Digital nomad burnout is REAL

Hey Freaking Nomads,

I’ll be honest with you. I didn’t plan to write about burnout this week.

But yeah... I think I’ve officially hit that stage of the nomad journey where even my carry-on is tired of me 😅

The other day I was packing, and halfway through folding the same three T-shirts I’ve been wearing for the last 6 months, I just sat there like: “Yeah… no. I’m done.”

Not done with nomad life. Done with pretending I have the energy of a hyperactive traveler who wakes up at 6 a.m. to chase the sunrise.

Meanwhile I’m over here chasing… sleep. And plugs. Mostly plugs.

And that’s when it hit me: Oh. This is burnout. Cute.

But here’s the twist. Once I admitted it, it wasn’t that scary.

Because burnout doesn’t mean I hate this lifestyle. It doesn’t mean the adventure is over.

It just means my brain is asking for a little break… preferably one that involves staying in the same place long enough to actually finish a jar of peanut butter.

So that’s what I’m doing: pressing pause.

Not dramatically, not forever. Just long enough to remember what day of the week it is without checking my boarding pass.

And honestly... It feels kind of amazing!

Sleeping in the same bed for more than a week? Luxurious.

Using a fridge where I actually know what’s inside? Emotional.

Being able to tell the barista “the usual”? I almost cried.

In my opinion, burnout just means you’ve been living, like really living.

Moving, exploring, trying, adjusting.

It’s not a failure. It’s a sign your life has been full.

So if you’re also exhausted, or crispy around the edges, or staring at your suitcase with murder in your eyes… you’re fine.

Just take a beat. The road isn’t going anywhere.

And when you’re ready to fall back in love with the adventure, you will. Probably after a nap, though.

Lots of love,

Pamela

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🧑‍💻 Nomad Resource of the Week

If you’ve ever walked through a packed market with your backpack on and suddenly realized how easy it would be for someone to unzip it, this one’s for you.

The PacSafe VentureSafe EXP45 is basically the Fort Knox of travel backpacks. It’s built for nomads who love exploring but hate worrying about their stuff. With slash-proof mesh hidden under the fabric, lockable zippers, and RFID-blocking pockets, it makes pickpocketing feel almost impossible.

It’s spacious (45L), fits perfectly in overhead bins, and has a padded laptop sleeve that can hold up to a 15-inch laptop. Plus, it’s light and water-resistant, so you don’t feel like you’re hauling a tank around just to keep your gear safe.

Browse all our recommended travel gear and gadgets in our dedicated section.

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We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads 👋

Written by Pamela Leon

Pamela is one half of Pame & Dami, a digital nomad couple from South America. Together, they’ve built a lifestyle around traveling the world while working remotely.

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