travel blogger burnout

My 10 Best Tips on Surviving Travel Blogger Burnout

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HOW CAN YOU COPE WITH TRAVEL BURNOUT?

Travel blogging is the dream job for many. We get to go globetrotting while diving into new cultures, tasting exotic foods, and sharing every captivating moment with eager followers β€” all while getting paid 😍

But behind those stunning sunset snaps and beautiful cityscapes is a side of the job we rarely see: Travel blogger burnout.

Ever find yourself feeling stressed or uneasy about your role as a travel blogger? Rest assured, you’re in good company. 

A recent survey by Travelpayouts found that nearly 68% of travel bloggers experience a certain degree of blogging-related anxiety. I’ve even experienced travel blogging burnout myself.

So the burning question are, How do you pinpoint when you’ve caught a case of travel blogger burnout?, and more importantly, How do you bounce back? In this article, we’ll explore all this and more, so let’s dive in!

Travel Blogger Burnout Tips

What is travel blogger burnout?

While being on vacation is relaxing, traveling full time is well, a full time job. With this, comes some classic travel blogger burnout symptoms, like loneliness, boredom, fatigue, appetite changes and even sleep problems.

travel blogger experiencing burnout
Blogging can be a solitary endeavor, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness over time, which are some travel burnout symptoms (AKA travel tiredness).

Do you often find yourself dreading the next blog post?

Does planning another trip not excite you as it once did?

Do you feel overwhelmed by the constant need for content, even when you’re in the middle of an exotic location?

Ever wondered, what is travel tiredness called?

Yup, all of THAT… it’s just all some of questions you might be asking yourself if you think you have travel burnout symptoms.

Travel burnout or travel fatigue refers to a state of physical or emotional exhaustion, especially due to prolonged stress and/or overwork β€” even if your work is travel blogging (which sounds so glamorous).

For full time travel bloggers, this can stem from the pressure of always being “on,” juggling content creation, social media engagement, and the logistics of traveling. 

While the perks of the job are many, the continuous cycle of planning, executing, and sharing can wear down even the most passionate bloggers. Even how to bargain on your travels can increase stress.

It’s essential to recognize these feelings early, as addressing burnout can prevent deeper issues and help maintain your enthusiasm and creativity.

If you are wondering how long can travel fatigue last, it really depends on you and your specific situation.

However, by following our ten steps listed below, you can combat burnout and find renewed energy for your adventures (and your travel blogging business).

Travel Blogger Burnout Tips

10 Tips For Beating Travel Blogger Burnout

Now that we’ve identified the signs of travel blogger burnout, the next question is naturally about how to avoid travel burnout.

Here are just a couple of tips that you can use to counteract those travel fatigue symptoms.

​​Tip #1: Stop comparing yourself to other bloggers

travel blogger burnout
The constant need to publish fresh and engaging content can be exhausting.

Theodore Roosevelt famously onceΒ said, ComparisonΒ is theΒ thief of joy. In the world of travel blogging, constantly measuring your progress against others can significantly contribute to burnout.

When you stack your achievements against another blogger’s, you only see a curated snippet of their life and work. 

You’re unaware of their challenges, unique journeys, or the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into their content. Remember, every individual is on a distinct path with different experiences.

To safeguard your mental well-being, consider distancing yourself from content that sparks feelings of inadequacy.

If a particular blogger or social media influencer triggers negative emotions, it’s entirely okay to unfollow or mute their content.Β 

overcoming blog anxiety

For those who find themselves aimlessly scrolling and spiraling into the comparison game with other travel bloggers, online tools like BlockSite can be handy.Β 

They allow you to set up blocks on websites or platforms (like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) that feed your blogxiety, ensuring you focus on your work and well-being.

Prioritizing your mental space and understanding that everyone’s journey is unique will not only alleviate burnout, but also foster a more genuine appreciation for your own accomplishments.

Travel Blogger Burnout Tips

Tip #2: Set realistic goals

Having big dreams is great, but ensuring your goals match what you can actually do is essential.

Let’s say you can only spend five hours a week on your blog. In that case, expecting your readership to double in a month isn’t realistic because you simply won’t be able to write a lot of SEO-optimized blog posts.

If you set goals that are too hard to achieve, you might feel down when you don’t reach them. This can make you feel like you’re not good enough or things aren’t moving fast enough.

So, when setting goals, think about how much time and effort you can give. This way, you’ll feel good when you reach your goals and stay excited about blogging.

Travel Blogger Burnout Tips

Tip #3: Dedicate focused work sessions

woman working on her laptop during a vacation
If you’re blogging for income, the pressure to generate revenue can add stress.

After laying out your goals, allocating specific chunks of time to bring them to life is crucial.

Knowing yourself and how you work can make a huge difference. Recognizing these patterns can help you schedule your most productive work times.

Distractions are everywhere, especially in the digital age. It’s easy to lose an entire day getting sidetracked by social media.

To combat this, consider using time management techniques like the very-popular Pomodoro Technique (AKA Pomodoro Method), Eat the Frog, and other methods.

The Pomodoro Technique breaks tasks into short, focused intervals with regular breaks. With this, you work for 25-minutes straight, then take a 5-minute break, which is said to boost productivity and keep your mind fresh.

No matter the method you choose, know that by setting aside dedicated work sessions, and ticking off tasks as you complete them, you’ll get a rewarding sense of achievement.

Imagine the satisfaction when you look back at your day and see all that you’ve accomplished, and all those check marks on your To Do list βœ…

Travel Blogger Burnout Tips

Tip #4: Cultivate a writing habit

man typing on his laptop
You can also delegate some writing tasks so you don’t have to do everything on your own.

One of the best long-term remedies for writer’s block is establishing a consistent writing habit ✍🏼

Dedicate a part of your day, every day, to put words on paper. This consistency can be transformative in getting your creative juices flowing. 

It doesn’t always have to be blog-focused writing; diving into a good book, jotting down thoughts in a journal, or even dabbling in poetry can help.

Flexing these creative muscles daily can make writing feel as natural as breathing, reducing the chances of hitting that dreaded block.

Travel Blogger Burnout Tips

Tip #5: Schedule as much as you can in advance

blogging schedule
Using scheduling tools can also lift the heavy weight of manually doing tasks.

The whirlwind of travel blogging can feel like we’re always a step behind, chasing deadlines and trying to keep up. Days blend together, and that creeping sense of playing catch-up can amplify our stress.

Here’s where the magic of scheduling in advance comes into play.

When you’ve got tasks or posts mapped out, there’s a reassuring structure amidst the chaos. It’s not just about having a plan; it’s about feeling at home in that plan.

Many people don’t realize how such a simple step can become a sanctuary on busy days. 

Having things laid out ensures you’re consistently serving your audience while granting yourself a calm cushion. It’s a strategy that benefits your content and peace of mind.

Travel Blogger Burnout Tips

Tip #6: Share the load

Travel blogging can feel like a never-ending list of jobs. One day, you might be writing; another, you might be traveling, organizing your itinerary, and snapping photos.

Let’s be honest, juggling this alone can be a real challenge. Here’s a tip: When you can, delegate some tasks.

It’s tough when you’re starting and funds are tight, but once you begin making money from your blog, think about investing in some help. For this, you might want to start by hiring a virtual assistant, also known as a VA.

Even if it’s just a small task, passing it on to your VA can free you up to focus on your next adventure or strategy.Β 

If you can’t afford help right away, consider using AI help. Tools like Koala AI Writer (which I use), Jasper.ai, or even ChatGPT can help you get through some tasks much quicker.

Stepping back can help you move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling like a digital nomad boss, ready to conquer the road ahead.

Travel Blogger Burnout Tips

Tip #7: Learn to say no

Ah, the two-letter word that’s sometimes the hardest to say: “No.” As a professional travel blogger, opportunities will come knocking left and right.

Collaboration requests, guest post offers, and travel itineraries that seem oh-so-tempting. The list is endless.

But here’s the thing: Not every opportunity is the right fit for you or your brand β€” and that’s okay 😎

Stretching yourself too thin not only risks burnout but can also dilute the authenticity of your content.

It’s okay to be selective. It’s okay to prioritize your well-being over a potential post or partnership. Remember, you started this journey for the love of travel and sharing stories.Β 

Protect that passion by making sure you’re not overloading your plate. As the saying goes, sometimes less is truly more.

Travel Blogger Burnout Tips

Tip #8: Recognize when it’s time to step back

We all hit that mental snag sometimes. It’s like our creative juices decide to go on a spontaneous vacation.

In those moments, sometimes the best thing to do is just step away. A change of scenery, like a leisurely walk, can really help refresh the mind.

One thing I personally swear by is having an Easy Task List. It’s filled with tasks that aren’t super brainy, but still chip away at my To-Do List.

Activities like keyword research, quick post spell-checks, and even linking old posts. They’re straightforward but oh-so-satisfying to tick off.Β 

It’s a gentle nudge forward, even when the main engine is taking a breather. So, when the words play hard to get, remember there are other ways to keep the momentum going.

Travel Blogger Burnout Tips

Tip #9: Prioritize your self-care

self care yoga | travel blogger burnout
Remember: A healthy blogger is a more productive blogger.

Last but certainly not least, it’s essential to remember that you come first 🫡 Your mental health is important.

If you feel like hitting the snooze button and giving yourself an extra hour of sleep, do it without guilt. Travel blogging is a journey, not a sprint. 

Taking care of your well-being ensures you can enjoy the ride without burning out. It’s all about balance: Challenging yourself when you’re up for it, and giving yourself grace and time to recharge when needed.Β 

This self-awareness will not only prevent burnout but will also lead to a more fulfilling blogging experience.

Travel Blogger Burnout Tips

Tip #10: Rally your crew

group of travel bloggers
You can leave your stress behind when you start sharing your experiences and seeking advice from the blogging community.

Being a travel blogger is an exciting journey, but it can also feel a bit isolating. That’s where your crew comes in.

Connecting with others who get the unique challenges and joys of your world is a game-changer.

They’ll be the ones you vent to after a frustrating day or share the latest blogging hack you’ve discovered… So, where do you find them?

Attend events tailored for travel enthusiasts like travel blogging conferences (TBEX, Traverse, and WITS are great ones), engage in online communities and join dedicated Facebook groups, like these:

These connections will not only help you grow professionally, but also bring a sense of belonging to a field that often celebrates individual adventures. Find your people, and they’ll remind you that you’re never truly traveling solo.

Travel Blogger Burnout Tips

Travel Blogxiety Conference

In 2023, I was one of the featured speakers at a conference called Blogxiety, which was put on by Travelpayouts β€” one of my favorite travel affiliate programs.

As you’ve probably guessed by this blog post, the topic of Blogxiety (or, Blogging Anxiety) is on that’s near and dear to my heart.

I know first-hand that when we’re anxious, stressed out, burnt out, etc., we’re not going to get any blogging work done, and that’s exactly what I spoke about in my presentation.

Travel Blogger Burnout Tips

Final Thoughts: Surviving Travel Blogger Burnout

Want to avoid Burn Out City? We all started this travel blogging journey with a passion for discovering new places and sharing our experiences β€” but just like any adventure, it’s not always smooth sailing.

Feeling tired of traveling or experiencing travel exhaustion is common. I mean I’ve often asked myself, Why is travelling so tiring? (because it really is).

It’s not just the hustle of visiting new sites used for blogging; it’s the weight of managing everything from your travel blogger bio to keeping up with the latest travel blogger buzz, trends and more.

Yet, here’s the good news: With the right strategies and mindset, you can navigate these challenges and overcome burn out travel symptoms.

It’s possible to avoid that dreaded feeling of how to avoid exhaustion on vacation.Β 

Instead, equip yourself with tools and tactics to get fully booked and avoid burnout, so you’ll never feel like “travelling sucks” again! (Really, you probably will, but at least you’ll be better equipped for it next time).

At the end of the day, you’re not just any traveler. You’re a storyteller, sharing your journey with the world.

Remember to pace yourself, find your tribe, and, most importantly, never forget why you started.Β Safe travels and happy blogging πŸ“