Post Vacation Blues

Post-Vacation Blues Are Real — Here’s How to Recover and Reboot

So you just got back from that dreamy trip. Your phone is full of sunset selfies, your suitcase smells faintly of sunscreen and sea air… and your mood? Somewhere between “take me back” and “why does my inbox have 397 unread emails?”

Welcome to the post-vacation blues.

If you’ve ever come home from a great trip only to feel a little lost, low, or even mildly existential, you’re not alone. The letdown after travel is real—and it happens to solo adventurers, group travelers, and even seasoned globetrotters. But don’t worry. There are ways to ease the transition, hold onto the good vibes, and even use that post-trip slump to fuel your next adventure.

What Are the Post-Vacation Blues, Anyway?

The post-vacation blues (sometimes called re-entry syndrome) refer to that foggy, bummed-out feeling you might get after returning from a trip. It can look like:

• Feeling emotionally flat or unmotivated
• Missing the freedom and spontaneity of travel
• Struggling to adjust back to routine (work, chores, traffic…)
• A sense of “was that even real?” after something amazing ends

It’s especially common after solo or self-reflective travel, where you’ve had a chance to slow down, tune in, and maybe even reconnect with a side of yourself that felt MIA back home.

Why Does This Happen?

When you travel, your brain gets a hit of novelty, excitement, and endorphins. You’re exploring new places, meeting new people, or simply waking up with a sense of possibility. Coming back to your usual routine can feel, well… gray in comparison.

Also? You may have used travel as a way to reset or escape from stress—which means returning could bring some of that stress right back into view.

How to Recover from the Post-Vacation Blues

Here are a few ways to gently re-enter real life—and actually feel good about it.

1. Give Yourself a Buffer Day

If you can, don’t jump straight from the plane to your desk. Even half a day to unpack, grocery shop, or nap can help your nervous system reset.

2. Unpack, Both Literally and Emotionally

Toss your clothes in the wash and start downloading those memories. Flip through your photos. Write a few trip highlights in your journal. This helps shift the trip from “it’s over” to “that really happened, and I’m so glad it did.”

3. Plan Something Small to Look Forward To

Book a brunch. Take a walk somewhere pretty. Schedule a massage. Or—if you’re like most of us—start daydreaming about your next trip. It doesn’t have to be big. Just next.

4. Bring a Bit of the Trip Home With You

Did you love the café culture in Paris? Make time for a slow morning coffee this week. Fell in love with Thai street food? Find a local spot or recreate it at home. These mini rituals help keep the travel spirit alive.

5. Be Gentle with Yourself

Feeling down doesn’t mean something’s wrong. It means something went right. Your trip mattered. You created new memories. And now your body and mind are adjusting.

The Upside of the Blues

Here’s a reframe: post-vacation blues are a sign that your trip had meaning. You stepped outside your comfort zone. You felt joy, wonder, maybe even freedom. And now, you get to carry those feelings with you.

Let your trip inspire your next move—whether that’s changing your morning routine, booking a solo weekend away, or finally taking that dream trip you’ve been putting off.

Because the cure for post-vacation blues isn’t just to go back—it’s to keep going.