I've found that people vary widely in their capacity for long-term travel (not to mention their mode of locomotion, budget, interests, travel style, etc.). I've discovered that I reliably grow weary at about 11 1/2 months--almost without warning. Right around that time something which wouldn't have phased me earlier in my trip somehow looms so large that I end up heading home--an illness or injury, a minor crisis at home or a reassessment of my finances, whatever. And if I try to push it longer, I definitely get tired and grumpy, reluctant to take in anything new.
I'm mystified by people who travel with apparent pleasure for years on end, but I'm equally perplexed at those who, after one month or six, seem jaded and numb--just as I'm hitting my stride. Of course, I recognize that I'm me and that's them. As long as I time it right--again, a personal thing--I can return home happily, and after shaking off some bits of culture shock and any remnant disease or malnourishment I can resume ordinary life.
It's been working for me for many decades. What remains to be seen is whether the balance has shifted in some way while I've been limited to short (3 week) road trips during the pandemic.
Mark
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