Post-Trip Depression (PTD) is a real thing. You spend weeks, if not months planning, organizing, saving and getting ready for that vacation of a lifetime. You read books, reserve the hotels, go shopping…preparing thoroughly until that final momentous day - departure day. You get excited about the littlest of things at the airport; all because the moment you have waited for so long is finally here. Your vacation feels like the longest and shortest thing in the world, at the same time. How is that even possible? You eat the best meals, meet the best people, and watch some picture-perfect sunsets, until sadly, it's over. All of a sudden all of that excitement and anticipation is quickly replaced with pure, unadulterated sadness.
PTD is real. Once you’ve arrived home, you have to go back to mundane tasks like laundry and packing your lunch. It’s very depressing. If you're anything like me you love to go on vacation - not just for relaxation, but for the traveling, meeting new people part. The part of travel that opens your mind and creates new and valuable experiences that change you as a person. The wanderlust factor, if you will. I didn't have as much time after my last trip to suffer from PTD since my brainpower was more geared towards walking on crutches and the desperate need for icepacks and Tylenol, but I know it would have been there. No matter how many times you pack your bags for departure, PTD is sure to find you. Here are a few of my ways to deal with Post-Trip Depression to help get you out of that funk!
Take Time to Reminisce
Sometimes all it takes is the chance to remember the amazing memories you made on the road. Don’t be afraid to call up your travel buddies to share an inside joke and be taken back to those moments of happiness on your trip. Flipping through your photos (although a lot less gratifying on your phone or online than an album), often does the trick. Reliving the fun moments will hopefully make you feel happy about the experience and not drown you in sorrow that you're not still there...so proceed with caution.
Throw Yourself into Something Fun
Sort of like a rebound relationship, throwing yourself into something fun that will distract you from missing your vacation will definitely help. Take a cooking class, read a good book or hang out with some good friends that make you feel happy. I usually like to visit with friends or take care of things on my to-do list that have been piling up. Although to-do lists aren't generally fun, I get a kick out of crossing things off...very nerdy, I know. By having something else to do, you will eventually take your mind off of your PTD. Once you’ve been distracted, you usually will be able to move on and forward with your post-trip life.
Plan Your Next Vacation
If all else fails, turn to plan C - planning your next vacation. Whether or not you can afford to is another question, but even the simple task of organizing your future itineraries and brushing up on your geography and local customs should make you feel better. If you can afford to buy that ticket - even better.
As awesome as it can be to continue to travel abroad, don't take being home and the people there for granted. There’s always beauty to be found in all of your surroundings. You don't want to be always caught up in chasing that wanderlust factor (as tempting as it can be). Don't forget to see the positive side in everything around you at home – and abroad!
Have you ever suffered from PTD? What are your own techniques for getting over the hump? Comment below.