The Best Ways to Beat Post-Travel Blues

While it’s nice to be home from another trip, returning from a thrilling getaway can feel like hitting a wall: the vibrancy of unfamiliar streets, the thrill of exotic flavors, and the excitement of new connections suddenly give way to the rhythms of home. This emotional dip, often called the “post-travel blues,” is a feeling we know all too well from our own adventures. But there are many ways to smooth the transition between savoring that last sip of of coffee at an unfamiliar coffee shop and diving back into daily life. From revisiting memories to weaving elements of travel into your routine, you can keep that travel spark alive no matter where you are. Let’s dive into how we keep our wanderlust, and how you can do the same—whether you’re mapping out your next big journey or simply daydreaming about far-flung horizons.

Reflecting on our journey - Barcelona

Reflect on Your Journey

One of the most powerful ways to keep your travels fresh in your mind is to devote genuine, unhurried moments to reflection. Too often, we fly from point A to point B, then race back into our responsibilities (especially when it’s a tier point run!!). We’ve found that taking the time to look back at our experiences helps me integrate them into my life in a meaningful way. After every trip, we try set aside an evening to sift through photos and videos—especially those we might have quickly snapped in a rush or in a crowded setting. Seeing those images again can help transport us back to the exact moment we caught a glimpse of something special.

Journaling is another way to relive the excitement. We often scribble notes on the plane ride home, capturing details like how the Spanish sun felt on my shoulders or the aroma wafting from a crowded Christmas market. Writing helps us appreciate the small, easily overlooked aspects of a place. By reading these entries afterward, we can recall not just what we saw, but, more importantly, how we felt. Sometimes, an offhand note about a chat with a friendly local can remind me to focus on relationships, both old and new, once we back in our own community. And with the rise of digital platforms, blogging can clearly be an excellent medium as well. Sharing your experiences on a personal website or on social media invites others into your journey—and their comments often remind you just how special your memories are - thus, this blog.

If you’re more of a visual person, putting together a scrapbook can be an especially satisfying endeavor. Print out your favorite photos, gather some ticket stubs, postcards, or small souvenirs like dried leaves from a memorable forest hike, and place them in a scrapbook. The process of arranging these pieces of your trip can be relaxing and mindful, allowing you to revisit your travels in an artistic way. We’ve also started creating short travel videos—nothing too elaborate, just quick compilations of clips from our journeys. Then, on days when we’re feeling the post-travel slump, we can watch these videos to remind ourselves that there’s still a bigger world out there waiting, and we’ll get to experience it agin.

Another way to reflect is through conversation. If you traveled with friends or a partner, share a casual brunch or coffee date once you’re home. Swapping stories about your favorite meals, funniest mishaps, or the time you got lost in a hidden alleyway of Barcelona can jog your memory and bring laughter to the re-entry process. If you traveled solo, you might invite your loved ones over for a photo night, sharing your pictures with them and narrating the highlights. Discussing your trip out loud can solidify its importance in your mind and provide you with fresh angles on your experiences.

Ultimately, reflecting on your journey means honoring the time, effort, and resources you invested in traveling. Instead of treating it as a fleeting escape, see it as a life chapter that has shaped who you are. By intentionally pausing to remember and record details—through photos, writing, conversation, or art—you’ll discover that the end of a trip doesn’t have to be the end of your newfound insights. It can be the beginning of weaving those insights into your day-to-day life.

Remembering that day in Barcelona

Incorporate Travel Elements Into Your Daily Life

Bringing the essence of faraway places into your home can curb that longing for experiences abroad. Imagine waking up and smelling the exact same coffee beans you discovered in a cozy café in Finland, or cooking up a sizzling plate of vegan patatas bravas that transports you back to the tapas bars of Spain. The wonderful truth is that food is an incredibly powerful trigger for memories, and you can harness that power in your own kitchen. If you’re missing the flavors of Helsinki, track down a recipe for Finnish rye bread; if you fell in love with Spanish cuisine, experiment with vegan-friendly dishes like patatas bravas drizzled in a spicy tomato sauce.

Speaking of culinary adventures, having the right kitchen tools can enhance the fun. Personally, we love gathering gadgets like specialty spice grinders or cast-iron skillets that we’ve discovered on my journeys. Every morning, when I pull out a colorful whisk we bought in Tokyo or that unique coffee mug from the flea market in Barcelona, we’re reminded of the corners of the world we’ve been privileged to see.

Another idea is to infuse your home décor with souvenirs and mementos from your travels. Trinkets from the vibrant markets of Barcelona, a framed photo of the London skyline, or even a small piece of local art can spark fond recollections each time your eyes land on them. We once came across a tiny sculpture from a local Finnish artist that not only brought back the quiet magic of Finland’s landscapes, but also added an interesting conversation piece to our living room. Placing these souvenirs strategically around your home transforms your space into a living memory board, subtly reminding you that the world is wide and full of wonders.

Finally, incorporate the travel mindset into how you approach your daily schedule. On your day off, why not try a mini “staycation” by replicating an itinerary you might plan for a city abroad? Wake up early, visit a local farmers’ market as though it’s a foreign bazaar, taste new street foods, and photograph your own neighborhood from fresh angles. These seemingly simple changes can unlock the traveler’s curiosity that, if we’re honest, we don’t always bring into our hometown routines. By weaving these global influences into your everyday life, you’ll find that the longing for “somewhere else” can be transformed into a kind of celebration of “everywhere I’ve been.”

Thinking of the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter

Plan Your Next Adventure

Nothing quite lifts the post-travel slump like giving yourself something new to look forward to. Even if you can’t jump on a plane tomorrow, the act of planning triggers a sense of anticipation that can carry you through the grayest moments back home. We often start by choosing a few “dream” destinations—maybe we’ve seen photos of the beaches in San Sebastián or we’ve read about the art scene in Sitges. Then we’ll dive into research, scouring travel blogs, connecting with local tourism websites, or listening to podcasts where travelers share their experiences.

One of our secret weapons in trip planning is leveraging points and miles. As avid Oneworld flyers, we’ve learned how to maximize credit card rewards and airline loyalty programs to make dream trips more affordable. You might research which credit cards offer significant sign-up bonuses for miles, or focus on earning Avios with British Airways for flights across Europe. Setting a realistic savings goal—whether that means putting aside a small portion of your paycheck each month or systematically racking up bonus miles—can give you a tangible target. Then, every time you see that balance inching upward, you’ll remember that your next escapade is getting closer.

Don’t forget that planning can be an ongoing learning process, too. As you explore future destinations online, you might discover aspects of these places—like their festivals, hiking trails, or cuisine— that you’d never considered before. If you’re looking to get outdoors, maybe you’ll unearth hidden gems near Joshua Tree or a lesser-known national park close to your home state. Researching these details can spark new interests and expand your travel wish list. I sometimes plan entire trips around a single event—like a famous festival or a once-in-a-lifetime cultural celebration—because these experiences give my vacation a focal point and generate even more excitement.

While elaborate itineraries and big goals can keep you motivated, don’t dismiss smaller, more immediate escapes. A weekend road trip, a short city break using a budget airline, or even a day visit to a neighboring town can stave off travel withdrawal symptoms. After all, the spirit of exploration is as much about mindset as it is about crossing international borders. It’s the thrill of stepping into the unknown, tasting something unfamiliar, or hearing a new language. If you can achieve that sense of wonder just a few hours from home, it might temporarily satisfy your wanderlust until you can embark on a larger voyage.

In our experience, it’s also helpful to set a timeline—deciding roughly when your next trip might happen. Even if it’s a year away, having that date circled on your calendar gives you a definitive waypoint on the horizon. You can spend the intervening months brushing up on the local history, practicing relevant phrases, or just daydreaming about the meals you’ll devour. Every step you take in the planning phase can be exhilarating because it’s a reminder that the journey continues, that you’re not done exploring this planet we call home.

Rooftops of Barcelona

Stay Connected With the Travel Community

Travel doesn’t have to be a solo pursuit—even if you’re physically traveling on your own. Connecting with others who share your passion for seeing the world can be an incredible source of energy and inspiration. Social media platforms are a great place to start. We follow hashtags related to travel, airlines, and specific destinations, and I’ve discovered an entire world of like-minded adventurers out there. You can also participate in travel-focused Facebook groups or forums like FlyerTalk, where you can swap tips on earning miles, share hidden-gem restaurants, or discuss the latest Oneworld route expansions.

Social media can also become a personal travel journal if you use it wisely. Platforms like Instagram allow you to curate your own travel story with photos, reels, and captions that reflect your journey’s highlights. Whenever we scroll back through our feed on @roaming.cactus, we’re reminded of how each trip—no matter how short—has contributed to our growth. If you’re feeling low, posting a favorite travel memory and talking with followers who show curiosity about your experiences can reignite your own excitement. The interaction creates a mini community of people who want to learn from your adventures, just as you might learn from theirs.

Hotel Neri in Barcelona

Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness

In the whirlwind of flight itineraries, train schedules, and Instagram-worthy moments, it’s surprisingly easy to forget the simple, profound joys that travel provides. When you find yourself pining for that sense of wonder after coming home, take a step back and practice gratitude for the richness of your recent trip. This begins by acknowledging all the things that went right: the safe flights, the warm welcomes from local hosts, the new friendships formed, and the personal growth you experienced. Reflecting on these positives can help frame your journey as a treasure to be cherished rather than a fleeting escape that is now out of reach.

Mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga can ground you in the here and now, even as you keep your memories alive. Each morning, we both set aside a few moments to close our eyes, take a few deep breaths, and let our minds wander to some of the most heartwarming memories.

If you’re comfortable with journaling, consider a gratitude journal specifically dedicated to travel. You can spend a few minutes each day writing about one aspect of your journey that you’re thankful for. It might be the kindness of a stranger who gave you directions when you were lost or a scenic overlook that left you speechless. These small recollections can shift your perspective away from “I wish I was still there” to “I’m so lucky I got to experience that.”

The beauty of mindfulness is that it empowers you to be fully present where you are. So while travel often feels like an antidote to monotony, mindfulness reminds you that you can find novelty in the ordinary. A local park can become your personal oasis of calm if you approach it with a traveler’s curiosity. You might notice new birds, interesting trees, or subtle changes in the light throughout the day. The more you cultivate this awareness in your daily surroundings, the easier it becomes to carry the spirit of exploration wherever you go.

Finally, mindfulness encourages self-compassion. If you’re feeling particularly down about being back, it can be helpful to acknowledge that your emotions are valid. There’s nothing wrong with missing a place you fell in love with. Gently reminding yourself that those experiences are now part of your story can bring a sense of peaceful acceptance. In the bigger picture, traveling isn’t merely a string of destinations and social media check-ins—it’s an ongoing internal evolution. Mindfulness and gratitude help you integrate that evolution into who you are, making each trip more than just a memory.

Park Guell in Barcelona

Explore Your Hometown Like a Tourist

Since we call Southern California home, we’ve realized that being a local sometimes blinds us to the charms right in front of us. There are days when the beaches or hiking trails we once found breathtaking become background noise. When we start feeling that post-travel slump, one of our favorite remedies is to pretend we’re tourists. We’ll hop into our car or plan a short train ride, not to run errands but to see California with fresh eyes. Maybe we’ll visit a local farmers’ market we’ve never tried before. In doing so, we tap back into the traveler’s sense of curiosity and awe that can be lacking once we label a place “familiar.”

If you live in or near a major city, explore the landmarks that typically draw visitors from around the globe. In Southern California, that might mean a day trip to see museums in Los Angeles, a spontaneous drive down Pacific Coast Highway, or even spending an afternoon strolling through historical missions. You might discover pockets of nature—like hidden trails or scenic overlooks—you never bothered to see because they were “too close to home.” By viewing your city as if it’s a brand-new destination, you’ll notice details in architecture, street art, or local customs that you used to glance right past.

Local eateries offer another exciting avenue for cultural discovery. We make a habit of seeking out vegan restaurants or vegan food trucks that serve global cuisines, from Vietnamese pho to Lebanese falafel. Food is an instant gateway to another culture, and trying something different near home can stoke that adventurous spirit you felt abroad.

You can also look into local festivals or cultural events. We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the international film festivals, cultural fairs, and music concerts that happen in our area. These events can make you feel like you’ve traveled continents in a single day—without needing a passport or airplane ticket. Keep an eye on local listings, city websites, or community boards for upcoming events that celebrate different cultures. From dance workshops to craft fairs, there’s often a wealth of global experiences right under our noses.

Finally, adopt a tourist’s approach to photography in your hometown. When we’re abroad, we love snapping pictures of unusual street scenes or interesting architectural details. Try doing the same in your hometown. Grab your camera—or phone—and walk around with the intention of documenting this place as if you’re writing a travel guide. You might find that an ordinary alley or a small park suddenly looks picturesque from a new angle. This exercise not only helps you appreciate your surroundings but can also sharpen your photography skills for your next big trip.

Airport

Conclusion: Embrace the Spirit of Travel Every Day

The post-travel blues are a natural part of coming home after a fulfilling journey. It’s only human to miss the sounds of a foreign language swirling around you, the pulse of an unfamiliar city at night, or even the sense of liberation that comes from living out of a suitcase and waking up somewhere different. These feelings affirm how powerful and important travel can be—it’s not just a break from routine, but an integral aspect of personal growth and cultural understanding.

Yet what we’ve learned, as we hop from one place to another is that the spirit of exploration can flourish long after you unpack your bags. By consciously reflecting on your trip—through photos, journaling, or scrapbooking—you keep those memories alive. Incorporating travel elements into your daily life, whether through cooking, décor, or even curating your musical soundtrack, ensures that each day carries a sprinkle of adventure. Planning your next escapade keeps you motivated, and maintaining connections with fellow travelers can sustain that buzz of discovery. Meanwhile, gratitude and mindfulness remind you to cherish the opportunities you’ve had, and exploring your hometown reminds you that wonder is everywhere, waiting to be found.

Above all, don’t be too hard on yourself if you feel a little down after returning. Emotions are part of the tapestry that makes travel so meaningful. Embrace them, learn from them, and channel them into positive actions—like re-creating that Finnish rye bread in your own kitchen or saving up for your next flight to a bucket-list destination. The world is vast, and there’s always a new corner to explore. But there’s also beauty in your own backyard and within your own mind.

So the next time those post-travel blues creep in, reach for your scrapbook, put on that playlist from your trip, or plan a mini adventure in your neighborhood. Let the memories inspire you, not limit you. And when you’re ready, plan that next journey—even if it’s a short one. Because travel, in all its forms, is an ongoing experience that doesn’t have to end the moment you step off the plane. It can continue to shape your outlook, spark your curiosity, and enrich your life every day, in small and grand ways alike.