scialfa – guitar, vocals; Garry Tallent – bass guitar; Stevie Van Zandt – guitar, vocals; and Max Weinberg – drums; with Soozie Tyrell – violin, guitar, vocals; Jake Clemons – saxophone; and Charlie Giordano – keyboards.

Check out the full list of Bruce Springsteen’s 2024 tour dates below, and buy tickets here .

March 19 – Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center (rescheduled from Nov. 30, 2023)

March 25 – San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena (rescheduled from Dec. 2, 2023)

March 28 – San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center (rescheduled from Dec. 10, 2023)

March 31 – San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center (rescheduled from Dec. 12, 2023)

April 4 – Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum (rescheduled from Dec. 4, 2023)

April 7 – Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum (rescheduled from Dec. 6, 2023)

April 12 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena (rescheduled from Sept. 16, 2023)

April 15 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena (rescheduled from Sept. 19, 2023)

April 18 – Syracuse, NY @ JMA Wireless Dome (rescheduled from Sept. 7, 2023)

April 21 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena (rescheduled from Sept. 21, 2023)

Aug. 15 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena (rescheduled from (Sept. 12, 2023)

Aug. 18 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena (rescheduled from Sept. 14, 2023)

Aug. 23 – Philadelphia, PA @ Citizens Bank Park (rescheduled from Aug. 18, 2023)

Sept. 7 – Washington, DC @ Nationals Park (rescheduled from Sept. 29, 2023)

Sept. 13 – Baltimore, MD @ Oriole Park at Camden Yards (rescheduled from Sept. 9, 2023)

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Around the World Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

14 around the world trips. compare tour itineraries from 17 tour companies. 7 reviews. 5/5 avg rating., popular around the world tours.

Road Scholar World Academy Segment 1: Indian Ocean to Cape Town

Road Scholar World Academy Segment 1: Indian Ocean to Cape Town

  • Discover the incredible biodiversity of Madagascar at a protected reserve home to colorful birds, reptiles and lemurs.
  • Explore St. Lucia National Park, where a sunset boat safari gives you the chance to see hippos and Nile crocodiles up close.
  • Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for incredible views of Cape Town.

Dream Journey Around the World

Dream Journey Around the World

  • Visiting the Plaza de Armas with the beautiful buildings of the government Palace
  • View the Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park, the UN buildings, St. Stephen's Cathedral
  • See Vajdahunyad castle, Széchenyi Spa, the Opera, the Synagogue of Dohány Street, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the decorative Parliament building.
  • Visit the Great Sphinx of Giza and the Great Pyramids*
  • Visit the Karnak Temple Complex and the Temple of Luxor on the East side of the Nile.

New York To New York

New York To New York

  • Step into the Monte Carlo-inspired Empire Casino which offers a full variety of opportunities to tempt Lady Luck.
  • Travel back to the grand old days of Venice at one of our Masquerade balls. Every evening on board is a real event and attending one of our balls in the Queens Room means you're in for a truly special evening.
  • The quality and range of literature available in this beautiful room magnifies the stunning views over the bow. Take the time to linger over more than 8,000 books, in the largest library at sea.
  • Wake yourself up with a brisk walk or breezy jog around our promenade deck. Three laps make a mile!
  • Barossa Valley is famous worldwide for producing some wonderful boutique wines and internationally recognised names.

Oregon to India Rafting & Trekking

Oregon to India Rafting & Trekking

  • This is a outdoor leadership course designed for age range 18 - 25
  • Build core skills: Learn and practice wilderness, teamwork and leadership skills. Form a crew that supports and encourages one another, and in the thick of challenges, discover there is more in you than you know.
  • Practice Outward Bound values: Learn to incorporate Outward Bound values into everyday life by pushing your own limits and seeking challenge as an opportunity for personal growth.
  • Demonstrate mastery: As the course nears the end, take on more leadership and decision-making responsibilities. Work together to apply new skills and achieve team goals during this final phase of the expedition.
  • What you’ll learn: Return home a stronger, more resilient individual. Discover increased self-confidence, improved leadership, and a desire to make a difference.

Scandinavian Capitals & Fjords 10-day

Scandinavian Capitals & Fjords 10-day

  • Explore Stockholm Old Town Sightseeing Tour
  • Discover Oslo - the fabulous capital of Norway.
  • Visiting Frogner Park in Oslo
  • Floibanen funicular ride in Bergen
  • Fjords boat trip from Flam to Bergen

Road Scholar World Academy Semester 2: West from Asia to Europe

Road Scholar World Academy Semester 2: West from Asia to Europe

  • Experience an unforgettable voyage from Singapore to England along the famed Suez Canal route.
  • Explore wonders including the temples of Bali, the rock-cut city of Petra and Pompeii.
  • For the first time, Road Scholar World Academy takes place aboard Holland America Line’s elegant ms Rotterdam.

San Francisco to Hong Kong

San Francisco to Hong Kong

  • Visit the Museum of Modern Art or head for the celebrated vineyards of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
  • Experience Honolulu from a totally different angle on this thrilling helicopter ride.
  • Explore the sea whilst whale watching aboard the high-tech, twin hulled 140 foot Navatek.
  • Experience the thrill of swimming with sharks and schools of colourful tropical fish followed by a picnic on the beach.
  • Experience the underwater wonders of Bora Bora's picturesque Lagoon by underwater scooter.

Around the World

Around the World

  • New York, Washington DC and Chicago
  • America's Golden West, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon
  • Los Angeles and San Francisco
  • Shanghai, Beijing and the Great Wall of China
  • Xian and the Terracotta Warriors

All Around the World , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Around the World

are world tours exhausting

Small Group Around the World Tours

Small Group Around the World Tours

Best Around the World Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Around the World Tours by Price

Top Around the World Attractions & Experiences

Top Around the World Experiences

  • Meeting locals from several different countries and discovering wonderful similarities and differences Seeing whales breach from the balcony of your cruise stateroom and diving and snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs like the Great Barrier reef Enjoying local cuisines, exploring street food markets, and taking cooking classes to learn how to make traditional national dishes Wandering around many archaeological ruins and historical sites like Machu Picchu , pyramids of Giza , and the historical city of Petra Discovering unique cultures and taking part in traditional festivals or ceremonies like Holi or Día de Muertos  Hiking among different landscapes, encountering majestic wildlife on African Safaris , and taking memorable pictures Making lifelong friends from around the world Indulging in luxury around the world trips featuring traditional Japanese ryokan, floating hotels in the Maldives, or ice hotels in Sweden for a unique experience. Visiting all the most famous locations during a single trip with custom-planned tours around the world — No need to pick and choose!  

Around the World Tours & Travel Guide

Around the World Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Around the world attractions and landmarks.

World travel is truly one of the most unforgettable experiences. As you visit multiple countries and continents, you gain a deep understanding of hundreds of cultures and forge wonderful connections with people around the world.

A small ship or 'expedition' cruise is one of the most popular modes of travel for a trip around the world. Many young people opt for overland tours to see the world because of budget and the community style. They usually use a few different modes of travel like trains or buses or join small group tours to individual destinations. 

You can also design a custom round-the-world trip to suit your preferences for price, duration, accommodation, and more. Choose the countries you wish to visit and super-personalize your world tour for the activities you enjoy. 

Luxury Around the World Trips

Imagine waking up in lavish four or five-star accommodations, imbibed with unmatched comfort and elegance. Think boutique lodges nestled in scenic landscapes to high-end homestays steeped in local charm!

That's the essence of our exclusively curated around-the-world luxury tours. Choose one of our private guided world tours to explore iconic landmarks, access hidden gems, and indulge in gastronomic experiences redefining culinary pleasure. 

Raise the bar for your travel experience—personalize your world trip and enjoy unparalleled service at every stop tailored to your preferences. 

How Long Should You Go For?

A round-the-world trip typically takes longer than a week or two. Your world tour should not be much shorter than one month. 

With one month to go around the world, you'll probably stick to one broad region. Long trips are a great way to really learn the nuances and extensiveness of human and geological history and how pronounced they can be in a relatively small area. You'll also gain a unique insight into fascinating cultural similarities and differences.

Most trips around the world are a bit longer than one month, typically between two and four months. The number of countries and continents you'll visit on your world tour can vary quite a bit, mainly based on how you get from place to place and the length of excursion allotted for by the itinerary.

How Much Does a Trip Around the World Cost?

One of the benefits of traveling on a package tour around the world is the cost-cutting aspect. Typically, some of your meals will be covered, along with a good amount of transportation and almost all accommodations (this is an excellent reason to book a small ship cruise).

In addition, your tour will have many activities planned to explore the culture and history of each destination, as well as enjoy the natural beauty with hikes and other exciting outdoor ventures. These activities are not always included in the price, which can be a good thing as it allows you to join as many or as few activities as you'd like, depending on your preferences. 

Typically, airfare to and from the start city and ending city to your final destination is not included in the tour price, but after that, you can expect to save a lot in expenses.

Note that you'll be around the same group of people for a very extended period, and your ability to be flexible in each destination will be limited. If you want to stay longer or shorter, this isn't typically an option.

Planning a Trip Around the World on Your Own

Traveling around the world on your own is an entirely different ball game. Transportation and accommodation are usually challenging to budget around. Budget hotels can help; however, finding a good deal can be tiresome. Travel agents can help, but this typically comes with a premium.

Certain airlines offer special round-the-world tickets, which could be an excellent way to book an independent trip around the world if you have miles to cash in. Otherwise, you're a bit stuck with the one-way ticket route. Try booking smaller airlines and shorter flights to keep costs manageable.

Choosing your destination and activities also requires a ton of research. You could spend a hefty amount of time trying to plan this yourself.

How To Pack for a Trip Around the World?

Ironically, you will be better off packing less than more for a longer journey. As you'll be on the move, you want a lighter suitcase and backpack to deal with. It's both more comfortable to move and far easier to store.

That's one significant benefit of traveling by cruise when you go around the world: the luxury of only unpacking once and being able to do laundry on board. You can lock your stateroom, so there's no worry about theft as you roam the boat and enjoy your shore excursions.

  • Winter vs Summer Weather:    Since your tour around the world is likely to cross hemisphere lines more than once, you may experience warm highs and icy lows during your trip — bring clothing that can layer easily. 
  • Shoes:    Footwear can easily become a packing challenge since it can take up a lot of space in suitcases. Choose shoes according to the planned activities and terrains. Pack a versatile selection: a pair for relaxation, one for hiking, another for city strolls, and one for a more refined option. 
  • Dress Like a Local:    The beauty of a trip around the world is the opportunity to visit many far-flung places with diverse cultures and ways of life. You may encounter many different cultures, some with specific dress expectations. For example, in most Middle Eastern countries, expect to dress modestly—cover shoulders and legs and keep a scarf handy for covering your head. A similar dressing is also a good rule for touring many religious establishments.

Around the World Reviews & Ratings

Trip ruined.

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! If anything goes wrong, they do not care. We took their Scandinavian Capitals tour. At one point in the tour we were told we couldn't t...

Making this such a wonderful experience.

This was my first international trip, and it will set the bar high for any other tour that might capture my attention in the future, international or domestic! There...

Second city but so far highly recommend!

Guides are local and have a wealth of information. Fiorella in Como was an amazing historian who knew everything about the city. The hotels are top notch and conveni...

I planned a last minute trip to Scandinavia

I planned a last minute trip to Scandinavia, the date chosen was already sold out, but they offered us the one from Sept 3rd to Sept 12th, and we went. Best experien...

Just returned from an extraordinary

Just returned from an extraordinary trip through Scandinavia and into St. Petersburg, Russia, that was so awesome due in no small part to Firebird Tours. Their guide...

See all Around the World reviews

Traveling to Around the World, an FAQ

1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?

2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?

3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?

4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?

  • Gangwon 2024
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  • Brisbane 2032
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  • Olympic Channel
  • Let's Move

For Liv Lovelace, skating is more than a sport - 'It's life'

Paris 2024

After missing out on qualifying for Tokyo 2020 due to injury, the 20-year-old Australian is well-positioned to secure a spot for Paris 2024. And it would mean the world to someone who lives and breathes skateboarding.

Liv Lovelace of Australia

For some, skateboarding is about having fun, a hobby. For others, it’s a lot more serious - a competition or a job, a career or a way to make ends meet.

For Liv Lovelace , it’s life in itself.

“It's life,” Lovelace told Olympics.com ahead of WST Dubai Street 2024 this week, when asked what skating meant her. “Like, I don't know what my life would be like without it.

“All my friends are around skating and I just like being able to go skating by myself and put headphones in or listen to the world go by and be in my own world.

“It's my happy place.”

  • World Skateboarding Tour Dubai Street 2024: Preview, schedule and how to watch live
  • WST Dubai Park 2024: All results, scores and medals - complete list
  • How to qualify for skateboarding at Paris 2024

Liv Lovelace: 'I just want to do people proud'

Lovelace took up skateboarding when she was eight or nine years old, hanging around with the boys on the streets of her hometown Sydney. She recalls being “instantly hooked”by the borderlessness of the sport.

Lovelace used to play football as well, but it didn’t take long for skateboarding to supplant it as the focal point of her life, serving as a lens for the introspection she needed during her formative years.

“Just the freedom,” she said. “Being able to be a little kid and kind of run away in my own little world and get lost, and I feel like it gave me an outlet to become the person that I am.

“I feel like if I didn't have skateboarding, it would have been a lot harder for me to become who I am and find my own sexuality and like, find my style and find the people that I want to be around.

“I used to play soccer. I was in a little rep soccer team and I would like, do soccer and then go straight from soccer to skating on like one of the days of the week. And every time I'd be like, ‘Oh, I don't want to go to soccer, I just want to go skating.’

“When I started to have that feeling, I was like, I just want to do this.”

Of all the kids Lovelace began skating with, she is the only one still at it - and then some.

The 20-year-old is ranked 18th in the world, third from Australia behind Chloe Covell and Haylie Powell . If Lovelace maintains her position through the Olympic Qualifier Series in June, she will have secured one of three quota allotted to her country in women’s street for Paris 2024 .

The qualifying campaign to Tokyo 2020 was far less smooth sailing for Lovelace, who broke her left humerus in two locations in the build-up to the Games while skating on the iconic Melbourne spot Gold Rails. The injury required three surgeries and 10 months for full recovery, seven of which kept her off a deck.

But Lovelace says she wouldn’t trade the painful experience for anything.

“I feel like that taught me a lot about myself. It gave me a lot of resilience and I wouldn't change it because I feel like now I'm in a much better place and I enjoy the contest skating way more this time around, trying to qualify for Paris than when I was kind of doing it trying to get to Tokyo.

“I, like, crave the feeling of eating concrete. It's really weird to say that. I don’t know, it keeps me humble, it brings me peace and brings me happiness. Like eating s--- actually is a good feeling.”

One of the things Lovelace likes most about skateboarding is that it takes her to different corners of the world where she gains invaluable life experience (see above Instagram post from Tokyo in December). She says she does not want to go to a country and be buried in a stadium for a week and fly home.

Paris would be no different. Although the life experience there would be felt not only by her but also by the people who helped Lovelace reach her first Olympic Games.

“It would mean a lot. I think it would be an achievement that is going to stay with me for the rest of my life. I think would be really cool,” she said.

“I want to do my country proud. But most importantly, it would be sick for my family and even for my grandparents as they're getting on in life. I really want them to hopefully come to Paris as that may be their last big international trip out of Australia.

“But I just want to do people proud. I want to have fun and do people proud and it would mean the world to me.”

Skateboarding | Olympic Qualifier | World Tour Street | Dubai

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  1. Why last-chance tourism is the latest controversial travel trend

    Travel and tourism is responsible for between 8% and 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2021 report from the World Travel and Tourism Council.

  2. having a world tour around the whole world is pretty difficult

    The point of a world tour is not to spend an entire year doing this and exhausting yourself. World tours also never go to any cities in Africa and rarely in Asia, so it still isn't technically a "world tour" if that's the definition you're going by. ... The point is doing a world tour is incredibly challenging, logistically and mentally, and ...

  3. World Concert Tour Pros and Cons: Is it Worth the Effort?

    Secondly, this tour can be physically and mentally exhausting. Touring for weeks or even months on end can take a toll on an artist's health and well-being. Long hours of travel, late nights, and lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, stress, and burnout. ... World tours have their own set of cons that musicians and their teams have to deal with ...

  4. People who travel a lot: Do you ever get tired of traveling?

    Obviously one does get tired of traveling, when depends on many factors. If you travel with a purpose you may go a very long time without getting tired of it. If you just move around aimlessly that point is reached much quicker. • 2 yr. ago. I travel months at a time, and the only reason I go back is my dog and kids.

  5. What psychological impacts does touring have on an individual?

    Extremely tiring, stressful as hell, oftentimes can't be in the same place as loved ones, often leads to substance abuse as a way to cope. XO Tour Lif3 is about Uzi's relationship falling apart do to him being on tour. 'For some, however stressful and chaotic touring can be, it is preferable to daily life at home.

  6. What is Travel Fatigue? 8 Ways Avoid It & Recover

    This is vital throughout your trip, as it's one of the first lines of defense in travel loneliness as well. 7. Unplug, Meditate & Exercise. When you just want to disconnect and relax, a yurt in the middle of the mountains in Kyrgyzstan just might be the remedy for travel fatigue.

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    In general, you should expect it to cost between $25,000 to $35,000 per person to travel around the world for a year. This rough estimate comes from reading travel budgets of other bloggers, various travel planning resources, and our own experience. This is just the midrange. Yes, you can absolutely travel for less than $25,000 per person for ...

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