How to Overcome the Post-Travel Blues

Nothing excites Assistant Editor Olivia Briggs quite like traveling to new destinations. Follow her adventures on Twitter and Instagram.

Briggs joined SmarterTravel in 2012 and became a member of the editorial team in 2015. She has lived in Ireland and has worked in the hospitality, tourism, and online travel industries for more than a decade. She loves scoping out new hotels, promoting unfamiliar destinations, and writing about niche travel topics.

Her stories have also appeared online on USA Today, The Huffington Post, TripAdvisor, Jetsetter, Oyster, Savoteur, and AirfareWatchdog.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "The Baggallini Zipper Cross-Body Travel Bag. This is a great travel bag because it's small, compact, has many compartments, and can be worn across your body for added security."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Snowboarding through the Alps and staying in a chalet overlooking the mountains."

Travel Motto: "Travel more; it awakens your soul."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window seat."

Email Olivia at editor@smartertravel.com.

See recent posts by Olivia Briggs

We’ve all been there. One minute you’re high on life as you embark on a trip that’s been in the planning stages for months; the next minute you’re back in the office, sitting at your desk and thinking, Now what? Vacations come and go all too fast, but the tips below might make your return to reality a little bit easier.

Share Your Experiences with Others

If you’re anything like me, you can’t wait to tell everyone and their brother about the awesome time you had on your trip as soon as you get home. Do it. It’s uplifting to share your travel stories and talk to others about where you’d like to go next—especially if you’re talking with people who value travel as much as you do. And, if you’re feeling really inspired, start your own travel blog.

Take Time to Reflect

Often when I take a trip—and I’m sure this is true for many people—I get so caught up in the moment that I don’t fully appreciate the things I’m seeing and learning until I’m back home. Take the time when you return home to reflect on your experiences. And while this might seem obvious, sorting through your travel photos when you return is a great way to do it. Make a slideshow or scrapbook, or create an album on Facebook.

Incorporate Something You Enjoyed on Vacation Into Your Life

Maybe you developed a passion for a new kind of food or drink or fell in love with another language on your trip. Why should these interests end just because your trip has? Perhaps it’s time to take a cooking class or learn a new language. Pursuing these new hobbies will keep the memories of your trip fresh—and help make your travels feel more like a beginning rather than an ending.

Bring Home Souvenirs

Buy a keepsake that feels meaningful to you, like a unique article of clothing or a local ingredient to cook with that you might not find back home. Souvenirs that can be enjoyed with others, like food or wine, are often the most gratifying.

Plan Your Next Trip

Whether this means returning to the same place or picking a new destination, get your next trip on the books as soon as you can—even if it’s just a weekend getaway. You’ll have something to look forward to, which will keep your post-travel high going. And once you get back, repeat.

Keep Busy

If your calendar is light on plans, fill it with some. Mark off any upcoming three-day weekends and holidays, and start arranging fun activities to do with family and friends—even if it means staying local. You don’t have to book yourself solid, but getting a few things on the calendar should help you focus on good times that are just around the corner.

Readers, how to do you overcome the post-travel blues? Leave a comment below with your tips and ideas!

(Photo: Businesswoman Looking at Laptop via bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock.com)

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Olivia Briggs has worked in the hospitality, tourism, and online travel industries for more than a decade. She has lived in Ireland, traveled throughout Europe, and has been a passionate writer from a very young age. Follow her on Twitter @Olileibri.

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How to Overcome the Post-Travel Blues