It sounds like you definitely could reduce the emotional/mental load of traveling by going directly to your friends and staying with them (if/when possible). Th

It sounds like you definitely could reduce the emotional/mental load of traveling by going directly to your friends and staying with them (if/when possible). This simplifies things like lodging, activities, etc. since they can/might be more able to take care of those things for you. Travel is so broadly encompassing but I absolutely empathize with the challenges you face. Hopefully you find your own way to look at the bright side of traveling (the experience at the end of it)!