Imagine you just came home from one of the most epic adventures you’ve ever had. Sure, the comforts of home feel good. It’s nice to sleep in your own bed. But you just can’t seem to shake post travel depression. Something is lacking. You feel disconnected and you’re itching to get back on the road.
You’re not alone. It’s called post vacation depression and nearly everyone who loves to travel feels just like you. Coming home can be challenging – feeling depressed in “real life” after a big trip is actually normal. Going from the freedom of travel back to your daily routine can be an abrupt transition.
Here are 5 cures for post vacation depression. Bring a little bit of all the things that make traveling so wonderful, back home with you – until your next adventure.
Table of Contents
1. Bring the Excitement of Travel Home to Cure Post Vacation Depression
What is it you love most about traveling? Maybe it’s the unique places you visited, the delicious food you ate or the drastically different cultures you experienced. Just because you’re back home and feeling post vacation depression doesn’t mean you can’t bring the excitement of travel back into your everyday life.
What if you cover your fridge with a collage of photos from your trip or learn how to cook the best meal you had abroad? If you’re craving some more cultural experiences, check out some local meetup groups and join in on different opportunities or events. Combine your cozy nights relaxing at home with a travel documentary or get lost in the travel section at your local library. Connect with other travelers online by joining The Solo Female Traveler Network for resources and travel tips to keep you engaged and inspired and curing your post vacation depression. Don’t let yourself fall into your old monotonous routine, intertwine the excitement of travel into your life at home!
2. Learn New Skills To Cure Post Vacation Depression
One of the best parts about traveling is all the new things you can experience. Why not bring that into your life at home and learn new skills you can bring on your next trip? If you’re already excited to travel again, channel that energy towards learning something new!
What type of skills do you want to learn before your next trip? Maybe you want to download Duolingo and learn the foundations of a new language spoken at your next dream destination. Or, you could invest time into new hobbies at home that you can bring on your next adventure. Take a photography class, go to a Barter Fair or research capsule wardrobes and minimalism to learn how to pack as lightly as possible. Learning new skills will not only help you become a confident world traveler, it can also help you stay excited and engaged at home. Beating the travel blues is much easier when you can focus on preparing for your next trip and investing time into learning new skills and hobbies for your next adventure!
3. Explore Your Own Backyard to Fight Post Vacation Depression
We get it – routines are comfortable. But if you want to spice things up, bring travel back home with you. Whoever said you can’t travel around your own city hasn’t tapped into the magic of a hometown adventure. One of the best ways to experience travel at home is to see it with a new set of eyes.
Go on an urban hike or eat out at a restaurant you’ve never been to before. Stop at the rustic antique store you drive by every day or look up a new hiking trail on the AllTrails app. Explore every nook and cranny of your hometown or city and beat the travel blues by having unexpected adventures on your home turf. Travel off the beaten track in your own backyard and see what surprises await! It definitely won’t be boring – we promise.
4. Stay in Touch with your New Travel Sisters to Cure Post Vacation Depression
Do you ever feel like the friends you met traveling are long-lost friends you’ve actually known your whole life? Of course you do – we feel that way too!
Travel buddies are the best types of friends you can have because of your shared interest in travel and they understand post travel depression. These friends are more likely to drop everything to meet up with you on a spontaneous trip than anyone else you know. They are also essential when you get back from a big trip. Travel buddies can help you feel less isolated, more fulfilled and they have a better understanding of your post-travel depression than people at home. They will always be happy to share memories or plan another exciting trip with you down the road. Although they may be far away, these friendships are absolutely worth it!
5. Start Planning your Next Trip to Cure Post Travel Depression
Grab a pen and paper and start jotting down ideas and places you want to see in the world! Nothing beats the travel blues than doing some research and planning your next trip. If you are feeling low after an amazing adventure, it’s time to focus on getting excited about what’s coming in the future. Whether you have time to travel in a few months or the following year, it’s never too early to brainstorm ideas. Watch a travel series and do some research on locations that may spark your interest. Check out the Solo Female Traveler Meetup Tours for ideas and join one of several epic excursions with other female travel fanatics from around the world. Nothing makes us more giddy with excitement than planning our next trip!
Beating the post-travel blues is much easier with the SoFe Travel community. Lift your head up, grab a world map, and let your mind wander into your next adventure. We can’t wait to see where you decide to go next!
Final Thoughts on Post-Vacation Depression
While post-vacation depression is common, there are ways to cure it. By reflecting on your journey, easing back into routine, staying connected with fellow travelers, planning your next trip, and practicing self-care, you can combat those feelings and bring the adventure back into your everyday life. Travel is meant to transform us, and with the right mindset, the magic of your journey can stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Frequently Asked Questions about Post Vacation Depression
1. What is post-vacation depression?
Post-vacation depression is a feeling of sadness, emptiness, or disconnection that some travelers experience after returning home from a trip. It’s a natural response to the end of an exciting adventure, as the return to everyday life can feel underwhelming in comparison. The emotional shift can leave travelers feeling drained, unmotivated, or even nostalgic for their time away.
2. How long does post-vacation depression last?
The duration of post-vacation depression varies from person to person. For some, the feelings may last just a few days, while for others, it can persist for a week or more. The key is to be patient with yourself and allow time for the transition. The more you integrate the tips shared in this article, the quicker you’ll adjust to life after travel.
3. Is post-vacation depression common?
Yes! Many travelers experience post-vacation depression after returning home. It’s especially common among those who travel solo, as the sense of freedom and adventure can be overwhelming when the trip ends. Recognizing this as a normal part of the travel experience can help alleviate some of the stress that comes with it.
4. Can post-vacation depression affect my mental health?
While post-vacation depression is typically temporary, it can affect your mood and mental health, especially if you don’t address it. Feeling disconnected or low after a trip can be frustrating, but practicing self-care and allowing yourself time to process can help prevent it from turning into something more serious.
5. How can I prevent post-vacation depression?
While it’s impossible to fully avoid post-vacation depression, you can minimize its impact by preparing for your return in advance. Start planning your next adventure while you’re still traveling, and try to incorporate the positive aspects of your trip into your daily life. Stay connected with people you met along the way, and ease back into your routine slowly to make the transition smoother.
