Missing your travels? 10 Tips on how to overcome your post-travel blues
Traveling fills our lives with unforgettable experiences, cultural immersion and a sense of wanderlust. But what happens when the journey ends and you find yourself back home struggling with post-travel blues? I have just returned from a 1-year trip and am doing everything I can to avoid suffering from post-travel blues, a common feeling that many backpackers face. Here are 10 tips to help you overcome post-travel blues and to keep the spirit of your adventures alive. Enjoy!
1. Document your journey and relive your memories
One of the best ways to overcome post-travel blues is to immerse yourself in your travel memories. Go through your photos and videos and relive the moments that made your trip special. Documenting those special moments can help you remember the details and allows you to express your thoughts and emotions. It’s fun to create a photo album, digital slideshow or scrapbook and show this to friends and family. I always create a scrapbook and include photographs, sketches, entree tickets, brochures, memories and information on dishes that I’ve cooked. Next to this, I track and relive my trips with Polarsteps.
2. Redecorate your home and garden
The flora and fauna often define certain destinations that we visited. When I think back to Indonesia, I often think of a tropical setting with palm trees, bamboo, waterfalls and hammocks. When I think of my trip in Morocco, I rather think of colorful lanterns hanging from the ceilings, the smells of mint, bohemian air, palm trees, citrus, olives and cactus. Recapturing the essence of these places can be achieved by selecting plants and foliage for your home and garden. If you’ve fallen in love with the charm of the Mediterranean coast, consider planting lavender, rosemary, cherry laurel, and olive trees. To mimic the tranquillity of Japanese gardens, introduce bamboo, Japanese maple and moss.
Next to plants, some travel-related interior can help transform your home and garden into your favorite getaway. Utilize old travel suitcases, cozy cushions or rugs, hammocks or lanterns to create a nice travel-related atmosphere.
3. Create sounds of serenity and escape
Sounds have an ability to transport us to different places. Create a playlist of music that reminds you of the destinations that you adore. Whether it’s the gentle strumming of a Spanish guitar, the rhythmic beats of African drums or the melodic tunes of a Parisian accordion, let the music take you on a mental journey. Combine the auditory experience with the redecoration of your home and garden and you’ll perhaps find yourself again in your favorite destination.
4. Cook international cuisine
Bring the flavors of your favorite destination home by cooking some of the local dishes you enjoyed abroad. I always love participating in a cooking class while traveling abroad and make sure to bring home the recipes. For me, it’s a great way to keep the memories alive and to share my culinairy experiences with my family and friends. I just tried to make the massaman curry from Thailand and Bún chả from Vietnam, it’s so good!
5. Stay connected with fellow travelers and join new communities
Chances are, you met amazing people during your travels. Stay connected with them through social media, emails or even plan future trips together. I am convinced that the bonds formed while traveling can be long-lasting.
Engaging with travel communities online or in your area can be a great way to share your travel experiences and connect with like-minded individuals. Swap stories, tips, and travel recommendations to keep your wanderlust alive. Attend travel meetups or join online forums where you can ask questions, provide advice and relive your travel adventures through conversations with fellow travelers.
6. Explore your hometown
Often, we overlook the beauty and attractions in our own hometown. Take the time to explore your hometown or nearby areas as if you were a tourist. You’ll be surprised by the hidden gems you discover. I love visiting my hometown Utrecht in The Netherlands and to visit local museums, parks, historical sites and to explore (new) street art. I also often try new restaurants and cafes.
7. Learn something new
Channel your post-travel energy into learning a new skill or hobby related to your travels. Whether it’s learning a new language, taking up photography or practicing yoga from a destination you visited, I am sure that it will keep your mind engaged and motivated. Enroll in classes or workshops that align with your interests and allow you to continue your cultural exploration at home.
8. Practice mindfulness and gratitude
Travel often encourages mindfulness as we immerse ourselves in new environments. You can replicate this by dedicating a corner of your house or backyard to meditation and relaxation. Set up a comfortable seating area, surrounded by the plants and decor that evoke your favorite destination. This practice can shift your focus from what you miss about traveling to what you cherish in your everyday life.
9. Stay active and healthy
Exercise can boost your mood and energy levels. Include some fun activities into your routine, like hiking, biking or yoga. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help you stay positive and ready for your next adventure. Consider joining a local sports club or fitness group to stay active and meet new people who share your interests in staying fit and healthy.
10. Plan your next adventure
Nothing beats the post-travel blues like having another trip on the horizon. Start researching your next destination, set a budget and create a rough itinerary. The excitement of planning can be almost as enjoyable as the trip itself. Explore travel blogs, forums and guidebooks to discover hidden gems and must-visit spots for your upcoming adventure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, post-travel blues can be challenging, but with these ten tips, you can beat them and keep the travel spirit alive. By thoughtfully curating your home or backyard with plants, decor, sounds, tastes and mindfulness, you can recreate the paradise of travel right at home. Make sure to relive your memories through photos, stay connected with fellow travelers, explore your hometown, learn new skills and to stay active. Most importantly, plan your next adventure—it’s the best antidote to post-travel blues.
If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, please let me know in the comment section below. I’m happy to help you. Safe travels!
Author: Daphne
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