Ah, yes—the post-travel blues. They are very real. You’ve gone from anticipation and planning to the adventure itself. But then comes the hard part: coming home. After days (or weeks) of new places, new foods, and new routines, it can feel deflating to return to work, errands, and the sameness of daily life.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. After a trip to Ireland & Iceland in September 2016, I had a brutal re-entry. I landed, went straight back to work the next morning (jet lag and all), and immediately began house-sitting for my parents. My “welcome home” list was endless — unpacking, laundry, groceries, bills, and photo editing. There was no breathing room, no chance to savour being home, no transition. Combined with the end of summer sunshine, I felt drained, weighed down, and definitely blue.
By contrast, when I came home from Spain in March 2017, I gave myself 2.5 days before diving back into work. That little buffer made all the difference. I had time to unpack, do laundry, and settle back into my own home before rejoining my normal routine. The result? A much smoother transition, with fewer blues.
So, how do you avoid the slump and set yourself up for a brighter return? Here are some practical tips for both body and mind.
When Planning & Before You Go
- Plan a gentle return: If possible, give yourself a buffer day at home before diving back into work/school.
- Tidy up before you leave: Coming back to a clean space helps reduce the shock of re-entry. My favourite is having clean bed sheets – cause there is nothing like your own bed!
Once You’re Home
1. Reset Your Sleep and Beat Jet Lag
Jet lag magnifies post-travel blues. When you’re tired, you’re more irritable, less motivated, and less likely to re-engage with life at home.
- Get sunlight early in the day to help reset your circadian rhythm.
- Eat meals on local time and avoid heavy late-night snacking.
- Nap smart — only 20–30 minutes, and never too close to bedtime.
- Consider a small dose of melatonin if you’re struggling to fall asleep in your new time zone.
- Read my post on beating jet lag here.
2. Enjoy the Comforts of Home
Instead of seeing chores as your entire “to-do” list, balance them with little joys.
- Take a long bubble bath in your own tub.
- Sleep in your own bed.
- Eat your favourite local meal or cook something simple you missed.
- Do chores in chunks, not all at once, so they don’t overshadow your return.
3. Take Care of Your Body
After travel’s nonstop pace, communal air on planes, and indulgent foods, your body will thank you for a reset.
- Hydrate well.
- Return to balanced meals with fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Get moving again — even just a walk outside can lift your mood.
- Protect your immune system with sleep, vitamins, and gentle exercise.
4. Reconnect with Friends and Family
One of the fastest ways to shake off the blues is to share your experiences.
- Meet up with friends, tell a few highlight stories (don’t just say “it was great”).
- Show photos or souvenirs.
- Let loved ones share what happened while you were away — it grounds you back home.
5. Relive and Remember Your Trip
Processing your travels keeps the spark alive.
- Edit and print photos, or create a travel album or scrapbook.
- Write in a travel journal.
- Share posts or stories online.
- Revisit your favourite moments through photos, sounds, or even recipes.
6. Bring Your Travels Home
The best way to bridge your travel life with home life is to continue the experiences you loved abroad.
- Did you take a cooking class in Italy? Try those recipes at home.
- Practiced yoga in India? Find a local studio.
- Loved walking every day in Europe? Build that habit into your routine.
- Find a place to hang that new piece of art, or the fridge magnet.
This makes your return feel less like a sharp break and more like a continuation of growth.
7. Start Dreaming of the Next Trip
It doesn’t have to be booked right away, but having something on the horizon reignites excitement. Even loose research, bookmarking destinations, or sketching a future itinerary keeps the wanderlust energy alive.
Final Thoughts
Post-travel blues are normal, but they don’t have to take over.
Mindset shift: Think of travel not as an escape from “real life,” but as part of your life journey. The adventure doesn’t end when you come home—you get to carry the lessons, memories, and inspiration forward.
By giving yourself transition time, caring for your body, reconnecting with home and friends, and finding ways to keep travel alive in your daily life, you’ll not only recover faster but also feel inspired to start planning the next adventure.
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