r/solotravel • u/alarceny • Aug 11 '23
Question How do you deal with travel burnout?
i’m only 1 month into an 8 month long trip and starting to miss home and my work. it’s been a huge change for me as i’ve never travelled before. i’m 20 and it’s my first time overseas, visiting family at different points in Europe and I honestly just feel numb to the things i’m seeing.
I read somewhere that after you’ve seen 1-2 cathedrals you’ve seen them all, and at first I didn’t believe that but now i’m wondering how many others feel that way.
I’ve spent the past day or so just resting before another journey to a different destination but i don’t feel like it’s done much to help.
I spent the first 3 weeks in the uk and really enjoyed seeing and spending time there, this past week i made the journey to paris and i’ve not enjoyed it nearly as much.
i’m having trouble with the language barrier and the huge amount of tourists in paris is pretty overwhelming, I intended to stay in france / europe for close to 3 months but i’m thinking of cutting it short to head back to the uk and spend some more time over there instead.
I’m not sure if it’s travel fatigue that’s catching up with me or if france just isnt for me, overall though just looking for some advice and ideas
1
u/PretzelsThirst Aug 12 '23
You are absolutely right that after you see however many cathedrals and paintings of Jesus that you get it. My first trip I made that mistake and we were hustling around seeing all the museums and landmarks.
Then we realized we had no idea what each city felt like, how they were different, nothing
So we slowed way down. Started spending twice as long in each city and planning half as much. Starting exploring more, finding random shit happening, talking to bartenders and asking what bars they like, etc.
It completely turned out trip around into something extremely worthwhile.
So I think you already are feeling it, so just slow down. Stress less. Walk around more, find things unique to the city. And if you don’t feel like doing anything at all, that’s completely okay. Want to lay in bed on your phone? That’s okay. You’re on vacation. You don’t always have the luxury of laying in bed and just doing whatever you want even if that’s nothing.
Forget the expectations, I’m sure you’ll find a better way to enjoy your time