Not All Holidays Are Created Equal – Especially When It Comes to Burnout

Over the last decade, I’ve learnt a powerful lesson the hard way: just because a trip is labelled a “holiday” doesn’t mean it actually delivers rest.

When you love your work - and I really do - it’s surprisingly easy to skip breaks, push through, and convince yourself you don’t need time away. But even when you do manage to take leave, it’s not always the remedy your overloaded brain and body are crying out for.

Some holidays have left me more tired than when I left. Others have produced as much decision fatigue, screen time and stress as regular life. But my recent 14-day biking trip around Sri Lanka changed everything. It didn’t just recharge me, but reset me in a whole new way.

So here's my (research-informed) personal guide to booking a holiday that prevents burnout, restores the nervous system, clears mental clutter, and fuels your return to work with energy and purpose.

1. Activity beats blobbing

It might sound counterintuitive, but I’ve found active holidays far more refreshing than lying on a beach. Physical movement is a proven tonic for mental fatigue, and accomplishment feels good. We biked 3–4 hours a day, and I came back fitter and more rested.

2. Phone-unfriendly is a plus

If your chosen activity makes phone use impractical, even better. My cycling shorts had no zip pockets, so my phone stayed packed away for much of the day.

3. Crappy Wi-Fi = digital detox

At the end of each day, we’d lounge by the pool, supping on well-earned local Lion beers in freshly chilled glasses. How good! But an additional plus was the sketchy wifi – slow and intermittent internet meant I couldn’t scroll even if I wanted to. That enforced break from emails, social media and news feeds gave my brain the white space it’s rarely granted and so desperately needs.

A quick road-side stop with the tuk tuk drivers at one of their local eateries - far, far away from the tourist crowds.

4. Time zone distance matters

Being truly ‘off’ is easier in a different time zone. Waking up as colleagues are going to bed created a psychological buffer that made disconnecting easier. I got so behind on the usual busy WhatsApp groups that I gave them a rest all together.

5. Decision fatigue? Let someone else lead (& shoulder the burden of the dud moments!)

We joined a group tour with Intrepid Travel, which meant the itinerary, timings, routes, food stops and temple visits were all taken care of. As someone who makes a hundred decisions a day, I cannot tell you how glorious it felt to surrender decisions and accountability. Not having to think was the surprise joy of the whole trip. When the meal wasn’t the best, or the start time felt too early, there was no come back heading my way.

6. Feel accomplished, not just relaxed

That satisfying post-ride ache. The buzz of completing something. The knowledge I was actively engaging, not just passively being. I might long to laze by a pool or lie on a beach, but after a couple of days I get itchy feet and want to explore/see more/do. Each day offered its own sense of achievement – the perfect antidote to the inertia that often lingers after more sedentary holidays, and regret or guilt that starts to fill day after day of long lunching. We earned our beers, and there was only limited time for them too. As someone who loves a long lunch, but tires of the over-indulgence, this was another unexpected bonus for me.

7. Local immersion over touristy crowds

Cycling through remote villages, feasting on the best roadside treats, chatting through the fence with school kids at play, laughing as we jostled with the tuk tuk drivers… we experienced the real Sri Lanka in a way that felt rich, raw and unforgettable. It left me feeling not just rested, but revived - full of new sights, sounds, smells and stories. Intrepid are also particularly strong on responsible tourism.

I’ve returned with a constant smile and a deep sense of appreciation. Saying yes to a group bike tour may have been the best decision I’ve made in years. I now know my own secret sauce for a burnout-preventing holiday – and I’m already looking forward to do a similar activity based holiday again next year.

If you’ve ever come back from a break feeling more wrung out than when you left, this blog is for you.

What’s your version of the perfect restorative holiday?

Share this with the person you'd love to do a trip like this with. Life is short, life is busy, so let’s find the holidays that fill us up, making us feel connected, purposeful and lucky to be alive.