Post-vacation blues will fade away with these tips and tricks that’ll keep your memories alive and help you transition back to everyday life.

Several years ago, my husband earned a trip to Hawaii through work, and we were fortunate enough to fly to paradise that spring mostly on the company’s dime.  It was my first time there and upon our return home to a cold, wet and gloomy Oregon, I came down with the post-vacation blues.

When we got home, my every-day reality felt depressing. I just wanted to go back, or LIVE there!  I started looking at real estate and dreaming about how we could make the move, but soon came back to reality and instead started thinking about how I could bring a little Hawaii to our humble Oregon abode.

A few days later, in an effort to climb out of the funk I was in, I decided to make a tropical dinner that reminded me of Hawaii.  My hubby and I turned on some Hawaiian music and found a live webcam close to where we stayed looking right at the ocean.

Just as we were finishing dinner the doorbell rang.  I kid you not, it was a delivery of chocolate covered macadamia nuts, just in time for dessert.  My husband’s boss sent them to thank my husband for his hard work the previous year and they just happened to arrive at the PERFECT time!

Later that night, we got back on the webcam to watch the sunset.  It made for a great date night. It cheered me up and was a fun way to transport ourselves back to Hawaii and ease those post-vacation woes.

Over time, embracing the memories and letting the vacation live on at home sent the blues packing.

What are Post-Vacation Blues?

Did your vacation give you a chance to get away from the everyday stresses of life? Maybe you experienced a new place or an epic adventure, or perhaps you had well needed quality time with family, friends or loved ones.

Whatever it was that captured your soul on your recent vacation, if you’re back home facing reality, and feeling downright depressed, post-vacation blues may be the culprit. Are you experiencing any of the following?

• Not wanting to leave your vacation destination and dreading going home
• Re-thinking your every-day life or feeling like you want to move to the destination where you spent your vacation
• Feeling extra tired or fatigued
• Experiencing a loss of interest in regular activities
• Feeling sad or moody
• Changes in appetite

Sure, most aren’t excited for their vacation to end, but for some it goes deeper than that. So, if you’re feeling blue, come with me and we’ll explore some ideas to help you embrace you travel memories, transition back to real life and experience a little joy along the way.

How to Ease Post-Vacation Blues

1. Tell Someone About Your Vacation

Give a friend or family member a call and tell them about your vacation. Perhaps you know someone who’s been to the same location and you can exchange stories and experiences.  Tell them about what you hope to do on a future trip.

Also, reminisce about the vacation with your friends or family that you traveled with. Exchange pictures and ask them what their favorite part of the trip was. Although the excursion is over, the memories stay with you and can help turn the sadness to joy.

2. Research the History and Culture of the Destination

Did you visit any museums or historical sites or attend any cultural events at your vacation destination? Further research the history and find out more about the people, culture and what makes them who they are today.

3. Print Photos from Your Trip

Find some of your favorite pictures from the trip. Print them up and put them in a fun frame. Display them on a wall or shelf at home or put one on your desk at work.

4. Create a Picture Album, Slideshow or Video

Put time aside to organize your pictures in a fun way so you can look back on the memories often. Creating a digital picture album can be a lot of fun.

You can also turn your photos and videos into a slide show. Put an evening aside and enjoy watching it with friends and family.

5. Use a Favorite Photo as Wallpaper on Your Phone and Computer

Choose some photos to display on your phone, laptop or desktop. I prefer using a different photo for each and like to switch them out often to enjoy as many memories as possible.

6. Create a Social Media Post

Sharing your experience on social media is a great way to reflect on your trip and engage with others. You may learn others have spent time in the same location. Some social media platforms show memories on the anniversary of when you post, which are always fun to look back on.

7. Watch Movies, TV Shows or Videos Filmed in the Area You Visited

Look up movies or TV Shows filmed in the location you visited. Search YouTube to find creators that visit or even live in the area.

When we got home from my first Hawaiian vacation, I found a YouTuber that lived on Maui. She walked around and filmed life out and about and it was fun to see what it was like to live there. I often found myself watching one of her videos while eating breakfast and sipping on coffee before work. It felt like a mini vacation before heading out to my car in the rain!

8. Make a Meal and/or Beverage that Reminds You of Your Vacation Destination

Did you have a favorite meal or a tasty beverage while you were traveling? Look up some recipes and ease post-vacation blues by recreating them at home. It’s fun to learn new recipes and you never know, they may become new staples in your home.

9. Find a Live Webcam in the Area You Vacationed

Look around online for a live webcam located in your travel destination. As mentioned earlier, we found one at a Hawaiian resort close to where we stayed when we arrived home.

10. Listen to Music that Reminds You of Your Travel Location

Did you enjoy any music that represents the culture of your travel destination, or did you have music playing while you were there that reminds you of the vacation? Make a playlist you can listen to while having dinner or exercising.

11. Find a Scent that Represents the Location You Visited

Did you know the sense of smell is closely tied to memory? Find a scent that reminds you of where you visited and you’ll be transported back to your happy place. Ideas include  a candle, lotion, room spray, perfume, or even a fruit or spice.

12. Start Planning a Return Trip

Even if you’re unable to go back for a long time, start planning now. It’s never too early to start saving. You can start a travel savings account or piggy bank. Do some research now and make itineraries. Half of the fun is in the planning and anticipation!

13. Plan a Small Local Getaway or Fun Activity

Try planning a night or two away within driving distance or find something fun to do locally. Sporting events, concerts, or going to a movie you’ve been looking forward to can cheer you up. Perhaps there’s even a restaurant locally that serves the cuisine from the location you traveled to.

14. Write Down What You are Thankful For

Try writing down 10 things you are thankful for, with half being vacation related and half being what you’re grateful for in everyday life. Although it’s fun to reflect on your vacation and even plan the next one, it’s good to be present and content right where you’re at.

15. Talk with Someone About How Your Post-Vacation Blues

For some, post-vacation blues may not be so easily cured. If you find yourself having a hard time transitioning back to everyday life and feel a longer-term depression setting in, please speak to your doctor or a professional counselor and be assured that better days are ahead for you!

Let Me Know What You think!

• Which one will you try first?

AND

• What other ideas do you have to relieve post-vacation blues?

Leave a comment below.

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