How to Beat Post Vacation Blues- Part 1

By: Susan Sherren for Couture Trips
Published: April 28th 3:30 PM

Returning home can be the most challenging part of a vacation. Several years ago, Trip Advisor conducted a study and found that 56% of travelers experienced post-vacation blues. Most travelers experience post-vacation sadness, so don't worry you are not out of the norm. How can you minimize these feelings after your return trip home? It would be nice to hop on the next flight out of town, but this isn't a realistic or budget-friendly strategy for most of us. So how do you cope with the transition back to your "normal life" from your vacation high?

Get Your Chores Done Asap
​Don't delay grocery shopping, laundry, mail sorting, and storing your suitcases. Nothing will hold back your transition more than postponing these essential routine tasks. Tackle these as soon as possible; it will help you launch back into normality. Just make a list a get it done.

Clear the Calendar
Try and avoid big work-oriented tasks when you return home. A stressful deadline or work project/deadline facing you upon return can send your post-trip depression into overdrive. So organize yourself to get these stressful, large work projects accomplished before you depart on your vacation. Plan around your work deadlines when you start your vacation planning phase. Schedule any routine appointments like visits to the dentist before your trip or a month later. Keep your post-vacation calendar as empty as possible.
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Don't Return to Work Immediately
​Give yourself a few days to unwind at home before returning to work. Ease into your everyday routines. This strategy will also help you recover from jetlag and travel fatigue. Plus, it will allow you to catch up with friends and family before jumping back into your typical schedule.

Look for Positive About Your Life
Make a mental list, or write down all the positives in your life. Realize even if you immediately move to paradise, problems are encountered even in the most idealized spots. Take time out during your travels to write in a journal. Spend some time to reevaluate your life. Being away can give you a new viewpoint on your existence and where you're headed.

Plan a Long Weekend Getaway
​While you might not be up for a grand tour of Europe, a long weekend away or overnight at a nearby bed and breakfast may be the ticket to satisfy your wanderlust. Keep your trip sweet and straightforward. You could even plan your itinerary around an upcoming concert, festival, or museum exhibit. Make these plans before your big vacation. Knowing you have a forthcoming mini-getaway will give your brain something to chew on.

Get Outside
You will likely face getting over jetlag if your trip takes you to faraway places. Get outside and enjoy some fresh air. A trip to the gym might be in order. Take a leisurely bike ride or go on a walk; head to the gym if you feel ambitious. 

Get Help
If your depression lingers or starts negatively impacting your life, please seek professional treatment. This list is merely a guide and is not a substitute for therapy or other interventions.
Stay tuned for Part 2 on how to cope with post vacation blues.

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