Call us: (910) 742-5324
Call us: (910) 742-5324
I’ll admit it, I’ve felt the sting of the post travel blues. You know that feeling: you return home from an incredible trip, your suitcase still half-packed, and suddenly the everyday grind feels heavier than ever. The laundry piles up, the fridge is empty, and the joy you felt just days ago already seems like a distant memory. Sometimes it hits you even before you get home.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do I feel so down after such a great vacation?” you’re not alone. The post travel blues are real, and they can hit especially hard for women over 50 who see travel not just as a getaway, but as a lifeline to joy, connection, and discovery.
The good news? With a little intention, you can flip the script. Here’s how to keep that vacation glow alive long after your plane lands.
The post travel blues aren’t just in your imagination. Researchers point to several reasons we feel let down after a trip:
Understanding the “why” makes it easier to tackle the “how.”
Instead of diving straight into chores and emails, give yourself a buffer day or two if possible. Use it to rest, unpack slowly, and savor memories before rushing back into obligations. When I was working, I usually scheduled my trips to end on a Friday, or I always took a couple extra days off.
Cook a dish you loved on your trip or buy a spice blend from your destination. Food is a powerful way to relive happy moments and soften the post travel blues. I came home from my first trip to Paris and immediately learned how to make macarons.
Vacations often mean more walking, through city streets, markets, or gardens. Keep that habit going with daily strolls or weekend hikes. Physical activity lifts mood and keeps the travel spirit alive.
The glow of travel comes from curiosity. Bring that home by exploring a new cafe, taking a scenic drive, or visiting a museum nearby. Small adventures help fight the post travel blues by reminding you joy doesn’t only exist far away. If you can, schedule these “adventures” weekly.
If you traveled in a group, keep the friendships going. Start a group chat, plan a reunion, or simply share photos. The women I became friends with on my first Sisterhood Travels trip have an ongoing Whatsapp conversation going. Connection is one of the strongest antidotes to feeling low after a trip.
Writing about your favorite moments helps your brain relive them. Revisit your entries when the post travel blues creep in, it’s like opening a time capsule of joy. I am a huge advocate for journaling.
On vacation, we naturally notice beauty and small pleasures. Keep that mindset alive by writing down three things you’re grateful for each day. Gratitude has been shown to boost mood and resilience. You can incorporate this into your journaling practice.
Print photos, display souvenirs, or create a small corner in your home inspired by your trip. Surrounding yourself with reminders keeps the glow alive. I love printing photo books from my travels. You can do this through photo printing sites like Shutterfly.
One of the simplest ways to beat the post travel blues is to give yourself something new to anticipate. It doesn’t have to be another big trip, weekend getaways or day trips provide plenty of excitement to look forward to.
The post travel blues can feel especially heavy during midlife, when travel is often more than just a vacation, it’s freedom, self-discovery, and connection. That’s why finding ways to hold onto the glow matters so much. It keeps spirits high, nurtures resilience, and reminds us that joy isn’t tied to one place or one week. It’s something we can cultivate every day.
At Sisterhood Travels, we know travel doesn’t just change your itinerary, but it changes your outlook. Our women-only trips are designed to give you the spark of adventure and the tools to carry that glow home. Because when you learn to beat the post travel blues, you discover that joy doesn’t end when the trip does—it multiplies.
Who are our Sisters? Well, we’re you! We value old friendships but love making new ones. We’re intellectually curious and love a unique adventure to parts unknown. We may be single, divorced, widowed, or simply have a partner who doesn’t want to travel. Most of all, We’re kind, compassionate women who look forward to cultural immersion, exclusive adventures, lots of laughs, and the magic of Sisterhood.
