Navigating Overwhelm on the Road

Holiday burnout is real, especially for RVers juggling traditions with travel. The crowded stores, the endless to‑do lists, and the pressure to make everything picture‑perfect can leave us drained instead of joyful. And while “less is more” sounds simple, it can feel complicated when we worry about being judged for what we do, or don’t buy.

But here’s the reminder we all need: the holidays aren’t measured in gifts or perfection. They’re measured in memories. Whether it’s baking cookies in a mini pizzelle maker, joining a campground gift exchange, or simply slowing down to watch the lights twinkle, the season is about connection. On the road, that connection might look different, but it’s no less meaningful.

When we rolled into Florida two weeks ago, I thought it would be nothing but amazing—sunshine, holiday vibes, and the joy of finally having all three Learn to RV The Podcast hosts together in real life. But the truth is, it’s been hard, schedules are busy and don't always align, and we have been doing normal everyday things while we are here - like dental appointments and trips to the VA. Campgrounds in December are busy, full of families, activities, and sometimes even drama. Instead of feeling festive, I’ve found myself feeling a little overwhelmed.

RV life teaches us that joy and chaos can often travel side by side. The trick isn’t to avoid the chaos—it’s to find ways to anchor ourselves in the middle of it. For me, sometimes that looks like carving out quiet moments in the rig, remembering why we’re here, sometimes even just accepting and embracing the chaos, and leaning into the small joys: a shared meal, a walk under the lights, or even laughing about the mishaps that come with crowded campgrounds.

If you’re feeling the same this season, know you’re not alone. Overwhelm is part of the journey, but so is resilience. Sometimes the best memories come not from the perfect plan, but from the imperfect, messy moments we learn to embrace.

Recognizing Holiday Burnout

Holiday burnout doesn’t always look like exhaustion—it can show up as:

• Feeling drained by constant activity and social obligations.
• Missing family traditions while traveling.
• Stress from planning routes, campground reservations, or holiday meals.
• A sense of isolation, especially if you’re far from home.

Acknowledging these feelings is the first step toward reclaiming the joy of the season.

RV life can feel like a perpetual vacation, but the reality is that everyday responsibilities still follow you down the road.  Tasks like doing laundry, managing bills, keeping up with work deadlines, or running a business doesn’t pause just because you’re parked under palm trees or beside a snowy mountain.

When Overwhelm Meets Extroversion on the Road

As an extreme extrovert, overwhelm doesn’t stop me, it pushes me to take on even more. I say yes to the cookie swap, yes to the campground drama, yes to recording another podcast episode, yes to every chance to connect. But sometimes, that “yes” pile grows taller than I can manage, and the joy of community starts to feel like chaos.

RV life magnifies this tension. Campgrounds are full of opportunities to connect, but they’re also full of noise, schedules, and surprises. For extroverts, the challenge isn’t isolation, it’s learning when to pause, when to protect our energy, and when to let go of the pressure to be everywhere at once.

The truth is, overwhelm doesn’t mean failure. It means we’re human, navigating the balance between our love of people and our need for peace. And sometimes, the best memories come not from doing it all, but from choosing the moments that matter most.

In fact, many RVers balance the romance of travel with the routine of daily life. Remote workers and business owners often set up mobile offices inside their rigs, carving out time for Zoom calls or client work between adventures. And yes, laundry day becomes part of the rhythm, whether it’s hauling a basket to the campground laundromat or finding a local wash‑and‑fold service in town.

The beauty of RV living is that these “ordinary” tasks happen in extraordinary settings. Folding clothes while chatting with neighbors at the campground, answering emails with a view of the desert, or cooking dinner after a day exploring a holiday market—all of it blends the practical with the magical. That balance is what makes RV life sustainable, not just a getaway.

Finding People on the Road

RV travel has always been about freedom and community, but the culture really did shift after COVID. Before, rec centers, potlucks, and campground events were bustling with activity—easy places to meet fellow travelers. Now, many RVers are more cautious, some prefer smaller gatherings, and others simply haven’t returned to those communal routines. As you’ve noticed, spaces like rec centers can feel quieter than ever, even during the holidays.

That doesn’t mean the connection is gone - it just may look different.

RVers are finding new ways to build community.

• Smaller, intentional meetups rather than large campground parties.
• Outdoor gatherings like firepit circles, cookie swaps, or ornament exchanges where people feel more comfortable.
• Digital communities—Facebook groups, RV forums, and apps—where travelers coordinate meetups or caravans before arriving.

One of the best antidotes to holiday burnout is connection. RV travel makes it possible to meet others who understand the lifestyle and share in the season’s spirit. Here are ways to find community while traveling.

• Campground Festivities: Many RV parks host potlucks, cookie exchanges, ornament swaps, or even Secret Santa gift exchanges. These simple traditions bring travelers together in warm, memorable ways.

• Local Events: From light‑up parades to holiday markets, small towns often welcome RVers into their celebrations. Attending these events can help you feel part of something bigger.

• Faith & Cultural Gatherings: Live Bethlehem experiences, holiday concerts, or candlelight services offer meaningful ways to connect with others and celebrate traditions.

• Snowbird Destinations: Warm‑weather hubs in Florida, Arizona, and Texas are filled with fellow travelers during December. These communities are ideal for meeting new friends and sharing holiday cheer.

• Online RV Groups: Social media groups like Learn to RV the friendly informative RVing Group and RV forums often list meetups or caravan opportunities, making it easier to find people nearby.

It may seem a bit harder to make spontaneous connections than it used to be, but the spirit of RV community is still alive—it just requires a little more effort and creativity to tap into.

Reframing The Season

Holiday traditions in an RV may look different when you travel in an RV, but they can be just as magical. Decorating your rig, sharing cookies with neighbors, or watching a boat parade from the shoreline can create lasting memories. What's neat is that often every year can even be different than the last. By taking the time to let go of perfection and embracing connection, RVers can turn holiday burnout into holiday joy.

The holidays aren’t about doing it all—they’re about finding light, laughter, and community wherever you are. On the road, that might mean swapping cookies with a stranger who becomes a friend, or simply enjoying the glow of Christmas lights from the comfort of your rig.

Where to Turn When Holiday Burnout Hits

Even the brightest lights can feel dim when you’re in a slump. The holidays bring joy, but they also bring pressure—and sometimes, that pressure leaves us drained instead of festive. If you find yourself overwhelmed this season, here are a few ways to reset and reconnect.

• Find a friend: Reach out to someone you trust. A simple conversation, a shared laugh, or even baking cookies together can remind you that you’re not alone. Connection is often the best antidote to burnout.

• Give yourself permission to reset: Step back from the to‑do list. Take a walk, watch the lights, or enjoy a quiet evening in your RV. Small pauses can restore perspective and energy.

• Seek professional support if needed: If the overwhelm feels bigger than you can manage, talking with a counselor or therapist can provide tools and reassurance. There’s no shame in asking for help, it’s a sign of strength.

Here are places to turn for support if you need it this holiday season.

Professional Help :

• Call your primary care provider or a licensed therapist for guidance.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – Call or text 988 if you’re in emotional distress.
• SAMHSA Helpline – 1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357) for free, confidential support and referrals.

Remember, the holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about presence. Whether you’re sharing traditions with family, joining campground festivities, or simply savoring a quiet moment, the memories you create will matter far more than the checklist you complete.

Disclaimer: These tips are based on personal experience and community wisdom.

They are not medical advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out to a qualified professional.

Be sure to tune into our Christmas Podcast where we get real about celebrating Christmas on the road — from tacos instead of turkey to dealing with loneliness during the holidays.