FIGHT TRAVEL BLUES

BE LIKE THE QUOKKA AND FIGHT TRAVEL BLUES

(P.S. – This post has nothing to do with the Quokka, the happiest animal alive.  But how can you not smile and overcome travel blues after seeing this cutie pie?)

You saved, planned your trip, embarked on your destination, discovered, ate different foods, had no one to report to and no real responsibilities. Sadly, there will be a time when a vacation has to end and reality starts to knock loudly at your doorsteps.  As your return date gets closer, suddenly, the comfort of your home and bed, the day to day routine and familiar faces no longer seems appealing. Travel blues is REAL. It can leave you feeling as if you no longer want to live your ‘normal’ life, judging it as mundane, stressful and unfulfilling. Almost everyone who travels will experience some form of travel blues, it can last from a couple of days to several weeks.

While unpleasant and sometimes unavoidable, you can overcome travel blues. The trick is to accept that there is a time for everything: a time to vacation and a time to handle responsibilities.  Coupled with this understanding, these tips below will help your transition to ‘real’ life easier.

Keep the memories alive – whether it is through pictures or recounting your experience to your friends, keeping these memories at the forefront will help with your transition.  When the melancholy of my previous trip hits me, I pull out my phone or camera and go through pictures of my recent trip.  Reliving the experience all over again fills me up with joy: I can remember the feeling, thoughts and experience – just by looking at one photograph!

Plan your next trip – If you enjoyed yourself, there will most likely be many more trips in your future.  One sure way of fighting travel blues is fantasizing about your next vacation.  Ask yourself: Where would I like to go? What would I like to experience? How long would I like to stay?  Start your research, read articles and reviews from other travelers who have gone before you.  This is a sure way to keep you anticipating and excited about your next adventure and make your day to day more bearable!

Be grateful – Many, due to financial or time constraints, are unable to afford a vacation.  But here you are with the ability to financially afford it and have time to explore and relax.  That in itself is a blessing!  So instead of looking at your ‘reality’, think of how grateful you are to even be able to get away and take time to yourself.  This is a luxury not everyone can afford.

If it all fails, look at the Quokka smile and be inspired to smile and be happy no matter what!