I just want to mention that I’m really tired and worn out from all the work travel I’ve been doing lately. Tonight I have to set off again on a week-long trip (Sunday to Sunday) with a 9-hour flight to London from the US. I’ve been sick a lot after my travels, and I still have this bad cough.
I’m sitting at home watching a movie while eating some food, and it feels so nice. But now I have my bag packed and I have to go again, and honestly, I’m not looking forward to it at all this week. The exhaustion of attending in-person meetings all day, team dinners, and lunches really adds up. It feels like I can’t relax even a little.
To add to this, I extended my trip by another two days, but those plans fell through. I’m stuck in a rut here. I can’t bring myself to go. On top of that, I have a presentation for work on Tuesday that I’m super nervous about because I haven’t prepared anything. I also feel like I’m going to miss everything happening with the US election, and even though I did early voting, I wish I could be here to see it.
First, take care of yourself. It’s tough to function well when you don’t feel good at all.
Since you extended the trip, try to take one day to rest (hopefully you’ll feel better by then). Go to a spa, get a massage, facial, or scrub, and just spend some time healing.
@Bliss
Thanks, your advice helps. I thought about taking the train to Paris for two days, but since it’s close to the travel dates, the train and lodging got too expensive. Now I’m just going to a family member’s place.
@Bliss
Absolutely! A nice long hot bath with some nice drinks, and then the next day off with sleeping in and no tasks to worry about. That’s how I handle it.
You really need to prioritize your own well-being because no one else will, particularly not your employer.
This isn’t just a travel rut, it sounds like work burnout. My partner used to travel like that a lot (back and forth between Vancouver and Montreal) and it’s tough. What you really need is a real vacation. You need time off for all the travel you do that you’re not recognized for. Go to a simple, quiet place with some natural beauty and nothing on your agenda.
I got to the point where work travel just became too much for me. It felt like it was taking years off my life. So I changed jobs, and I feel so much better now, both physically and mentally.
Does your Sunday to Sunday schedule allow for any downtime? I’m guessing if you leave the US on Sunday evening, you land in London Monday morning. Do you get to work right away?
If you’re working full days plus team dinners almost every night, it sounds like you’re not getting enough time off.
Those Sunday evening flights eat into your weekends. If you’re not working for a UK company while living in the US for your own reasons, maybe it’s too much. If it’s expected by your company, you should check US employment laws because, in my past experience as an exempt employee, my employer required me to travel on company time.
Quick tip: seriously, wear a mask in airports and on the plane. People can be really unhygienic, and I used to get sick all the time while traveling. Wearing a mask on flights and in the airport has completely stopped it for me.
I’m in the UK now and about to take a 9-hour flight back! Trust me, you won’t miss any election updates. There will be coverage everywhere in the UK. I always switch my watch to UK time as soon as I take off. Try to eat at the new times. If you can, take a 2-hour nap when you arrive at your hotel/destination and set an alarm. Then do things according to UK time.
I’ve been in these ruts before. I remember being in Berlin, one of my favorite places, and just wanting to go home so much. When I feel this way, I try to ensure comfort while still traveling. I’ve switched hotels at my own expense to be more comfortable. I always look for a nice spa, so I can relax with a sauna, do cold plunges, maybe get a massage, and find other self-care options. I also make sure to check out nice restaurants or comfort food and take time for myself. I try to manage the stressful things with others but prioritize my own self-care during my downtime. I’ve traveled all the way around the world, just to lay in a hotel bed binge-watching a TV show in my downtime.
Don’t extend work trips when you’re feeling burned out. Your body clearly needs rest and consistent sleep. Honestly, consider changing your trip so that after work, you can go home.
If you do extend, find a good hotel, relax, maybe visit a spa, read a book, or watch movies…don’t pressure yourself to ‘make the most of your time’ abroad.
The ultimate travel hack is learning how to manage FOMO that makes you want to extend trips and see everything. You need to accept that you can’t do and see everything, and that pushing yourself to the limit isn’t always enjoyable—then you’ll truly master your travels.
I get this all too well. I travel for work as well.
You need to enforce boundaries for your work hours and stick to them. Ensure you decompress after work, chilling out before bed. Drinking might seem to help, but it often doesn’t.
You need a real break soon, it’s draining to travel for work week after week. If you need a bigger suitcase, get one and bring items from home that will make your hotel feel more familiar. Pack things like a big robe or fuzzy slippers, stuff you normally wouldn’t take because it seems too much. A light blanket or your favorite coffee mug. Work is covering the costs, so check that luggage.
If possible, set time in your schedule for some fresh air and a walk. Or use the hotel’s gym, even just for 20 minutes. Let your mind switch off and relax.
On really long days, I order takeout. It doesn’t matter if there’s a place nearby; by the end of the day, I don’t want any extra mental stimulation. Just let yourself eat in peace.
It’s a job. If your work requires you to do a project, they should work with your schedule to make it possible.
I used to travel a lot for work. It was exhausting. I learned I needed a lot of quiet time and didn’t go out with coworkers to socialize. I don’t know how some do it, but I managed by prioritizing self-care. Whether it’s a good dinner, gym time, or visiting a museum—anything that counts as wellness for me. Remember, health is wealth.