What I do to combat the tedious travel times is establishing a portal network. I usually name portals something I have an easy time to remember like this for instance:

1. Boss (near the first boss)
2. Boss (near the 2nd boss)
3. Boss etc
Black Forest 1 (in Black forest)
Black Forest 2 (in another Black forest)
Swamp 1 (in the swamps)
Swamp 2 (in another swamp)
and on it goes....

Then I have a single portal in my base I just continually adjust to all these mini-hubs I've placed all over the world. Go raid some of the Burial Chambers in Black Forest for the Surtling Cores, so you can start making your own network.

Also, from the things you describe you do seem very inexperienced at the game, so my guess is your biggest struggle is gonna be with your own patience. Be patient and let yourself learn the game. Things become easier over time.

Edit: Oh yea, I also place a little marker on the map to indicate where I've placed my mini-hubs and with the corresponding name to make it easier to get an overview