​​Avoid Burnout With Samantha Brown's Smart Tip For First-Time Cruisers

Whether you go on a scenic river cruise or a classic ocean cruise, the cruising experience is often jam-packed with organized events, walking tours, and exciting amenities. If you're a first-time cruiser, you may hope to join as many activities as possible during your trip. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to burnout, leaving you feeling achy and overwhelmed rather than relaxed and rejuvenated.

According to travel expert Samantha Brown, a less-is-more approach might be the key to having a better time during your cruise adventure. She spoke with Travel+Leisure about the dos and don'ts of cruising and shared what she wished she knew before her first on-the-water trip: "Just how overwhelming it can be to be on a, say, seven-day cruise, with every day being another incredibly anticipated destination. You have to pace yourself and you should plan this in advance of your trip."

Brown added that — even for the most physically fit travelers — it's not realistic to sign up for strenuous tour excursions every day. Instead, you're better off narrowing down activities to avoid burnout. "So mark off which cities you want to explore on a walking tour, to go totally on your own, or which ones you'll pass on, giving yourself a day off to stay on the ship," the travel TV host urged.

One of the perks of going on a cruise is that you can reach several destinations within just days — and all within one booked trip. Usually, the ship docks at each stop for several hours, leaving you just enough time to explore before heading to the next port. This quick pace can be alluring, but it can also lead to a bad case of FOMO.

FOMO — the fear of missing out — can plague any trip, though first-time cruisers may be especially vulnerable to the phenomenon. Without cruise experience under your belt, you might not know your limits and overbook your schedule during your first trip. To keep FOMO in check and reduce your risk of suffering from cruising burnout, it helps to maintain a flexible schedule and pay attention to how you feel in the moment. For example, if you notice you're feeling exhausted halfway through your trip, listening to your body and choosing to rest may make for a better vacation overall.

The main goal travel planning tip can also come in handy. With this strategy, you consider what your main goal or priority is during your cruise vacation. Any activities or tours that don't fulfill this goal become a "nice but not necessary" item rather than a "must do." This makes it easier to decide which events to skip and which to muster up energy for.

An afternoon spent on the ship doesn't have to be seen as time wasted. There are plenty of ways to make the most of your downtime so you're energized and ready to go for the next excursion. Sometimes, the simplest things that your regular schedule doesn't allow for, such as swimming in the pool or napping under the sun, can be the most rewarding during a cruise vacation. Ask yourself what your day-to-day life is missing that might be doable on the ship.

You can also take advantage of the ship's relaxing amenities when staying on board. If you're already physically drained, skip the workout classes and visit the spa or jacuzzi instead. You might just find that these spots on the ship are calmer and less crowded as other cruisers go out for walking tours and sightseeing.

Finally, research the cruise upgrades you can access cheaply (or for free) and save them for your ship days. These can include special workshops, luxurious food, room service, and other add-ons. Samantha Brown shares on her website that you may have access to upgrades and other perks by joining the cruise line's loyalty program ahead of your trip.