Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Have you ever returned from a vacation feeling more exhausted than when you left?
If so, you’re not alone. Traveling can be tiring for a variety of reasons—from the physical strain of packing and lugging around heavy suitcases to the mental energy needed to navigate unfamiliar places.
Let’s take a look at some of the common causes of travel fatigue.
Disrupted Sleep Patterns
A big part of why traveling is so tiring has to do with changes in sleep patterns. During long flights and train rides, passengers often struggle to fall asleep due to cramped seating and noisy cabins.
Once they arrive at their destination, jet lag can also cause travelers to feel drowsy during the day and have trouble sleeping at night.
Lack of Familiarity
Navigating new places requires a surprising amount of energy—not just physical energy but also mental energy as well. In unfamiliar cities, travelers must pay close attention to their surroundings in order not to get lost or taken advantage of by scammers or pickpockets.
This constant vigilance can be draining, especially if the language barrier makes even everyday tasks like ordering food more complicated than usual.
Dehydration
Most people don’t realize how important it is to stay hydrated while traveling—but it’s essential!
Dehydration can make one feel fatigued, dizzy, and weak, leading to an overall lack of enthusiasm for exploring all that your destination has to offer.
To avoid dehydration, bring along a reusable water bottle so that you always have easy access to clean water (or purchase one from your destination).
Additionally, try drinking herbal tea before bedtime or adding electrolytes into your drinks for extra hydration benefits.
A Lot of Physical Activity
When you engage in a lot of physical activity, your body uses up a lot of energy. This can lead to feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.
Additionally, physical activity can cause your muscles to become sore and fatigued, which can make it difficult to continue moving around.
If you are not used to being active, engaging in a lot of physical activity while traveling can be especially tiring. Additionally, if you are carrying heavy luggage or walking long distances, the physical strain can add to your fatigue.
All of these factors can contribute to feelings of exhaustion while traveling.
Making a Lot of Decisions
Making a lot of decisions can be mentally exhausting because it requires you to use your brainpower and focus. When you are traveling, you may have to make many decisions, such as what to pack, where to go, and what to do once you arrive at your destination.
This can be overwhelming, especially if you are traveling to a new place and are unsure of what to expect. Making so many decisions can drain your mental energy and leave you feeling tired.
Additionally, if you are traveling with other people, you may have to make decisions as a group, which can be even more mentally taxing.
Mental Fatigue When Traveling Long Distances for a Long Time
It can be physically exhausting to sit in a confined space for an extended period of time, such as on an airplane or in a car. This can cause your muscles to become sore and fatigued, which can make it difficult to move around once you arrive at your destination.
In the same time there is not much stimulation and you may feel bored the whole time.
Consider your travel route and travel time and plan accordingly. Download a podcast, audiobook, or some games to keep you entertained for the periods, when nothing interesting happens during your travels.
What is Travel Tiredness Called?
Travel tiredness is commonly referred to as “travel fatigue” or “jet lag.” These terms refer to the feeling of exhaustion and lethargy that can occur after traveling, especially when crossing time zones.
Travel fatigue can be caused by a number of factors, such as the physical exertion of traveling, the mental strain of making decisions, and the disruption of your normal routine and sleep schedule. It is a common experience for travelers, and can affect anyone who travels long distances, either by airplane or by car.
Is it Normal to Sleep a Lot on Vacation?
It is normal to sleep a lot on vacation, especially if you have been very busy or stressed leading up to your trip. Taking a vacation can be a great opportunity to relax and unwind, and getting plenty of sleep is an important part of this process.
Additionally, traveling can be physically and mentally exhausting, so it is not surprising if you feel the need to sleep more than usual while on vacation.
It is also common to experience jetlag when traveling, which can disrupt your sleep pattern and make you feel more tired than usual.
Overall, it is perfectly normal to sleep a lot on vacation, and it can actually be a good thing, as it can help you to recharge and feel refreshed and energized.
How to Recover from Travel Fatigue
There are several ways to recover from travel fatigue.
One way is to get plenty of rest and sleep. This can help your body and mind to recover from the physical and mental exertion of traveling.
It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This can help to replenish fluids that were lost during your travels and can help to prevent dehydration.
Additionally, it can be helpful to eat healthy, balanced meals to fuel your body and give you energy.
Finally, it can be helpful to engage in light physical activity, such as going for a walk or doing some stretching, to get your blood flowing and help to loosen tight or sore muscles.
All of these strategies can help you to recover from travel fatigue and feel refreshed and energized.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from Travel Fatigue?
The length of time it takes to recover from travel fatigue can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the length of your trip, the amount of physical activity you engaged in, and how well you were able to sleep and rest while on vacation.
In general, it may take a few days to a week to fully recover from travel fatigue. However, if you are able to get plenty of rest and sleep, drink plenty of water, eat healthy meals, and engage in light physical activity, you may be able to recover more quickly.
It is also important to be patient and allow yourself time to adjust to your new surroundings and get back into your normal routine.
Traveling is an amazing way to experience different cultures and explore new places—but it can also be tiring! To reduce travel fatigue, make sure you get enough rest on trains and planes; plan your itineraries beforehand, eat healthy, don’t overdo the physical exercise, and stay hydrated throughout your journey!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready for whatever adventures await you on your next trip!
Travel tips and tricks:
- Save big on flights with Skyscanner.com – This incredible tool lets you find the most affordable airfare to your dream destination. You’ll love their “Whole Month” feature, which displays the best prices for the entire month. If you’re flexible with travel dates, this is a game-changer for scoring the cheapest tickets.
- Stay in the heart of the action – I always find the perfect accommodation on Booking.com. Their map view lets me filter hotels by my budget and select ones that are right in the center of it all. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this easy way to book your ideal stay!
- Go beyond the resort – I’m all about making the most of my trips, and GetYourGuide.com has been a lifesaver for booking unforgettable tours and day trips. It’s the most hassle-free way to dive into the local culture and explore the hidden gems in every new place.
- Hit the road with DiscoverCars.com – There’s no better way to explore your destination than by car! Renting a vehicle has never been easier, and with their competitive prices, you’ll have the freedom to create your own adventures.
I highly recommend trying these tools for yourself – not only will you save money, but you’ll also create memories that last a lifetime. Happy travels!