Upon witnessing one’s vacation approaching, it might be challenging to contemplate life beyond it. Yet, after – or sometimes even during – the thrill of a journey overseas, numerous travellers have reportedly experienced utter exhaustion.
“What steps can people take to counteract travel exhaustion?” – This is the conundrum that has been addressed by a recent thread on Reddit from a member, who shared their own account of post-travel malaise.
In recent years, I’ve been travelling much less due to my current age, being in my thirties, but made a round trip this week for work. This was my first solo trip in nearly two decades.
I’ve been in a perpetual state of fatigue since returning. All I can think about is resting, catching up on TV shows, and the past two days, I’ve been experiencing aches and pains – specifically, my throat hurts, my head is sore – it’s very exhausting and makes me feel like I’m coming down with something. Is this the new normal after traveling?
Several Reddit users calmly responded that others had prior experienced the same thing.
Responding back, one fellow traveller in his mid-thirties agreed, “The rapid growth of these touristista-spotted streets is quite overwhelming.”
During an 18-day adventure across western Europe, some weary travelers admitted that by the time they reached Paris for the final leg of their journey, they didn’t have the motivation to explore any further.
Some people find traveling to be both tiring and invigorating, as the experience can be demanding physically, emotionally, and mentally, but also enjoyable and rejuvenating.
For many regular travellers, the inconvenience of a journey barely penetrates their consciousness because they are energized by the experience, only succumbing to fatigue once they arrive at their destination.
“Surprisingly, I find I have more energy when I’m away from home and feel drained once I return,” they wrote calmly.
I can easily manage 20,000 steps in a day and cram in all the sights of a two-week trip without a hitch. However, once I’m back home, I regress to my usual sedentary lifestyle. Perhaps it’s the thrill and rush I experience while traveling that drives me to stay active during my excursions.
Lack of energy does not occur in isolation, but is often linked to a traveller’s overall well-being and physical condition.
What significance does age have in this scenario?
One of the most enjoyed comments, with a lot of positive feedback, was a humorous one: “I’m 40 and tired every time I leave my home, hence I thought so.”
However, a more thoughtful voice countered that at this vibrant stage of life, the individual should not feel so weighed down.
While backpacking and staying in hostels, many people take 25,000 to 40,000 steps per day on their trips. As for your primary enabler of physical activity, obtaining an average of 10,000 steps per day throughout the year in one’s daily routine can have numerous benefits.
Some people were worried that the symptoms described in the poster might be evidence of a genuine health condition rather than just a substance abuse issue.
One would think you might be unwell, considering the symptoms. It’s only natural to feel exhausted after a lengthy and hectic trip, but a sore throat, body aches and headaches might not be typical wear and tear.
“Sleep is very rejuvenating after a long session.
Plan ahead to avert tour fatigue, however, be aware of the fine line between preparation and overplanning.
Frequent travelers often have valuable tips on how to minimize the risk of coming down with a cold, particularly during the month of December when the weather is usually chilly.
To avoid overwhelming yourself, it’s wise to prioritize the here and now.
My usual trip planning spans 8-10 days, and I’ve never gone home feeling exhausted. While I do end up with aching feet due to the non-stop activities, I consider the fatigue a small price to pay for the memories.
I believe a lack of planning could be the issue,” they proposed, relating to the initial poster’s situation. “I typically prepare detailed day-to-day plans which motivates me; I’m uncertain if I would be as resolute if someone were to leave me in an unfamiliar place without prior research, expecting me to enjoy it as a vacation.
“Vacation time is meant for unwinding, not for organizing future activities.”
Extremely well said. Another user agreed, saying: “A lot of people overpack their day with too many activities. Be sure to leave some downtime in between sightseeing to wander around or take a break at a café. A vacation is meant to be savored, not consumed.”
Paying attention to your body to determine when to “back off” is crucial, said another user on Reddit, who also suggested consuming immune-boosting supplements while travelling abroad.
It is crucial to “know your enemy.” Are crowds and traffic patterns the particular triggers that leave you feeling fatigued, for example? Developing a plan of action around these specific challenges can be beneficial.
After visiting unfamiliar locations, people often discover that, despite physical exhaustion, their minds are revitalized by the novelty of their surroundings.
