@the_wanderlustista

class="content__text" Traveling is amazing for so many reasons. What people don’t tell you, however, is how hard it can be to come home. When you commit to going on a trip – however far away, for however long – there is excitement in the buildup. You have so much to look forward to. You spend time planning, researching, dreaming, packing, and preparing in the days, weeks, and months leading up to your trip. To me, the lead up is as electrifying as going on the actual trip. While you’re on your trip, you’re immersed in a new culture, a new city/country/continent, you’re learning, exploring, adventuring…your senses are completely maxed out processing all the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes you’re experiencing. You’re busy living! I try so hard to live in the moment, but sometimes my post-trip blues start to creep in while I’m still on vacation! I think, ‘Oh man, I only have XX days left on vacation before I have to go home.’ The last day of any trip and the journey home are always tough for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m always happy to see my loved ones after a trip, and sharing my photos and stories with people extends the thrill of the trip, but then, it’s just…over. Reality sets in. You get back into your day-to-day routine. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and memories start to fade. The shimmer of a life-changing trip starts to dull. So, I start daydreaming about where I’d like to go next. I read blogs and travel journals. I start the process all over again and feel blissful as I work toward another journey. As long as I can immerse myself in planning, scheduling, learning, researching, or anything related to my next adventure, I feel satisfied. I love to have a new trip to look forward to! Who doesn’t? But, what happens when there is no next trip? What happens when you can’t plan your next adventure (for whatever reason)? I think the key for me is to turn my attention to the things I’m passionate about, including this page and the travel blog I’m working on! Those are both ways to be completely immersed in travel without actually going anywhere! How do you defeat the post-trip blues? Please share your tips and stories!

February 24, 2018