Home - Travel Tips - Post Travel Blues – How to Cope (Why am I feeling this way?)
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Home - Travel Tips - Post Travel Blues – How to Cope (Why am I feeling this way?)
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
“Travel blues” is the feeling of sadness, restlessness, or nostalgia that hits after returning from an amazing trip. It’s that post-vacation slump where regular life feels dull compared to the excitement of exploring new places, tasting new foods, and enjoying the freedom of travel.
Symptoms can include daydreaming about your trip, scrolling through travel photos, or wishing you could book another flight right away.
It’s normal—it just means your trip was that memorable! The good news is there are ways to ease the blues.
It’s terrible to feel this way. Sometimes, you just need a little time to adjust on your own. But more often than not, we’re thrown right back into “real life” without much of a breather. So, how do you make that transition a little smoother?
This post-vacation slump often arises when the excitement of travel contrasts sharply with the routine of daily life. So you need to brighten up your daily routine or maybe just do something different and exciting in your daily life…at home.
Let’s start with the basics…
Preserve Your Travel Memories: Create a travel journal, scrapbook, or digital photo album to keep the memories alive. Reflecting on your experiences can help maintain the joy of your trip.
More practical stuff…
Bring Nature Inside: Like flowers, you can fill your space with plants, succulents, or herbs. They add a fresh, vibrant feel, much like walking through a lush garden or market during your travels.
Scented Candles or Essential Oils: Choose scents that remind you of a place you visited, like lavender for Provence or coconut for the beaches of Thailand. Lighting a candle or using a diffuser can transport you to your favorite destination with just a whiff.
Create a Travel-Inspired Corner: Dedicate a spot in your home to your travels—maybe a comfy chair with throw blankets from different places, your favorite travel books, and photos. It’s a cozy retreat to daydream about your next adventure.
Decorate with Souvenirs: Incorporate small souvenirs from your trip into your everyday life, whether it’s a hand-painted dish from Morocco, a woven basket from Guatemala, or a colorful tapestry from India. It’ll keep the memories close while adding character to your space.
Start a DIY Craft Project: Use your trip’s inspiration to make something—perhaps a jewelry box decorated with seashells from a beach or a photo album featuring pictures of your favorite spots. It’s a creative way to relive your memories.
Make a Travel-Themed Coffee Station: Set up a little coffee nook with mugs from different places, or try brewing coffee from a region you visited (like a strong espresso from Italy or a spicy chai from India). It’s a mini-vacation every time you make a cup.
Open Your Windows: Sometimes, just freshening up your space with fresh air and sunlight can instantly change your mood. Take a moment to relax, enjoy the breeze, and imagine you’re sitting in a café abroad.
Try Local Recipes at Home: If you’ve picked up a recipe or two during your travels, now’s the time to try it. Cooking a dish you learned about on your trip brings the experience back into your kitchen and makes for a fun culinary adventure.
Set a Travel-Themed Movie Night: Pick a movie set in a place you’ve visited or plan to visit, and make it feel like a getaway with themed snacks, drinks, and cozy blankets.
Set Up an Inspirational Wall: Put up postcards, maps, or a world map where you can mark places you’ve been or dream of visiting. It’s a nice reminder of all the adventures you’ve had—and all the ones waiting for you.
These little changes help recreate the joy of travel without leaving your home.
Remember, it’s normal to feel a bit down after a great trip. By implementing these strategies, you can ease the transition back to everyday life and keep the spirit of your travels alive.