Tired AF? It might be travel burnout

Hey Freaking Nomads,

Have you ever spent months traveling through some of the most incredible places on earth, only to find yourself completely drained and unmotivated to do anything? That was me a few months into my first trip to Central America as a digital nomad.

By the fourth month of my trip, I was in Guatemala, and up until then, I had done it all. Hiked every trail. Said yes to every invite. Barely slept, squeezing work into late nights. It had always been one of my dreams to be able to visit this part of the world, and I went all in. But instead of feeling fulfilled, I hit a wall. Hard.

I remember waking up one morning, looking out at Antigua’s breathtaking volcanic landscape, and feeling…Nothing. No excitement. No energy. Just exhaustion. And then came the guilt—because how could I possibly feel burnt out from traveling, something so many people dream of doing?

But travel burnout is real. When you’re constantly on the move for an extended period, chasing experiences (while working your a** off to stay financially afloat), and pushing yourself to make the most of every moment, it’s easy to forget that this lifestyle isn’t a vacation—it’s life. And life needs balance.

Over time, I learned a thing or two about how to keep myself from reaching that point again. First, I had to slow down (seriously, it’s okay!). FOMO is a struggle, but I realized that some of the best experiences come from simply being present in a place, not rushing through it.

I also started listening to my body. If I was exhausted, I let myself rest. If I was hungry, I ate. If I needed a slow morning, I took it. Travel burnout isn’t just mental—it’s physical too. And our bodies often know what we need before we even acknowledge it.

Most importantly, I reminded myself why I chose this lifestyle in the first place. For me, it was about freedom and personal growth. Reconnecting with my 'why' reignited the excitement of being able to go to the beach on a random Thursday morning, of choosing where and how I wanted to live. That perspective shift helped me realign my priorities.

So, if you’re feeling this way, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to take a step back, to rest, to do less. The world isn’t going anywhere—there will always be more hikes, more events, and more places to explore. But you need to be present to enjoy them.

Until next week, take care of yourselves (and each other) 🌍💛

Irene Lidia

🗞️ What's new in the nomad world

• New Zealand opens doors to digital nomads: Starting January 27, 2025, remote workers can now work in New Zealand for up to 90 days—extendable to 9 months. This move aims to boost tourism and keep those off-peak seasons buzzing. Think of it as a win-win: you get to work with a view of stunning mountains or beaches, and New Zealand gets a slice of your remote work spending.
• Thailand’s visa revamp lures global talent: Not to be outdone, Thailand is also relaxing visa rules to attract wealthy professionals and investors. Its updated Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa ditches the five-year work experience requirement, lowers financial thresholds, and lets you bring unlimited dependents—yes, even your parents.

👀 What else...

• The reality of digital nomadism—glamorous or overrated? Our latest guide dives into the real pros and cons of being a digital nomad. Spoiler alert: Freedom and cultural immersion are amazing, but unstable routines and loneliness can be tough. Whether you’re dreaming of remote work or already living it, this one’s worth a read.
• US digital nomads, don’t sleep on your tax breaks. If you’re earning abroad, the IRS still wants a piece—but there are ways to keep more of your money. Our guide covers FEIE, FTC, home office deductions, and everything you need to stay compliant (and stress-free).

✨ Our favorite nomad quote

"A man of ordinary talent will always be ordinary, whether he travels or not; but a man of superior talent will go to pieces if he remains forever in the same place." – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

💼 100% remote jobs handpicked for you

Who is hiring this week? Here are some top roles to check out:

• Social Media Manager at Chorus One
• Senior Product Analyst at Tabby
• Video Producer at transfersalia
• Data Engineer at Clipboard
• Amazon Advertising Specialist at IMPACT BRANDS

💡This week's pick (to make your life easier)

For nomads who love yoga but struggle with bulky yoga gear, we found Yogo Ultralight 4.0—the travel yoga mat that actually fits in your backpack. You can use it to:

🧳 Pack light, stretch anywhere (folds to the size of a newspaper, ultra-portable)

🧘‍♂️ Stay steady on any surface (natural rubber for max grip, no more slipping)

🚿 Rinse & roll (built-in straps make it easy to wash and hang dry)

🌱 Feel good about your gear (eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials)

Want more travel-friendly gear? Check them all on our website.

That's all for this week.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Threads if you want to get in touch with other members of the FN community.

We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!

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