My Story of Travel Burnout and What I Learned

I was standing in the middle of the Atacama Desert — surrounded by surreal, moon-like landscapes and a horizon that stretched endlessly in every direction.
San Pedro de Atacama was supposed to be a highlight of my South American journey. But all I could think about was… how much I longed to go home.

That was my peak moment of travel burnout.

I no longer felt the spark of excitement in the morning. Volcanoes, waterfalls, breathtaking hikes no longer moved me.
I felt numb. Exhausted.
The smallest inconveniences started to feel overwhelming. 

And I began to envy people who had a home. 
A stable place of comfort and belonging.
I missed my family and friends. A clean, cozy bed. 
I missed familiar faces. A community. Deep talks over wine with people who really know me. Making plans together.
I missed cooking in my own kitchen with sharp knives and a reliable blender.

And then came the guilt: How could I feel so empty when I’m living the dream? Travel burnout felt like a luxurious problem to have, but it was deeply real and confusing. 

The Turning Point: When Even Nature Couldn’t Reach Me 

It truly hit me when I stood before some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes — and felt nothing.
That’s when I knew something needed to change.

I used to find joy in every little flower, in sunsets, in the wind.

So I started a simple morning routine: journaling, movement, meditation.

And then one day, I sat down and wrote down my goals for the coming year. And suddenly it became crystal clear: The things I wanted to create next in my life — my recipe book, a deeper sense of purpose, real community — required stability. Not movement.

Living a nomadic lifestyle was a powerful, inspiring chapter that taught me who I am and what I want and don’t want. But to bring my ideas to life, I wanted a stable base. A home.

Why Travel Burnout Happens 

Most people don’t talk about this. But long-term travel comes with its own kind of fatigue. Especially if you’re doing it “on the go.”

Here’s why burnout can sneak up on you:

• You’re constantly making decisions: Where to sleep, where to eat, what to do, how to get from A to B.
• You rarely feel rooted. You’re always the guest.
• Connections are often fleeting. You start to miss the depth of long-term relationships.
• You may be sacrificing sleep, nutrition, and routine in the name of adventure.

If You’re Dreaming of Full-Time Travel…

I left for what I thought would be an 8-month journey.
It turned into 3.5 years.

I don’t regret it — not for a second.

But I wish someone had told me:

Have you ever experienced burnout while traveling—or during a lifestyle you thought was your dream? What helped you come back to yourself? I’d love to hear your experience.